1 Million Free & Legal Music Tracks
Via Boing Boing. An excellent Wiki listing free & legal music resources.
July 31, 2004
Apple v Real clever idea
I've just read a rather terse press release on Mi2N from Apple about Real Networks Harmony Technology, which lets music from Real's online music store play on iPods. Apple are not impressed...
"Apple today released the following statement:
We are stunned that RealNetworks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod, and we are investigating the implications of their actions under the DMCA and other laws. We strongly caution Real and their customers that when we update our iPod software from time to time it is highly likely that Real's Harmony technology will cease to work with current and future iPods."
Monopolies are always broken. Apple should accept it and move on. They were the first to market, and they're still the cats with most of the cream. One of the most unattractive things about the digital music frontier is all the barrier and fences that they are being built. 'Your format won't play on my player - my copy protection won't let you play your music on your PC.'
When will it end? Probably when consumers flock to the easiest simplest system with compatability. Or a network of indies working together. I agree with Real: "Consumers, and not Apple, should be the ones choosing what music goes in the iPod." Vive la revolution!
I've just read a rather terse press release on Mi2N from Apple about Real Networks Harmony Technology, which lets music from Real's online music store play on iPods. Apple are not impressed...
"Apple today released the following statement:
We are stunned that RealNetworks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod, and we are investigating the implications of their actions under the DMCA and other laws. We strongly caution Real and their customers that when we update our iPod software from time to time it is highly likely that Real's Harmony technology will cease to work with current and future iPods."
Monopolies are always broken. Apple should accept it and move on. They were the first to market, and they're still the cats with most of the cream. One of the most unattractive things about the digital music frontier is all the barrier and fences that they are being built. 'Your format won't play on my player - my copy protection won't let you play your music on your PC.'
When will it end? Probably when consumers flock to the easiest simplest system with compatability. Or a network of indies working together. I agree with Real: "Consumers, and not Apple, should be the ones choosing what music goes in the iPod." Vive la revolution!
July 30, 2004
LaQuisha, Increasing Your Leisure Time
"Hi, I'm LaQuisha and I'm a princess,
A few years ago I decided that I was going to be, do and have everything I could imagine. And for those of you who follow this site you will know that my imagination stretches far and wide.
One of the things that I find quite easy to imagine is living the life of the idle rich, as promised by insanely optimistic adverts of the 1960s. I wanted to go forth boldly and in doing so, emancipate the entire human race from a life of drabness. I wanted to be the shining star of what is possible for ones life, regardless of ones background."
Amen Sister!
"Hi, I'm LaQuisha and I'm a princess,
A few years ago I decided that I was going to be, do and have everything I could imagine. And for those of you who follow this site you will know that my imagination stretches far and wide.
One of the things that I find quite easy to imagine is living the life of the idle rich, as promised by insanely optimistic adverts of the 1960s. I wanted to go forth boldly and in doing so, emancipate the entire human race from a life of drabness. I wanted to be the shining star of what is possible for ones life, regardless of ones background."
Amen Sister!
July 29, 2004
U2 Piracy Could Spell iTunes Exclusive
Via Digital Music News "U2 could soon be living through a classic digital music nightmare. Last week, rough cuts from an upcoming album were mysteriously stolen from a French photo shoot. Now, the band is closely watching P2P networks for the lifted tracks. Although files bearing the "Vertigo" album name cropped up on P2P networks over the weekend, the band has not matched those copies with the actual rough cuts. If the worst case scenario strikes, Bono vowed to pursue an aggressive release schedule that would include a possible iTunes exclusive. In comments to the London Daily Telegraph, the band`s lead singer said that if the tracks are "on the Internet this week, we will release it immediately as a legal download on iTunes..."
In a BBC report Geoff Mayfield, senior analyst for Billboard magazine said "This would be the first time I can think of that someone has done it as a countermeasure to piracy,"
Via Digital Music News "U2 could soon be living through a classic digital music nightmare. Last week, rough cuts from an upcoming album were mysteriously stolen from a French photo shoot. Now, the band is closely watching P2P networks for the lifted tracks. Although files bearing the "Vertigo" album name cropped up on P2P networks over the weekend, the band has not matched those copies with the actual rough cuts. If the worst case scenario strikes, Bono vowed to pursue an aggressive release schedule that would include a possible iTunes exclusive. In comments to the London Daily Telegraph, the band`s lead singer said that if the tracks are "on the Internet this week, we will release it immediately as a legal download on iTunes..."
In a BBC report Geoff Mayfield, senior analyst for Billboard magazine said "This would be the first time I can think of that someone has done it as a countermeasure to piracy,"
July 28, 2004
Open Letter To The Members Of The European Commission Regarding Sony/BMG Merger
Via Mi2n: " The answer is more competition not more concentration. The parties have said that piracy and illegal downloading render concentration necessary. But they don't talk about the fact that demand for music has never been higher or the fact that revenues are up in all markets save for CDs. The issue is value, quality and the lack of innovation regarding music, formats and the internet. This is typical in markets already suffering excessive concentration."
