no.5one year anniversary

Exclusively @Jeffre Scott Apothecary 6432 Rea Rd Charlotte, NC 28277

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10 art_jessica sea

12 art_bob dob

16 fashion_street wear

18 fashion_yvette

22 fashion_locally sewn

24 fashion_distilled

28 fashion_sanctify sartorial

33 showcase_interview with michael kitchen

34 fashion_street style

36 come on-a my house

40 fashion_train gang

44 showcase_brother reade

46 cool kids_blü issue no.4 release party at the forum

contents

founder/publisher/photographernico amorteguinico@blu-magazine.com

fashion editor/creative directorcamila amorteguicamila@blu-magazine.com

fashion editorscarleen shanklemckinna hahnsofia bukin

copy editorlaine dedmon

contributing writersrenee philbeckmyk patematthew brownmeagan long

street team/art assistantsmyk patemeagan longkacey bradfordivy mak

contributing photographersrichard bakkertf and narmeagan longandy ramirezivy mak

contributing artistskevin taylorlina zoochris watts

cover creditsphotography: richard bakker

Blü Magazine is published quarterly in Charlotte, NC. There are only limited quantities printed of this magazine. We are an independently run magazine, so please show your support by giving us feedback and advertising so we can stay alive. If you would like to be part of our team or submit work, please visit blu-magazine.com for more information. Blü Magazine’s content may not be reproduced without written permission.

Issue no.5 _ January - March

who is blü

3644 card st. charlotte, nc 28205 www.blu-magazine.comwww.myspace.com/bluimage

please recycle me

.01 name: t. f. harden and nicole anne robbins (tf & nar)where are you from? los angeles, ca.where do you live? los angeles, ca.what did you contribute to blü? a black and white spread with a beautiful blonde model.favorite color? black.favorite place in the world? new york and paris.top 3 bands of all time? radiohead, blonde redhead, death from above 1979.what inspires you? we are inspired by each other, and also by raw, emotive, open people. favorite artist? klimt.cocktail, beer or coffee? coffee.early bird or night owl? early birds.how would define fashion? fashion is ever changing; it is like waves in the ocean, they come and go and are beautiful every time they pass. describe your dream life in one word: elation.

.02 name: richard bakkerwhere are you from? voorschoten, the netherlands.where do you live? leiden, the netherlands.what did you contribute to blü? a series called yvettefavorite color? blue, but pale-blue.favorite place in the world? patagonia, chile.top 3 bands of all time? pink floyd, pearl

jam, ltj bukem.digital or analogue? digital.what inspires you? many others.favorite artist? steven meisel.cocktail, beer or coffee? coffee!!early bird or night owl? both, unfortunately.how would define fashion? unreal.describe your dream life in one word: shooting under a consistent ray of sunlight, without having to think about income or taxes.

.03 name: renée philbeckwhere are you from? the bustling metropolis of shelby, nc.where do you live? charlotte.what did you contribute to blü? interview with bob dob.favorite color? shades of blue and green.favorite place in the world? so far, isla zapatilla, panama has the prize.top 3 bands of all time? of all time? i appreciate the classics... bob marley and the wailers, the doors, led zeppelin. digital or analogue? both have their virtues....what inspires you? the incredible resilience of humanity.favorite artist? for images: roy lichtenstein; for words: jacques pervert.cocktail, beer or coffee? depends on the time of day... coffee is a must in the morning, but it magically becomes a cocktail with one little addition!early bird or night owl? i seem to be both

these days.how would define fashion? art that can be worn. the ultimate in self-expression.best place to meet people in charlotte? anywhere, as long as you're open to it.favorite local store? chez elle in south park.favorite hang out spot? thomas st. tavern, cosmo's on thursday nights, or on my terrace with good friends and a bottle of wine. favorite local restaurant? taquería la única on central.what do you like about charlotte? being in a city that is changing daily - going through its adolescence. what would you change about charlotte? better public transit!

.04 name: sparkles hillwhere are you from? flint, michigan. where do you live? charlotte, north carolina.what did you contribute to blü? the hair fashion. favorite color? primary colors. favorite place in the world? saint lucia.top 3 bands of all time? frankie beverly and maze, aerosmith, and black eye peas.what inspires you? my mother’s dream, my father’s vision, my children’s smile and my freedom.favorite artist? mozart.cocktail, beer or coffee? cockbeerfee, actually chai tea latte.early bird or night owl? early owl and a

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contributors

contributors

night bird.how would define fashion? haute.describe your dream life in one world: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.best place to meet people in charlotte? trader joe’s.favorite local stores? paper skyscraper and Hong Kong Vintagefavorite hang out spot? apostrophe. favorite local restaurant? cantina 1511what do you like about charlotte? the clean environment, it helps me with my creativity - no clutter.what would you change about charlotte? i would not change a thing, just add to it.

.05 name: kevin taylor (radar)where do you live? charlotte (noda)what did you contribute to blu? spread and new website.favorite color? black (although considered achromatic, it can be considered a color).favorite place in the world? probably las vegas (it's like the real world internet).top 3 bands of all time? black sabbath, dfa 1979 (rip), coma league.what inspires you? friends and environment.favorite artist? parra (amsterdam).cocktail, beer or coffee? beer & vodka.early bird or night owl? night owl for sure.how would define fashion? jeans and a t-shirt.describe your dream life in one word: bang!best place to meet people in charlotte? what type of people do you wanna meet?favorite local stores? niche / black sheep.favorite hang out spot? camden block / noda (to lay low). forum / sugar society events (to tie one on).favorite local restaurant? revolution / cabo fish taco.what do you like about charlotte? it still has that new city smell.what would you change about charlotte? add more bike lanes and institute the four day work week.

