Music blogger and writer, I am not, music lover and appreciater? That I can do, and that I try to do. As often as I can afford to, I like to attend concerts in this great, wonderful city. Having grown up and lived in two relatively smaller areas my entire life, it wasn't until I moved east that I have been given so many opportunities to involve myself in a rich music culture. Having always been friend, lover, and supporter of various musicians throughout my lifetime, it has only become a natural progression to involve myself with people of similar interests in a greater area.
This became surprisingly easier when I discovered the band, At Sea, formerly known as The Death of Jason Brody. Introduced to me by a friend and co-worker of mine, I attended my first At Sea show expecting to hear a few wannabe rockstars that goofed off in music in their spare time. Fortunately for me, I was beyond pleasantly surprised.
Okay, before I go any further, I must give a word of warning- I'm always terrible at describing genre's of music, Indie rock is my constant scapegoat, making it far easier for me to avoid having to dissect someone else's art. Influenced by Doves, and The Stars, I like to label At Sea as "pussy rock," meaning- rock that I can't quite pin down, kinda poppy, kinda alternative, highly enjoyable. Led by Jason Brody, whose voice can be a bit reminiscent of Kurt Cobain at times, At Sea is a band not to be missed live. Not only do these gentleman know how to put together a song, but they are technically proficient, meaning they actually sound like themselves when they step on stage- a concept often missed with indie bands in the New York scene.
Having seen three shows thus far, with a fourth coming up in Jersey City this weekend, At Sea has gotten better each and everytime I have seen them. With an upcoming EP, I look forward to seeing what else these guys will do. Check out their website, support them, and follow them on twitter @atseatheband
Having spent too much time watching bands in dive bars, open for bigger acts, and catching shows in my neighborhood, At Sea will not disappoint. I expect nothing but amazing things from these guys in the future.
For More Info:
www.thedeathofjasonbrody.com
Monday, August 17, 2009
This Might Make You Hungry: Julie & Julia
As I've mentioned before, I rarely, if ever attend any sort of movie in New York. Lately, due to my recent unemployment, I have had a lot more time on my hands, which means that I got off my lazy butt on Saturday, went into the city, and accompanied my roommate to the movies.
There was difficulty deciding what movie to see. My top three choices were: The Cove, Food Inc., and It Might Get Loud. Yeah, I'm no fun, when I go to the movies I want to see a real story, or zombies. My roommates top three choices were: Harry Potter, District 9, and G.I. Joe. Choosing movies can create a problem for the two of us, so we reached a compromise and choose a lighthearted film based on actual people, actual events, and actual food.
Not to anyone's surprise, but both Meryl Streep and Amy Adams delivered wonderful performances. Streep's accent alone was worth the $12.50, she was Julia Child. I learned so much about Child's life that I would have never known otherwise, as well as learning a very small amount about French cuisine, which I am also somewhat new to. Adams, as the blogger on a mission delivered a believable performance full of happiness, sadness, and determination.
And of course, it is impossible to not talk about the food. Oh, the food. Raspberry creme, duck, mushrooms, and butter, lots and lots of butter. I left the theater not only wanting to eat everything in sight, but also enroll in a cooking class. Food is more then just fuel, it is an experience, and Julie & Julia proved that food can be a lifesaver, as well as a soul saver.
I laughed, I cried, my stomach rumbled, and I left the theatre feeling as though my time spent taking various classes, trying various internships, and learning new things has not been in vain. After all, Julia Child didn't become Julia Child until late in her life, and her legacy is one we cannot escape today. I can honestly say that this is one of the few movies I've seen recently that I strongly recommend to anyone, old, young, male, female, omnivorous, plan-ti-vo-rous? It may not teach you about Japan's whaling policies, or the food industry, but it will leave you feeling happy and hungry. Bon Apetit!
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Ugly Truth- What Agencies Look For
In my last post, I gave out a few tips to online submissions and open call etiquette to break into the modeling industry. Follow these tips all you want, but unless you are what an agency is looking for, you may never acheive the modeling dream.
THE STATISTICS:
Height Requirements: Let's be real. Most models, especially high fashion models are 5'9"-5'11". Yes, you get a few models out there that are shorter. We have girls that are 5'7.5", but they are usually 14 and still growing. And yes, Kate Moss is 5'6", and Devon Aoki is by far the shortest of all runway models at 5'5". BUT, unless you have the ability to change the entire industry by becoming the muse for Calvin Klein and the heroine chic generation, or your dad is the founder of Benihana, chances are, if you aren't 5'9", you are too short.
