8.30.2009

Forget Aleksandr Orlov this is 'simples'.



Has anyone else been wondering what's happened to the simple things in life? Like getting a 99 ice cream cone for actually 99p, ringing someone rather than tweeting them or going out to your favourite bar to dance and not have to feel like you're a dog guarding it's teritory. Okay so I can't imagine weeing on a dancefloor either but I can and will admit that I do on the grassy dancefloor of festivals (n.b. I don't pee where everyone is dancing, that's gross and once my friend had a soggy and steaming leg after a guy did it to her) - sorry Ali.


So I know that festival season is nearly officially over, Reading and Leeds mark the end pretty much... however there is one simple and straightforward fest on it's way next weekend which I am pretty hyped about! It's called Offset Festival and it's a wee baby at only one year and 359 days old. It had the NME saying that it had "the best line-up of the summer" last year, what a great christening pressie! The reason I say it's simple is because of it's simply amazing line-up of just pure class bringing old and new together not to mention it's simple ethos of saying no to over-priced festivals.


Set in the beautiful surrounding of Hainault Forest Country Park, just 30 minutes from Central London it's definitely picture perfect. Previous bands have included the Maccabees, Young Knives and Johnny Foreigner. This years line-up is nothing to sniff at either, personal highlights on the list include Metronomy, The XX, The Horrors, The Slits, Bombay Bicycle Club and The Ghost of a Thousand it really is going to make other festivals this year look totally inadequate.


The 200 bands will play over two days (5th-6th September) on 8 stages, tickets are still available and on sale here. £55 for a ticket. SIMPLES.


8.11.2009

Always look on the Wob side of life...


If you haven't heard his immense remix of Ellie Goulding's 'Starry Eyed' then where the heck have you been?? Most likely you've been stranded on a desert island for a matter of months with nothing but a basketball named Wilson for company. If that isn't the case then shame on you!


I saw one of Jakwob (James Jacob)'s first headline slots back in his hometown of Lincoln in April, he hails from the land of Moda and BBC R1 In New DJ's We Trust Jaymo and Andy George.... not a bad look in the slightest. Infact he played Moda, supporting Shinichi Osawa a few weeks after I was first introduced to his slick 'Starry Eyed' rework. He was probably shocked at myself and my mate Aisha going crazy for Starry Eyed, reciting every word and pretty much dancing like maniacs. When he plays he is accompanied by his MC mate who definitely adds something unique to the show.


At only the beginning of his twenties he's already played on the Relentless Stage at Wakestock (or should that be Wobstock??) and by looking at his up-coming events he's set to hit stateside very soon! He's being backed by the likes of Huw Stephen's and The Street's Mike Skinner - can't be bad ay! He really is a sound guy and happy to chat to anyone at his gigs, not like so many arrogant dj's that precede him and he's pretty attractive too. I like how he keeps the original track intact but offers a new look, easy to listen to especially if you're new to the dub way of life.


(Moda May '09 Lincoln)


Mr Huw Stephens is hosting a night for Jakwob at The Social (Little Portland St, W1, London) tonight! Head down at 9pm to support dubstep's next big thing! I'll see you all there, yes? You never know Mr Skinner himself might show his face.

8.05.2009

Muchos love for Muchuu.




As a addict of cute, kitsch music I was in my element when I came across the twee sounds of Muchuu. The band comprises of a couple of pretty youngster with comparatively pretty names; Milky and George (not to be confused with Zippy and George)!

You'd like them if you are a fan Lykke Li, Metric & Those Dancing Days.

A particular track that stands out for me is 'Somebody Tell Me' where the beauty of Milky's vocal is met with some lovely fiddly notes which altogether make up for a soothing track with an air of mystery (think Pink Panther meets the Magic Roundabout plus a little Kumbiar moment). I love it.

With just over 500 friends on Myspace they are still just taking off so I wanted to take the opportunity to spread the Muchuu love.

The twosome are currently busy recording their first release and have explained that gigs will be more like parties with cupcakes in castles and cathedrals. TASTY!!

You can check them out in session with Huw Stephens on Radio1 - listen again online here.



8.04.2009

New clothing company from Eio.


Described as the rebellious wild child on their website, this uber cool brand is the new sister company of Eio Clothing (eioclothing.com).

"Rakes and Strays represents a sympathy with the past; of tailored garments, distressed materials and hand-drawn and painted works of art."

Picture a smooth maverick walking down a dusty track with a gui
tar thrown over his shoulder with a damsel in his view. A gem of sweat slowly trickles down his glistening sculpted chest... okay maybe I'm enjoying that image a little too much.

But seriously there's something for all, whether you're a fan of simple concise designs or fierce logos it's time to get rebellious and get some R&S in your wardrobe.

Want some original and unique designs in your grubby mitts? Get involved with their latest competition and you could be the proud owner of £100 worth of the new Rakes & Strays collection.

After having a look at the collection on the website I want to get my crayons out and get a doodlin'!

Favourite guy's tee - Watercolour Girl £29.95 // Favourite girl's tee - Dandelions £29.95

4.11.2009

buses are far too easy to compare to men...

...and I don't even like public transport.

Where to begin, last night saw two confession of L. Nearly the L word anyway. And not on my part (for once), ha that makes me sound like a right needy fool, alas I am far from it.

