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Transcript of How To Grow Youth Issue 001
H O W T O G R O W Y O U T H
March 01, 2012 Issue 001
March 01, 2012
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the very first issue of How to Grow Youth, a magazine for young adults. I’m Marielle
Argueza, the chief editor and creator of HGY.
For a little background, I’m a literature major and anthropology minor at the University of
California in Santa Cruz. Though I am only a first year, I have for sometime accumulated an
interest in media and its effect on the population. As college made me realize in all its hyper-politics
and media-savvy, I should pick carefully about what I truly care about. And in further depth I
concluded that I should really care about the entire world. But hey I’m one person so, I’d say I care
most about my generation. And to really simplify that statement, I mean I care about you and I and
how we develop as human beings.
Too easily, our generation is swept up in useless ideals, models, and opinions that are not formed
by our own reasoning but by sensationalized scandal, media, or exaggerated opinion. Personally, I
want this magazine to make help you form your own opinion or validate the ones you already had.
This magazine, as serious as it sounds tries to hit the points that young adults should care about. So
yes there will be sensitive political theory, environmental or educational issues thrown in there, but
this magazine is meant to be readable and relatable. Meaning the things that get us by, like music,
art, and fashion, will be tossed in this magazine. And those unsaid personal issues like moving-out
or relationships will be addressed as well.
In short, I want this magazine to help you, the reader, sort out all the thoughts in your head (that
may or may not be yours) and reaffirm/form your own. I hope you enjoy this legendary first
issue! I’m excited for you, you have no idea!
Much Love,
Marielle Argueza
Chief Editior
LETTER TO THE READER: 001
Contact at: [email protected]
MACKENSIE NOELLE LEEK PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo: ©2012 Mackensie Noelle Leek
An Interview with: Arlene Rayas By Marielle Argueza
March 01, 2012
A small scale magazine that’s just starting
off is quite a task of organization when
faced with the questions of who you know,
what you know, and how well you will do.
But then again that’s life in general and
being a young adult, those same questions,
mean a whole lot more. So when mentally
filing who I would interview for the very
first issue I wanted to interview someone
remarkable. I wanted someone I didn’t
know too well but just from the very few
encounters left me intrigued.
Arlene Rayas is nothing short of every
expectation I had for this interview. Arlene
has got quite a talent for acting, but brings a
very realistic point of view to life outside of
her career. She experiences and life like
most middle class Americans. The
difference is she’s just 19 years old and has
a dream she’d love to pursue. With no need
for college, Arlene is set out to do some
great things. For now she resides in the
passivity of Monterey, but has plans for the
future.This is my interview with one
remarkable woman.
MA: I first discovered your acting
abilities in 2009 in Rhyan Sander’s
production of The Effects of Gamma
Rays on Man on the Moon
Marigolds. That was definitely not
supposed to be for a high school
audience. But it was amazing. Where
does that character come from? You
were the straight up crazy-bitch
mother.
AR: Oh my, I know!
MA: I was shaking from your
performance
AR: I don’t know. I mean I do know. A
lot of acting comes from your past
experiences and not just pretending
you’re someone. A lot of my
inspiration from that comes from my
own mother. I mean my mom’s not
an alcoholic or a psycho bitch. But I
think she’s just a very young mom,
like Beatrice was. But living with
such a difficult mom can get really
get to you now and then.
MA: We can all relate.
AR: Yeah we can all relate. But then you
know, in that show—I have an
An Interview with Arlene Rayas by Marielle ArguezA
Mar
epileptic daughter. I have a burn-out
daughter who’s basically just
sleeping with the whole high school.
My father just recently passed away.
And in order to get to that you have
to imagine that happened to you. I’ve
lost an uncle. My sister and I weren’t
very close. I was dealing with my
own demons. You know drugs and
what not. But then again I had a
wonderful director Rhyan Sanders—
I mean Rhyan Hamilton, as he is
known now: Mr. Rhyan Hamilton.
So he really helped me with it
because he kept pushing and
pushing. He knew I was insecure
about my acting.
MA: Oh really?
AR: Oh yeah, incredibly! I feel like
everyone has their insecurities. You
feel like you’re not good at it. And
when people tell you it’s great, you
think it’s so people will get your
hopes up or to make you feel better.
But then you yourself don’t feel like
it. You feel like your shit. You feel
like wow, that’s nothing, it’s just a
high school show. Conservatories
aren’t going to see this shit. It’s
experience and the will to put on a
good show so you won’t disappoint
your director.
MA: Wow. So as an artist how do you feel
when people actually look at your
show? I’ve seen a lot a plays in
modern theater. But I can safely say
that the stuff I see in that theater was
not like your show. So do you take
the critiques as nothing or do you use
them to your advantage?
AR: Oh no. Never. Obviously, I get a lot
of tough criticism. I get a lot of bad
criticism from people who have
more experience in this industry. But
a lot of the times I get a critiques
from people like MPC directors, or
like PacRep, Paper Wing, or people
who have been doing this for years
tell me: “You have something. You
really should pursue it.” So with that
I keep it in the back of my head. So
it’s like okay they told me that. But
then I get people telling me “you talk
to fast!” “You’re awkward on
stage!” Things like “What’s up with
your face?!” Or like “I don’t like
your teeth!” Which is true because I
don’t either, but whatever. You just
have to keep it all balanced. Balance!
Balance! Like everything in the
world Balance! Balance! Balance
when you pee. Balance when you‟re
fucking having sex or something. It‟s
an everyday thing for me. I act
everyday.
MA: Well you do live in your art so…
AR: Exactly! I do.
MA: Speaking of pursing careers and
speaking of the institutions, like
schools that critique you. What about
pursing acting in school? What
makes you different from other
actors who choose to pursue their
dream through institutions and
colleges?
AR: The thing with that is, that I don‟t
come from a family that grew up
with wealth and you know money. A
lot of them are very privileged. And
I don‟t want to say they can buy their
way into school, because obviously
they have to audition to get into the
college of their dreams. But the
money helps a lot. I don‟t have the
money which is why I‟m not even
going into MPC, because I can‟t
even afford MPC with the loans.
Loans are a bitch. They‟re bitches!
In time people don‟t need school, but
it helps. Even for a semester.
MA: Even I would prefer not to have to sit
five hours in class reading some
bullshit essays, but it‟s art I suppose
and you have to chase it somehow.
AR: The thing about art, and acting
school again is one of my pet peeves
is every time you enter a new school
you have to enter from the bottom
again. Levels like “beginner”,
“intermediate”, and “advance.” They
just judge you from how much
knowledge you have academically
you know? And I don‟t think that‟s
fair because you have obviously
talented people that are way better at
acting than the next fucking guy in
Hollywood.
MA: I guess it‟s because those who can‟t
afford college and don‟t believe in
college have to get there on another
path that isn‟t so obvious. So they
want it more. They‟re basically
making up for that lack of a degree.
AR: I mean I‟ll take a class. I have too!
But not here. I‟m actually thinking
about running away to L.A. within
the next months. I could sleep in
hotel restrooms, and ask random
people to let me shower in their
homes. But obviously, if you want to
be a chemical engineer yeah you
have to go to school. But you don‟t
have to go to school for art. Art was
born in the streets! We have street
performers, street singers, street
walkers…I mean PROSTITUTION
IS AN ART! I mean c‟mon?! They
have a gift. I mean who else can
make someone happy and get paid
for it? They make money off their
looks and their skills.
MA: On the subject of money, what are
you doing instead of the traditional
college path? What is your way?
AR: I‟m just trying to get myself known
by the community theater. I know a
lot of people around this town that
can truly help me. But then it comes
down to how proud you are, because
I‟m all for being generous. I‟d do
anything to help someone out. But
when you‟re on the other side of the
spectrum you‟re like „Aw, Shit!‟ I
don‟t want them to pity me.
MR: It‟s like just begging some director to
let you do lights!
AR: Yeah, it‟s exactly what I was telling
you. I‟m selling myself for the
Theater! But no I‟ve been
auditioning everywhere. And I get
call backs. Sometimes you don‟t get
call backs, but that‟s expected. But
we live in Monterey, so that tells you
that much.
MA: Ha! Speaking of bustling cities!
AR: I‟m not trying to be pessimistic but I
keep it real. I keep it really real. But
follow your dreams, you got to get
out of here. They‟ll having the
stepping stones here but if you want
to do something big, get out of your
town.
MA: So with that question, why are you
still grounded here?
AR: I‟m afraid to be disappointed in
myself. By myself. And if you spend
a year here, and a year there you start
to double guess yourself. You‟re like
„What the fuck is wrong with me?!
I‟m giving them everything. I‟m
giving them everything they‟ve been
asking for!” And I‟ve been trying to
leave since I graduated, but even that
feels like forever ago. You‟re lucky
you left. I mean even if you are
forty-five minutes away you’re still
kind of gone.
MA: I guess, but I mean being a college
student you’re not completely free.
You’re better off being out there a
alone, because you’re already
detaching yourself anyways. Being a
away at college still keeps you on a
leash, with your parents, with their
expectations, with your expectations.
AR: And I think that’s why I’m still here.
My family. My family is struggling,
I mean I have—I juggle one to three
jobs a year just to pay rent and get
food because I love them. And I
can’t leave knowing that they’re not
at a good place. So I’m kind of
sacrificing my own dream in order to
kick-start theirs. It sucks, it does.
But I’m losing—well not losing
everything but putting it aside.
MA: Do you think your family then is one
of those balancing acts too? Do you
have to balance them with your own
dreams?
AR: No. They’re not. I mean they can be,
but I want to make sure they’re okay.
MA: So you want to secure them before
you secure yourself?
AR: Oh yea, I mean I’m very
spontaneous. I can leave after this
interview if I wanted and say ‘See ya
guys later! I’m gonna jump on a train
and go to San Francisco.’ I’ll see
how I make money there. I don’t
know how to answer that question
really. Family, money, the fear of
realizing ‘oh shit, maybe this isn’t’
what I should be doing.’ Even
though I feel like it is.
MA: You’ll get there! Which city do you
plan on heading out next? Pick a
city, any city! If you could choose
one and be successful and amazing.