.06 name: lina maría zuluagawhere are you from? originally from the equator in the capital city of the colombian department of risaralda. it stands in the center of the western region of the country, in a small valley that descends from the western andes

mountain chain. find it.what did you contribute to blü? i was a moving mannequin & i did some typography/design related things.favorite color? mermaid green and yellow.favorite place in the world? underwater.top 3 bands of all time? impossible. but lately: my bloody valentine, animal collective, grizzly bear, poney express and au revoir simone.digital or analogue? library books, but online tutorials and la blogotheque.what inspires you? bill murray, communication issues, movie titles and the zoom tool.favorite artist? my three obsessions: buñuel - dali - lorca. also, michelangelo antonioni and www.fuel-design.com.cocktail, beer or coffee? bubble tea.early bird or night owl? night bird.best place to meet people in charlotte? in the checkout line at the grocery store.favorite hang out spot? the neighborhood.favorite local restaurant? los paisas on south blvd. what do you like about charlotte? the panthers.what would you like to see different in charlotte? i'd like to see more people walking their pets.

.07 name: matthew brownwhere are you from? raised in northern new jersey, but have been in charlotte for the past 11 years.where do you live? charlotte, nc.what did you contribute to blü? brother reade interview.favorite color? green is pretty dope, it all depends on what the color is being displayed on.favorite place in the world? i still have a lot more traveling to do, so i can't determine that quite yet.top 3 bands of all time? mazzy star is my ultimate favorite. digital or analogue? digital. gotta take advantage of technology. what inspires you? truth.favorite artist? assuming this is visual artists, i'd probably have to say barry mcgee.cocktail, beer or coffee? coffee if i had to choose out of the three. water and tea are still the top 2.early bird or night owl? i function my best mid-day.how would define fashion? constantly

changing, not always for the better.describe your dream life in one word: conscious. best place to meet people in charlotte? it seems like most people in charlotte already know each other. favorite local stores? niche (both), borders, rugged warehouse.favorite hang out spot? my office at work. it seems i'm there all the time…favorite local restaurant? pho chay at saigon palace is the heat, get on it.what do you like about charlotte? my peoples, the potential, the cleanliness. what would you like to see different in charlotte? less people complaining about how there's no good art or music scenes here, and more people contributing to the ones that already exist.

.08 name: donald glen doolittle iiwhere do you live? charlotte-concord line.what did you contribute to blü? my person/image.favorite color? blu… duh!favorite place in the world? the mainly rainy plains of spain.top 3 bands of all time? (off the top of my mind) radiohead, anything related to richard hell or nick cave, and maybe dylan. i really don’t have an ultimate top 3, unless i can say yardwork 3 times.digital or analogue? depends on what we’re talking about. but i’ll just say analog because it sounds cooler.what inspires you? trauma.favorite artist? don’t really have one… at this moment it might be basquiat. but it could potentially be anybody but shepard fairey, warhol or julian schnabel.cocktail, beer or coffee? all three, in that order.early bird or night owl? neither lately.describe your dream life in one word: easy.best place to meet people in charlotte? speedstreet or the williams' residence.favorite local stores? lunchbox records.favorite hang out spot? my girlfriend’s apartment.favorite local restaurant? does the common market count?what do you like about charlotte? the milestone and the weather, sometimes.what would you change about charlotte? i would be king. (don’t worry, i’d be a nice one).

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How long have you been making art? I have been drawing nearly all of my life. I remember when I was four, my preschool class had to decorate a paper doll with the career we hoped we would end up with. I chose an artist. I never deviated from that decision. Okay, once in middle school, I wanted to be an anesthesiologist, but whom was I fooling?

What inspired your beginning? I was making really terrible art for a very long time, art that I was unhappy with. When I was around nineteen, I decided I would make the things that I like and not worry that it was macabre or off-kilter.

Have you received any formal art education or are you self-taught? I took art all through elementary and high school and a few courses in college. I feel it helped to establish the groundwork for my interest in art as well as in understanding some of the fundamental things like composition and color-theory. For the most part, I think my art was more born of my own research on artists that I think are interesting and trial and error drawing.

What medium do you prefer to work with in your drawings? Micron 005s always and forever, gouache, Prismacolor markers, and spit.

What else do you explore outside of drawing? I write short little stories to myself. I hope to finish a children’s book at some point. It will probably be something along the lines of Edward Gorey’s, Gashlycrumb Tinies. I also read an awful lot, mostly comic books, graphic novels, fairy tales, and short stories.

Your works are mostly portraits. From where does that stem? I am very interested in people, in establishing a connection between the viewer and the subject. When I am drawing, the number one question I ask myself is: “Does this make me feel anything?” I hope that when someone looks at my work, they do.

Your work seems to make a relation between people and nature. Is this purposeful and what is the meaning behind it? Most of the creatures, trees, and mountains are anthropomorphic, so I think it’s easy to have them relate to each other. Also, I don’t know how to draw inside-of-house things – so there’s that.

Tell us about your first art show. The first show I set up at my friend’s house. I didn’t put anything up for sale because I was afraid of parting with my work. It was crowded and I was really nervous because I had never really shown anyone anything before. I kept hiding in the bathroom and then I left early.

What other shows stand out to you that you have been a part of? The show at Black Sheep has to be my absolute favorite. The space lent itself perfectly to the set up of the artists and I am incredibly grateful for the exposure I gained from it.

What place would you consider to be the most suitable for display of your artwork? Seeing my work in my friends’ houses gives me the best feeling. Also, any place that isn’t too serious, cracked walls and chipped paint, bad lighting, good music, that’s an ideal setting.

What local artists do you admire? Irene Nguyen is an amazing artist and designer. Her clothing line, Hand in Glove, I am in awe of.

National / International? All of the creators of Byzantine art, Marcel Dzama, Ray Caesar, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Neckface, Camille

personal showcase

Local artist, Jessica Sea, shares her daydreams and tells us a story.

personal showcase

11 blü magazineinterview by meagan long

Rose Garcia, Junji Ito, Kazuo Umezu, Daniel Clowes, Hayao Miyazaki, Mike Mignola, and Henry Darger.

