Author Archive

Boris at The El Rey Theatre

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A little while back, Omeed and I caught Boris at The El Rey Theatre here in Los Angeles. I had never before had the opportunity to see them live. We were so excited, the entire drive there we were just talking about how the show might be: if they brought their own gear to the states, did they borrow a bus from sunn O))), etc. The opening act, Red Sparrowes, was another band I had not seen live. Frankly, I had never heard of them; however, I think their set was great. Their sound was pretty spot on, the visuals were amazing, and the groove was a great precursor to Boris. Continue reading →

2010
09/10
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Fuck Yeah(No) Fest

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Fuck Yeah Fest was yesterday, and of course I’m still feelin’ it. As with any show/fest/what have you, there were ups and downs. Unfortunately the up was arriving at the show, and the down was everything to follow. I arrived around 1:30 to find $20 parking and a will call line six blocks long. It was a little over 90 degrees and only getting hotter. By the time I got inside, all stages were up and running. The comedy tent was full and the venue had pretty much run out of water. With thousands of visitors, most of whom were too young to wait the forty minutes to get into the beer garden and buy a cup of overpriced PBR, there were bound to be problems. The venue, L.A. Historic National park, was little more than large dirt pit and a few small half-dead patches of grass. Up until the minute the sun went down, the thing to do was find shade, of which there wasn’t much while trying to relax and avoid being hassled by the overwhelming amount of security, park rangers, and local cops (not to mention ghetto birds). Continue reading →

2010
09/05
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Cynic: Stateside

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Cynic began their US tour a few nights ago at the El Rey here in Los Angeles. I, like many of you, made sure I was there to witness the melodic mayhem firsthand. After a few navigational mishaps, I arrived around 9:30. Walking in, I found I had missed Intronaut. A wave of frustration swept over me. As I gasped for air, I also reached for a cold beer. Frustration subsided. I made my rounds as the house lights brightened, telling us all it was time to use the restroom or grab a drink while the headliners set up. I had actually come at the perfect time. Continue reading →

2010
07/26
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Artist Visit: Tiki Jay

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Last weekend I had the opportunity to spend time with Tiki Jay, one of L.A.’s most renowned underground artists. We spent our time in Hollywood, where he and his crew worked together to print his new run of hand-pulled silkscreen posters and stickers on both bleached and unbleached newsprint, as well as some really high quality vinyl. This was the first run of his very first set of screens, making it a rather interesting learning process for all of us. After a few hours of sweatshop labor in the ungodly heat of the studio space, they had their routine down solid, cranking out print after print in a kind of assembly line fashion. It was a sight to see. Continue reading →

2010
06/13
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Constructive Destruction 3

Here is yet another art show not to be missed, and I’ll tell you why: I’m in it. This show, put on by LD LMT, is the debut of the film Constructive Destruction 3, which showcases today’s finest freight train painters. The film is shot by dozens of contributors, including some of the artists themselves. The event will include the premiere viewing of the film and freight train photography by several benchers, myself included. (Benching is a term used to describing the hobby in which you find and explore train yards to view the art painted on them, most often photographing what you find.) This is going to be huge. Great photography, great film, and giveaways by the sponsors, who, might I say, are incredible. You can no doubt expect event coverage to follow, including the usual expansive photo gallery and video walkthrough.

Be sure to check back the day after the show for updates. I fully expect to see all of you there; this could end up being the show of the year. You’ll notice that, unlike every other show I’ve suggested, this one costs money. The $5 entry fee, however, is a small price to pay to see the first showing of this major film, not to mention the great art being showcased and the possibility to win your money back in the form of prizes/giveaways.

For now, check out the full length Constructive Destruction 3 after the jump, and follow this link for directions. Continue reading →

2010
06/08
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Interview: Mike Fearo (DCV, UTI)

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with world-renowned artist Fear. We spent our time chatting about what he has been up to recently, and what we can expect to see from him in the coming future.

the Crossing: Starting off with the basics, what is your name?

Fear: Fear–I go by Fear (Fearo, Fear one)

tC: What crews do you represent?
F: I represent DCV, a crew I started in 1988. I’m also down with UTI and BLA.

tC: And where are you from?
F: I come out of Los Angeles, California. Bellflower to be exact.

tC: Cool. So how long have you been painting?
F: I started painting in 1983, I was painting a kind of street graffiti. It wasn’t what you see today. In 1984 is when I became FEAR ONE. Continue reading →

2010
06/07
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Music Philosophy

Today, we take a quick look at two of my favorite things: music and typography. We travel over to the not-so-cleverly-named Music Philosophy, where music lover and graphic designer Mico tells us,

I am a designer. I like music and typography. So I combined them on this Project because I had nothing better to do.

Mico creates stunning typographical imagery on a weekly basis using his favorite music quotes, from AC/DC to the Moldy Peaches, Jay-Z to John Lennon. While you can submit your own quotes to be rendered, there are currently a few dozen to look through. Mico suggests the bright colors and fun, interesting shapes look great as a mobile phone desktop wallpaper; I say they look great, period. I may have to request a few prints to display as a series. Go explore, find your favorite track, and venture the relm of artistic lettering.

2010
06/02
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Featured Artist: Terry Richardson

Terry Richardson is that rare sort of artist who inspires as much debate as his work: he seems to be one of the most outlandish individuals walking the earth today. This “American original” was born in New York to fashion photographer Bob Richardson, but grew up in Hollywood, where he started shooting while still in high school. He shoots using a kind of snapshot aesthetic befitting his candid personality and, though his work has been featured in such publications as Vogue, i-D, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, and Purple, Richardson seems to remain under the radar. Continue reading →

2010
05/28
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First Annual Black Book Sessions (UPDATE: Event coverage)

Those of you kind enough to recall the recent event at Known gallery I mentioned, take note: not only is this another twofer, it’s on the same night as the opening at Known. Best of all, the two are only a few blocks away from each other. This should prove to be an amazing event. Gallery 6ixty6 is hosting a gala of its own, also on the 22nd of this month, the first part of which is a showing by MZK crew, such legendary Los Angeles graffiti artists as TEWSR, and special guests photographer Spencer 14.2.1 and artist Dytch 66.

The second helping of creativity comes in the form of the first annual Blackbook Session, a live drawing exhibit by the artists listed below. For the uninitiated, a black book is a sketch book that graffiti artists regularly use, sometimes for collecting different artists’ works. This could be a chance to go home with a one-of-a-kind creation, guys. The event is sponsored by Copic Markers, a sign that the work will be of the highest quality. As always, bet on me being there, and come say hello.

Details are as follows: Continue reading →

2010
05/20
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Slayer: “Beauty Through Order”

I don’t think I need to say anything about this new Slayer video directed by Ben Hibon, but I will anyway: It’s fucking amazing!

A collaboration between More Soon and Ben Hibon. Produced by Blink.

Watch it and decide for yourself.

2010
05/13
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