I found out about Lia recently and have been blown away by her voice. Plainly put, she seems to be ”the girl to see” at CMJ this week. And if you remember who the “band to see” last year was (hint: The XX), you can assume from the notoriety they have acquired since this time last year, hype before CMJ means this lady has TALENT. Czech her out.
I’m a tad tardy (as in late, not retarded) on this one. The third studio album from the Norwegian band Kings of Convenience actually came out in late October, but here you are anyway. : )
If you find yourself driving over 100 miles, baking with friends, staying in on a cold day, or snuggling with the one you love, I would suggest playing this album. It is quiet, boasts some very beautiful harmonies and really just soothes the soul.
I picked myself up a radical internship yesterday on my way out of town. Yep. It’s going to be spectacular and on top of that, it could very well turn into a full time position. I’m going to bust my little (ok mid-sized but firm) fanny to show them what I have to offer.
Instead of me trying to explain what it is. I’m going to give you a short blurb from their corporate website:
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LP33.tv is an On Demand music television and digital entertainment network featuring shows around music videos, artist interviews, music culture and lifestyle content. We curate content and create shows for music lovers to discover and share. We manage the largest music scout network in the world, over 150 music taste-makers scour the globe in search of the most promising emerging music to feature on our network.
At LP33.tv, artists create their own page to upload music, videos, and create their own video playlists of what they want to share. LP33.tv makes online shows featuring emerging artists, creating more dedicated exposure opportunities for emerging talent than any other online community for music. LP33 is all about music. We support music community culture, and build personal relationships with artists and clients to help bring exposure and opportunity through supportive grassroots action.
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I will be helping out with social media (facebook, twitter accounts) and writing about three blogs a week for them, since they stated they needed a writer. I am more than a little pumped about this. Going to shows will now basically be a part of my job.
AND they have offices in London (I’ve always wanted to live outside of the country).
AND the office I will be working at is an incredible super high-techy indie loft space in Santa Monica, ten minutes from my house.
AND I’ll be working with people who are obsessed with music as much as I am.
IT’S.JUST.AMAZING.ALL.OVER.THE.PLACE
Here is the link for the site. Enjoy. Create an account?
So like I said, last night was all about Where the Wild Things Are. The evening started off at a local Mexican establishment in Venice, just about five minutes walking distance from my house. I figured it was going to be a long night, so I thought I’d get all primped and cute. I mean, job searching and spending time at the gym isn’t the most glamorous lifestyle, so I have to jump on my opportunities when I can. I was feeling good as I was leaving the house. There was a little spring in my step, I had my clutch, was rockin’ my grey boots, had a cute little plaid collared dress on with leggings underneath. The only issue is, because the restaurant is so close to my house, I will of course be walking there. Which normally isn’t a problem, on the contrary it’s rather a treat in Los Angeles just to walk somewhere. Because nobody walks in LA. And if you don’t believe me, take it from some kids who really have it together. Yes, of course I’m talking about Missing Persons, who else would I trust with your peace of mind.
There is so much excellence going on in this video, I don’t even know where to begin.
Anyway, so I’ve always had this issue of walking by myself at night, especially in busy areas when I’m dressed up. I think if I were in a bigger city like SF or NY, I wouldn’t give a crap at all. But because no one is actually walking on the streets with me, I get really self-conscious that people are staring. I think this stems from when I was 13 years old. I would go on runs in Visalia on this street called Demaree. It wasn’t a bad street, but it was pretty busy. Mind you by the time I was 13, I was already 5’9 and probably weighed 125 pounds. I looked like a woman. Yikes. So I would take these jogs on my way to the gym (Visalia Racquet Club woo woo) and everytime, like clockwork, get whistled to, honked at and recieve comments out the windows of hoopty El Caminos that are much too graphic in nature for this tasteful blog.
So, as I’m going to the crosswalk last night, all of these memories are coming to the forefront of my mind. But seriously, Venice isn’t Visalia (it’s worse) so what do I really have to worry about? I get across one street verbally unscathed. Success. As I head across Rose over to the La Cabaña steps, I see this old Chevy Astro van with tinted windows roll up to the red light. The two men in the driver and passenger seats are hanging out of their respective windows.
My inner thoughts:
“mustgetacrossmustgetacross”(while nonchalantly walking to the other side of the street).
aaaaaaaaand of course:
passenger: “hey baby I’ll be at La Cabaña in 30, you know you want to wait for meeeeee”
driver: “yeah, baby I’ll buy you a margaRITA (rita being said in a high pitch sing songy tone for full effect, obviously).
passenger: “yeah and maybe even a bean and cheese burrito, if you’re goooood” (slapping the side of the van).