Who is your muse? All of my friends, fairy tales, my religious upbringing, and animals.

What is your dream pet? A goat girl, or in reality, another turtle.

Tell us what you think about the direction of local art and the culture that surrounds it. From what I have seen, I think most local art is a reaction to our surroundings; what the artist chooses to do with it either makes it beautiful or otherwise. Some of the best art I have seen lately has been on fliers for local bands, so, obviously, I think that music in Charlotte is a direct influence on the art.

How can Charlotte become a more creative and influential city? On occasion, there are a few things that are amazing, but for the most part, the art openings are like a craft fair. Who really wants to see decorated spoons and the same painting of a landscape that was overdone when the Barbizon School first started? The people that see this, and want to remedy it, which I wholly admire, are creating the amazing things. We need more people like that.

Where do you see your art taking you? Hopefully up and out of what I am doing right now. A lot of my art is made as a reaction to the place I am in right now, but I don’t think I will lose any influence by making my life a little better.

Where would you like to be in the future? In a constant state of creativity based on my surroundings.

Have you seen any good films lately or read any good books?I just watched Brand Upon the Brain, which is a surreal silent film that was amazing. I just finished Suspiria, a horror film that handles its murders in really elaborate, ridiculous ways, which was also awesome. As for books, I am currently reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll. I generally read two or three books at the same time, so I am also re-reading We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, which is one of my all-time favorite books.

Where do you find your clothes? Right now, I am really into Japanese fashion, so I collect tiny bits of things from sellers on-line. I buy the majority of my clothes from normal stores, I just try to look for the most interesting plain thing there is and wear it strangely. The only rules I have for how I dress are “no pants and no

brown.” Most of my accessories are either from the children’s department or second-hand from my grandmother, mother, or a junk-shop.

How can we find more of your work? Where can we find your next show? I have a MySpace (page) for my art www.myspace.com/saintedbeargirl (named after a portrait of Anna Nicole I drew with a mandorla and bear ears). I am also setting up an etsy account for prints; my user name will be apexpredators, so look for it! As for art shows, I don’t have anything coming up right now, but hopefully soon since I have a lot of new things to show. Will you tell us a story? Once there was a tiny goat girl who was very selfish. She wanted to be as loved and looked-after as the princess of the forest, so she went to her trees to pick some of her diamonds to adorn herself. Unknowingly, the goat girl mistook the guardians, who were cursed by the trees, for the trees themselves and began to gather up the diamonds with her hooves to put into her crown. So the guardians killed her.

check out blu-magazine.com to view more of Jessica's work

personal showcase

12 blü magazine

Bob Dob

"where crows die"

art

14 blü magazine

"cigar break"

"the man who laughs"

art

It’s monosyllabic, it rhymes and is fun to say; so, we must know, is Bob Dob your real name? Bobby Dobbie

Where are you from and where are you currently? I hail from Hermosa Beach, California. I currently live in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach’s neighbor city.

How long have you been painting? Was there a moment in which you decided to pursue art as a career, or was it a natural progression? About 10 years. Originally I wanted to pursue a career in music, but I didn’t have the patience for the theory. So, I took some art classes, which actually took even more patience. I loved painting so I stuck with it.

What about your choice of medium? Oil on canvas or panel. I like to push the paint around a bit before it dries.

From where do you draw your inspirations to create? Real life experiences with people I’ve met or people I’ve read about. Usually people with a troubled past. Also, classic Disney films have had a great influence as well as old children’s books. I’ve always loved Margaret Keane’s paintings. Those big eyes and button noses are captivating.

Pop culture references give your work a youthful appeal, yet stylistically reminds me of a modern take on the surrealistic greats. Who are your artistic influences from the past and present? Edward Hopper, Margaret Keane, Grant Wood, Rick Griffin, Fernando Botero and Robert Williams are a few of the contemporary artists that have influenced my work.

You have said, “Truth (is shown) through the exaggeration of humor”, which is something Colombian painter, Botero is also known for. The faces/heads you paint have such a distinct look to them, just as Botero’s bodies do – are you a fan? Wow, that’s funny you mentioned him because I love his work. I study his use of color all the time.

Your website mentions that your works depict a “perennial adolescent angst.” Are you yourself angst-ridden? Yes, very much so. I’m a bit of a hypochondriac because of my childhood battle with cancer. Anxiety is a part of my life. I believe that’s why crows are always present in my paintings. They are a constant reminder of my own mortality.

Your pieces have a central character that is either human, or an anthropomorphic creature. What message(s) do you want to convey through their faces and surreal surroundings? I think all of my work somehow relates to my own life in a subtle way. Sometimes I fear my surroundings; and fear is nothing more than false expectations appearing real. Sometimes fear turns to anger, which I think is the message of my character’s facial expressions.

Tell us about Luey, your pill-shaped demon.There are hundreds of Lueys. They’re Satan’s minions. They love milk and cookies and hanging out in windowsills.

You have a cast of characters that reappear in many of your works (the aforementioned Luey, the man with the black hair, the astronaut...).

Who or what do they represent to you? I just love reintroducing certain characters. Some of the characters look similar, but are different.

Any significance to the oft-depicted cigarette smoking? I hate smoking; but it seems to add a human element to the narrative of each character.

There are sarcastic, little details in the background of some of your paintings. Do you enjoy creating them as much as we enjoy finding them? A lot of the background details just happen while I’m painting. Literally, I’ll look at an area of a painting I’m working on and say, “Something needs to go here.” How about Luey passed out drunk with a black eye. It’s very spontaneous, but it all somehow relates to the story.