AR: Any city I like?! The actor’s cliché
New York. I’d go there. And if not
L.A. I mean it’s such a groggy little
town—I mean it’s huge, but people
act and get famous. Even really bad
actors, like who’s the one girl
Kristen Stewart?! The Twilight girl.
She can’t fucking act. This is her
face (imitates a blank face). When
she’s sad, happy, or screaming. It’s
blank and she’s dating Robert
Pattinson and he’s hot! So you’ll be
getting postcards from me in L.A. I
guess. Unless of course I end up in
Alabama.
MA: You won’t end up in Alabama! I’m
sure you’ll hate it there. Any parting
words before we finish?
AR: Don’t double guess yourself.
Whoever is reading this don’t double
guess yourself. If people say you
have talent and you’re passionate
about it doubt it. Pursue it! If you
have fucking talent you just have to
fucking go for it! You can do it. I’m
fucking struggling, but I’m going to
do it. People can crush you like an
ant but you got to be like bionic ant
and just not let them crush you.
Again believe in yourself!
Race: Does it exist? So What if it Does? By: Danna Agha
March 01, 2012
“It’s quite sad, I’ll tell you that and unfortunately it matters to this day.”
In case you missed the memo, of course race
exists. If it didn‟t, humans would not exist.
On that note, what kind of race is it exactly?
Is it a race back to the starting line? What‟s
the prize at the end of this so-called human
race? Is there a first, second, and third place?
Take a moment to get comfortable while I
massage your mind with my opinion. Ready?
Okay, me too.
The problem here, yes I‟m going to
call it that from here on out since I‟ve been
faced with it one too many times, is that this
“race” concept is so misinterpreted on most
occasions. I‟m just going to take a radical
guess and assume that most people, meaning
you, associate race and ethnicity in the same
family. Well, if you‟re anything like me, that‟s
absolutely normally if do so. We are human.
We are one race. We are the ones who
decided to group this race into teams (see
what I did there?). Ethnicities stem from the
race concept. After all, it‟s bound to happen;
we‟re only human, right? We have this need
to section things off by categories and labels.
I, being a sardonic college slacker, have this
guilty conscious of sectioning people off into
subgroups upon subgroups until before you
know it, I have created an elaborate scheme of
categorized people when really, I shouldn‟t
have. So . . . don‟t be too surprised that this
problem is all over the place with hush-hush
Take a moment to get comfortable
while I massage your mind with
my opinion. Ready? Okay, me too.
The problem here, yes I’m
going to call it that from here on
out since I’ve been faced with it
one too many times, is that this
“race” concept is so misinterpreted
on most occasions. I’m just going
to take a radical guess and assume
that most people, meaning you,
associate race and ethnicity in the
same family. Well, if you’re
anything like me, that’s absolutely
normally if do so. We are human.
We are one race. We are the ones
who decided to group this race into
teams (see what I did there?).
Ethnicities stem from the race
concept. After all, it’s bound to
happen; we’re only human, right?
We have this need to section things
off by categories and labels. I,
being a sardonic college slacker,
this “race” concept is so misinterpreted on most
occasions. I’m just going to take a radical guess
and assume that most people, meaning you,
associate race and ethnicity in the same family.
Well, if you’re anything like me, that’s
absolutely normally if do so. We are human.
We are one race. We are the ones who decided
to group this race into teams (see what I did
there?). Ethnicities stem from the race concept.
After all, it’s bound to happen; we’re only
human, right? We have this need to section
things off by categories and labels. I, being a
sardonic college slacker, have this guilty
conscious of sectioning people off into
subgroups upon subgroups until before you
know it, I have created an elaborate scheme of
categorized people when really, I shouldn’t
have. So . . . don’t be too surprised that this
conscious of sectioning people off into
subgroups upon subgroups until before you
know it, I have created an elaborate scheme
of categorized people when really, I shouldn’t
have. So . . . don’t be too surprised that this
problem is all over the place with hush-hush
opinions and such.
Hell, growing up I was submerged in
all kinds of people from all backgrounds and
the ever so common “walks of life” metaphor.
Yours truly, being raised in multiple countries
with an avalanche of people coming in and
out of her life, has experienced people from
all over this planet. Race didn’t play such a
major role in it for I only saw people, simply
that. It wasn’t until I was taught about race
and what it meant for us as human beings that
I honestly took a much broader look at the
full human spectrum. It was quite sad, I’ll tell
you that and unfortunately it matters to this
day.
So, maybe I wasn’t too off when I was
asking rhetorical questions early on about the
human race. I’d like to think we are simply
racing back to the starting line and keep
running around this little blue planet trying to
get farther and seem better only to realize that
we’re all going the same pace, at the same
time. In the end, it doesn’t really matter all
that much, or does it?
The problem here, yes I’m
going to call it that from here
on out since I’ve been faced
with it one too many times, is
opinions and such.
Hell, growing up I was
submerged in all kinds of
people from all
backgrounds and the ever
so common “walks of
life” metaphor. Yours
truly, being raised in
multiple countries with
an avalanche of people
coming in and out of her
life, has experienced
people from all over this
planet. Race didn’t play
such a major role in it for
I only saw people, simply
that. It wasn’t until I
truly, being raised in multiple countries with
an avalanche of people coming in and out of
her life, has experienced people from all
over this planet. Race didn’t play such a
major role in it for I only saw people, simply
that. It wasn’t until I was taught about race
and what it meant for us as human beings
that I honestly took a much broader look at
the full human spectrum. It was quite sad,
I’ll tell you that and unfortunately it matters
to this day.
So, maybe I wasn’t too off when I
was asking rhetorical questions early on
about the human race. I’d like to think we
are simply racing back to the starting line
Above: A picture of the Richard Perry Loving (left) and Mildred Loving (right). The couple was convicted of „interracial marriage‟ which was illegal in Virgina, US in 1959. 1967 the Supreme Court in the US ruled „miscegenation‟ unconstitutional.
So, maybe I wasn’t too off when I was asking
rhetorical questions early on about the human
race. I’d like to think we are simply racing
back to the starting line and keep running
around this little blue planet trying to get
farther and seem better only to realize that
we’re all going the same pace, at the same
time. In the end, it doesn’t really matter all that
much, or does it?
For more of Danna’s writing go to:
http://lungclam.blogspot.com
FACING THE THRESHOLD
By Nina Driel
March 01, 2012
Leave the car at home, turn down
the heater a couple of degrees
and only buy food that’s grown in
your area; those are just a few
examples of how to protect the
environment. Still, people don’t
seem to use those easy ways of
contributing to save our planet.
The problem is not necessarily
that they don’t care, but people
are ignorant of the fact that
taking care of our environment is
not that hard. It is starting to
become common knowledge yet
the number of people that do
know how to protect the planet is
growing.
So even though people might
know, not much is being done. Why
don’t people take the effort of
going a little further? Why don’t
they incorporate those little
actions into their lives?
University students seem to know
pretty well why this happens.
“You need to get it into your
system, it needs to become a
routine rather than a burden”,
Paula (18, student) observes. “It’s
like a threshold you need to pass;
it seems hard at first, but once
you’re in, you’re in”. Jessy (19,
student) thought about it a little
differently: “It’s all about the
way you were brought up. If your
parents are into it, you will be
too. I mean, you won’t be some
kind of ‘save the environment’-
freak, but I was brought up
splitting the garbage in order to
recycle it, things like that. When
I moved out, I proposed this to
my roommate and she looked at
me like I was crazy. After I
explained it she understood, but
she would never have come up
with it”. A third explanation was
offered to me by Aletta (19,
student) and Joyce (18, student):
“People knowingly keep
themselves from taking the
effort to do something, because
all the results are long-term.
Why would they turn down the
heater so maybe, years from now,
people might be able to take
advantage of it”? This statement
might best explain the problem:
at first, there are too many
“maybes” and “likes” in it.
Second, people can’t see any
results. This is partly because
the only way to conceive a result
is by having everyone contribute.
Most people feel like it wouldn’t
make any difference what they do,
if all the others keep themselves
from helping. They can only see
loss: it will take up their time,
and more importantly, their
money. As many of you might
know, the Dutch are known to be
cheap. I would like to take down
this prejudice, but I’m afraid it
is based on truth. I’m not saying
all people are like that, I’m not
saying it’s taking control of our
lives; but money is important in
many decisions.
But there is good stuff is
happening as well. Jong Ondernemen (young
entrepreneurs) is an education
program in which young adults
(the equivalent of 11th and 12th
graders) are taught about
entrepreneurship. They are
supposed to set up their own
business, in whatever way they
want. Research amongst those
students showed that there is an
increase in the awareness of our
planet. The students base
themselves on the “Triple P”:
People, Profit, and, most
importantly, Planet. The idea is
that they consider those aspects,
which everyone does. But an
increasing amount of people
actually incorporates the
“Planet” part into their business.
And if people can take it into
their business, why wouldn’t they
take it into their lives?
Truth is there is still a lot to be
done. There is a start, however:
awareness is not the problem.
And I understand exactly what
the problem is, because this is
my problem as well; it’s not on
your mind, it takes up time,
money, effort. Like I said before,
money is a big thing, especially
amongst people that are my age:
college students. In Holland,
when you move out, you have to
provide your own food, and you
suddenly have to think about how
much money you spend. So buying
food that might help the
environment is out of the
question. Other things, however,
are easy and even save some
money. And I think that’s why
Dutch people are pretty good at
it. No other country in the world
has a percentage of bike-riding
people as high as the
Netherlands. To most people,
especially young people, a
bicycle is their main form of
transportation, for different
reasons: it’s convenient, cheap,
easy. And no CO2 emission. I also
know I have to pay more for my
gas when I turn on the heater too
much.
So actually, I don’t think there is
a lot to worry about. Let’s at
least support the people that
actually go out of their way to
protect the environment. They
don’t deserve being made fun of
because they care. Be grateful to
the people that decide to ride a
bike instead of driving a car.
Those are the people that provide
a future for the children you
might have, and if not yours,
other people’s. And think about
this: a little effort is never a
bad thing. Maybe you should go
out of your way too every now
and then, and before you know it,
you’re used to doing it. It might
seem like you do it for nothing
but it takes a whole lot of ants
to build a giant anthill. Kill one
and nothing will happen. But kill
them all, and nothing will be
built.