Via Mi2n: " The answer is more competition not more concentration. The parties have said that piracy and illegal downloading render concentration necessary. But they don't talk about the fact that demand for music has never been higher or the fact that revenues are up in all markets save for CDs. The issue is value, quality and the lack of innovation regarding music, formats and the internet. This is typical in markets already suffering excessive concentration."
Sunday Subsessions
If you want to catch some of the Data:Bass cru behind the wheels of steel then head on down to the Sunday Subsessions at the funky new Foci Bar on Beresford Street.
If you want to catch some of the Data:Bass cru behind the wheels of steel then head on down to the Sunday Subsessions at the funky new Foci Bar on Beresford Street.
News from the Data:Bass Cru
Data:Bass artists Black Pantha and Em:U play at Refuel on Aug 7 as part of their nationwide CD release tour.
Media artist and Rock Climbing enthusiast Andre Dahlman is currently working on an interactive CD-Rom/DVD project on Rock Climbing in the South Island featuring tunes from 0474:8455 recordings.
Also - Fleet fm 88.3 have now started broadcasting in central Wellington: Culprit 7 -9 p.m. + State of Mind 9 - 11 p.m on Mondays, plus Romantech Saturdays from 3 - 5 p.m. on Twisted FM.
Bo Skeletor!
Data:Bass artists Black Pantha and Em:U play at Refuel on Aug 7 as part of their nationwide CD release tour.
Media artist and Rock Climbing enthusiast Andre Dahlman is currently working on an interactive CD-Rom/DVD project on Rock Climbing in the South Island featuring tunes from 0474:8455 recordings.
Also - Fleet fm 88.3 have now started broadcasting in central Wellington: Culprit 7 -9 p.m. + State of Mind 9 - 11 p.m on Mondays, plus Romantech Saturdays from 3 - 5 p.m. on Twisted FM.
Bo Skeletor!
Be happy - get rich
Here's some food for thought. Money doesn't buy happiness but it seems that happiness makes you more likely to make money.
Via the NZ Herald: "Economists have found that happy people tend to become richer and are more likely to find love in a steady relationship, rather than the other way around. A study of 8000 people who were questioned about their lives during the 1990s found that even massive increases in wealth led to only minuscule increases in happiness....This in itself raises the question of why people expend so much effort on obtaining more income," they said.
Something to think about when you're standing in the Lotto line.
Here's some food for thought. Money doesn't buy happiness but it seems that happiness makes you more likely to make money.
Via the NZ Herald: "Economists have found that happy people tend to become richer and are more likely to find love in a steady relationship, rather than the other way around. A study of 8000 people who were questioned about their lives during the 1990s found that even massive increases in wealth led to only minuscule increases in happiness....This in itself raises the question of why people expend so much effort on obtaining more income," they said.
Something to think about when you're standing in the Lotto line.
July 27, 2004
Blackspot sneakers
From the adbusters team:
"Blackspotters,
We found it! After two years of researching shoe plants in Slovakia, Poland, Indonesia, China and South Korea, the hunt for our factory is over.
When the search started, we found Phil Knight's Nike had plunged sneaker manufacturing into a macabre scene of export processing zones and sweatshop labor. To make a sneaker, all roads led to the Orient, but factories there didn't meet our standards.
Then Robin Webb of Vegetarian Shoes in England suggested a family-owned factory in Portugal's Felgueiras region. Our creative director spent a few days inspecting the facility: it has a union which workers can join, wages that are comparatively high, and gives one month paid vacation - plus two months salary bonus at Christmas. Since it comes from Portugal's centuries old tradition of shoe craftsmanship, it can also make shoes of the highest quality.
Blackspot is vegetarian - we're using no animal products whatsoever.
It's made with hemp - good hemp. Our Romanian hemp supplier is an industry leader whose manufacturing process uses no chemicals, and whose hemp is certified organic.
So far, we've received 8,300 pre-orders. As soon as we have pictures of the actual shoe, we'll post them on our site with the official orders form. In the meantime, why not urge your friends to take the plunge by going to blackspot.org to reserve a pair.
When you buy a pair of Blackspots, you get a share that allows you to cast internet votes on the design of future prototypes, factory options, and how to spend the money we make. Eventually, we want to create our own cooperative factory. The Blackspot is an unfolding experiment in bottom-up capitalism.
The Blackspot is an attempt to launch an antilogo, an anticorporation, and a shoe to kick Phil Knight and the avatars of "cool" in the ass.
We're going to cut into Nike's market share and change the way the industry is run. When we hit the market early this fall, you can bet the battle will get interesting. Go to for updates. Email if you have questions.
- The Blackspot team"
We're hoping to sell these in TMet's online store as soon as they become available. They are the world's first ethical, non sweatshop produced trainer, made of hemp and using fair trade.
From the adbusters team:
"Blackspotters,
We found it! After two years of researching shoe plants in Slovakia, Poland, Indonesia, China and South Korea, the hunt for our factory is over.
When the search started, we found Phil Knight's Nike had plunged sneaker manufacturing into a macabre scene of export processing zones and sweatshop labor. To make a sneaker, all roads led to the Orient, but factories there didn't meet our standards.