You’ve got some pretty cool toys for sale on your website. How did toy replicas for the characters you’ve painted develop? My friend Greg Simkins introduced me to Strange Co. in San Francisco and they accepted my idea for Luey. It was very exciting.

What projects or exhibitions do you have going on now? I have a show February 14 at Billy Shire Fine Arts that I’m working on right now. I’ll have a few group shows at La Luz De Jesus in March and Copro Nason in April as well.

And just because we have to know...Are you a fan of the Misfits? Love The Misfits. An American Icon.

interview by renee philbeck

www.bobdob.com

Meet Bob Dob, the mysterious artist with a musical past. From a punk band called, Lunacy to paintings that remind us of fear, angst and mortality, Dob draws us into his shadows.

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street wear

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1.Dress: Hong Kong VintageHeadband: DannJo Jewels from Poole Shop. Leggings: TargetShoes: Malene Birger from Poole Shop2 & 3. Headband and coat from Honk Kong vintage. Shoes: Opening Ceremony from Poole Shop4. T-shirt: M from Black SheepKimono: Hong Kong Vintage. Leggings: American Apparel 5. Shirt: Vintage at Hong Kong Vintage. 6 & 9. Jacket: Ben Sherman from Black and Blue. Pants: Boris & Natasha. Shirt: French Connection from Black and Blue. Shoes: Nike at Niche7. Shirt: Ben Sherman from Boris and Natasha. Belt, pants: Stylist's own8. Shirt: Black and Blue. Sweatshirt: Hong Kong Vintage

local street wear

photography: meagan longstyling: sofia bukin

assistant: kacey bradford

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fashion

19 blü magazine

Photography: Richard Bakker_www.richardbakker.comModel: Yvette at Models in Company

Wardrobe styling: Geraldine Kol_www.parisinstitutestyling.nlMakeup/Hair: Anita Wagner_www.beautyelements.nl

Yvette22 blü magazine

Vest: rabbit fur Vertigo Paris. Top: Liu Jo. Jeans: 7 for all man kind. Boots: Gucci

Opposite page: (Bottom image)Suede jacket: Vila. Dress: D&G(image on right) Coat: Dreikorn

fashion

Yvette21 blü magazine

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Meet Irene from Hand in Glove:When did you decide to become a designer? The thought of being a designer has been with me since I was a young girl. I would attempt to "design" my own clothing by deconstruct-ing/reconstructing old clothes or I would buy cheap fabric and make my own skirt or bag or whatever. The process of actually starting my own label began about a year ago. I just moved back to Charlotte from New York and needed something to do. So, I began redesigning vintage clothing and my mother would help me construct them. How would you describe your designs? I pretty much design items that I would want to wear. There's not one look or one idea behind the designs. The look of the label changes de-pending on my mood or what I am into at that moment. Where do you get your inspiration? I get a lot of my inspira-tions from other artists and designers. Looking at such beauti-ful things will spark a creative fire in me. Sometimes the lines of a drawing or the colors in a photograph will be reflected in one of my designs.Where can we find your designs? Zachary's Smile in New York carries both Recycle I.T. and Hand In Glove. We are work-ing on getting our designs out to a few more boutiques in New York as well as Charlotte. We don't have a website currently, but you can view some of our looks at www.myspace.com/handingloveclothing.Where can Charlotte improve in the fashion scene? I feel that Charlotte is a little behind in the fashion scene. Charlotte needs to have a more open mind when it comes to fashion and not try to mimic every trend they think is cool.Where do you see your line in ten years? Hopefully in more shops across the country and overseas. I would eventually like to own my own shop that could double as our workspace. My goal is to be able to focus solely on the label and for my mother and me not to have full-time jobs to support it.Do you have any partners that you work with? It's just my mother and me. We design, cut, sew, and market it all ourselves. Friends help out as much as possible, mainly by encouraging us, which keeps us motivated. The response has been great. We've been receiving a lot of positive feedback. I think people like the idea that we are a small independent label. What boutiques do you frequent? My favorite boutiques are Opening Ceremony, Zachary's Smile, and Henri Bendel. I love what Boris & Natasha and Poole Shop are doing for Charlotte.What fashion trend are you sick to death of? Tattoo print!Is your collection designed for a specific kind of girl, or is it for anyone out there? I try to design our clothing to fit almost any kind of girl. Most of our designs are building pieces that can be worn as-is, but still have a lot of free range for girls to play with. We didn't want to make anything too complicated or over done, but has the potential to cross that bridge.Are there any fashion rules that you live by? Dress the body that you have, not the body you wish you had.

hand in glove

locally fashion

styling: McKinna HahnModel: Wilhemina/Evolution

www.myspace.com/handingloveclothing

Meet Charlotte's Cream of the Designer Crop

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Meet Anna from Bitchin Kimono:When did you decide to become a designer? After we (my partner and I) realized that we could both sew and were both broke we said, "Hey, let's create a line using recycled fabrics!"How would you describe your designs? We take vintage and recycled materials and make them into modern and relevant pieces.Where do you get your inspiration? The inspiration comes from taking apart other garments and playing with the patterned shapes. We also like to let the fabric speak- if it wants to be a jumper, by gosh a jumper it will be!How would you describe your own style? I am pretty classic; where Marren is more adven-turous. We are both allergic to trends.Where can we find your designs? At Hong Kong VintageHow has Charlotte affected your work? Since Charlotte isn't as established as NY or other cities known for fashion, we've got room for new ideas. We've got to be resourceful!Where can Charlotte improve in the fashion scene? As the city grows and becomes more diverse, we're seeing more people take risks. I actually think we've already come a long way and it's only getting better. We'd like to see more people making clothes.Where do you see your line in ten years? We'd like to work with a collective of other design-ers and artists. And we want to some day mass produce 100% eco-friendly lines.Do you have any partners that you work with? My partner is Marren Hager-Black (currently at FIT in NYC). We've been pals for nearly 10 years and have always collaborated on projects. She's awesome at pattern drafting and I'm better at combining textiles.How has the response been to your line? Really positive! People are so open to what we do.What boutiques do you frequent? We love Boris and Natasha, Hong Kong and Pura Vida (they have an amazing collection of handmade dresses).What fashion trend are you sick to death of? Uggs with miniskirts!!!! OMG!!!!

