Arcade44 » Angela Cravens

Tattoo You // Nick Doyle

arcader — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:39:52 +0000

“I’m looking for situations where I can not only think differently, but live differently,” explained artist Nick Doyle when the Arcade visited him recently. It was the eve of the closing of Alchemy, a recent exhibition at 7Eleven Gallery in NYC, and we took a spin through the group collection that included Doyle’s large-scale installation “Smoke and Mirrors,” offering a Godzilla-esque thrill for visitors who are allowed to manipulate the work, stimulating a volcano eruption over a city. Doyle has also been experimenting with tattooing, which he creates in the style of Russian prison tattoos. Doyle’s friend Borden Capalino patiently allowed the Arcade to capture the process as Doyle created a new work. Alchemy—as 7Eleven described it in exhibition materials—is a “philosophy applied to the world, to the elements, and to man himself,” which seems perfectly illustrative of Doyle’s interpretation. That which lasts and that which falls to dust—it’s all part of the experiences created by the LA-born artist making his mark in New York.

Up next for Doyle is Tom Sachs’ Space Program at the Park Avenue Armory in May. 7Eleven Gallery is between exhibitions, but stop by the gift shop for unique jewelry, books and original works of art.

—Angela Cravens

Bigger Stage // LP

arcader — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:46:20 +0000

With a voice like this, we’re certain LP will be replaying on the main stage for the year to come. Enjoy part 2 of our live coverage of LP performing for the SXSW crowd.

Into the Wild // LP

arcader — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:28:00 +0000

She’s written songs for everyone from Rihanna and Christina Aguilera to Erik Hassle, but with her breakthrough track “Into the Wild,” Laura Pergolizzi—better known as LP—is taking her ukulele-backed sound to the top. As she performed her hit for a sweaty, eager crowd at SXSW, her rousing vocals proved this LP is gearing up for a serious long play.

SXSW // Quantic + Alice Russell

arcader — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:15:27 +0000

It’s impossible to see Alice Russel sing live—as we did on a sunny afternoon at SXSW—and not get chills. The UK chanteuse has the kind of voice that will work its way into your mind and just won’t let go. Paired with her regular collaborator, producer/DJ Quantic, Alice’s old soul chops fast-forward into the new century. We stole a moment with the pair backstage, when we got them talking about the stirrings of soul, new music, and recording in Cali, Colombia, where Quantic has built his Sonido del Valle studio.

My Life // Cris Cab

arcader — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:46:29 +0000

The pop world is getting a breath of fresh air, care of Floridian reggae-head Cris Cab. He’s already caught the eye of Pharrell Williams and Wyclef. Like what you see? Check out his “Angels and Demons” and “Good Girls,” all shot live at SXSW!

Angels and Demons // Cris Cab

arcader — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:19:39 +0000

We’ve got a breath of fresh air for Arcade Players today, filmed live on the scene at SXSW. With a rousing reggae-infused lilt, Florida rocker and all-around good guy Cris Cab is about to break some hearts. For the moment, we’re digging his sunny approach to pop, recently experienced on his Echo Boom mixtape. He’s already won over Pharrell, Rihanna and Wyclef. Look out, world—you’re next.

SXSW // Janka Nabay

arcader — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:27:15 +0000

During SXSW, concert goers take in an absurd amount of music. Hyper-stimulated on every level, it is easy for the lines to blur from one band to the next. Unfortunately, for many bands, playing their hearts out is just not enough to get noticed in the SXSW sea. Enter Janka Nabay. To say that Nabay and his Bubu Gang stand out amongst the 20-something year-old indie bands is an understatement. We are safe to bet that Janka Nabay and the Bubu Gang were the only band repping “bubu music” during SXSW, and needless to say this got our attention. Nabay’s showcase, in a backyard on the East Side of Austin, was a welcomed vacation for our ears. The crowd was dancing, the vibe was just right. Although Nabay completely won our hearts when we interviewed him at the W Austin, seeing him live and in action sealed the deal. New York is lucky to now claim the former Sierra Leonean as one of our own.

Janka Nabay will be releasing a first full-length on David Byrne’s Luaka Bop, coming this June!

- Annick Mayer

SXSW // Ramona Falls

arcader — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:51:36 +0000

Brent Knopf of Ramona Falls is a very funny guy, in addition to being an amazing singer/songwriter, of course. He had us cracking up for pretty much the entire interview. Ramona Falls is a band based out of Portland, Oregon, supplying the masses with beautifully thematic tunes. Knopf (also in the band Menomena) will be releasing his Sophomore album as Ramona Falls, called Prophet, May 1st on Barsuk Records and touring throughout the Spring in support of the album! “With Ramona Falls I am exploring what I stand for which makes it more personal to me,” says Knopf, “I’m less worried now about being made fun of, than I was before.” It’s hard to picture Knopf as someone who would shy away from putting it all out there, but better late than never. Keep on doing what you are doing Brent.

Catch Ramona Falls on tour this Spring across the States. Hitting NYC on 06/12 at Glasslands and 06/14 at Mercury Lounge

- Annick Mayer

SXSW // GUARDS

arcader — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:05:48 +0000

We managed to get all five members of GUARDS up on the W Austin’s wet deck for an early morning cup of coffee, mid SXSW madness. No easy feat. We talked about Chevys, being a Manhattan band, rather than a Brooklyn one, how GUARDS came to be, and how Richie Follin of GUARDS happens to be the big brother of Madeline Follin of Cults. We had so much fun hanging with the band, and actually ended up running into these guys a few times around Austin. We are anxiously awaiting their first full album, especially after seeing what these guys are all about live. For those of you who may think that Manhattan is dead, GUARDS will prove that music on the island is alive and well. Don’t call it comeback.

Catch GUARDS at Mercury Lounge in NYC on Apr 26th

- Annick Mayer

SXSW // Wild Belle

arcader — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:39:17 +0000

There must have been something in the water at the Bergman’s. This is our only explanation why two siblings can be as talented (and gorgeous we might add) as Natalie and Elliot Bergman of Wild Belle. Taking a quick break from their hectic SXSW schedule, the brother/sister duo sat down to chat with the Arcade. Wild Belle was definitely one of the most talked about bands from SXSW this year, and we are pumped to show you why. Natalie and Elliott cannot be described without using the word “cool.” They oozed cool, effortlessly. Their music, a reggae/soul hybrid, is exactly the way you would imagine them to sound. Mellow, sultry, wonderful.

- Annick Mayer