Then Robin Webb of Vegetarian Shoes in England suggested a family-owned factory in Portugal's Felgueiras region. Our creative director spent a few days inspecting the facility: it has a union which workers can join, wages that are comparatively high, and gives one month paid vacation - plus two months salary bonus at Christmas. Since it comes from Portugal's centuries old tradition of shoe craftsmanship, it can also make shoes of the highest quality.
Blackspot is vegetarian - we're using no animal products whatsoever.
It's made with hemp - good hemp. Our Romanian hemp supplier is an industry leader whose manufacturing process uses no chemicals, and whose hemp is certified organic.
So far, we've received 8,300 pre-orders. As soon as we have pictures of the actual shoe, we'll post them on our site with the official orders form. In the meantime, why not urge your friends to take the plunge by going to blackspot.org to reserve a pair.
When you buy a pair of Blackspots, you get a share that allows you to cast internet votes on the design of future prototypes, factory options, and how to spend the money we make. Eventually, we want to create our own cooperative factory. The Blackspot is an unfolding experiment in bottom-up capitalism.
The Blackspot is an attempt to launch an antilogo, an anticorporation, and a shoe to kick Phil Knight and the avatars of "cool" in the ass.
We're going to cut into Nike's market share and change the way the industry is run. When we hit the market early this fall, you can bet the battle will get interesting. Go to
- The Blackspot team"
We're hoping to sell these in TMet's online store as soon as they become available. They are the world's first ethical, non sweatshop produced trainer, made of hemp and using fair trade.
July 24, 2004
Helen Clark - Paua Dresser
Today's entry in to our Win a Hoodie competition. We bring you Prime Minister Helen Clark. You have to admire a Prime Minister who has the guts to dress up as a Paua to promote New Zealand (TVNZ Video clip). And wear Weta chainmail on the red carpet with an evening dress. That takes style and panache.
Today's entry in to our Win a Hoodie competition. We bring you Prime Minister Helen Clark. You have to admire a Prime Minister who has the guts to dress up as a Paua to promote New Zealand (TVNZ Video clip). And wear Weta chainmail on the red carpet with an evening dress. That takes style and panache.
July 23, 2004
The end of the iPod?
"Despite the industry's belief that file sharing is anathema to record sales, a recent study has shown that it may not be so clear cut. 'Downloads have an effect on sales that is statistically indistinguishable from zero,' the controversial report claims, even going so far as to suggest that for popular albums, 'the impact of file sharing on sales is likely to be positive'"
An earlier article from the Guardian 'Is downloading really bad?' states that "the research from Harvard and the University of North Carolina says that, on the contrary, file-sharing helps music sales."
Bear in mind that these are reports on are illegal downloads, and not legal digital music sales. I say anything that creates new markets for indie artists can only be a good thing. You can read the full Harvard report here: The effects of file sharing on record sales
This is why the proposed Induce Act is so ridiculous. If it makes it into US law, companies who make digital devices like iPods and Mp3 players could potentially be liable if they are used to hold illegally obtained files. "In contrast, Gary Shapiro, head of the Consumer Electronics Association, said the Induce Act would slow down innovation as new products are targeted for litigation."
Save us from lobby groups and their insane ideas! You can't legislate against the world changing. All you can do is adapt and innnovate. Not that these dumn acts mean a thing. It just means the US will lose another industry to the Chinese.
If you want to tell congress what you think about the induce act then head over to the Action Centre at the EFF.org
"Despite the industry's belief that file sharing is anathema to record sales, a recent study has shown that it may not be so clear cut. 'Downloads have an effect on sales that is statistically indistinguishable from zero,' the controversial report claims, even going so far as to suggest that for popular albums, 'the impact of file sharing on sales is likely to be positive'"
An earlier article from the Guardian 'Is downloading really bad?' states that "the research from Harvard and the University of North Carolina says that, on the contrary, file-sharing helps music sales."
Bear in mind that these are reports on are illegal downloads, and not legal digital music sales. I say anything that creates new markets for indie artists can only be a good thing. You can read the full Harvard report here: The effects of file sharing on record sales
This is why the proposed Induce Act is so ridiculous. If it makes it into US law, companies who make digital devices like iPods and Mp3 players could potentially be liable if they are used to hold illegally obtained files. "In contrast, Gary Shapiro, head of the Consumer Electronics Association, said the Induce Act would slow down innovation as new products are targeted for litigation."
Save us from lobby groups and their insane ideas! You can't legislate against the world changing. All you can do is adapt and innnovate. Not that these dumn acts mean a thing. It just means the US will lose another industry to the Chinese.
If you want to tell congress what you think about the induce act then head over to the Action Centre at the EFF.org
Come to a Cuddle Party!
"Welcome to CuddleParty.com, online home of Cuddle Monsters REiD Mihalko and Marcia Baczynski. Click around to find out what Cuddle Party is about and to see how you can get YOUR cuddle on! Some particularly useful sections are what a Cuddle Party is and our frequently asked questions."
Yay to cuddle parties! The best bit is they have Cuddlemonials. Bless.
Blankies Tshirt available from Manic.co.nz
"Welcome to CuddleParty.com, online home of Cuddle Monsters REiD Mihalko and Marcia Baczynski. Click around to find out what Cuddle Party is about and to see how you can get YOUR cuddle on! Some particularly useful sections are what a Cuddle Party is and our frequently asked questions."
Yay to cuddle parties! The best bit is they have Cuddlemonials. Bless.
Blankies Tshirt available from Manic.co.nz
July 22, 2004
See-Through Loo
"Claim: Photographs show a public toilet made with reflective glass walls. Status: True. "
That is just freaky. You can see out of the loo, but no-one can see in as the glass is mirrored on the outside. Mind you, much fun could be had pretending to peer through and saying "I can see you", followed by a cackle or three.
It's well worth checking out urban legend sites like Snopes.com before forwarding on email 'warnings'. To put the record straight, no-one has ever been found in a bath of ice missing a kidney, a sniff of ether disguised as perfume on a bit of paper will not render you unconscious, but I really wish the story about Elizabeth Hurley's sequinned pubic hair extensions was real!
"Claim: Photographs show a public toilet made with reflective glass walls. Status: True. "
That is just freaky. You can see out of the loo, but no-one can see in as the glass is mirrored on the outside. Mind you, much fun could be had pretending to peer through and saying "I can see you", followed by a cackle or three.
It's well worth checking out urban legend sites like Snopes.com before forwarding on email 'warnings'. To put the record straight, no-one has ever been found in a bath of ice missing a kidney, a sniff of ether disguised as perfume on a bit of paper will not render you unconscious, but I really wish the story about Elizabeth Hurley's sequinned pubic hair extensions was real!
July 21, 2004
The True Meaning of Being INDIE
Here's a great article by Bob Baker over at Music Dish on his definition of an I-N-D-I-E:
"I - Inspired, N - Nontraditional, D - Determined, I - Innovative, E – Empowered. It has nothing to do with what company you are or are not affiliated with. It has everything to do with how much you take control of your own life and take steps to build the kind of music career you deserve."
That's such a wonderful way of expressing it. Chelfyn would also like to add:
I - Idiotic, N - Nuts, D - Delusional, I - Imbecilic, E - Exhilerated.
Here's a great article by Bob Baker over at Music Dish on his definition of an I-N-D-I-E:
"I - Inspired, N - Nontraditional, D - Determined, I - Innovative, E – Empowered. It has nothing to do with what company you are or are not affiliated with. It has everything to do with how much you take control of your own life and take steps to build the kind of music career you deserve."
That's such a wonderful way of expressing it. Chelfyn would also like to add:
I - Idiotic, N - Nuts, D - Delusional, I - Imbecilic, E - Exhilerated.
July 20, 2004
Synth Pop Artist Recovers From Near Death Bout With Electrical Blowout
Apparently, the two tracks TMet Recordings signed by young 17 year old Silver Stream, may actually be the work of other artists. It seems he has a history of doing this under other aliases. He still maintains they were both his tracks and there is currently no proof either way. We were kindly informed of this yesterday morning by the UK dance community, and immediately removed the tracks from sale pending further investigation. Our eternal thanks to Damo and Rich Thorne for bringing it to our attention.
It's been an interesting challenge for all of us the fledgling digital dance industry. How much can we trust someone's claim of copyright ownership if they are trying to pass off someone else's track? We were all shocked by the lad's audacity, and weren't the only label to be taken in. Thankfully in the circumstances we've not had time to sell any, and I was able to tell journalists with review copies before press days. But it's kicked off a great online debate and made us some new mates.
When TMet Recordings signs a track the artist still owns the copyright, and it's their contractual responsibility to make sure the work is really theirs. We're now working with the other MP3 sites to try and find the producers of these tracks. They may well be by Silver Stream, but if you recognise these 1 minute previews then please email me.
Mystery Track no. 1 / Mystery Track no. 2
I believe Silver Stream's actions were out of naivety, and let's face it dumb stupidity. It may be easy to sneak other people's work out on mashups and white labels, but it shows how quickly you can be caught in the digital world. He may have been going the wrong way in chasing his dream, but hell we all did dumb things at 17!
 | That just has to be the headline of the week over on Mi2n.com. The other headline of the week has to be the one we found yesterday on Biggie. 'TMET signs con artist Silver Stream' it screamed, with a lurid tale of lies, deception, and greed. |
Apparently, the two tracks TMet Recordings signed by young 17 year old Silver Stream, may actually be the work of other artists. It seems he has a history of doing this under other aliases. He still maintains they were both his tracks and there is currently no proof either way. We were kindly informed of this yesterday morning by the UK dance community, and immediately removed the tracks from sale pending further investigation. Our eternal thanks to Damo and Rich Thorne for bringing it to our attention.
It's been an interesting challenge for all of us the fledgling digital dance industry. How much can we trust someone's claim of copyright ownership if they are trying to pass off someone else's track? We were all shocked by the lad's audacity, and weren't the only label to be taken in. Thankfully in the circumstances we've not had time to sell any, and I was able to tell journalists with review copies before press days. But it's kicked off a great online debate and made us some new mates.