Meet Alvaro from Alvaro Novaro:When did you decide to become a designer? It was something that started when I was really young. I always had a strong desire for things to be and look a certain way. The initial idea came a few years ago because I always had a project at hand whether it was designing T-shirts, a friend’s new pad, a nightclub or art painting. I always loved designing; so I knew that was something I could enjoy doing for a long time.How would you describe your designs? Modern and contemporary, yet classic.Where do you get your inspiration? Traveling, people, architecture, music, paintings, old movies, and vintage stores. It all depends on the collection at hand. It is an ever-changing process.Where can we find your designs? My entire collection, men’s and women's, is sold exclusively at Jeffre Scott Apothecary at the Piper Glen Location only. I just got picked up by Charlotte's legendary, Perry's Boutique on Selwyn Ave. and coming soon, online.How has Charlotte affected your work? Charlotte has a lot of beautiful people and a good, fare amount of fashionable people; but, being a local designer with a boutique, I still have to edit a lot of my work for this market.Do you have any partners that you work with? Yes, my beautiful sister.How has the response been to your line? It has been very positive.What boutiques do you frequent? I work pretty much seven days a week between the boutique and studio work, so unfortunately it has been very hard to frequent any great boutiques out there. I have to say I am lucky to be in Jeffre Scott’s boutique. He has some amazing, hard to find European perfumes, beautiful candles; the best make up for the ladies and products for men too. I encourage all to come and check us out, but I do recommend people to Surface, Perry's, Lotus, Boris & Natasha, and Jordano’s.Is your collection designed for a specific kind of person, or is it for anyone out there? It is for anyone that is looking for that special 'it', but I usually see that most of the men and women that come to our boutique already desire to feel beautiful.

bitchin kimono

alvaro novaro www.alvaronovaro.com

www.bitchinkimono.com

Jacket: Obey at Niche. Tee: American Apparel. Scarf: stylist's own.

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Photography by NicoHair: Sparkles HillHair assistant: Val from Modern Salon and SpaKey Makeup Artist: Kim Mclean_www.whos-the-fairest.bizAssistants: Deanna Christine and Ron GatesModels: (by photo order) Lauren. Whitney, Lauren and Maggie for Wilhemina/Evolution

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Photography by TF & NAR_ www.dripbook.com/tfandnar/Styling: Van and YokoModel: Heather @ Next LAMakeup and Hair: Monika MonroeIllustrations by Radar

Leggings: Romeo + Juliet CoutureTop: A.J. BariBracelets: Givinchy Vintage

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What is your name and where are you from? Michael Kitchen, aka Kitch, aka The Sol Kitchen. Salisbury, NC is my home.

What’s your hustle? Promoter / Events Coordinator / Graphic Designer / DJ / Bartender

How did you get started in promotions? I’ve always been around music and promotions / production. As far as taking it seriously though, it was when I was living in Raleigh getting a second degree. I managed a club and it came natural.

Back in the day, artists would skip over the Q.C. In recent years, we have been getting great shows and events. Do you think artist mentality has changed? Yes and no. Artists like Charlotte because North Carolina is one of the hardest places to break in a record; but once it is played, we support it to no end. People hear so much about Charlotte – they are curious to find out what it’s about.

As far as shows and events, it’s up to the people here to support. Many shows still get cancelled because of poor ticket sales. With that being said, some great shows go to Greensboro, Raleigh, and even Columbia. But, Charlotte isn’t too far of a drive to these cities.

I think it’s unanimous – we miss those Tonic days. Yeah, I miss Tonic, but we must move on. I get questions about Tonic all the time. It gave creative / alternative people a place to go to get away from the mainstream. I love all music, but sometimes you just want to get away and hear something different and be with a different crowd. Sundays (my night) were the shit. Where else could you get poetry, live music from up and coming artists (Dwele, Raheem Devaughn, etc. - to name a few), sexy people, a diverse

crowd, and dope-ass DJs playing everything in one spot? That night can NEVER be duplicated.

So, is that why Editor-in-Chief of Creative Loafing, Carlton Hargo and yourself started Pop Life every Wednesday? Pop Life started because Carlton and I wanted to create something that we (he and I) would go to every week. I can’t think of anything I would religiously go to on a weekly basis here. Carlton heard a lot about Tonic and I explained it to him. He asked me if I thought we could do it on a weekly basis, but make it an after work / late night event. I’m confident about everything I do, so I said, “YES!”

The name, in case you want to know, is making fun of popular culture. Rarely anything at Pop Life is geared toward mainstream. Also, Prince is one of our favorite artists and that’s a dope-ass record (listen to the lyrics). I’ve done an after work event in the past and wanted to bring it back – with an alternative newspaper behind you – why not? That’s the crowd I want. I do this event to keep my name out there and it’s FREE! We also move it around every season to keep it fresh.

Pop Life has a DJ crew voted #1 in Creative Loafing: DJ Flav & DJ Just (Dem Fresh Katz), DJ DR, Smitty, Johnnie Davis, DJ Jamad (The Aphilliates) - spinning the most eclectic blend of music in the city. With this kind of crowd playing, what’s the goal for Pop Life? You forgot DJ Tony Outlaw, who actually taught me how to DJ. Our goal is to keep it fresh and bring a different prospective musically. Each DJ has his own niche. I think that is important because we want to set the tone. Some nights you may want to dance and others, you may want to relax and network.

