In anticipation of Kele's 2nd EP 'The Hunter', which is released on Monday on Wichita Recordings, I'll mostly be donning my halloween get-up to this little number tonight - his first single to come from his pending EP.
If you've read my blog before you may or may not know that i'm a huge fan of Kele, so a new EP is all but damn good news as far as i'm concerned. And whilst there have been some controversial reviews of it's debut single by commentators and fans alike, for me the ex-Bloc Party frontman can still do no wrong.
Admittedly it's not exactly new but if you're yet too hear it, The latest single What Did I Do, which was officially released on 12 September, sees Lucy Taylor take the lead vocals for this single, with Kele bringing his sincerely smooth and compelling vocals soley to the chorus.
Directionally, the track bears undertones distinctly reminiscent of his critically acclaimed debut EP 'The Boxer', with vocals set over an electronic heartbeat and a fuzzy bass line, marked by a mellow injection of dubstep.
While there are similarities, the track is perhaps not as technically quirky or progressive as his previous solo offerings. But as a result it’s positively more accessible and, at the end of the day, if it still gives me goosebumps it's a job well done.
'The Hunter', released on Monday, is a seven-track EP that also sees Kele collaborate with artists including Sub Focus, Fred Falke and RAC.
Last week I was lucky enough to preview a snippet of Surfdome's potential Spring/Summer 2012 offerings at Coffin On Cake PR's S/S '12 Press Day, held at the Vinyl Factory in Soho.
Being a mere week after Surfdome, the online department store, announced the launch of their FIVE HUNDREDTH brand, it was an exciting opportunity to for me to see firsthand what treats they had up their sleeves for next season.
Born out of a passion for surf, skate, wake and snowboarding, Surfdome is lauded as Europe's leading lifestyle department store, now stocking '500 of the world's best lifestyle, fashion, outdoor and sports brands'. As such, expectations were of course high. And even though their press day display was simply a taster of next year's collections (inevitable when you have 20,000 styles across 36 departments!), what I did get to see was really diverse, radiant and inspiring, especially at a time when we delve into the dark winter months.
What particularly impressed me about Surfdome is that not only do they house the obvious surf/skate big guns such as Roxy, Vans and Volcom, but they've also invested a lot of time in recruiting more niche, independent fashion brands, such as One Teaspoon, Afends (both from Oz) and Danish brand Nümph.
Surfdome categorized their trend preview into three themes based on location, the first being IBIZA TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT. This collection showcased party playsuits, bikinis and colours, through to more Bestival-inspired knits, tie-dye tees and denim shorts. Here are some of my key-piece snaps:
Cosmic Playsuit by Volcom
Zebra Bikini by Pistol Panties
Pink knit by Numph
Collection Two featured BRIGHTON TO BONDI. Plenty of seaside-inspiration, from deckchair stripes in candy -coloured pastels and 50s beach babe glamour, to surf girl string-bikinis and day-glow paisley prints.
Striped Dress by Animal
Pink bikini by Red or Dead
Floral holdall by Easpak
Bikini buyers guide
Being the biggest online retailer of bikinis and boardies, there was a key emphasis on their swimwear. With 846 bikini styles on offer, the store has produced a buyer’s guide, specialising in providing you with bikini styles according to your body shape. The specific mood board above featured some key pieces for the more 'rectangular' figure.
The final inspiration came from ST. TROPEZ TO ST. IVES. Think nautical, preppy and heritage tailoring with a laid-back luxe; standout features of this collection's key pieces included simple stripes, rope detailing and discreet leather branding.
Suede shoes by Gravis
Backpack from Hershel
To celebrate their 500-brand milestone, Surfdome are giving away a total of 500 prizes over a 20 day period (10 days left!) via their facebook page. Every day one lucky winner will get a bumper box packed with 25 prizes from a selection of Surfdome's awesome brands.
'BANG: A fringe of hair cut short and straight across the forehead. Often used in the plural’.
'BANGS: The practice of cutting horses' tails the same length was called "banging off," which led to this term for a woman's hairstyle'.
Whatever the linguistic origins, there are some personable icons of the 'bangs' that need little research, with their unabashed influence now steeped in popular culture.
With a musically influenced origin that dates back to the ninth century, to their controversial, rebellious resurgence in the 20s, Bangs are now most often associated with the rock n roll, rebellious girls of the 60s, whose fringed haircuts denoted their particularity of music, fashion and lifestyle.
From Marie Quant to Marianne Faithfull and Anita Pallenberg to Pattie Boyd, every girl has their favourite sixties heroine.However October's kudos goes to the très-chic Francoise Hardy, whose bangs, music and style have stood the test of time to make this French singer and actress a key purveyor of sixties cool. Thanks to her doll-like beauty, impeccable dress, relaxed bangs and laid-back attitude (and rock star husband of course!), she's the obvious choice for the first 'Featured Bangs'. Classic forever, love her!
Every year I like to do a halloween post with a twist; last year it was Tim Burton's gothic-inspired photoshoot (here), this year, I present to you ghouleshly humourous pumpkins as you've never seen them before...
If you're yet to carve your own then this may just be the inspiration you need. American artist Ray Villafane has taken pumpkin carving to another level for Halloween '11, sculpting intricate, horrific faces into the pumpkin's vibrant orange flesh, with each model taking no more than a couple of hours to create. Spooooky skills.
To celebrate the launch of their bespoke Autumn/Winter collection, Run With Scissors will be hosting an exclusive night in Manchester with none other than MODA main man and superstar DJ Tom Staar.
The night, which will take place at Manchester's award-winning Joshua Brooks venue on 13th October, will mark the beginning of an exciting winter events season for the RWS brand. Judging by the parties RWS throw in the Alps each season expect this to be one hell of a soiree, headlined by one the of the most exciting electronic producers the UK has to offer.
With two EPs under Moda (Tom founded the label alongside Jaymo, Andy George and Ben Atkins in 2006) and remixes for the likes of Fenech Soler, Crookers, Example and Marina and The Diamonds, Tom Staar's repertoire for producing dazzling material precedes him, and has made him a regular playlist favourite of Annie Mac and a highly sought-after DJ the world over.
Whether he's remixing, collaborating or working on his own stuff, expect everything from percussion and game-boy melodies, to deeper bass and the darker side of techno:
Following his recent return from doing Moda at We Love Space in Ibiza, which he descibes as 'a real highlight' of his summer ("it's really taken us to the next level in Ibiza, I can't wait 'til next year now!") and also several 'great gigs' for the Reset Boys over in Milan, Staar has returned to the UK to release his latest EP 'Death Staar', which sees him hook up with underground dance duo Spektre (check out the mixtape here).
"I've known Paul Maddox (one half of Spektre) for years and years", Staar tells me. "We have always produced and DJed in similar scenes over the years and occasionally get in the studio to make some madness. This is the latest offering!"
Staar also hopes to get back in the studio with old friend Style of Eye this year: "He's always a favourite of mine, his stuff is mental and really does damage in the clubs".
Other highlights on his current playlist include the new Dr Gonzo project for Crookers - "been caning their Hummus track recently, it's a banger!" - and new Moda star Toy Tigers, which he describes as 'one to watch' this year.
So with Manchester's world-class reputation for knowing how to party, the Run With Scissors event at Joshua Brooks is the perfect opportunity for this world-class DJ to kick off the brand's first major UK event in style.
"I'm really looking forward to playing for the (RWS) guys at Joshua Brooks", says Staar, "I played there sometime last year and had a great time, the crowd were really up for it!"
And as for the literal 'Run With Scissors' ethos itself - taking positive risks to standout, to realise dreams and succeed in your ambitions - how does this best apply to Mr Staar?
"It's been a dream and ambition of mine to be a successful DJ for as long as I can remember", reflects Staar. "To be making a living from music is something I'm very lucky to do. I believe everyone should be doing something they love, but you have to sometimes take risks to succeed".
His musical ambitions will see him put remixing more on the back burner for the rest of this year to allow him to get stuck into his own productions: "I spent most of the summer remixing so it's time for some original stuff now", he explains. "I'll be continuing to produce with a lot of big name people behind the scenes too and have some really interesting projects and events lined up".
One such interesting event being the RWS Events launch, where Tom will be guest-starring alongside RWS's finest DJ's Soso and Sweatshop, along with special guests Unknown Artists and LE:ON.
RWS' DJ Soso
"It's really exciting to have Tom Staar on board for our first major event of the season", says Soso, co-founder of Run With Scissors.
"As a brand we really connect with the whole Moda/new music vibe and so Tom Staar seemed like the perfect person to join our event's lineup. We were really lucky to secure the Joshua Brooks venue too, it's a great setting with a special atmosphere".
The event represents an exciting and poignant time for the brand; only this time last year they were printing their first ever line of t-shirts in their hometown, now they're getting clothing orders worldwide and putting on events all over the country.
"I cant believe how far we've come in such a short space of time", admits Soso. "There's a lot to look forward to...every day is a surprise!"
RWS co-founder and designer James McEwan agrees that the event is sign of big things to come for the brand:
"Manchester is going to go off" he predicts; perfectly timed to coincide with the launch of their latest clothing collection, which he describes as their "best ever" thanks to its "real direction and attention to detail".
Indeed RWS Clothing's A/W offerings are the most coveted yet, particularly with the introduction of their desirable 'Movers and Shakers Pocket Tees'. This collection sees plain white tees embellished with a single handmade breast pocket, with each pocket available in a variety of designs, from ditsy floral prints to polka dots and nautical-inspired stripes.
Movers and Shakers 'stripes'
Movers and Shakers 'floral'
Their sellout 'Madams' t-shirt from last season will also be making an appearance this winter, this time in a seasonal wine-coloured print.
Movers and Shakers 'polka dot'
To get your hands on your very own RWS tee check out their big cartel site here. Tees are also available to buy atNo. 9boutique in Bude, Cornwall.