When TMet Recordings signs a track the artist still owns the copyright, and it's their contractual responsibility to make sure the work is really theirs. We're now working with the other MP3 sites to try and find the producers of these tracks. They may well be by Silver Stream, but if you recognise these 1 minute previews then please email me.
I believe Silver Stream's actions were out of naivety, and let's face it dumb stupidity. It may be easy to sneak other people's work out on mashups and white labels, but it shows how quickly you can be caught in the digital world. He may have been going the wrong way in chasing his dream, but hell we all did dumb things at 17!
July 19, 2004
The Fashion Illuminati
Ever wondered if there was a fashion illuminati that dictes what colours will be on sale years in advance? Well there is, they are called the Colour Media Group and it works like this...
"The official line is that they look at economic trends (pastels in bad times, saturated colors in good times) and also examine social trends. What this boils down to is six hundred people sitting around in small groups, trying to figure out the next big thing. Gray, for example, was chosen in part because of the craze for technology and space-age stuff as the millennium approaches: “People associate gray with futuristic things like silvery metallics and anodized aluminum,” a CMG spokeswoman said. And why blue? “Water is a big social issue, what with the current emphasis on designer water and water conservation.” (Slate, 1998)
Via Boing Boing.
I love clothes but am fickle when it comes to fashion. I simply hate looking the same as everyone else. Apparently green is the next big thing this year, but with the myriad shades New Zealand greeen (even in winter) you'd simply blend into the landscape. Which brings to mind a French and Saunders sketch. Laura Ashley was big in the 80s. The were the ultimate purveyors of floral and chintz. Dresses, wallpaper, cushions, hats - you name it they chintzed it. I will never forget Dawn French's grin floating in a sea of chintz.
JAFAs should keep their eyes peeled in August as Dawn and her husband Lenny Henry will be in town for Lenny's new comedy tour. They sneak into the country from time to time on holiday, and are said to be very fond of Auckland milkshakes. I wonder how they feel about chintz.
For more about the fashion trends and colours for 2004/2005 go to Fashion Era.
Ever wondered if there was a fashion illuminati that dictes what colours will be on sale years in advance? Well there is, they are called the Colour Media Group and it works like this...
"The official line is that they look at economic trends (pastels in bad times, saturated colors in good times) and also examine social trends. What this boils down to is six hundred people sitting around in small groups, trying to figure out the next big thing. Gray, for example, was chosen in part because of the craze for technology and space-age stuff as the millennium approaches: “People associate gray with futuristic things like silvery metallics and anodized aluminum,” a CMG spokeswoman said. And why blue? “Water is a big social issue, what with the current emphasis on designer water and water conservation.” (Slate, 1998)
Via Boing Boing.
I love clothes but am fickle when it comes to fashion. I simply hate looking the same as everyone else. Apparently green is the next big thing this year, but with the myriad shades New Zealand greeen (even in winter) you'd simply blend into the landscape. Which brings to mind a French and Saunders sketch. Laura Ashley was big in the 80s. The were the ultimate purveyors of floral and chintz. Dresses, wallpaper, cushions, hats - you name it they chintzed it. I will never forget Dawn French's grin floating in a sea of chintz.
JAFAs should keep their eyes peeled in August as Dawn and her husband Lenny Henry will be in town for Lenny's new comedy tour. They sneak into the country from time to time on holiday, and are said to be very fond of Auckland milkshakes. I wonder how they feel about chintz.
For more about the fashion trends and colours for 2004/2005 go to Fashion Era.
July 16, 2004
Support our indie label!
Thanks to Apollo at hardhouse.co.nz for adding our banner to his new links portal.
If you want to support our digital indie label then you can put this banner on your site (right click to save), and we'll add you to our links directory.
Thanks to Apollo at hardhouse.co.nz for adding our banner to his new links portal.
If you want to support our digital indie label then you can put this banner on your site (right click to save), and we'll add you to our links directory.
Sport Llama
New Zealand is a bonkers place. Where else would they invent Sport Llama? Yes lifestyle blockers are growing bored of my little pony and turning to ‘performance Ilamas’. As in the snotty looking things with long necks - not the Buddhist monks. Imagine showjumping minus a rider. With Llamas. There’s an article by Diana Balham in this week’s Listener about this growing craze. As she says, “trust the nation that turned sheep shearing into a sport to find a way of being competetive with Ilamas.”
Chelfyn suggested some north island Performance Llama team names: The Llama Farmers of Ramarama, and the Alpaca Hackers of Matamata. The best thing is that when they are not showjumping some of the llamas work at Karma Llamas in West Auckland. I have to go for the name alone!
New Zealand is a bonkers place. Where else would they invent Sport Llama? Yes lifestyle blockers are growing bored of my little pony and turning to ‘performance Ilamas’. As in the snotty looking things with long necks - not the Buddhist monks. Imagine showjumping minus a rider. With Llamas. There’s an article by Diana Balham in this week’s Listener about this growing craze. As she says, “trust the nation that turned sheep shearing into a sport to find a way of being competetive with Ilamas.”