So, the men. One is my ex who I have mentioned in a previous blog, a bit too emotionally advanced so to speak... I think I used the word 'psycho' before, he's not but definitely over-emotional. And the other is a friend who I've known for ages, I use to really like him but he never showed any interest so I left for uni and moved on with my life. Now that I have no feelings for him he confesses that I am "the most beautiful girl in the world" and "have the pick of all the guys". Both statements I obviously disagree with. Maybe those statements are more fitting to Scarlet Johanson or someone comparably as attractive.

It's definitely flattering to say the least but hard, part of me thinks, give it a go with the one who drowns you in compliments but surely I'd be misleading him? It would be like drowning a kitten - completely and utterly devastating for him. He's sweet and caring and offers to take me to the zoo and give me an allowence for buying vintage clothes but there's just not that spark. Well I say spark with complete innocence and naivity, I've never been in love - maybe that spark it just something in novels and films? The spark between Bella and Edward in Twilight is pretty remarkable, they know that they are supposed to be together, how can you know after only just meeting someone. It's mad.

I know that a 'real life' Edward Cullen won't be waiting for me in a cafe or on a national express, I'm not deluded.

My friends tell me not to just settle for someone because I can, which is true and makes sense but I don't know what I'm missing out on do I?

I think I'm going to delve into New Moon and read more about my favourite couple. Until next time....

Vickee xo

3.22.2009

I had a revelation last night whilst soberly trying to stay awake at Mikaela's 21st birthday, and it goes a little something like this...

I fear that I intimidate guys. Sounds silly I know, but I've noticed for the major part of my adult years that guys will look at me, watch me dance but never really approach me. I've always felt that I am an extremely approachable kind of girl, I never have a bad word to say about anyone and I have time for anyone (within reason). Maybe it's partly to do with me, maybe in my subconscious I don't want to be approached - maybe I give off 'leave me alone' signals. But I want someone to take the plunge and try, it's almost like no one makes the effort anymore. Or is it because I act quite reserved sometimes, I don't put myself (well my breasts) out there enough. Hmm, I'm not too sure. I think I'll continue to blame my height, it's the easiest thing to blame. Especially when you're 5"10 and you enjoy wearing heels that make you up to about 6". Yes I'll blame my height.

Oh I had my twenty first birthday party by the way! It went really well, after a lot of slight disasters. But in the end it was perfect. I'm feeling slightly different now I am older, more appreciative of things, more ambitious than before and set on making something special for myself after I finish uni. I'll leave you with that note of positivity :)

Vickee xo

2.26.2009

Thought I deserved a break...

... from my nasty dissertation.

Time for an update I believe. Where did I leave off last time? Oh yes... Valentines day! Just to sum it up - Laura told her boyfriend that she loves him, well rather the glowsticks in the garden did (which are still there). And yes of course he said it back, we all knew he would. Well he didn't say it back he brought her a lovely dress and stuck it in a box with a big bow and wrote a little 'I love you' note in top. Bless. So she's been pretty cheery.

Ollie had a great time getting sweaty in the mosh pit with strange boys, whilst drunkenly sending texts to his ex-boyfriend proclaiming his love. They are now back together. He also took a picture of a puddle of vomit and sent it to Laura, using it to describe her romance with Ben... she got an appology the next day.

I did what I said and stayed in, didn't watch the film though... just crashed out. Whilst receiving texts from my psycho of an ex... he just won't get the message that I don't want to be anything, not friends, not anything. It gets really frustrating sometimes, and I hate to ignore him and pretend that he doesn't exist because it must hurt a lot but I really don't have any other option. It's been a good week since I last heard from him, one can only hope he has the message loud and clear but I will keep you updated if things change.

Quite a lot has happend since I last posted. Birthday planning is full steam ahead (T minus 16 days). I have received my package of lovely confectionary which I will be putting around the venue. I've got my wristbands too, which I will be decorating in the next few days. Speakers are slowly getting sorted. I still think £150 is too steep but hey ho... I want everyone to hear the tunes!

Went to the Moda relaunch last Friday. Moda is always a success and Friday was wild. I met one of my favourite DJ's and we danced and had a cheeky smooch. I remember drunkly telling him "Your song is my ringtone" or something to that effect. Gosh. I then danced for absolutely hours whilst Futurecop! played their live set. Catching the eye of another certain Dj and enjoying the rest of the night with him. All in all an unforgetable night. Thanks Moda.

Head to their website if you fancy checking out what Moda is all about www.thisismoda.com Next up is Calvin Harris (dj set) and Autokratz at the Engine Shed, Lincoln on the 6th March. Not to be missed!

My dissertation is still on-going. Nearly completed my Literature review, may need to change the name of my blogspot soon!

I'm looking forward to Saturday, I'm heading home to Milton Keynes for the night. My friend Jackson turned twenty one yesterday so we are celebrating fancy dress styleee! I've opted to go as Barbie. It's something that I feel very passionate about, I've always wanted to dress like a complete pink, frilly, long-haired, high-heeled bimbo and now I can and get away with it. My plan was to make a giant hairbrush but I haven't had the time unfortunately. I spent last night chopping into my blonde wig, which is looking very Mean Girls esque. I may post up a photo when I am fully transformed, I hope to shock and terrify.

So yes, this is me for another week. Best get back to reading tons of journals and books.

Vickee xo