Confused? You shouldn’t be. Why
shouldn’t you look like a badass every
single day this Spring? There’s really is no
good reason, so be bold! Whether where
you live/vacation is warm or still chilly in
Spring, layering classic and old-fashion
textures was never a bad idea.
Boys, instead of classic denims jeans go
for canvas. It’s almost just as sturdy and
gives that same rustic feel as denim.
(Check out Levis ™ for an array of
canvas pants!)
It’s also about time to brave an
embellished leather jacket. Accentuate the
badassery with perfectly placed studs, and
if you’re really bold spikes. (Just make
sure not flying anywhere, you’re sure to
be seen as a huge metal detector
trap…seriously.)
Top it all off with an equally textured
leather belt or some leather boots to
match. Then viola, you look like a badass!
Reclaiming Textures:
A Guide to Canvas for Men
By: Marielle Argueza
Leather and Canvas:
Scarves and Canvas:
Don’t be intimidated! It’s just a scarf.
Though the scarves have had a rep
for accessorizing some interesting (as
in distasteful) looks, with the right
textures, you can play off a scarf just
fine. Plus it’s really quite practical
when you want to keep warm.
If you’re going to wear a scarf decide
whether you want a solid color or a
patterned scarf. If you want to wear
a solid color make sure it’s textured
to make it stand out against the
plainer neutrals when you add a
canvas jacket. If you’re going to wear
a patterned scarf, make sure the
pattern is in neutral-ish colors/
shades. A pattern creates an interesting
focal point just by the repeating shapes, so
there’s no need to busy it up with bright
colors. Again, paired with a solid-colored
canvas jacket this outfit is sure to be
practical and flattering!
Photos: © 2011-2012 Marielle Argueza
The Cinema vs. The Theater By Arlene Rayas
March 01, 2012
Many people have a hard time deciding
what to do on a weekend night; nowadays
you can grab a bite to eat, bar hop etc… but
prior to such “delicate” recreations there
used to be merely two options: Go to the
Movies or watch a Play. There wasn’t much
to choose from. Or so they thought…
Theater has been around since 6 century
BC, starting in Ancient Greece- It was a
type of performance where live actors
entertained the wealthy and poor alike,
growing into a mass business like deal
over time. It can be transcended from
music, to speech, to dance all in one
production. It is one of the oldest forms of
art; right next to the visuals and musical.
As the art migrated to other civilizations,
each made it their own. For example, the
Romans’ made it an art of street
performing. Once hitting the west in the
15-16th
centuries, the infamous commedia
dell'arte and melodrama became fiercely
popular, thus giving the performing artist
a new kind of recognition
performing artist a new kind of recognition.
With the ability to transform themselves into
such a range of characters the Actor became
well known as chameleons, talented and stars;
as opposed to the disgraceful - “hoodlum”,”
Drunk” ,and “vile” (Given the influence of
political protest). But, that’s a different story.
Cinematography revolutionized everything in
the entertainment media; having been
developed for “Motion Pictures”, it focused more
on the movement, lighting and landscape…
moving pictures were something no one had
seen before, silent film overshadowed the art of
live performances. Being more technical and
much more difficult to captivate and very
popular, the motion picture became a
multimillion dollar business. In the movies,
special lenses, technology and long hours were
what differentiated this art from that of the
performing arts. As bizarre as it may seem to
most of us, “The silent era” of film producers
found it impossible to marry sound and image
together. With technology evolving Hollywood
(The birthplace of cinema to some) made the
impossible real with its first “Talkie”- this
opened doors to artists, cinematographers and
audiences all across America.
what to do on a weekend night; nowadays
you can grab a bite to eat, bar hop etc… but
prior to such “delicate” recreations there
used to be merely two options: Go to the
Movies or watch a Play. There wasn’t much
to choose from. Or so they thought…
Theater has been around since 6 century
BC, starting in Ancient Greece- It was a type
of performance where live actors
entertained the wealthy and poor alike,
growing into a mass business like deal over
time. It can be transcended from music, to
speech, to dance all in one production. It is
one of the oldest forms of art; right next to
the visuals and musical. As the art migrated
to other civilizations, each made it their
own. For example, the Romans’ made it an
art of street performing. Once hitting the
west in the 15-16th
centuries, the infamous
commedia dell'arte and melodrama became
fiercely popular, thus giving the
performingpperperforming
There’s a difference in effect seeing something off screen and on screen. Left: Meryl Streep playing Karen in the movie Out of Africa. Right: Meryl Streep playing Mother Courage in the play Mother Courage.
to most of us, “The silent era” of film
producers found it impossible to marry sound
and image together. With technology
evolving Hollywood (The birthplace of cinema
to some) made the impossible real with its
first “Talkie”- this opened doors to artists,
cinematographers and audiences all across
America.
As time went by, Theater and Cinema
became two of the most popularly forms
of Art in the 19th Century.
As time went by, Theater and Cinema became
two of the most popularly forms of Art in the
19th
Century. Many of the great movie actors
have derived from or have gone into the world
of Theater Arts. It’s become a natural motion to
mix both worlds together.
If you enjoy the beauty of an actor speaking up
on stage, while you sit just feet away from
them, you get the feeling of reality; Not
only moving camera shots, but the sense
of truly living the anger, passion,
on stage, while you sit just feet away from them,
you get the feeling of reality; Not only moving
camera shots, but the sense of truly living the
anger, passion, happiness the actor in front of
you is portraying. If you prefer to be in a dimly
lit room, watching explosions, Eating Popcorn or
being spooked by a Hollywood monster… The
Movies are your treat.
There is a very fine line between the differences
of the two, both are equally as enjoyable the, both
classic and you can never go wrong with either
one. So next time you are contemplating on what
to do That evening, check your local weekly…
save the grub and booze for a latter time, and
enjoy an intimate night with the performing
arts- captured on stage, or on a Screen.
Photo: © 2012 Andrew Whitton
What Did you Expect From the
Vaccines? By Vivian Guerra March 01, 2010
The Vaccines is a band that has been part of
the lists of new music published in
magazines and blogs. Their debut album
What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?
has reach the top in the UK charts recently.
But why is this band famous? Here I made a
review of the album which was released in
the 2010.
In general terms the sound of this band
reminds me of 50’s and 60’s rock and roll.
An old, dirty sound sometimes with a
“soft/vintage” touch. The first track is called
“Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)” which
introduces us in a quickly to the basic
sounds of The Vaccines in approximately a
minute. Then we have “If You Wanna”
which continues the line with similar
sounding guitars of the previous song and is
also just as fast, especially in the chorus.
There are hints in the lyrics that it may be
about forgetting or forgiving.
After that, is “A lack Of Understanding”
which introduces us to a sad atmosphere, as
the sound goes according to the lyrics with
this one in a simple way, without major
effects. “Blow It Up” reveals more guitar
distortion. The battery has main role. This
song makes references to being bored or
annoyed, as it says “Trippin’ out is fun on
the weekend/ But you feel as young with a
girlfriend/ I’m bored of trying to deal with
your ego/ Play if off like that and it will
though.”
“Wetsuit” call us to think about us, our
youth and people growing up. “Norgaard”
is reminiscent of “Wreckin’ Bar...” as it has
the same tones. It also correlates to the lyrics
along the lines of going out and describing
situations in a non-serious way, just having
fun. Then we have “Post Break-Up Sex” which
is one of the most famous and relevant songs of
the album, it was the second single of the band
as it the most viewed video on Youtube. It’s
very catchy from the beginning, and as the title
says, the singer asks himself if sex after a break
up could be good for him. No needs of
metaphors, the lyrics say it all.
In this album we can see differences in the way
the singer express his feelings, while “Under
your thumb” moves us to a love song, “All in
White” displaces us on the other side with a
melancholic sound/lyrics that main singer Justin
Young commented that it was about “jealousy
and victimizing yourself…”, also as a fact, this
song is the 4th to be released as a single. I think
“Wolf Pack” is a song that puts an end to the
doubts we may have of The Vaccines sound. As
one of the last songs, it validates the sound the
the Vaccines try to maintain. Finally, “Family
Friend”, a song with two noticeable parts,
closes the album in a steady way. The first part
overall cheery, the second one is a more
melancholic and takes away all the guitars and
battery that is essentially part of most of The
Vaccines songs.
All in all, I think What Did You Expect from
the Vaccines? Is a consistent album, because it
reminds us of the work they put in as a band to
reach their characteristic sound. In terms of
lyrics, they don’t use too many metaphors; they
go straight to the point. This point is important
to some bands and not others, but for the
Vaccine it looks like it really works well
because it makes a connection with the sound
they made which is fresh and “young”. Good
album for a start of a new band. They have
potential to do more. Hope to see an evolution
next album.
DOWNLOAD: What Did You Expect from
the Vaccines on iTunes
Producers: Dan Grech
Label: Columbia
Genre: Indie rock/Post-punk revival
“EL CAMINO” by Vivian CORAL GUERRA
March 01, 2012
Is it easy for a band to get good critiques and
be just as recognized for a new album, right
after huge successes with their previous
album? It’s rare. In this case, The Black Keys
released their new album El Camino shortly
after Brothers, which was the album that
made The Black Keys famous worldwide and
put them in the musical scene in commercial
terms. The album was produced almost within
40 days. The following is a review of what it
sounds like and what we get listening to it. it.
“Lonely Boy” all about what The Black Keys
lyrics and sound consist of: rock and roll,
passionate love/broken hearts, (for example
“But I came to love you anyway/ So you tore
my heart out/ And I don’t mind bleeding/ Any
old time you keep me waiting ”) strong guitar
chords, the impeccable voice of Dan Auerbach
and the super battery of Patrick Carney (Even
though he says that until now he doesn’t know
how to play the battery).
Then there is “Dead and Gone”; following
the Black Keys distinct sound but with a more
memorable chorus :“I’ll go anywhere you
go”. Also “Gold On The Ceiling” give us the
strokes of past albums. In fact, they just
announced that this song would be the second
single and have released the video for it.
Which is what I like about The Black Keys
because they have that characteristic sound
that anyone can hear in a chorus or part of a
song and can say “That’s The Black Keys”.