Chelfyn suggested some north island Performance Llama team names: The Llama Farmers of Ramarama, and the Alpaca Hackers of Matamata. The best thing is that when they are not showjumping some of the llamas work at Karma Llamas in West Auckland. I have to go for the name alone!
July 14, 2004
All Blacks
I watched some of the rubgy the other night – the All Blacks v the Pacific Island team. The All Blacks were wearing tight little tops that looked more like club wear because a few games back they had the baggier designs literally ripped from them manly chests (am starting to see the appeal of the game). They have a new manoeuvre where one of them gets lifted into the air to grab the ball, which looks like ballet. I still agree with Steve. Rubgy – hell gay sport eh?
The haka is always great to watch. It always makes me giggle when I think of the British equivalent - Morris dancing. Morris dancing was originally an old English warrior challenge that became ritualised over the years to somehow include - bells and ribbons.
I watched some of the rubgy the other night – the All Blacks v the Pacific Island team. The All Blacks were wearing tight little tops that looked more like club wear because a few games back they had the baggier designs literally ripped from them manly chests (am starting to see the appeal of the game). They have a new manoeuvre where one of them gets lifted into the air to grab the ball, which looks like ballet. I still agree with Steve. Rubgy – hell gay sport eh?
The haka is always great to watch. It always makes me giggle when I think of the British equivalent - Morris dancing. Morris dancing was originally an old English warrior challenge that became ritualised over the years to somehow include - bells and ribbons.
July 13, 2004
Almost Famous
Chelfyn and I were interviewed by the lovely Rebecca Williams before our radio show on Friday for Debate, the AUT student paper. Rebecca is also interviewing four of our producers: Waterboy, Javed Haider, Si-Fi and andy qroniq about what it’s like being released on a digital indie label. I think we are excited as our producers to have people taking notice of our little Kiwi record label.
The Twisted Radio web stream is getting more overseas listeners each week. I think the word is getting out about this crazy little radio station on the other side of the world. During our TMet Friday drive show, I often chat to listeners on MSN. [Just add studio@twisted.co.nz to join in].
It’s very strange what people will admit to complete strangers – especially during a live radio show. Apparently Fury of Melbourne has always wanted to be cuffed by a cop chick with a British accent. After similar revelations Joe and Beccs of Mangafrog came in to the studios with beers. They've been back in Auckland for a couple of months after selling The Plastic Factory in Nagoya, Japan. We were swapping stories about looking after international acts in far away lands. Put it this way - we've never lost anyone yet!
We finally headed down to the Farm to see Cathy and Clayton as when the kids are away - the adults will play. I recognised Tineke Van der Walle's dulcit tones on George FM, so after a few G&Ts I called in. Luckily I guessed she’d patched me in live so didn’t say anything too incriminating. We all crashed about 6 and woke to a glorious summer day. Proper tshirt and shorts weather in the middle of winter! I spent most of Saturday in the sun with the Weekend Herald, and watching Brownie the pig hoovering fishfingers from the mud.
In the evening we watched Kombi Nation. It’s an excellent film about a blokey kiwi chick who goes to the UK to meet her older sister, buy a VW (or Kombi) van and travel around Europe. Unknown to her sister she has funded the OE by bringing along a camera crew to make a documentary. It’s a well written and acted story, and I loved the way it switches between the various points of view. Especially the odd threats from the cameraman. Watch Kombi Nation for sex, drugs, love and heartbreak all played out against a stunning backdrop of sunsoaked and familiar European vistas. I give it 4/5 stars.
It feels strange to be celebrating my birthday in the middle of winter. I'm so used to it falling in the middle of the European summer festival season. But as luck would have it my birthday now falls in the middle of the Queenstown Winter Festival. I plan to celebrate it with some serious apres-ski partying from next year...
Chelfyn and I were interviewed by the lovely Rebecca Williams before our radio show on Friday for Debate, the AUT student paper. Rebecca is also interviewing four of our producers: Waterboy, Javed Haider, Si-Fi and andy qroniq about what it’s like being released on a digital indie label. I think we are excited as our producers to have people taking notice of our little Kiwi record label.
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The Twisted Radio web stream is getting more overseas listeners each week. I think the word is getting out about this crazy little radio station on the other side of the world. During our TMet Friday drive show, I often chat to listeners on MSN. [Just add studio@twisted.co.nz to join in].
It’s very strange what people will admit to complete strangers – especially during a live radio show. Apparently Fury of Melbourne has always wanted to be cuffed by a cop chick with a British accent. After similar revelations Joe and Beccs of Mangafrog came in to the studios with beers. They've been back in Auckland for a couple of months after selling The Plastic Factory in Nagoya, Japan. We were swapping stories about looking after international acts in far away lands. Put it this way - we've never lost anyone yet!
We finally headed down to the Farm to see Cathy and Clayton as when the kids are away - the adults will play. I recognised Tineke Van der Walle's dulcit tones on George FM, so after a few G&Ts I called in. Luckily I guessed she’d patched me in live so didn’t say anything too incriminating. We all crashed about 6 and woke to a glorious summer day. Proper tshirt and shorts weather in the middle of winter! I spent most of Saturday in the sun with the Weekend Herald, and watching Brownie the pig hoovering fishfingers from the mud.
In the evening we watched Kombi Nation. It’s an excellent film about a blokey kiwi chick who goes to the UK to meet her older sister, buy a VW (or Kombi) van and travel around Europe. Unknown to her sister she has funded the OE by bringing along a camera crew to make a documentary. It’s a well written and acted story, and I loved the way it switches between the various points of view. Especially the odd threats from the cameraman. Watch Kombi Nation for sex, drugs, love and heartbreak all played out against a stunning backdrop of sunsoaked and familiar European vistas. I give it 4/5 stars.
It feels strange to be celebrating my birthday in the middle of winter. I'm so used to it falling in the middle of the European summer festival season. But as luck would have it my birthday now falls in the middle of the Queenstown Winter Festival. I plan to celebrate it with some serious apres-ski partying from next year...
July 08, 2004
The music industry's 100 most influential people
Eminem - the most powerful man in the music industry. Pic: Guardian.co.uk
"Perhaps one of the greatest surprises is the presence of the Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, and his creative sidekick Jonathan Ive at number two on the list. The high positioning of the computer industry executives reflects the burgeoning online music sales industry, with the recent relaunch of Napster and Apple's iTunes."
'Burgeoning online music sales'. I like the sound of that!
Eminem - the most powerful man in the music industry. Pic: Guardian.co.uk
"Perhaps one of the greatest surprises is the presence of the Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, and his creative sidekick Jonathan Ive at number two on the list. The high positioning of the computer industry executives reflects the burgeoning online music sales industry, with the recent relaunch of Napster and Apple's iTunes."
'Burgeoning online music sales'. I like the sound of that!
July 07, 2004
Want to win a TMet hoodie?
I want you to Photoshop the funniest/most bizarre thing/person/animal/vegetable/mineral to be wearing a TMet Hoodie (right click/save to download). Win TMet hoodies, goodies and CDs by emailing your entry to winahoodie@tmet.co.nz
The entries so far...
All entries will be added to our Hoodie Gallery.
I want you to Photoshop the funniest/most bizarre thing/person/animal/vegetable/mineral to be wearing a TMet Hoodie (right click/save to download). Win TMet hoodies, goodies and CDs by emailing your entry to winahoodie@tmet.co.nz
The entries so far...
...Die Puny Humans in all it's filthy monkey glory. | 
This one is for Jenza and the Twisted Radio crew! | 
Now you know why she's smiling - she's heard TMet's music. Pic by: Yvette Shore of Hamilton, NZ |
All entries will be added to our Hoodie Gallery.
July 06, 2004
Fricken Thirtysomething...
Well I'm now officialy a thirtysomething. I know a girl is supposed to keep her age private but I keep fessing up. I have English skin from a lack of sun for most of my life. Plus while everyone was heading over to Spain in the summer to bake on beaches, I was back in the UK crewing at festivals like WOMAD and Glastonbury. It helps that I do radio and I'm only really ever seen out at night, so never have to face up to close scrutiny!
I had a fabulous birthday weekend. I went out to Fricken Prophecy on Friday night with Chelfyn, IDK, Lisa, and Scott from Talent Lab International who was looking very devilish. (Check out Hardhouse.co.nz for more pics.)
I lazed around on Saturday and Sunday before going Op Shopping with Cathy on Monday. I scored a fabulous fake fur coat, some new tops ($6 each!), then lazed in front of the fire with a book eating chocolate, before a long soak in the bath with a Lush Sex Bomb. (Thanks Cathy!)
Well I'm now officialy a thirtysomething. I know a girl is supposed to keep her age private but I keep fessing up. I have English skin from a lack of sun for most of my life. Plus while everyone was heading over to Spain in the summer to bake on beaches, I was back in the UK crewing at festivals like WOMAD and Glastonbury. It helps that I do radio and I'm only really ever seen out at night, so never have to face up to close scrutiny!
I had a fabulous birthday weekend. I went out to Fricken Prophecy on Friday night with Chelfyn, IDK, Lisa, and Scott from Talent Lab International who was looking very devilish. (Check out Hardhouse.co.nz for more pics.)
I lazed around on Saturday and Sunday before going Op Shopping with Cathy on Monday. I scored a fabulous fake fur coat, some new tops ($6 each!), then lazed in front of the fire with a book eating chocolate, before a long soak in the bath with a Lush Sex Bomb. (Thanks Cathy!)
July 02, 2004
Stonehenge Aotearoa
"It took ancient peoples in Great Britain a millennium or more to create Stonehenge, but in New Zealand, a group of astronomy enthusiasts is building its own version in a little more than a year. In the bucolic Wairarapa countryside, New Zealanders will be able to visit their very own Stonehenge Aotearoa."
Cool. I wonder if they will let us put on solstice parties there?
"It took ancient peoples in Great Britain a millennium or more to create Stonehenge, but in New Zealand, a group of astronomy enthusiasts is building its own version in a little more than a year. In the bucolic Wairarapa countryside, New Zealanders will be able to visit their very own Stonehenge Aotearoa."
Cool. I wonder if they will let us put on solstice parties there?
Glastonbury Mud worth it's weight in silver
Via the NZ Herald: "A dollop of mud scooped up during last weekend's Glastonbury music festival in Britain has sold for 490 pounds ($1423) on the internet auction site Ebay. "
I have an E that I found at Glastonbury. Maybe I should try and sell it on Ebay. It's red, wooden and came off the Tiny Tea Tent's sign in 1991. Vintage Glastonbury Memorabilia.
Via the NZ Herald: "A dollop of mud scooped up during last weekend's Glastonbury music festival in Britain has sold for 490 pounds ($1423) on the internet auction site Ebay. "
I have an E that I found at Glastonbury. Maybe I should try and sell it on Ebay. It's red, wooden and came off the Tiny Tea Tent's sign in 1991. Vintage Glastonbury Memorabilia.
Amusing places close to you
Via Popbitch: This one only really works if you live in the UK but if you do - try sticking in your postcode. Amusing places close to you if you live in my schooltown Hereford are:
Booby Dingle
Lord Hereford's Knob
Three Cocks
Druggers End
Bullyhole Bottom
Penishapentre
Piddle Brook
Wyre Piddle
Panty Hill
The Bog
Chelfyn's hometown Newcastle has the following gems:
Spital Tongues
Hairy Side
Shitlington Crags
Faggot
Lady's Hole
Slag Hill
Fanny Barks
Cock Bush Hall Farm
Cock Play
Cock Heads
and if you live in Bristol you'll be close to:
Snatch House
Box Bush Farm
Box Tunnel
Bullyhole Bottom
Crab Hole
Butt Hatch
Lusty Hill
Sodom
Zig-Zag Hill
Cuckoo's Knob
It must be hilarious beeing a postman if you live in the UK.
Via Popbitch: This one only really works if you live in the UK but if you do - try sticking in your postcode. Amusing places close to you if you live in my schooltown Hereford are:
Booby Dingle
Lord Hereford's Knob
Three Cocks
Druggers End
Bullyhole Bottom
Penishapentre
Piddle Brook
Wyre Piddle
Panty Hill
The Bog
Chelfyn's hometown Newcastle has the following gems:
Spital Tongues
Hairy Side
Shitlington Crags
Faggot
Lady's Hole
Slag Hill
Fanny Barks
Cock Bush Hall Farm
Cock Play
Cock Heads
and if you live in Bristol you'll be close to:
Snatch House
Box Bush Farm
Box Tunnel
Bullyhole Bottom
Crab Hole
Butt Hatch
Lusty Hill
Sodom
Zig-Zag Hill
Cuckoo's Knob
It must be hilarious beeing a postman if you live in the UK.
July 01, 2004
Digital Divas
"Well-behaved women seldom make history.' --Laurel Thatcher Ulrich"
I heartily agree. Check out this site for some Misbehaving.
"Well-behaved women seldom make history.' --Laurel Thatcher Ulrich"
I heartily agree. Check out this site for some Misbehaving.
"Even music" sales to reach 11.7 trillion by 2008
Via Paul Resnikoff over at Digital music news:
"PricewaterhouseCoopers has released a global entertainment and media outlook for 2004-2008, projecting robust growth overall. "E&M" spending will grow at an annual rate of 6.3%, reaching a total revenue base of 11.7 trillion by 2008. 2003 saw a growth rate of 4.2 percent, with a revenue total of $1.2 trillion. The Asia/Pacific region will drive the upward trend, with China and India leading the growth curve. The US will remain the largest market overall.
"Even music" will be part of the upward trend according to thereport: "legal measures against piracy, lower prices, and an improved economy will help start turning the music industry around in 2005, with a projected 2 percent CAGR [compound annual growth rate] for the 2004-2008 period."
The report sees digital distribution as a key driver in the US market: "In the US licensed digital distribution sales increased from $13 million in 2002 to $71 million in 2003 and are projected to rise to $2.2 billion by 2008, becoming the principal driver of growth in the recorded music industry as a whole."
For a digital indie this is music to our ears...
Via Paul Resnikoff over at Digital music news:
"PricewaterhouseCoopers has released a global entertainment and media outlook for 2004-2008, projecting robust growth overall. "E&M" spending will grow at an annual rate of 6.3%, reaching a total revenue base of 11.7 trillion by 2008. 2003 saw a growth rate of 4.2 percent, with a revenue total of $1.2 trillion. The Asia/Pacific region will drive the upward trend, with China and India leading the growth curve. The US will remain the largest market overall.
"Even music" will be part of the upward trend according to thereport: "legal measures against piracy, lower prices, and an improved economy will help start turning the music industry around in 2005, with a projected 2 percent CAGR [compound annual growth rate] for the 2004-2008 period."
The report sees digital distribution as a key driver in the US market: "In the US licensed digital distribution sales increased from $13 million in 2002 to $71 million in 2003 and are projected to rise to $2.2 billion by 2008, becoming the principal driver of growth in the recorded music industry as a whole."
For a digital indie this is music to our ears...
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