Yes, there are agencies that represent petite models out there. They are rarely high fashion, and much more likely to be based in commercial modeling. Even petite models have to meet certain height requirements, usually 5'4"-5'7".
For men, it's much of the same. Height requirements are usually between 6'0"-6'2". Unless you are gorgeous, and Abercrombie worthy, even then, shoot for 5'11" or taller, and you'd better have a pretty great body.
I know that the height requirements in the fashion industry are brutual and unfair. Towering at a massive 5'2", I realized very young that my dreams of strutting down the runway swathed in Christian Dior couture were never going to be an actuality. Unfortunately, this is just how it is, and it doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon.
Weighty Decisions:
Okay, say that you are hovering between the 5'9" and 5'11" range, step one is acheived, but the second most important thing? Your weight. Weight is a very touchy subject in the fashion industry. I really hate to see girls that are starving themselves to meet the requirements, sometimes it's just not worth it. Most of the girls that you see in high fashion are a size 2-4. Not a lot of room for error there, and an agency will tell you to do some more cardio and drop the excess pounds if you want to be successful.
If you are a size 6, and you fit what the agency is looking for, they may be willing to work with you to get those last few pounds off, but you have to be willing to work with them!
For guys there is more of a range. It really depends on what kind of modeling you are looking to get into. If you want to do high fashion and runway, then be a skinny little rail with no significant muscle. Most male models acheive this by a combo of yoga and cardio, lay off the weights!
However, if you plan on being an Abercrombie, GQ, Ralph Lauren type guy then by all means, build up that muscle. Get your stomach in shape, define those shoulders, and become a sex god.
Age:
Most female models start around the age of 14-16, and around age 24 it all starts to go downhill. Yes, some models can make it work beyond that age, but if you are already at that age, chances are, unless you want to be doing JCPenny ads as the mom, it just may not happen.
The Look:
So you're the right height and the right weight, but do you have the look of a model? The most important advice I can give on this one is to know your target market. Start researching. Look on agencies websites for what type of models they represent. Some agencies look for interesting looking girls, they may have very generic faces when you see them on the street, but photograph beautifully. Some agencies look for the "sexy-type" model, think Alessandra Ambrosio the rest of the VS girls.
Just know what you're getting yourself into. Be aware of your limitations, and restrictions. I know it can be a great disappointment to have your dreams crushed, but it will save you a lot of time, energy, and money in the long run.
THE STATISTICS:
Height Requirements: Let's be real. Most models, especially high fashion models are 5'9"-5'11". Yes, you get a few models out there that are shorter. We have girls that are 5'7.5", but they are usually 14 and still growing. And yes, Kate Moss is 5'6", and Devon Aoki is by far the shortest of all runway models at 5'5". BUT, unless you have the ability to change the entire industry by becoming the muse for Calvin Klein and the heroine chic generation, or your dad is the founder of Benihana, chances are, if you aren't 5'9", you are too short.
Yes, there are agencies that represent petite models out there. They are rarely high fashion, and much more likely to be based in commercial modeling. Even petite models have to meet certain height requirements, usually 5'4"-5'7".
For men, it's much of the same. Height requirements are usually between 6'0"-6'2". Unless you are gorgeous, and Abercrombie worthy, even then, shoot for 5'11" or taller, and you'd better have a pretty great body.
I know that the height requirements in the fashion industry are brutual and unfair. Towering at a massive 5'2", I realized very young that my dreams of strutting down the runway swathed in Christian Dior couture were never going to be an actuality. Unfortunately, this is just how it is, and it doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon.
Weighty Decisions:
Okay, say that you are hovering between the 5'9" and 5'11" range, step one is acheived, but the second most important thing? Your weight. Weight is a very touchy subject in the fashion industry. I really hate to see girls that are starving themselves to meet the requirements, sometimes it's just not worth it. Most of the girls that you see in high fashion are a size 2-4. Not a lot of room for error there, and an agency will tell you to do some more cardio and drop the excess pounds if you want to be successful.
If you are a size 6, and you fit what the agency is looking for, they may be willing to work with you to get those last few pounds off, but you have to be willing to work with them!
For guys there is more of a range. It really depends on what kind of modeling you are looking to get into. If you want to do high fashion and runway, then be a skinny little rail with no significant muscle. Most male models acheive this by a combo of yoga and cardio, lay off the weights!
However, if you plan on being an Abercrombie, GQ, Ralph Lauren type guy then by all means, build up that muscle. Get your stomach in shape, define those shoulders, and become a sex god.
Age:
Most female models start around the age of 14-16, and around age 24 it all starts to go downhill. Yes, some models can make it work beyond that age, but if you are already at that age, chances are, unless you want to be doing JCPenny ads as the mom, it just may not happen.
The Look:
So you're the right height and the right weight, but do you have the look of a model? The most important advice I can give on this one is to know your target market. Start researching. Look on agencies websites for what type of models they represent. Some agencies look for interesting looking girls, they may have very generic faces when you see them on the street, but photograph beautifully. Some agencies look for the "sexy-type" model, think Alessandra Ambrosio the rest of the VS girls.
Just know what you're getting yourself into. Be aware of your limitations, and restrictions. I know it can be a great disappointment to have your dreams crushed, but it will save you a lot of time, energy, and money in the long run.
So You Want To Be A Model? An Insider's Guide
As an intern for one of New York's top 10 agencies, any aspiring models that come in through open call, call the office, or submit online go through me first. The other day I went through 250 e-mails from aspiring models, and we weren't interested in ANY of them. If you are wanting to break into the modeling industry and plan on doing so through online submissions or open calls, here are a few tips to get you through the first step and possibly score you a meeting with the agents.
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS:
Step 1: Attach two very clear pictures, a natural headshot, and a full body. Please try to make this files very small, files over 1,000KB's will often crash our computers and if it won't open the first time, chances are I'll delete it and get to the other 17 submissions of the day.
Step 2: In the body of the e-mail, keep it short and sweet. We aren't going to read your life story. However, we are going to read your stats. AND ALWAYS INCLUDE YOUR HEIGHT! That's the first thing I look for, if it's not there, chances are you are going to get deleted.
Step 3: Always include contact information, and a thank you. That's just common sense and common courtesy.
OPEN CALLS:
Step 1: Show up, but only within the parameters of their open call. If you don't know what time these are, check out the agencies website or give them a call. However, I strongly suggest you check the website first, it can be entirely obnoxious to answer that question 23 times a day when it is on the website.
Step 2: Know your height, and don't lie about it. The first question I ask is how tall someone is, and if you don't know then I'll probably tell you that you should know. Also, don't tell me that you are 6'1 when you are 5'11, I can tell the difference.
Step 3: Bring in snapshots or professional photos IF you have them. Unless you are a working model, then don't go spend a lot of money on photos. There is absolutely no reason to do so. If we like your snapshots we will take it from there, and if you don't have snapshots then we will take digitals of you to see how you photograph.*
Step 4: If you get rejected, be kind, move on and deal with it. Don't ask why, don't try to talk to me privately, and don't make a big deal out of it. Sometimes we just know what we want and what we don't. Every agency is different, and you can't always take these things super personally.
So there are my tips on open call and online submissions. Next up, I'll give you the ugly truth about becoming a model, some hints at what high fashion agencies are looking for, to help you determine whether or not you fit the profile.
*One of my favorite models and a personal friend of mine, Nathan, took snapshots of himself in his hostel while on Spring Break in New York from North Dakota and had the pictures developed at a Walgreens. He came into an open call, and was signed before he left the building. He shot Italian Vogue with Steven Meisel last month.
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS:
Step 1: Attach two very clear pictures, a natural headshot, and a full body. Please try to make this files very small, files over 1,000KB's will often crash our computers and if it won't open the first time, chances are I'll delete it and get to the other 17 submissions of the day.
Step 2: In the body of the e-mail, keep it short and sweet. We aren't going to read your life story. However, we are going to read your stats. AND ALWAYS INCLUDE YOUR HEIGHT! That's the first thing I look for, if it's not there, chances are you are going to get deleted.
Step 3: Always include contact information, and a thank you. That's just common sense and common courtesy.
OPEN CALLS:
Step 1: Show up, but only within the parameters of their open call. If you don't know what time these are, check out the agencies website or give them a call. However, I strongly suggest you check the website first, it can be entirely obnoxious to answer that question 23 times a day when it is on the website.
Step 2: Know your height, and don't lie about it. The first question I ask is how tall someone is, and if you don't know then I'll probably tell you that you should know. Also, don't tell me that you are 6'1 when you are 5'11, I can tell the difference.
Step 3: Bring in snapshots or professional photos IF you have them. Unless you are a working model, then don't go spend a lot of money on photos. There is absolutely no reason to do so. If we like your snapshots we will take it from there, and if you don't have snapshots then we will take digitals of you to see how you photograph.*
Step 4: If you get rejected, be kind, move on and deal with it. Don't ask why, don't try to talk to me privately, and don't make a big deal out of it. Sometimes we just know what we want and what we don't. Every agency is different, and you can't always take these things super personally.
So there are my tips on open call and online submissions. Next up, I'll give you the ugly truth about becoming a model, some hints at what high fashion agencies are looking for, to help you determine whether or not you fit the profile.
*One of my favorite models and a personal friend of mine, Nathan, took snapshots of himself in his hostel while on Spring Break in New York from North Dakota and had the pictures developed at a Walgreens. He came into an open call, and was signed before he left the building. He shot Italian Vogue with Steven Meisel last month.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Hipster Hotspot: Teddy's
I have grown quite affectionate of my neck of the woods. Having hated New York for the first few (okay, 9) months I lived here, after spending some time in Brooklyn I have grown to call it home. Part of what I love about Williamsburg is all the great places to eat. A self-proclaimed foodie, I have a weakness for interesting menus, casual eateries, variety, and cocktails.
In the past two months, I have been to Williamsburg hotspot, Teddy's at least 5 times. Located on North 8th and Berry, I have made the trip to Teddy's at 1 AM (kitchen is open until 2), in the pouring rain (twice), and when my parents came to visit from Montana.
Teddy's atmosphere is great, just hipster enough to be cool, and not so hipster that I feel out of place. The bartenders and servers are super friendly, and the building is beautiful.
Over the weekend I made two appearances at Teddy's. The first was for a mission all about wings. As a wing connoisseur, I am rather picky. They must have the right crunchiness, the perfect wing sauce, and come with a side of blue cheese dressing without me asking for it. Much to my surprise, Teddy's passed this test (which seems to be harder in this city then you could imagine), and with my 7&7, I was in late night, post-work bliss.
My second Teddy's venture included brunch with my roommate on Sunday. As much as I love going to brunch there, part of me always dreads it, I always take forever to make up my mind. My most difficult decision is usually whether or not I want savory versus sweet. Luckily Teddy's has come up with a solution to my conundrum, the French Toast sandwich. My roommate and I decided to split the sandwich and get an order of nachos. Not only were both huge portions of food, but I left feeling so sickly satisfied I didn't eat for the rest of the day.
Teddy's has quickly become one of my regular hangouts, and for anyone who either lives in Williamsburg or visits there often, I strongly suggest you check it out :)
In the past two months, I have been to Williamsburg hotspot, Teddy's at least 5 times. Located on North 8th and Berry, I have made the trip to Teddy's at 1 AM (kitchen is open until 2), in the pouring rain (twice), and when my parents came to visit from Montana.
Teddy's atmosphere is great, just hipster enough to be cool, and not so hipster that I feel out of place. The bartenders and servers are super friendly, and the building is beautiful.
Over the weekend I made two appearances at Teddy's. The first was for a mission all about wings. As a wing connoisseur, I am rather picky. They must have the right crunchiness, the perfect wing sauce, and come with a side of blue cheese dressing without me asking for it. Much to my surprise, Teddy's passed this test (which seems to be harder in this city then you could imagine), and with my 7&7, I was in late night, post-work bliss.
My second Teddy's venture included brunch with my roommate on Sunday. As much as I love going to brunch there, part of me always dreads it, I always take forever to make up my mind. My most difficult decision is usually whether or not I want savory versus sweet. Luckily Teddy's has come up with a solution to my conundrum, the French Toast sandwich. My roommate and I decided to split the sandwich and get an order of nachos. Not only were both huge portions of food, but I left feeling so sickly satisfied I didn't eat for the rest of the day.
Teddy's has quickly become one of my regular hangouts, and for anyone who either lives in Williamsburg or visits there often, I strongly suggest you check it out :)
Hipster Must-See: The Who's Tommy
Over the weekend, I quit my paying job (whoops), and therefore had scads of free time to catch up on all sorts of movies. One such movie, was The Who's epic Tommy, which I recorded off Ovation on Saturday night to prevent me from having to watch the hours worth of commercials.
Growing up, my dad was at home with me during the day (self-employeed), and according to him, I often complained whenever he would put Tommy on the TV. Well, I was an asshole of a child.
Being older, and much wiser, I have grown a fondness and appreciation for such a film. Actually, it goes deeper then that, I have fallen in love with it.
Not being extremely well-versed in The Who, I beyond appreciated the Rock Opera feel combined with songs I know well from popular culture. I adored Roger Daltry and Ann-Margaret as the leads, and cameos by Jack Nicholson, Elton John, and Tina Turner really got me going. I finished the film desperately wanting Daltry's soft curls, Ann-Margaret's wardrobe, and a new guitar.
Pinball wizard I am not, Tommy afficianado I am.
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