In my opinion, “Little Black Submarines” is
one of the most outstanding songs of the
album, exceptionally well written, as the
production. With “Money Maker” and
“Run Right Back” shows that the album
does not give any space for confusion, it is
uncomplicated, it’s easy to keep with the beat
in every song, and it doesn’t lose your
attention. In addition, it is said that is difficult
to keep the track of this album if you are only
used to the sound of the previous album
“Run Right Back” shows that the album
does not give any space for confusion, it is
uncomplicated, it’s easy to keep with the beat
in every song, and it doesn’t lose your
attention. In addition, it is said that is difficult
to keep the track of this album if you are only
used to the sound of the previous album
“Brothers”, but the fact is, that it is easier to
comprehend this album.
“Sister” goes to the old rock and roll sound,
and maybe taking some references of the
classics. Also, “Hell Of a Season” presents
the personal subjects of rejection and suffering
as it says “Say you’ll be better/I’ll keep
waiting forever/ You know I do/ Know I do,
oh”. Then it continues to refer to those kind
of problems in “Stop Stop” and “Nova Baby”
(which the starts to sound a littlbe different
than the rest of the album).
In terms of lyrics, “Mind Eraser” presents
that kind of story we have listened in the entire
album, trying to delete everything, even
though he can’t. In terms of sounds, it is
slower, but the rhythm doesn’t go down, it’s
still catchy and the guitar solo goes perfectly
with the song, as in the beginning to the end of
the album.
© 2011 Matt Ellis
This is a band that is not new, but in
every album has something new for their
audience to hear. They reinvented
themselves every time. As always, they
find no need to have a lot integrants, just
a few minds that know how to make
music, and that’s shows in this new
album. Made in quickly, after the “hype”
they had by many music magazine,
proving that they are not a band of a just
a year. That they are a band that always
have more to create. El Camino is that
proof. This is an excellent album from an
excellent band.
DOWNLOAD: El Camino on iTunes
PRODUCERS: The Black Keys and
Dangermouse
GENRE: Garage Rock/Blues Rock
LABEL: Nonesuch
RELEASED: December 6, 2011
© 2011 Danny Clinch
A Musical Chat: The Broken Bicycles By: Marielle Argueza
March 1, 2012
Photo: © Megan Maddux
Straight Out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Broken Bicycles aren’t your typical home studio band. The Broken Bicycles consist of Thomas Maddux (mostly uke and banjo), Turkeyes (lead vocals), and Kelsey (bassist and percussion) and have an upbeat sound with hard hitting poetic lyrics. Unlike most home-based artist, the Broken Bicycles have a forceful momentum when it comes getting their music out there. Since 2010 the Broken Bicycles have 4 releases, recorded and mastered mostly by the hands of Thomas himself. They‘re a home-based band minus all the naivety about the music industry all while keeping true to their
talents.
MA: No doubt musicians draw from what
surrounds them. Justin Vernon of Bon Iver came
out of the woods after a break up with a whole
album. What elements of your lives do you guys
draw from the most. There are three band
members so I feel like there’s a lot to draw
from. But your songs seem so honest and
uncomplicated.
Turkeyes: Well I write most of the lyrics.
Thomas: I’ve also written a lot about my exes
in this band as well. She writes a lot about her
relationships with her ex lovers as well as her
present lovers.
Turkeyes: Actually most of the songs are about
current lovers.
Thomas: I guess you just have to write from
what you know.
MA: You guys live in Minnesota. Minneapolis to
be exact. And a lot of your songs are about
nature. How do you guys integrate that with
your music? Do you think where you live also
inspires your music at all?
Thomas: I think so we have a song called
Minneapolis in the Summer available online.
That we wrote about living here year round in
our community and just everyday life in
Minneapolis.
MA: So many small scale artist start on the
internet. It’s the quickest way to communicate
and the best way to put your name out there.
As a group, how much does publicity matter? I
mean you’ve released a bunch albums within a
couple years. What the goal for you guys?
Thomas: I started a band with Turkeyes called El
Faunt & His Travelling Circus. And this band
was suppose to be a more lighthearted feeling
band because our band is this dark brooding
eight piece band. One of the things that we
agreed when we formed Broken Bicycles is to
have an album a year if we were going to get
any distance. So we actually sat down and
wrote seven songs before playing our first
show. I have a recording studio, so we recorded
the songs and we booked our first show in
Spring. We recorded our second album last
winter. Right now we’re actually at a recording
session for our third album along with our
single “Minneapolis in the Summer” we’ve
almost done four releases then. But our goal for
it to just write the music we want to write and
see where the music takes us. Now we have
Kelsey playing bass and she also plays drum and
percussion. She adds a more dynamic sound
and she’s making us a more full feeling band. I
think we kind of just let the music take us
where we’re going. One of the goals we have to
do one release a year. So we can keep hearing
how we’re evolving. For me it’s more fun to see
how the band slowly evolves, more than just
dramatically change in two years.
MA: So I know you guys want to see where the
music takes you but does it really matter how
popular you guys are?
Kelsey: I think it’s equal. Sometimes it’s more
about the music because everything we write is
coming from our heart. And we feel it and we
genuinely feel it. But we also want to market it
towards people who will enjoy and appreciate
just as much as we do.
Thomas: I remember we played a show in a
small bar in Saint Paul, Minnesota. There
weren’t many people there. But when we
played the song “Eternal Slumber” there was
this guy who slowly inched his way to the stage
as both of us were getting off and started to
quote our lyrics “you reside, in the inside of my
eyelids.” And it just struck a chord with him.
Having those interactions and knowing that he
felt that is why we do this. It for that intense
feeling you get when watching shows. That’s
the point with the song we’re writing is so we
connect to people just to kind of say to those
people it’s normal to feel what you feel.
MA: So why is it important for you guys to
record and master your own music? There’s
many popular folk bands like Fleet Foxes and
Mumford Sons who are great and have signed
on with huge labels, but don’t have the same
sound as those artist who do the whole process
themselves. You’ve guys been mastering your
own music for the most part.
Thomas: Well I’ve owned a recording studio
since I was 18 and I’ve always just enjoyed the
recording process. And for my point of view I’m
a multi-instrumentalist, I need a recording
studio just to see what I sound like. I don’t have
people at my house to tell me what I sound like
when I’m sitting around my house at 3 in the
morning when I have that urge to record. So
when you recorded multi-layerd multi-tracks it’s
a learning process over time. It’s one of the
things, where you do it yourself and it works so
we do it a lot. We master it ourselves because
we can. It saves money, we can get our music
out faster, and sell the CD’s cheaper. This album
we’re going to a gentlemen named Jim Mays to
master. He’s master all the other El Faunt & His
Travelling Circus albums. So it’s kind of like a
two for one deal. So we’re going to get
mastered through him so there will be a little
bit of a difference. So it will actually a bit more
layered. Although what we can do here at Old
Fashioned Records, I think we should have him
do it and branch out into the community and
have more artist involved in it.
MA: So do you think this will take away from
anything?
Thomas: I don’t think so. I always have a couple
people listen to it. What will happen is I’ll really
like this banjo line. Subconsciously, I’ll keep
putting it louder into the mix to the point where
it’s abrasively loud because I just love it so
much I have no idea how high it is up there. And
having other people tell me hey you ‘should
probably move that down!’ It’s kind of thing
where you have your friends read your papers.
MA: Nice, so it’s always collaborative. Apart
from your music, what music do you guys listen
to and does it inspire your music in any obvious
way? I mean of course you have your own
sound but do you guys ever draw from other
musicians.
Thomas: I always listen to a lot old Vaudville
type of music. Which I is why I use the ukulele.
Which actually kind of helps with the chord
progressions because it helps with the feeling of
the song. And just a lot of everything else. I’m
listening to a lot of Tallest Man on Earth right
now and a lot of the National.
Turkeyes: The writing process kind of helps that
out. Thomas does the chord progressions and I
choose what lyrics I’ve written to best fit the
feel of the ukulele he’s playing. I write the
melodies right on the spot, so it kind of cuts off
everything I’ve been listening to. It’s divine
inspiration.
Thomas: I like She & Him. They’re adorable.
Kelsey: Mainly, I listen to the radio. I find
inspiration in all music.
Thomas: We’re all Kesha fans and Lady Gaga.
We’ve been listening to a lot of pop music lately
just to see how it evolves.
Turkeyes: We kind of all have our own thing in
music. We like to listen to all types.
Thomas: Yeah, we listen to Bob Dylan, Johnny
Cash, Leonard Cohen. We grew up to Neil
Young! I guess we listen to a lot of music. I think
it’s best to be eclectic with music taste. My iPod
looks more like a record store than one genre of
music. It’s more collective.
MA: So you guys play ukulele. But sometimes
people look at the ukulele and think it’s not an
instrument. How do you guys feel about the
stereotype?
Thomas: I actually used to work at a used
musical instrument store. And we’d get
ukulele’s that were twelve thousand dollars, or
five thousand dollars, or six hundred dollars and
people will walk and say ‘That thing is a toy!
How can it be that expensive?!’ And you kind of
just have to sit down and explain them that it’s
a instrument.
MA: In your opinion what kind of songs make
the uke appealing? And to be taken seriously
instead of a plastic little disposable toy.
Thomas: One of the bands that I listened to in
high school and middle school was Everclear.
And what I really like about them, it happens a
lot in 90’s pop, is you have music that is
exceedingly happy and then lyrics that would
drive your soul to the ground. What I’ve noticed
about Turkey’s lyrics is that they’re more
brooding and dark. But in general, I thought it
would be cool to play the happiest sounding
instrument which is uke and banjo. And so it
kind of counters that stereotype of ukes being
just an instrument to for playing Hawaiian
music about rainbows and sunshine.
MA: On a totally unrelated subject, I want to
ask you guys about anti-piracy bills. I know you
guys are small scale musicians, but not
everyone has a dollar for every song especially
if they have one of those 17,000 song iTunes.
And I actually found you guys existed through
my friend who ripped a song from youtube on
their iTunes. And I felt bad because you guys
are small scale artist. But on one side it’s a good
way to share bits of music. On a bad side you’re
kind of losing some money with every one song
ripped. So how do you guys feel about those
antipiracy bills?
Thomas: This is something I really care about.
One of things I find is I stumble upon a song or a
review of an album where I do find myself
ordering that album. And I will be listening to it.