Nuff. Said. Folks.
Other than that, dinner was quite nice and afterward we quickly headed over to the Bridge theater for the movie. My friends Leah, Erin and I walk into the lobby to see the rest of the group waiting for us. The guy who organized the evening, Ted, hands all 12 or 13 of us our tickets and we all just shoot the breeze for a bit before we have to go downstairs. Before I know it, we’re all walking toward the escalators and Erin is beckoning for me to walk with her. We get to the entrance of the hallway of screens and.guess.what. I pulled a Courtney. Can you guess? I bet you can.
Where is my ticket. In my clutch? (frantic scramble) no. I have no pockets, I’m wearing spandex, kids. I’m panicking, I mean, I really don’t know why I’m panicking, I should be used to this by now. I am a walking disaster of senility, folks. I have been scatter-brained since birth and am somewhat convinced that my mother must have drank diet soda for breakfast, lunch and dinner while tripping down every flight of stairs during the first (and most critical) trimester. Erin quickly tells me to go upstairs to where we were sitting to see if the ticket is still there. THIS WAS A SEVENTEEN DOLLAR TICKET, I think. And not only that, but this is The Bridge, man. This is one of the largest theaters in Los Angeles, not to mention California. Take a look at this beast: It’s not going to just “be there.” I sprint up the escalator and hear a few people calling my name.
YES!!! Erin must have found it. I go back to the top of the escalator and see another group of friends I know, unrelated to the group I’m with that night and realize it was just them saying hello. Dratz. “HeyIcan’ttalkrightnowbecauseIjustlostmyseventeendollarticket” I blurted out at maximum volume/lightspeed and I was off again. I ran over to the benches we were sitting at, politely ask the group of people now sitting there to see if the ticket is under them. They oblige, but no cigar. I run back to see if Erin has found it. Nope. She gives me a sad face. I give one right back. I run back to the bench one more time. I actually get on my hands and knees, ladies and gentleman. And then…I see it. Just twiddling its little paper thumbs in between a pair of feet. So arrogant. I ask the young gentleman if I can just grab something right..uh(grunt)…there. He says “by all means, pretty la-” and before he can finish his sentence I’ve nabbed the little treasure and started heading toward the theater. Everyone is jumping and clapping and laughing (and I actually find out that the ticket attendant would have just let me in if I hadn’t found it) but what’s the fun in that…right? Am I right? Guys?
***If you know me or have spent any short amount of time with me, you realize how typical this is and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the times that this will happen again, because I can promise you that it will. It is not in my control. We are all at the mercy of something much greater than basic irresponsibility and forgetfulness.
Oh yeah and if you want to talk to me about how the movie went, I’d rather have a real conversation about it. I loved it. It evoked emotions in me that have been deeply rooted for some time now. It was almost spiritual and I believe that you will either love this movie, not understand it or hate it. Most likely one of the last two. There it is. That is that.
Let the wild rumpus start.
The day has finally come and it is happening tonight with a group of about 15 close friends (on IMAX no less), with dinner beforehand. Happy happy day. I am beaming.
Erin and I are hosting a small dinner party tonight at Commonwealthy. I excite. This is my element, this is what I live for. Sometimes I wonder if I should just be going to culinary school and opening up my own catering business. I love to cook, entertain and make people feel like they’re being taken care of. Yep.
Here is the menu for tonight:
Appetizer:
Either a veggie tray (carrots, English cucumber and blanched broccoli) with garlic veggie hummus,
or
An antipasto plate with olives, capers, sweet pickles and natural pepperoni or smoked peppered turkey breast(see above left).
Salad:
I will be preparing an Autumn Salad with Maple-Cider Dressing (drool)
Ingredients:
Baby Spinach
Crumbled Blue Cheese
Sugared Curry toasted walnuts
Red Onion
Bartlett Pears
I’ll let you know how it goes, but it got a five star review from every person that made it on myrecipes.com so it can’t be horrible, right? I’m really hoping it will look something like this, because, well, this is quite pretty.
Main Course:
I stole a great soup recipe from my mom. I always loved coming home on a cold day to the smell of this soup in the kitchen. I’d always steal the tortellinis out of the pot before we actually sat down to eat (whoops), mind you I was merely stealing tortellinis while my dad was finishing half the bread loaf as an appetizer. But he works out like a madman and also ironically brings the bread HOME (think about that). So Marty can do as he pleases.
Anyway, it’s a cheese tortellini soup with cannellini (white kidney beans), kielbasa and kale. Bread suggestions? Ciabatta? It is somewhat of an Italian soup. Or I could go with your basic french baguette, possibly a multigrain loaf. Your thoughts are always welcome.