There are promoters all over the city that come and go with time. Is there a formula you are you using to keep it fresh in the game? I do this out of love. People think I’m crazy when I say that, but I have lost a lot of money doing this. I’ve made money too, but I love doing this.

I mainly concentrate on live music, not parties. I went after a certain demographic that no one wanted to mess with. I talk to people and meet many folks from other areas. They are just like me, (they) want something different instead of the usual and want to be entertained.

Some promoters do this for a quick payday but it doesn’t happen like that. You have to build your brand and let people know what you are about. I admit, I have done some parties, but that’s not my main thing. If I do a party, it will be different; like the ‘I love the 90s with Spinna’ party this past summer. Reputation is everything.

What’s the chance of a J’Davey show? That’s up to you and the people here. I like J’Davey, but I don’t want an empty house when they come.

What’s up next on the menu? I’ve been approached about an NYE event, but who knows. Pop Life is each and every Wednesday at Apostrophe Lounge.

Where can we find out about your events? My website is www.thesolkitchen.com. We are currently designing a totally new website, but I have a page up showing my events. I can be reached at info@thesolkitchen.com. You can also go to my site to buy advance tickets.

Soul comes in many different forms

meet me

interviewed by MYK Pate

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street style

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charlottestreetstyle

How long have you lived here? I bought the house in August of 2004, so for 4 years. Where is your home located? Sedgefield Area.Do you live in a house or apt? It’s a house.Do you live alone or with roommates, etc.? I live by myself…thank God!!!What is your most prized possession? It would definitely be my icons and my family photo albums...can I have 2? Then, it’s my bap-tismal cross from my godparents.Are you a host or a guest kind of girl? I love hosting…I love having parties for my friends and family.Stay in or go out? Homebody or partier? Definitely stay in, home-body.What kind of girl/boy would you like to come to your house? I love the bad boy look, but he has to be a nice guy…does that exist? David Beckham is more than welcome to come by…he can teach me how to play soccer in my backyard!Where is home away from home? Greece...my Greek Islands!!What are the best albums that were played in here? U2, Joshua Tree... one of my ultra favs. And of course, one of my favorite Greek Artists, Mixali Hatzigianni, Live in Lykavito (my Greeks will know).Which is your favorite room? My Moroccan room!! My favorite color is white, it relaxes me, but for this room I wanted something different than the rest of the house. I wanted bold and exotic colors, so I went with pink and orange. I love the pink and orange velvet fabric walls, the pink silk headboards covering both sides of the bed. Every piece in the room comes from somewhere around the world – Turkey, Ven-ice, Thailand, and Greece. My favorite piece in this room is the Dolce & Gabbana collage, which I owe to one of my ultra favorite stylists, McKinna Hahn. Many late nights to finish this piece of art! There’s a lot of heart in that room because so much love went into it - from all my dear friends.Do you have a liquor cabinet at your house? Not just a liquor cabi-net... a liquor bar! As I said, I love entertaining people, so my house is always full of alcohol. I have collected many Jack Daniel's bottles that my friends have brought over the years because they all have their own story!If you could change one thing about your home, what would it be? BIGGER CLOSETS! I love the character that older homes have, but I hate the small closets. I have to be really organized, especially when you have over 300 pairs of shoes.Describe your home in one word. Inviting!

photos by Meagan Longinterviews by Sofia Bukin

Effie

Do you live in a house or apt? It’s an apartment, but I have a yard. It’s cool.How long have you lived here? About a year and a half.Where is your home located? Cherry (Neighborhood), right by CPCC. It's pretty cool. There are two groups of new apartments, but no one else in the neighborhood will sell their homes to property companies; so, there are some pretty rad, old houses around. There’s this one that’s orange and has this weird pirate ship clubhouse in the back and some sunflowers in the front. I had no idea there were hippies in Charlotte until I saw this house. It's crazy.Do you live alone or with roommates, etc.? Sort of, it's a big place so there is usually someone who stays here. Matt, who plays bass in Yard-work and draws all the flyers just moved out. But, he was here for a few months on the couch. When he lived here, he kept trying to make mustard ice cream or something. I have a dog too; his name is Brother. We play this game in my apartment called "Government Dog." He's way smart.What is your most prized possession? This ovation acoustic bass. It’s the dumbest instrument I’ve ever seen. My friend Zack lent it to me for 2 years and he just took it back to be in an acoustic Iron Maiden cover band. I miss it so much. Are you a host or a guest kind of guy? My girlfriend thinks I'm a guest, but I'm think I'm a host. I would love to be a guest at a party that I am hosting.

Stay in or go out? Homebody or partier? I like to go out. I know this because I'm the one that has to convince my friends to leave their houses. This usually means that I get blamed if they have a bad time. It’s cool though, at least we got to hang out!What kind of girl/boy would you like to come to your house? Jerry Blank, Bobby Conn. Where is home away from home? Wherever my friends are. If it's out at a show, or something like that, or just at one of their houses. What are the best albums that were played in here? Bobby Conn and the Glass Gypsies, Live Classics; Andrew W.K., Close Calls with Brick Walls; The Band, The Last Waltz; Botch, We are the Romans; and Yes, Close to the Edge.Which is your favorite room? We call it the Creative Room. It's the master bedroom, but it's used for recording, crafts, making flyers, stuff like that. The walls are decorated with a lot of things that were either made by hand, or created by someone I know. The room has a really comfortable energy, so it's a little easier to be creative in there. Do you have a liquor cabinet at your house? It’s more like a liquor area. Do you have a nickname for your home? The Posi Condor a.k.a. Cousin Realm a.k.a. Boring Castle.If you could change one thing about your home what would it be? I'd make it a house with a garden and pool full of rubies.Describe your home in one word. "Unwack."

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Come on-amy house

showcase

Ever drive by a house, spot something unique through the window and wonder what the rest of the home looks like? Well, four Charlotteans invite us over for a little open house tour - so, come on in.