Piracy and torrents to me are like an
underground radio movement. When I tune
into a radio station and I like the artist, I buy
their album. And in torrents you can find long
playlist of songs people have put together. And
you might not like everything on it but you
might find something you like and end up
buying the album. The kind of backlash is when
you order albums there are these great
packages that people can get. The backlash to
record labels to illegal downloading is that less
people are buying their albums, but those
people who are willing to buy those albums are
spending more money than they would just for
a real tangible thing. But the thing is if people
don’t get to listen to that one song, like back
then when on the radio you could only listen to
the top 50 song, then people will be less likely
to buy that album. But now there’s so much
exposure out there for almost all artist. Like you
said, we write, record, and master our own
music and it would be hard for people in
California or New York to hear us. But with the
internet people know who we are and for
those who really like what we do they’ll buy our
album. I would hate for people to say hey listen
to the Broken Bicycles and hate it and throw it
in the waste basket. Download it. Listen to it.
And if you like it buy it so you have something
tangible and precious. I mean everyone would
love to quite their day jobs and do music full
time but the economy is not that kind of
economy anymore, so you rarely find people
who do what they love to pay the bills. So if you
do hear about us from a ripped song from
Youtube, then go ahead and buy our CD and
that will support us. I am for the availability of
music. I don’t encourage people to download
illegally, but if it gets us recognition and will
lead you to buy our music and share it then it’s
a good thing.
MA: So why haven’t you guys put out a vinyl
yet? I feel like you would be the kind of band to
have one out.
Thomas: I can’t release too many details but
there might be a split 7-inch released in 2012.
But probably because record making has
becoming exceedingly expensive. The cost to
make a compilation six years ago was $2,000 for
a full color vinyl. And now just to get a big thick
150 gram vinyl done it’s close $3,000. Which
gets a little expensive for a band like us. A 7-
inch maybe, but I can’t talk too much about it.
MA: Any words for the readers?
Thomas: Please take time to listen to us online.
It takes 20 seconds.
Listen to The Broken Bicycles on: http://thebrokenbicycles.bandcamp.com
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March 01, 2012
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the very first issue of How to Grow Youth, a magazine for young adults. I’m Marielle
Argueza, the chief editor and creator of HGY.
For a little background, I’m a literature major and anthropology minor at the University of
California in Santa Cruz. Though I am only a first year, I have for sometime accumulated an
interest in media and its effect on the population. As college made me realize in all its hyper-politics
and media-savvy, I should pick carefully about what I truly care about. And in further depth I
concluded that I should really care about the entire world. But hey I’m one person so, I’d say I care
most about my generation. And to really simplify that statement, I mean I care about you and I and
how we develop as human beings.
Too easily, our generation is swept up in useless ideals, models, and opinions that are not formed
by our own reasoning but by sensationalized scandal, media, or exaggerated opinion. Personally, I
want this magazine to make help you form your own opinion or validate the ones you already had.
This magazine, as serious as it sounds tries to hit the points that young adults should care about. So
yes there will be sensitive political theory, environmental or educational issues thrown in there, but
this magazine is meant to be readable and relatable. Meaning the things that get us by, like music,
art, and fashion, will be tossed in this magazine. And those unsaid personal issues like moving-out
or relationships will be addressed as well.
In short, I want this magazine to help you, the reader, sort out all the thoughts in your head (that
may or may not be yours) and reaffirm/form your own. I hope you enjoy this legendary first
issue! I’m excited for you, you have no idea!
Much Love,
Marielle Argueza
Chief Editior
LETTER TO THE READER: 001
Contact at: [email protected]
MACKENSIE NOELLE LEEK PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo: ©2012 Mackensie Noelle Leek
An Interview with: Arlene Rayas By Marielle Argueza
March 01, 2012
A small scale magazine that’s just starting
off is quite a task of organization when
faced with the questions of who you know,
what you know, and how well you will do.
But then again that’s life in general and
being a young adult, those same questions,
mean a whole lot more. So when mentally
filing who I would interview for the very
first issue I wanted to interview someone
remarkable. I wanted someone I didn’t
know too well but just from the very few
encounters left me intrigued.
Arlene Rayas is nothing short of every
expectation I had for this interview. Arlene
has got quite a talent for acting, but brings a
very realistic point of view to life outside of
her career. She experiences and life like
most middle class Americans. The
difference is she’s just 19 years old and has
a dream she’d love to pursue. With no need
for college, Arlene is set out to do some
great things. For now she resides in the
passivity of Monterey, but has plans for the
future.This is my interview with one
remarkable woman.
MA: I first discovered your acting
abilities in 2009 in Rhyan Sander’s
production of The Effects of Gamma
Rays on Man on the Moon
Marigolds. That was definitely not
supposed to be for a high school
audience. But it was amazing. Where
does that character come from? You
were the straight up crazy-bitch
mother.
AR: Oh my, I know!
MA: I was shaking from your
performance
AR: I don’t know. I mean I do know. A
lot of acting comes from your past
experiences and not just pretending
you’re someone. A lot of my
inspiration from that comes from my
own mother. I mean my mom’s not
an alcoholic or a psycho bitch. But I
think she’s just a very young mom,
like Beatrice was. But living with
such a difficult mom can get really
get to you now and then.
MA: We can all relate.
AR: Yeah we can all relate. But then you
know, in that show—I have an
An Interview with Arlene Rayas by Marielle ArguezA
Mar
epileptic daughter. I have a burn-out
daughter who’s basically just
sleeping with the whole high school.
My father just recently passed away.
And in order to get to that you have
to imagine that happened to you. I’ve
lost an uncle. My sister and I weren’t
very close. I was dealing with my
own demons. You know drugs and
what not. But then again I had a
wonderful director Rhyan Sanders—
I mean Rhyan Hamilton, as he is
known now: Mr. Rhyan Hamilton.
So he really helped me with it
because he kept pushing and
pushing. He knew I was insecure
about my acting.
MA: Oh really?
AR: Oh yeah, incredibly! I feel like
everyone has their insecurities. You
feel like you’re not good at it. And
when people tell you it’s great, you
think it’s so people will get your
hopes up or to make you feel better.
But then you yourself don’t feel like
it. You feel like your shit. You feel
like wow, that’s nothing, it’s just a
high school show. Conservatories
aren’t going to see this shit. It’s
experience and the will to put on a
good show so you won’t disappoint
your director.
MA: Wow. So as an artist how do you feel
when people actually look at your
show? I’ve seen a lot a plays in
modern theater. But I can safely say
that the stuff I see in that theater was
not like your show. So do you take
the critiques as nothing or do you use
them to your advantage?
AR: Oh no. Never. Obviously, I get a lot
of tough criticism. I get a lot of bad
criticism from people who have
more experience in this industry. But
a lot of the times I get a critiques
from people like MPC directors, or
like PacRep, Paper Wing, or people
who have been doing this for years
tell me: “You have something. You
really should pursue it.” So with that
I keep it in the back of my head. So
it’s like okay they told me that. But
then I get people telling me “you talk
to fast!” “You’re awkward on
stage!” Things like “What’s up with
your face?!” Or like “I don’t like
your teeth!” Which is true because I
don’t either, but whatever. You just
have to keep it all balanced. Balance!
Balance! Like everything in the
world Balance! Balance! Balance
when you pee. Balance when you‟re
fucking having sex or something. It‟s
an everyday thing for me. I act
everyday.
MA: Well you do live in your art so…
AR: Exactly! I do.
MA: Speaking of pursing careers and
speaking of the institutions, like
schools that critique you. What about
pursing acting in school? What
makes you different from other
actors who choose to pursue their
dream through institutions and
colleges?
AR: The thing with that is, that I don‟t
come from a family that grew up
with wealth and you know money. A
lot of them are very privileged. And
I don‟t want to say they can buy their
way into school, because obviously
they have to audition to get into the
college of their dreams. But the
money helps a lot. I don‟t have the
money which is why I‟m not even
going into MPC, because I can‟t
even afford MPC with the loans.
Loans are a bitch. They‟re bitches!
In time people don‟t need school, but
it helps. Even for a semester.
MA: Even I would prefer not to have to sit
five hours in class reading some
bullshit essays, but it‟s art I suppose
and you have to chase it somehow.
AR: The thing about art, and acting
school again is one of my pet peeves
is every time you enter a new school
you have to enter from the bottom
again. Levels like “beginner”,
“intermediate”, and “advance.” They
just judge you from how much
knowledge you have academically
you know? And I don‟t think that‟s
fair because you have obviously
talented people that are way better at
acting than the next fucking guy in
Hollywood.
MA: I guess it‟s because those who can‟t
afford college and don‟t believe in
college have to get there on another
path that isn‟t so obvious. So they
want it more. They‟re basically
making up for that lack of a degree.
AR: I mean I‟ll take a class. I have too!
But not here. I‟m actually thinking
about running away to L.A. within
the next months. I could sleep in
hotel restrooms, and ask random
people to let me shower in their
homes. But obviously, if you want to
be a chemical engineer yeah you
have to go to school. But you don‟t
have to go to school for art. Art was
born in the streets! We have street
performers, street singers, street
walkers…I mean PROSTITUTION
IS AN ART! I mean c‟mon?! They
have a gift. I mean who else can
make someone happy and get paid
for it? They make money off their
looks and their skills.
MA: On the subject of money, what are
you doing instead of the traditional
college path? What is your way?
AR: I‟m just trying to get myself known
by the community theater. I know a
lot of people around this town that
can truly help me. But then it comes
down to how proud you are, because
I‟m all for being generous. I‟d do
anything to help someone out. But
when you‟re on the other side of the
spectrum you‟re like „Aw, Shit!‟ I
don‟t want them to pity me.
MR: It‟s like just begging some director to
let you do lights!
AR: Yeah, it‟s exactly what I was telling
you. I‟m selling myself for the
Theater! But no I‟ve been
auditioning everywhere. And I get
call backs. Sometimes you don‟t get
call backs, but that‟s expected. But
we live in Monterey, so that tells you
that much.
MA: Ha! Speaking of bustling cities!
AR: I‟m not trying to be pessimistic but I
keep it real. I keep it really real. But
follow your dreams, you got to get
out of here. They‟ll having the
stepping stones here but if you want
to do something big, get out of your
town.