For dessert I thought we’d keep it light and just do some spiced hot cider. And if that doesn’t do it for them, they can just steal my mini-mint freezes from Trader Joes out of the freezer (essentially mint ice cream within an oreo, only 60 calories per cookie, girls).
I have been spending the majority of the last few days navigating the most treacherous and time-intensive job hunt of my life. I have decided to stay in Los Angeles a bit longer and give it one last go for a career. Look, I don’t really like the idea of LA, in fact, I pretty much still consider myself a visitor and am not quite sure when I’ll accept my resident status. But the honest to God truth is, I have an amazing group of friends here. And not just a group. Groups. I have found myself to be somewhat of a social butterfly and this area is exceptionally conducive to my lifestyle. I love the fact that there is always something going on and going home to Granite Bay, although possibly the more financially responsible thing to do, is a just a cop-out at this point. I want to make this work for the time being, moving home would be a regression in so many areas of my life, I’m not prepared for those repercussions. I don’t want to run home because this isn’t working. Didn’t I move here for a challenge? (the answer is yes) This was the last place in the world I thought I’d end up. I really do believe being here is preordained in some way. It has to be. Because I was always the person that hated LA. I hate the pollution, the LA “vibe” whatever that means, the fact that you can’t escape traffic at any point during the day and I really hate the sports teams, minus the Clippers because they get no love from anyone. But being here right now feels, well…right. Sue me. Keep me in your thoughts, prayers and meditations. I am going to need positive vibes for the task at hand. Go me.
In other news:
I have started to take Adderall again. I was diagnosed with A.D.D back in high school. The drug initially makes me feel very odd. It gives me insomnia and I really can’t stand that. I was up until 7am on Monday morning. Did.not.sleep.a.wink from Sunday to Monday. I listened to music all night. I was still wide awake when I finally forced myself into a short-lived coma from 7-10am that morning. My stomach is all upset during the nights and I’ve lost my appetite. Appetite come back. I can’t workout without you. Last night as I was doing an impeccable job of not sleeping, I went into a photographic frenzy and decided to just take some photos of myself (narcissistic? you bet. creepy? almost assuredly). If you are on facebook, you already know about this. I was going for an anthro night time feel.
(pause)
And here we go:
That’s all you get.
Also:
Here are a couple of songs from a band I’m really digging right now. Like, I am loving their sound. I kind of want to elope with them. Not any one of them in particular, but as a whole. Actually no, I want a ceremony, my parents would kill me. I wish to walk down the aisle and meet this band at the end. Goodbye Dad, hello Le Loup (wink). Take my hand Le Loup, aww your palms are sweaty. Nervous nuptials. Appropriate length of tasteful kiss. Celebration, we did it.
*I believe I may have just taken that too far.
If you’re expecting some really cool vids, don’t. These were the only ones I could find. The first one is just a still shot with the song and the second vid is just, well, you’ll see. If you like music as much as I do, you won’t end up caring anyway.
***Youtube says this next song is over nine minutes long but that is a blatant and rather obnoxious lie. The song ends halfway in and it’s just silence for the rest of the time. Please just make it to 1:43, it is worth it. Do it. Yuh huh.
[tap tap]Is this thing on…Here’s a toast to new loves(or bands), new lives and meeting your match. Everybody make sure you grab some cake.
There are some traditions during the holidays that I just don’t mess with. A few that come to mind are:
1) My mother’s Hungarian Coffee Cake every Christmas morning. If things don’t get too chaotic on Christmas eve, 1-3 of the Clevenger offspring will even help her roll the dough balls. If you haven’t tasted the splendor, come over this year. It will take you to your happy place. It’s essentially dough, rolled in butter then rolled in cinnamon and sugar. Yes, I know.
This isn’t our cake, but you get the idea:
2) Manneheim Steamroller “Christmas in the Aire” and yes, Aire is spelled with an “e” on the end. No typo. If this cd doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, you may or may not be a dead person. As soon as I hear the first song on this cd, it takes me back to pretty much every Christmas since I was, say four years old (everything before then is blurry splattered with a few random images of things like first day of pre-school, pre-school musical performances and going to pre-school on Halloween when my mom forgot to put a costume on me). So if you don’t own this cd, do yourself a favor and burn it, pirate it or just be old fashioned and pick it up from Amazon. Like, yesterday.
Here is a taste of the jubilee:
***Please note that I have never actually watched a Mannheim Steamroller video until this moment and I am well pleased. Well pleased, indeed. I’m seriously considering a swift purchase of the dvd boxed set.
Now, being so far from home during the fall (or as Los Angeles likes to call it, extended summer time with brief moments of 65 degree weather) I was really struggling with making our huge house in Venice more festive for the autumnal season. So what did I do? I did what any other sane person would do. I went to Rite Aid.