Thomas

Weddings

Wedding Showers

Outdoor Parties

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Baby Showers

Tea Parties

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Holiday Parties

claudia zapata704,606.9870

calla124@aol.com

Party Designer

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d’ Touch

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BlaineDo you live in a house or apt? House.How long have you lived here? 17 months.Where is your home located? BeLowDA (it’s between North and South Davidson).Do you live alone or with roommates? It's a party of 5.What is your most prized possession? We have a lot of nifty thrift store finds that are pretty one of a kind. To-gether we have a ton of rare records, comic books, and art prints.Are you a host or a guest kind of guy? Ghost? It's a nice breed between the two.Stay in or go out? Homebody or partier? Home is where you make it!What kind of girl/boy would you like to come to your house? The girl from the Weird Science movie is more than welcome any day.Where is home away from home? The Landmark and Lunchbox Records.What are the best albums that were played in here? Anything from Young Widows to E.L.O… Currently spin-ning Switched on Bach.Which is your favorite room? The PING! ISLAND Room, a.k.a. the Record Room, a.k.a. the Taylor Room.Favorite place to go out in CLT? The Landmark!!!!!!!!!Do you have a liquor cabinet at your house? Yeah, we have a whole mini-bar set up.Do you have a nickname for your home? PING! ISLAND.If you could change one thing about your home what would it be? A higher level of paranormal activity, but we would settle for a working Internet connection.Describe your home in one word. Xanadu.

KristenHow long have you lived here? Three months.Where is your home located? University. Do you live in a house or apt? Apartment.Do you live alone or with roommates, etc.? Roommate.What is your most prized possession? Tools.Stay in or go out? Homebody or partier? Both. What kind of girl/boy would you like to come to your house? Jeffree Star.Where is home away from home? I guess here. My HOME-home is really comfortable, so I’m glad this place is too.What are the best albums that were played in here? THE SHINS, Chutes Too Narrow. My roommate is SO sick of it; I play it all of the time when she leaves though.Which is your favorite room? My bedroom. It's super bright in the morning, so I wake up before class everyday without an alarm.Favorite place to go out in CLT? Any place where local bands play, and also Value Village.Do you have a liquor cabinet at your house? Freezer?Do you have a nickname for your home? Uh… nope.If you could change one thing about your home what would it be? Unrealistically? The size, location (but not really, because friends live close by.) Realistically? PAINT.Describe your home in one word. Comfortable.

Kristen

Blaine

The Ping Island guys: Taylor, Chase, Blaine and Pete

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fashion

Photography: NicoModel: David at Wilhemina/EvolutionPhoto Assistant: Meagan LongType treatment: Chris Watts

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Jacket: vintage, stylists own. Cardigan: Target. T-shirt: Urban Outfitters. Jeans: Nudie Jeans from Niche. Hat: Stussy at Niche. Scarf: Stylists own.

Opposite page: Cardigan, sweatshirt and jacket: from Black and Blue. Jeans: Nudie Jeans from Niche. Scarf: H&M

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Jeans: Nudie Jeans from Niche. Hat: Urban Outfitters. Coat: Black and Blue and T-shirt: Alvaro Novaro.

Opposite page: Jacket and T-shirt: Alvaro Novaro. Jeans: Nudie Jeans. Hat: Stussy both from Niche. Cardigan, sweat-shirt and jacket: from Black and Blue BRAND NAMES?????. Jeans: Nudie Jeans from Niche. Scarf: H&M. Shoes: Puma

With today’s growing accessibility and affordability in technology, more and more of our generation’s marginally-talented musicians are creating music, targeting the masses using social platforms like MySpace. With so many people doing the same thing, it can over-saturate the market, making the end product more watered-down. That being said, it takes more than just a computer, some software application, a bit of popularity, and basic knowledge of music production to separate oneself from the growing pack of aspiring musical artists. One such group that has separated itself from the pack is Brother Reade. The duo of Winston-Salem natives, James Joliff and Erin Garcia, now reside in L.A. Their hard work, and lots of it, is paying off. They are not newcomers to the music game, as is evidenced by their 3rd release, Rap Music, which came out in 2007. You may have already heard their collaborations with Sadat X, or perhaps seen them on tour with bands such as Mates of State and Wu-Tang Clan. If you’ve been to some clubs in LA, you might have had the pleasure to hear Bobby Evans (Brother Reade Dj/Producer) lace the speakers with his carefully picked tracks combined with his airtight mixing abilities. If you don’t get out too much, and/or don’t have access to the Internet, please take a few moments to get better acquainted with this rap duo that is on a steady rise to the top.

Would you two care to take a second to formally introduce yourselves to those who don’t know what time it is?Yes. We are Jams and Bobby Evans from Winston-Salem, North

Carolina. Our group is called Brother Reade. We’re currently based in Los Angeles.

How long have you two known each other?We played together in a band in high school (in Winston), and really clicked musically. We’ve been doing projects together in one incarnation or another ever since.

What was your motivation behind starting up the group?We had to do it. We knew that we had it in us, and that we wouldn’t be that happy if we didn’t give it a really good shot, so the whole thing happened naturally. It was an automatic.

Some big things have happened to you guys in the past few years; what would you say stands out as “pivotal” moments?Good question. I think it’s impossible to tell while it’s happening. Sometimes the ‘big’ opportunities that come your way don’t necessarily pan out exactly how you expect. You might play famous venues with groups like the Clipse or Wu-Tang, but then your music will take an unexpected creative turn at a show in a small place you’ve never played before where very few people show. We had a particularly interesting breakthrough at a really random show we played in Charlottesville, VA last year. It led us to a new direction that all of our new material is now taking. We also got to play Action Patrol’s last show ever (they asked us randomly over the Internet). They’re relatively unknown, but to us they were seminal growing up; the whole experience was really gratifying.

Brother ReadeNC to LA:

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Who are some of your influences (musically and non-musically)?We have an unwritten rule to incorporate as many sources that push our music as we can. We grew up punk kids, listening to rap music primarily, but a lot of dub (and traditional reggae) has crept into the mix – along with some more mainstream experimental composers like Steve Reich. Bobby is influenced a lot visually; mainly by minimal artists like Mondrian, etc. I have been on some Richard Pryor-meets-Salman Rushdie-meets-Van Gogh shit myself. If we listen to any rap at this point, it’s mostly Southern.

Can you tell us a little bit about Rabbit Tusk?It was a website we managed with a lot of our friends in LA. We threw crazy parties and collaborated on a lot of great things, but eventually ‘too many cooks spoil the soup’. We were all having a hard time being a collective without clear responsibilities and have more or less gone our separate ways. We still do things together like we used to, just not under that banner anymore.

Who would you say is doing big things in the rap game these days?I can’t really speak to the rap game much, but I can reiterate that the identity Southern rap found has created a beautiful monopoly. There are many dope regions doing things, but Southern rap has truly arrived from completely outside the scene. It’s an example of being who ever the hell you are for long enough and then the world starts to emulate or incorporate your style into theirs.

What’s wrong with the rap game these days?Music is topsy-turvy as a whole, but the artist is pretty much guaranteed to come out on top. A lot of bullshit industry standards were set in the last century and the big collapse of the major label to me looks like an historical inevitability. The Barry Gordy model was crooked from the get go, and it looks like technology is making it, so it’s less and less viable. Ideally the artists will continue taking the initiative and setting the standards themselves.

Would either of you agree with me when I say, the time from ‘92 to ‘97 was the best era for rap?Definitely not. I think a lot of the really great New York styles were perfected in that era, and some of the contributions made are timeless, but I (also) think that’s too nostalgic. There are records coming out these years that are that new new and the culture doesn’t have the perspective to recognize how well it will hold up. I am not saying that they will, but a lot of records were dropping in ‘97-8 that people were calling ‘bullshit’ on and they eventually became timeless. Sheesh, RZA called out the Ready To Die cover and pretty much called all of Bad Boy ‘R&B’ ‘Rap & Bullshit’ (all of Bad Boy would include Biggie). Those were the times.

Personally, I find the majority of your raps hilarious. Do you feel that a lot of kids don’t get your humor or jokes?Thanks. I don’t know about that, but I know that some of the stuff is easier to comprehend in one listen than some of the material is. That’s how we make it intentionally. The more subtle stuff is like time-released references or associations or jokes. It’s not all going to hit at once, cause it’s not supposed to.

Do you guys think a lot of kids slept on, or are still sleeping on your two previous releases? I’m not sure. I think with any kind of art you just progress forward constantly. There are probably kids that would like our last two records who haven’t heard them, especially in Europe and Japan, where we haven’t released them yet. (But, just got the rights to do so, by the way).

Is there anything that you guys miss about living in the South?Fuck yes. Everything – the food, the weather, the leaves. The mentality

people have, the hunger, and the love the kids have for music. My girl is from Winston; otherwise I’d miss the women. I do miss Winston and also my family, but I think that with what we’re doing we’re representing our origins and taking our city and state with us. I was waiting to see if NC came back blue for DAYS during the election. Even after it was over it was important to me to see that happen. I have a lot of loved ones who’ve worked really hard to affect political change in the area and I knew NC could get behind the different way our national wind was blowing.

Do you guys have any clownin’ stories about crazed fans or groupies coming up to ya’s in the streets or at a show?Not exactly. I mean, what we do can be kind of confusing to people. People call me (Jimmy) Brother Reade and don’t know we’re a group. We get compared to things we don’t sound like, which can be funny. But most of the people who support our music are actually really cool. We’ve had more good conversations with strangers than bad ones doing this.

Has anyone tried to disrespect you guys at a show? If so, how did it end up?I mean there have been hecklers. They have been dealt with diplomatically without excessive force and just within the boundaries of reason. Nah, not really. Most people who instigate situations like that are usually trying to fill some lack that we can’t help them with anyway, and we’d rather use our energy on other things like making dope music or trying to find the best tacos in Winston (which are definitely the tacos norteños at La Botana over by Wal-Mart). Maybe if they knew shit like that they wouldn’t be so mad in the first place.

Would either of you consider yourselves smarter than a 5th grader?There are 5th graders that we are smarter than, but some of them would probably beat me personally at Connect Four. It’s not my forte.

What are some trends that you could live without? (Past and/or present)Trend plaid. Flannel is one of those trendy-ass things that you really can’t hate on, honestly.

Do you think it’s foul for a guy to wear Keds and try to pass them off as Vans?I mean, I think it’s fly to wear Keds and flaunt that shit. A lot of being on some shit is working with what you have and flipping it. If you wear Keds, you should put a T-shirt on that is Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes pissing on Vans. Man up...

When are we going to see Brother Reade doing a collab track with MC Eiht?He can reach us from our contacts through MySpace or Brotherreade.com. I did actually get to do a song with Sadat X, which was an honor.

I think it’s real dope that you guys play shows with bands of various genres, do you think that has opened more doors for you guys?I’d say definitely yes. We’ve gotten and done remixes from groups like Neon Neon, planned collaborations with bands like No Age, and have hit a ton of audiences that normally never hear music like ours. It’s natural though, given that our background is not a strictly rap background. In the music scene in North Carolina, I don’t think the lines between genres are as clearly defined as they have the luxury of being in bigger places. It’s a very good thing.

Be on the lookout for a new EP and LP, coming out 2009. East coast and NC tour launching in February 2009.www.brotherreade.com

interviewed by matthew brownphotos by john darwin kurc / www.truantstudent.com

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