MA: So with that question, why are you
still grounded here?
AR: I‟m afraid to be disappointed in
myself. By myself. And if you spend
a year here, and a year there you start
to double guess yourself. You‟re like
„What the fuck is wrong with me?!
I‟m giving them everything. I‟m
giving them everything they‟ve been
asking for!” And I‟ve been trying to
leave since I graduated, but even that
feels like forever ago. You‟re lucky
you left. I mean even if you are
forty-five minutes away you’re still
kind of gone.
MA: I guess, but I mean being a college
student you’re not completely free.
You’re better off being out there a
alone, because you’re already
detaching yourself anyways. Being a
away at college still keeps you on a
leash, with your parents, with their
expectations, with your expectations.
AR: And I think that’s why I’m still here.
My family. My family is struggling,
I mean I have—I juggle one to three
jobs a year just to pay rent and get
food because I love them. And I
can’t leave knowing that they’re not
at a good place. So I’m kind of
sacrificing my own dream in order to
kick-start theirs. It sucks, it does.
But I’m losing—well not losing
everything but putting it aside.
MA: Do you think your family then is one
of those balancing acts too? Do you
have to balance them with your own
dreams?
AR: No. They’re not. I mean they can be,
but I want to make sure they’re okay.
MA: So you want to secure them before
you secure yourself?
AR: Oh yea, I mean I’m very
spontaneous. I can leave after this
interview if I wanted and say ‘See ya
guys later! I’m gonna jump on a train
and go to San Francisco.’ I’ll see
how I make money there. I don’t
know how to answer that question
really. Family, money, the fear of
realizing ‘oh shit, maybe this isn’t’
what I should be doing.’ Even
though I feel like it is.
MA: You’ll get there! Which city do you
plan on heading out next? Pick a
city, any city! If you could choose
one and be successful and amazing.
AR: Any city I like?! The actor’s cliché
New York. I’d go there. And if not
L.A. I mean it’s such a groggy little
town—I mean it’s huge, but people
act and get famous. Even really bad
actors, like who’s the one girl
Kristen Stewart?! The Twilight girl.
She can’t fucking act. This is her
face (imitates a blank face). When
she’s sad, happy, or screaming. It’s
blank and she’s dating Robert
Pattinson and he’s hot! So you’ll be
getting postcards from me in L.A. I
guess. Unless of course I end up in
Alabama.
MA: You won’t end up in Alabama! I’m
sure you’ll hate it there. Any parting
words before we finish?
AR: Don’t double guess yourself.
Whoever is reading this don’t double
guess yourself. If people say you
have talent and you’re passionate
about it doubt it. Pursue it! If you
have fucking talent you just have to
fucking go for it! You can do it. I’m
fucking struggling, but I’m going to
do it. People can crush you like an
ant but you got to be like bionic ant
and just not let them crush you.
Again believe in yourself!
Race: Does it exist? So What if it Does? By: Danna Agha
March 01, 2012
“It’s quite sad, I’ll tell you that and unfortunately it matters to this day.”
In case you missed the memo, of course race
exists. If it didn‟t, humans would not exist.
On that note, what kind of race is it exactly?
Is it a race back to the starting line? What‟s
the prize at the end of this so-called human
race? Is there a first, second, and third place?
Take a moment to get comfortable while I
massage your mind with my opinion. Ready?
Okay, me too.
The problem here, yes I‟m going to
call it that from here on out since I‟ve been
faced with it one too many times, is that this
“race” concept is so misinterpreted on most
occasions. I‟m just going to take a radical
guess and assume that most people, meaning
you, associate race and ethnicity in the same
family. Well, if you‟re anything like me, that‟s
absolutely normally if do so. We are human.
We are one race. We are the ones who
decided to group this race into teams (see
what I did there?). Ethnicities stem from the
race concept. After all, it‟s bound to happen;
we‟re only human, right? We have this need
to section things off by categories and labels.
I, being a sardonic college slacker, have this
guilty conscious of sectioning people off into
subgroups upon subgroups until before you
know it, I have created an elaborate scheme of
categorized people when really, I shouldn‟t
have. So . . . don‟t be too surprised that this
problem is all over the place with hush-hush
Take a moment to get comfortable
while I massage your mind with
my opinion. Ready? Okay, me too.
The problem here, yes I’m
going to call it that from here on
out since I’ve been faced with it
one too many times, is that this
“race” concept is so misinterpreted
on most occasions. I’m just going
to take a radical guess and assume
that most people, meaning you,
associate race and ethnicity in the
same family. Well, if you’re
anything like me, that’s absolutely
normally if do so. We are human.
We are one race. We are the ones
who decided to group this race into
teams (see what I did there?).
Ethnicities stem from the race
concept. After all, it’s bound to
happen; we’re only human, right?
We have this need to section things
off by categories and labels. I,
being a sardonic college slacker,
this “race” concept is so misinterpreted on most
occasions. I’m just going to take a radical guess
and assume that most people, meaning you,
associate race and ethnicity in the same family.
Well, if you’re anything like me, that’s
absolutely normally if do so. We are human.
We are one race. We are the ones who decided
to group this race into teams (see what I did
there?). Ethnicities stem from the race concept.
After all, it’s bound to happen; we’re only
human, right? We have this need to section
things off by categories and labels. I, being a
sardonic college slacker, have this guilty
conscious of sectioning people off into
subgroups upon subgroups until before you
know it, I have created an elaborate scheme of
categorized people when really, I shouldn’t
have. So . . . don’t be too surprised that this
conscious of sectioning people off into
subgroups upon subgroups until before you
know it, I have created an elaborate scheme
of categorized people when really, I shouldn’t
have. So . . . don’t be too surprised that this
problem is all over the place with hush-hush
opinions and such.
Hell, growing up I was submerged in
all kinds of people from all backgrounds and
the ever so common “walks of life” metaphor.
Yours truly, being raised in multiple countries
with an avalanche of people coming in and
out of her life, has experienced people from
all over this planet. Race didn’t play such a
major role in it for I only saw people, simply
that. It wasn’t until I was taught about race
and what it meant for us as human beings that
I honestly took a much broader look at the
full human spectrum. It was quite sad, I’ll tell
you that and unfortunately it matters to this
day.
So, maybe I wasn’t too off when I was
asking rhetorical questions early on about the
human race. I’d like to think we are simply
racing back to the starting line and keep
running around this little blue planet trying to
get farther and seem better only to realize that
we’re all going the same pace, at the same
time. In the end, it doesn’t really matter all
that much, or does it?
The problem here, yes I’m
going to call it that from here
on out since I’ve been faced
with it one too many times, is
opinions and such.
Hell, growing up I was
submerged in all kinds of
people from all
backgrounds and the ever
so common “walks of
life” metaphor. Yours
truly, being raised in
multiple countries with
an avalanche of people
coming in and out of her
life, has experienced
people from all over this
planet. Race didn’t play
such a major role in it for
I only saw people, simply
that. It wasn’t until I
truly, being raised in multiple countries with
an avalanche of people coming in and out of
her life, has experienced people from all
over this planet. Race didn’t play such a
major role in it for I only saw people, simply
that. It wasn’t until I was taught about race
and what it meant for us as human beings
that I honestly took a much broader look at
the full human spectrum. It was quite sad,
I’ll tell you that and unfortunately it matters
to this day.
So, maybe I wasn’t too off when I
was asking rhetorical questions early on
about the human race. I’d like to think we
are simply racing back to the starting line
Above: A picture of the Richard Perry Loving (left) and Mildred Loving (right). The couple was convicted of „interracial marriage‟ which was illegal in Virgina, US in 1959. 1967 the Supreme Court in the US ruled „miscegenation‟ unconstitutional.
So, maybe I wasn’t too off when I was asking
rhetorical questions early on about the human
race. I’d like to think we are simply racing
back to the starting line and keep running
around this little blue planet trying to get
farther and seem better only to realize that
we’re all going the same pace, at the same
time. In the end, it doesn’t really matter all that
much, or does it?
For more of Danna’s writing go to:
http://lungclam.blogspot.com
FACING THE THRESHOLD
By Nina Driel
March 01, 2012
Leave the car at home, turn down
the heater a couple of degrees
and only buy food that’s grown in
your area; those are just a few
examples of how to protect the
environment. Still, people don’t
seem to use those easy ways of
contributing to save our planet.
The problem is not necessarily
that they don’t care, but people
are ignorant of the fact that
taking care of our environment is
not that hard. It is starting to
become common knowledge yet
the number of people that do
know how to protect the planet is
growing.
So even though people might
know, not much is being done. Why
don’t people take the effort of
going a little further? Why don’t
they incorporate those little
actions into their lives?
University students seem to know
pretty well why this happens.
“You need to get it into your
system, it needs to become a
routine rather than a burden”,
Paula (18, student) observes. “It’s
like a threshold you need to pass;
it seems hard at first, but once
you’re in, you’re in”. Jessy (19,
student) thought about it a little
differently: “It’s all about the
way you were brought up. If your
parents are into it, you will be
too. I mean, you won’t be some
kind of ‘save the environment’-
freak, but I was brought up
splitting the garbage in order to
recycle it, things like that. When
I moved out, I proposed this to
my roommate and she looked at
me like I was crazy. After I
explained it she understood, but
she would never have come up
with it”. A third explanation was
offered to me by Aletta (19,
student) and Joyce (18, student):
“People knowingly keep
themselves from taking the
effort to do something, because
all the results are long-term.
Why would they turn down the
heater so maybe, years from now,
people might be able to take
advantage of it”? This statement
might best explain the problem:
at first, there are too many
“maybes” and “likes” in it.
Second, people can’t see any
results. This is partly because
the only way to conceive a result
is by having everyone contribute.
Most people feel like it wouldn’t
make any difference what they do,
if all the others keep themselves
from helping. They can only see
loss: it will take up their time,
and more importantly, their
money. As many of you might
know, the Dutch are known to be
cheap. I would like to take down
this prejudice, but I’m afraid it
is based on truth. I’m not saying
all people are like that, I’m not
saying it’s taking control of our
lives; but money is important in
many decisions.