I picked up a pumpkin candle for five dollars. I purchased two Thanksgiving-inspired kitchen towels. One that is a burnt orange and one that simply reads’ “Hey Pumpkin.” I got both of them for 2 bucks. It was a 2 for 1 special. A twofer if you will, and yes, I will. It’s really the little things, folks. It’s amazing how these two very simple pieces have lightened the spirits in the home. I think every girl has either thanked me verbally or written me a note telling me how much they appreciate the new additions. Maybe it’s because we’re women, maybe it’s because we’re all aching for the leaves to turn and the opportunity to wear our scarves that have been hibernating since last January. For whatever reason, these things bring a great deal of joy to our lives.
I will always believe in the power of the candle. As I always say, ambiance is king.
P.S. Mom, I’m really not that scarred from the Halloween incident at St. Pauls. I mean, I’ve never really cared for Halloween but that can’t be the reason right. I’ll call Dr. B and get back to you.
A few weeks back, the Falling Whistles house had their last “Summer Thursday.” Granted, it was two days past the first day of fall, but who’s really concerned with details of that nature. To properly say goodbye to all things beach and free and to welcome the much anticipated autumn vibe, Sean Carasso invited his friend (and now mine) David Ramirez to play at the house. David and his lovely lovely girlfriend Paige were on their way back from a west coast tour of sorts. They teamed up with their respected crafts, David with his music and Paige with her photography and conquered California and Oregon. About a month ago when my twin roommates Lauren and Whitney had their birthday party, the two were just starting their tour. David played at the birthday bash and Paige set up an exquisite photo booth at the celebration location. Grand times indeed and the love birds stayed at our house the whole weekend. I got the opportunity to get to know them and found myself savoring every second I had with these two. I hate saying the old cliche “I feel like I’ve known them forever” but to put it plainly, it was as if Paige embodied a few of my favorite friends from different chapters of my life. She was such a great mix of all the things I love; wit, smarts, talent, creativity and an ultra laid-back persona. David was equally as funny and I felt like I had an immediate connection with him, we really just spoke each others language. I love when humor is easy. When everything is just seamless. My friend Jon Carr is moving to Austin in about a month. I’m thinking that a trip out in January is in order. Yusssss.
Here is a cute little promotional vid of David and Paige for their west coast “tour.”
1) Erin shows up at my house around six. I’m showering, she comes in to the bathroom and tells me that she loves me and that she’s going to start making dinner. I can only hope that one day my life can resemble that in some fashion with my future spouse. Thank you Erin, for entering my life.
2) After a delicious dinner of honey-glazed miso salmon and brown rice, we head out around 7:30 to get some coffee (we’re doing a sober concert-going) before the show and meet our friend Maz at the venue around 8:30.
3) We pick up our lattes from Coffee Bean and walk over to the Troubador where we find Maz. Hugs/smiles are exchanged and we wait while he grabs the tickets from will call.
4) There is a problem. Turns out, they don’t have his tickets. They claim he never bought them. But he has the record of the purchase on his iphone on a random ticket site they’ve never heard of. He asks us if for some reason, they don’t give him the tickets, would we want to buy tickets from the box office, since we came all the way down to Hollywood (mind you, he has already paid $30 for tickets to a show he’s not even going to, he just decided to let his tickets not go to waste on us). We both say that we’re broke and we would probably just go home and watch a movie. With this news, he steps back over to the box office.
5) Next thing I hear is Erin saying, “Maz, don’t do anything dumb now.” And of course he does. On top of the money he lost from the ticket scam online, Maz buys Erin and I tickets to last night’s show. We can’t even refuse them at this point, Maz is a winner. A winner indeed. We will be cooking him dinner on Thursday night, best believe that. He just invested $60 on a show he is not attending. Who.Does.That.
6) We walk into the venue with Phantogram playing one of their last songs of the set. Just a guy with his electric guitar and a girl mixing beats. Good sound, I could dance to this. So we do. It resembled something like this:
7) Enter Warpaint.
Three girls and a dude on drums. I’m not really into giving detailed music critiques. That’s not what this is about. I enjoyed them. I especially enjoyed the fact that the girl on bass guitar was wearing a crew neck sweatshirt, some long johns that look like they had been living on her boyfriend for 10+ years and her hair was matted beyond anything you could hope to imagine. But she was working the stage like Jessica Rabbit. People could not take their eyes off of her, there was a confidence about her you don’t see everyday. And apparently, this same girl in sweat pants is sister to an actress I love named Shannyn Sossamon.
That was refreshing. On top of that, they seemed like they were having a great time. It sounded a little something like this:
