Maxwell band night (to be re-edited.... with photos...)

  

At Elastic Arts Maxwell-Thomas had a show. It was my first time hearing about them.

The played closer, paradise, and Hollywood. They did a cover of a good fighters song as well as A little info I found to read with to you:

 About the band

Maxwell-Thomas

Maxwell-Thomas is a post-grunge, alternative rock collective led by songwriter, Stephen Mortensen. From its debut release in 2010, the 6-song EP, “The Ghosts I’ve Touched” to 2021’s full album, “Daisuki Baby,” Maxwell-Thomas has had numerous friends and collaborators touch its music. In 2022, the band finds its current line up energized by the eclectic drum stylings of Jun Takanarita, the dirty guitar slinging of Quinn Dean, and the pounding, pulsating rhythms of bassist, Tim Schiltz. Motivated by one passion, the desire to rock, Maxwell-Thomas finds itself at a career-peak as the group perfects an all killer, no filler set list. Taking inspiration from artists like Foo Fighters, the Pillows, and even iconic video game soundtracks such as “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” and “Persona 5,” Maxwell-Thomas is intent on delivering a performance that is tight, polished, and brimming with electricity. Stream Maxwell-Thomas anywhere you find digital music. Search “Mistreat Me” or “Scattered” to hear fan favorites.

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The opener was Bass-, one of their songs had me envisioning a high speed car chase for all the wrong reasons set in the 70’s with a slight sepia tone tinge. 

Miyavi 20year Anniversary Tour

Photo Credit AXS.com

My YouTube channel wasn’t the only anniversary celebration to be had this year as Miyavi, a well known Japanese-Korean rockstar from Japan, was celebrating his 20 years as a guitarist and entertainer this year. People who may not be familiar with Jrock or the Visual Kei scene may recognize him in movies such as Maleficent, Unbroken, or the show Arcane. I haven't seen any of these yet.. so don't spoil it too much! ;)

The concert was brought to us all by Dell and their campaign “ #Youniverse”.

On a blustery October 17th, I went to his concert held at Cobra Lounge for the first time in my life and it was a splendid treat to experience his stage presence IRL. In the middle of the show, he asked a fan "What the fuck took you so long?!" Even though it wasn't directed at me, it was an extremely good and valid question. How does someone that had listened to his music and almost went to his concert years ago NEVER go to one of their favorite Jrocker's events? Ever?

Baffling. I know. 

I was hoping that he’d play a few of my all time favorites like Girls be Ambitious… and he did! I was elated as I thought that maybe he would only play current songs and may not go that far back in his discography. It was one of the songs my brother got for me that I enjoyed with my little sister sometime before high school. (My brother helped us get started and the hook up on some Jpop culture bits here and there...) 

Feeling the music start up and his husky voice reverberating throughout my being, the tears that welled up in my eyes whilst recording the song, a knot in my throat choking up my words as so many memories of being with my little sister and fawning over Jrockers and Jfashion and punk/metal aesthetics came flooding back to me. 

To be in the moment, being overtaken by the waves of Miyavi's music, and being bathed in soft, colourful lights, it felt like being revived from an earlier checkpoint in life. It felt a little lonely being there, as I would have loved to rock out with LicaMica... but it felt good to be around such energetic and vibrant people and being able to enjoy a Jrock moment with them. Maybe... I entered Jrock heaven again.... 

Thank you Miyavi Ishihara for an amazing night. I am glad I made an effort to come out the house and see you live. I look forward to watching the films you're in as well as your next concert. Take care and enjoy your tour.

☆

Gal Circle Rejection (storytime #1)

Rejection 

So, have I ever told you that I was rejected from a gyaru circle before?

Those who may see my posts popping up on Twitter may have seen a little bitty post about that regarding my gyaru lifestyle? era? career?

When I was transitioning into a gyaru, I thought it would be fun to meet up with others who were into the style as well to help hold myself accountable even more. Being a pa-gyaru (fake, or poser gyaru) was a no-go. Even though I had friends who didn't mind my style, I wanted to test out the gyaru circle lifestyle to see how I would measure up. 

I remember applying to Angeleek (Japan's BIGGEST and most well-known gyaru circle) with an introduction done with Google Translator because my Japanese was far too basic at the time. It was a shot in the dark but I tried. As I spent time on Ricochet, I reviewed the available gyaru circles with a focus on the Midwest area of America. At the time, I considered Bulaklak or a different circle with one of those members as well as Chicago's first gyaru sa, Kamikaze Girls, Chicago Diamond gyaru L.A.'s first gyaru circle. 

I can't remember the full reason for my rejection, but I have some assumptions. One could be that I was still fairly new to the scene and lifestyle. One assumption that came to mind in recent years was that maybe I wasn't too liked despite my standing in the online-based community upon my arrival. 

That rejection made me want to work harder on my style since I could see what I could improve on. One of those factors was wearing heels. This clumsy girl who'd trip over her own size 10 feet? hrm.... 

Nick Cave @ Mca

 

A man willing to risk it all for his art. That is the man I went to go see give a talk about his recent installation at the MCA. Nick Cave's talk has been my 3rd artist talk of the year, and this one called out to me the most. I came across a book with photographs of his body of work and I was intrigued. I liked the playfulness of some of his designs and his take on issues as well. His colourful forms and patterns was refreshing to come across after having instilled the mindset of realism and achieving high levels of detail was most important than the joy one can receive when making artist pieces.

Some of the take aways from this interview was that he believes in working with materials AND people that you trust is so important. Nick also likes to have moments in solitude at his studio even with a team of competent assistants. As time has passed, his art work is still created with found materials from outside. 

One aspect of his workflow that I admire deeply is his ability to jump into a project quickly without much preparation time or materials or the need to transport materials from his studio to an artist residency elsewhere. I am not sure the pace of his workflow, but to be able to not overthink the details so much surprises me. 

Have you seen Nick Cave's body of work before? Share your comments! I'd love to hear from you!