But there is good stuff is
happening as well. Jong Ondernemen (young
entrepreneurs) is an education
program in which young adults
(the equivalent of 11th and 12th
graders) are taught about
entrepreneurship. They are
supposed to set up their own
business, in whatever way they
want. Research amongst those
students showed that there is an
increase in the awareness of our
planet. The students base
themselves on the “Triple P”:
People, Profit, and, most
importantly, Planet. The idea is
that they consider those aspects,
which everyone does. But an
increasing amount of people
actually incorporates the
“Planet” part into their business.
And if people can take it into
their business, why wouldn’t they
take it into their lives?
Truth is there is still a lot to be
done. There is a start, however:
awareness is not the problem.
And I understand exactly what
the problem is, because this is
my problem as well; it’s not on
your mind, it takes up time,
money, effort. Like I said before,
money is a big thing, especially
amongst people that are my age:
college students. In Holland,
when you move out, you have to
provide your own food, and you
suddenly have to think about how
much money you spend. So buying
food that might help the
environment is out of the
question. Other things, however,
are easy and even save some
money. And I think that’s why
Dutch people are pretty good at
it. No other country in the world
has a percentage of bike-riding
people as high as the
Netherlands. To most people,
especially young people, a
bicycle is their main form of
transportation, for different
reasons: it’s convenient, cheap,
easy. And no CO2 emission. I also
know I have to pay more for my
gas when I turn on the heater too
much.
So actually, I don’t think there is
a lot to worry about. Let’s at
least support the people that
actually go out of their way to
protect the environment. They
don’t deserve being made fun of
because they care. Be grateful to
the people that decide to ride a
bike instead of driving a car.
Those are the people that provide
a future for the children you
might have, and if not yours,
other people’s. And think about
this: a little effort is never a
bad thing. Maybe you should go
out of your way too every now
and then, and before you know it,
you’re used to doing it. It might
seem like you do it for nothing
but it takes a whole lot of ants
to build a giant anthill. Kill one
and nothing will happen. But kill
them all, and nothing will be
built.
Confused? You shouldn’t be. Why
shouldn’t you look like a badass every
single day this Spring? There’s really is no
good reason, so be bold! Whether where
you live/vacation is warm or still chilly in
Spring, layering classic and old-fashion
textures was never a bad idea.
Boys, instead of classic denims jeans go
for canvas. It’s almost just as sturdy and
gives that same rustic feel as denim.
(Check out Levis ™ for an array of
canvas pants!)
It’s also about time to brave an
embellished leather jacket. Accentuate the
badassery with perfectly placed studs, and
if you’re really bold spikes. (Just make
sure not flying anywhere, you’re sure to
be seen as a huge metal detector
trap…seriously.)
Top it all off with an equally textured
leather belt or some leather boots to
match. Then viola, you look like a badass!
Reclaiming Textures:
A Guide to Canvas for Men
By: Marielle Argueza
Leather and Canvas:
Scarves and Canvas:
Don’t be intimidated! It’s just a scarf.
Though the scarves have had a rep
for accessorizing some interesting (as
in distasteful) looks, with the right
textures, you can play off a scarf just
fine. Plus it’s really quite practical
when you want to keep warm.
If you’re going to wear a scarf decide
whether you want a solid color or a
patterned scarf. If you want to wear
a solid color make sure it’s textured
to make it stand out against the
plainer neutrals when you add a
canvas jacket. If you’re going to wear
a patterned scarf, make sure the
pattern is in neutral-ish colors/
shades. A pattern creates an interesting
focal point just by the repeating shapes, so
there’s no need to busy it up with bright
colors. Again, paired with a solid-colored
canvas jacket this outfit is sure to be
practical and flattering!
Photos: © 2011-2012 Marielle Argueza
The Cinema vs. The Theater By Arlene Rayas
March 01, 2012
Many people have a hard time deciding
what to do on a weekend night; nowadays
you can grab a bite to eat, bar hop etc… but
prior to such “delicate” recreations there
used to be merely two options: Go to the
Movies or watch a Play. There wasn’t much
to choose from. Or so they thought…
Theater has been around since 6 century
BC, starting in Ancient Greece- It was a
type of performance where live actors
entertained the wealthy and poor alike,
growing into a mass business like deal
over time. It can be transcended from
music, to speech, to dance all in one
production. It is one of the oldest forms of
art; right next to the visuals and musical.
As the art migrated to other civilizations,
each made it their own. For example, the
Romans’ made it an art of street
performing. Once hitting the west in the
15-16th
centuries, the infamous commedia
dell'arte and melodrama became fiercely
popular, thus giving the performing artist
a new kind of recognition
performing artist a new kind of recognition.
With the ability to transform themselves into
such a range of characters the Actor became
well known as chameleons, talented and stars;
as opposed to the disgraceful - “hoodlum”,”
Drunk” ,and “vile” (Given the influence of
political protest). But, that’s a different story.
Cinematography revolutionized everything in
the entertainment media; having been
developed for “Motion Pictures”, it focused more
on the movement, lighting and landscape…
moving pictures were something no one had
seen before, silent film overshadowed the art of
live performances. Being more technical and
much more difficult to captivate and very
popular, the motion picture became a
multimillion dollar business. In the movies,
special lenses, technology and long hours were
what differentiated this art from that of the
performing arts. As bizarre as it may seem to
most of us, “The silent era” of film producers
found it impossible to marry sound and image
together. With technology evolving Hollywood
(The birthplace of cinema to some) made the
impossible real with its first “Talkie”- this
opened doors to artists, cinematographers and
audiences all across America.
what to do on a weekend night; nowadays
you can grab a bite to eat, bar hop etc… but
prior to such “delicate” recreations there
used to be merely two options: Go to the
Movies or watch a Play. There wasn’t much
to choose from. Or so they thought…
Theater has been around since 6 century
BC, starting in Ancient Greece- It was a type
of performance where live actors
entertained the wealthy and poor alike,
growing into a mass business like deal over
time. It can be transcended from music, to
speech, to dance all in one production. It is
one of the oldest forms of art; right next to
the visuals and musical. As the art migrated
to other civilizations, each made it their
own. For example, the Romans’ made it an
art of street performing. Once hitting the
west in the 15-16th
centuries, the infamous
commedia dell'arte and melodrama became
fiercely popular, thus giving the
performingpperperforming
There’s a difference in effect seeing something off screen and on screen. Left: Meryl Streep playing Karen in the movie Out of Africa. Right: Meryl Streep playing Mother Courage in the play Mother Courage.
to most of us, “The silent era” of film
producers found it impossible to marry sound
and image together. With technology
evolving Hollywood (The birthplace of cinema
to some) made the impossible real with its
first “Talkie”- this opened doors to artists,
cinematographers and audiences all across
America.
As time went by, Theater and Cinema
became two of the most popularly forms
of Art in the 19th Century.
As time went by, Theater and Cinema became
two of the most popularly forms of Art in the
19th
Century. Many of the great movie actors
have derived from or have gone into the world
of Theater Arts. It’s become a natural motion to
mix both worlds together.
If you enjoy the beauty of an actor speaking up
on stage, while you sit just feet away from
them, you get the feeling of reality; Not
only moving camera shots, but the sense
of truly living the anger, passion,
on stage, while you sit just feet away from them,
you get the feeling of reality; Not only moving
camera shots, but the sense of truly living the
anger, passion, happiness the actor in front of
you is portraying. If you prefer to be in a dimly
lit room, watching explosions, Eating Popcorn or
being spooked by a Hollywood monster… The
Movies are your treat.
There is a very fine line between the differences
of the two, both are equally as enjoyable the, both
classic and you can never go wrong with either
one. So next time you are contemplating on what
to do That evening, check your local weekly…
save the grub and booze for a latter time, and
enjoy an intimate night with the performing
arts- captured on stage, or on a Screen.
Photo: © 2012 Andrew Whitton
What Did you Expect From the
Vaccines? By Vivian Guerra March 01, 2010
The Vaccines is a band that has been part of
the lists of new music published in
magazines and blogs. Their debut album
What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?
has reach the top in the UK charts recently.
But why is this band famous? Here I made a
review of the album which was released in
the 2010.
In general terms the sound of this band
reminds me of 50’s and 60’s rock and roll.
An old, dirty sound sometimes with a
“soft/vintage” touch. The first track is called
“Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)” which
introduces us in a quickly to the basic
sounds of The Vaccines in approximately a
minute. Then we have “If You Wanna”
which continues the line with similar
sounding guitars of the previous song and is
also just as fast, especially in the chorus.
There are hints in the lyrics that it may be
about forgetting or forgiving.
After that, is “A lack Of Understanding”
which introduces us to a sad atmosphere, as
the sound goes according to the lyrics with
this one in a simple way, without major
effects. “Blow It Up” reveals more guitar
distortion. The battery has main role. This
song makes references to being bored or
annoyed, as it says “Trippin’ out is fun on
the weekend/ But you feel as young with a
girlfriend/ I’m bored of trying to deal with
your ego/ Play if off like that and it will
though.”
“Wetsuit” call us to think about us, our
youth and people growing up. “Norgaard”
is reminiscent of “Wreckin’ Bar...” as it has
the same tones. It also correlates to the lyrics
along the lines of going out and describing
situations in a non-serious way, just having
fun. Then we have “Post Break-Up Sex” which
is one of the most famous and relevant songs of
the album, it was the second single of the band
as it the most viewed video on Youtube. It’s
very catchy from the beginning, and as the title
says, the singer asks himself if sex after a break
up could be good for him. No needs of
metaphors, the lyrics say it all.
In this album we can see differences in the way
the singer express his feelings, while “Under
your thumb” moves us to a love song, “All in
White” displaces us on the other side with a
melancholic sound/lyrics that main singer Justin
Young commented that it was about “jealousy
and victimizing yourself…”, also as a fact, this
song is the 4th to be released as a single. I think
“Wolf Pack” is a song that puts an end to the
doubts we may have of The Vaccines sound. As
one of the last songs, it validates the sound the
the Vaccines try to maintain. Finally, “Family
Friend”, a song with two noticeable parts,
closes the album in a steady way. The first part
overall cheery, the second one is a more
melancholic and takes away all the guitars and
battery that is essentially part of most of The
Vaccines songs.
All in all, I think What Did You Expect from
the Vaccines? Is a consistent album, because it
reminds us of the work they put in as a band to
reach their characteristic sound. In terms of
lyrics, they don’t use too many metaphors; they
go straight to the point. This point is important
to some bands and not others, but for the
Vaccine it looks like it really works well
because it makes a connection with the sound
they made which is fresh and “young”. Good
album for a start of a new band. They have
potential to do more. Hope to see an evolution
next album.
DOWNLOAD: What Did You Expect from
the Vaccines on iTunes
Producers: Dan Grech
Label: Columbia
Genre: Indie rock/Post-punk revival
“EL CAMINO” by Vivian CORAL GUERRA
March 01, 2012
Is it easy for a band to get good critiques and
be just as recognized for a new album, right
after huge successes with their previous
album? It’s rare. In this case, The Black Keys
released their new album El Camino shortly
after Brothers, which was the album that
made The Black Keys famous worldwide and
put them in the musical scene in commercial
terms. The album was produced almost within
40 days. The following is a review of what it
sounds like and what we get listening to it. it.
“Lonely Boy” all about what The Black Keys
lyrics and sound consist of: rock and roll,
passionate love/broken hearts, (for example
“But I came to love you anyway/ So you tore
my heart out/ And I don’t mind bleeding/ Any
old time you keep me waiting ”) strong guitar
chords, the impeccable voice of Dan Auerbach
and the super battery of Patrick Carney (Even
though he says that until now he doesn’t know
how to play the battery).
Then there is “Dead and Gone”; following
the Black Keys distinct sound but with a more
memorable chorus :“I’ll go anywhere you
go”. Also “Gold On The Ceiling” give us the
strokes of past albums. In fact, they just
announced that this song would be the second
single and have released the video for it.
Which is what I like about The Black Keys
because they have that characteristic sound
that anyone can hear in a chorus or part of a
song and can say “That’s The Black Keys”.
In my opinion, “Little Black Submarines” is
one of the most outstanding songs of the
album, exceptionally well written, as the
production. With “Money Maker” and
“Run Right Back” shows that the album
does not give any space for confusion, it is
uncomplicated, it’s easy to keep with the beat
in every song, and it doesn’t lose your
attention. In addition, it is said that is difficult
to keep the track of this album if you are only
used to the sound of the previous album
“Run Right Back” shows that the album
does not give any space for confusion, it is
uncomplicated, it’s easy to keep with the beat
in every song, and it doesn’t lose your
attention. In addition, it is said that is difficult
to keep the track of this album if you are only
used to the sound of the previous album
“Brothers”, but the fact is, that it is easier to
comprehend this album.
“Sister” goes to the old rock and roll sound,
and maybe taking some references of the
classics. Also, “Hell Of a Season” presents
the personal subjects of rejection and suffering
as it says “Say you’ll be better/I’ll keep
waiting forever/ You know I do/ Know I do,
oh”. Then it continues to refer to those kind
of problems in “Stop Stop” and “Nova Baby”
(which the starts to sound a littlbe different
than the rest of the album).
In terms of lyrics, “Mind Eraser” presents
that kind of story we have listened in the entire
album, trying to delete everything, even
though he can’t. In terms of sounds, it is
slower, but the rhythm doesn’t go down, it’s
still catchy and the guitar solo goes perfectly
with the song, as in the beginning to the end of
the album.
© 2011 Matt Ellis
This is a band that is not new, but in
every album has something new for their
audience to hear. They reinvented
themselves every time. As always, they
find no need to have a lot integrants, just
a few minds that know how to make
music, and that’s shows in this new
album. Made in quickly, after the “hype”
they had by many music magazine,
proving that they are not a band of a just
a year. That they are a band that always
have more to create. El Camino is that
proof. This is an excellent album from an
excellent band.
DOWNLOAD: El Camino on iTunes
PRODUCERS: The Black Keys and
Dangermouse
GENRE: Garage Rock/Blues Rock
LABEL: Nonesuch
RELEASED: December 6, 2011
© 2011 Danny Clinch
A Musical Chat: The Broken Bicycles By: Marielle Argueza
March 1, 2012
Photo: © Megan Maddux
Straight Out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Broken Bicycles aren’t your typical home studio band. The Broken Bicycles consist of Thomas Maddux (mostly uke and banjo), Turkeyes (lead vocals), and Kelsey (bassist and percussion) and have an upbeat sound with hard hitting poetic lyrics. Unlike most home-based artist, the Broken Bicycles have a forceful momentum when it comes getting their music out there. Since 2010 the Broken Bicycles have 4 releases, recorded and mastered mostly by the hands of Thomas himself. They‘re a home-based band minus all the naivety about the music industry all while keeping true to their
talents.
MA: No doubt musicians draw from what
surrounds them. Justin Vernon of Bon Iver came
out of the woods after a break up with a whole
album. What elements of your lives do you guys
draw from the most. There are three band
members so I feel like there’s a lot to draw
from. But your songs seem so honest and
uncomplicated.
Turkeyes: Well I write most of the lyrics.
Thomas: I’ve also written a lot about my exes
in this band as well. She writes a lot about her
relationships with her ex lovers as well as her
present lovers.
Turkeyes: Actually most of the songs are about
current lovers.
Thomas: I guess you just have to write from
what you know.
MA: You guys live in Minnesota. Minneapolis to
be exact. And a lot of your songs are about
nature. How do you guys integrate that with
your music? Do you think where you live also
inspires your music at all?
Thomas: I think so we have a song called
Minneapolis in the Summer available online.
That we wrote about living here year round in
our community and just everyday life in
Minneapolis.
MA: So many small scale artist start on the
internet. It’s the quickest way to communicate
and the best way to put your name out there.
As a group, how much does publicity matter? I
mean you’ve released a bunch albums within a
couple years. What the goal for you guys?
Thomas: I started a band with Turkeyes called El
Faunt & His Travelling Circus. And this band
was suppose to be a more lighthearted feeling
band because our band is this dark brooding
eight piece band. One of the things that we
agreed when we formed Broken Bicycles is to
have an album a year if we were going to get
any distance. So we actually sat down and
wrote seven songs before playing our first
show. I have a recording studio, so we recorded
the songs and we booked our first show in
Spring. We recorded our second album last
winter. Right now we’re actually at a recording
session for our third album along with our
single “Minneapolis in the Summer” we’ve
almost done four releases then. But our goal for
it to just write the music we want to write and
see where the music takes us. Now we have
Kelsey playing bass and she also plays drum and
percussion. She adds a more dynamic sound
and she’s making us a more full feeling band. I
think we kind of just let the music take us
where we’re going. One of the goals we have to
do one release a year. So we can keep hearing
how we’re evolving. For me it’s more fun to see
how the band slowly evolves, more than just
dramatically change in two years.
MA: So I know you guys want to see where the
music takes you but does it really matter how
popular you guys are?
Kelsey: I think it’s equal. Sometimes it’s more
about the music because everything we write is
coming from our heart. And we feel it and we
genuinely feel it. But we also want to market it
towards people who will enjoy and appreciate
just as much as we do.
Thomas: I remember we played a show in a
small bar in Saint Paul, Minnesota. There
weren’t many people there. But when we
played the song “Eternal Slumber” there was
this guy who slowly inched his way to the stage
as both of us were getting off and started to
quote our lyrics “you reside, in the inside of my
eyelids.” And it just struck a chord with him.
Having those interactions and knowing that he
felt that is why we do this. It for that intense
feeling you get when watching shows. That’s
the point with the song we’re writing is so we
connect to people just to kind of say to those
people it’s normal to feel what you feel.
MA: So why is it important for you guys to
record and master your own music? There’s
many popular folk bands like Fleet Foxes and
Mumford Sons who are great and have signed
on with huge labels, but don’t have the same
sound as those artist who do the whole process
themselves. You’ve guys been mastering your
own music for the most part.
Thomas: Well I’ve owned a recording studio
since I was 18 and I’ve always just enjoyed the
recording process. And for my point of view I’m
a multi-instrumentalist, I need a recording
studio just to see what I sound like. I don’t have
people at my house to tell me what I sound like
when I’m sitting around my house at 3 in the
morning when I have that urge to record. So
when you recorded multi-layerd multi-tracks it’s
a learning process over time. It’s one of the
things, where you do it yourself and it works so
we do it a lot. We master it ourselves because
we can. It saves money, we can get our music
out faster, and sell the CD’s cheaper. This album
we’re going to a gentlemen named Jim Mays to
master. He’s master all the other El Faunt & His
Travelling Circus albums. So it’s kind of like a
two for one deal. So we’re going to get
mastered through him so there will be a little
bit of a difference. So it will actually a bit more
layered. Although what we can do here at Old
Fashioned Records, I think we should have him
do it and branch out into the community and
have more artist involved in it.
MA: So do you think this will take away from
anything?
Thomas: I don’t think so. I always have a couple
people listen to it. What will happen is I’ll really
like this banjo line. Subconsciously, I’ll keep
putting it louder into the mix to the point where
it’s abrasively loud because I just love it so
much I have no idea how high it is up there. And
having other people tell me hey you ‘should
probably move that down!’ It’s kind of thing
where you have your friends read your papers.
MA: Nice, so it’s always collaborative. Apart
from your music, what music do you guys listen
to and does it inspire your music in any obvious
way? I mean of course you have your own
sound but do you guys ever draw from other
musicians.
Thomas: I always listen to a lot old Vaudville
type of music. Which I is why I use the ukulele.
Which actually kind of helps with the chord
progressions because it helps with the feeling of
the song. And just a lot of everything else. I’m
listening to a lot of Tallest Man on Earth right
now and a lot of the National.
Turkeyes: The writing process kind of helps that
out. Thomas does the chord progressions and I
choose what lyrics I’ve written to best fit the
feel of the ukulele he’s playing. I write the
melodies right on the spot, so it kind of cuts off
everything I’ve been listening to. It’s divine
inspiration.
Thomas: I like She & Him. They’re adorable.
Kelsey: Mainly, I listen to the radio. I find
inspiration in all music.
Thomas: We’re all Kesha fans and Lady Gaga.
We’ve been listening to a lot of pop music lately
just to see how it evolves.
Turkeyes: We kind of all have our own thing in
music. We like to listen to all types.
Thomas: Yeah, we listen to Bob Dylan, Johnny
Cash, Leonard Cohen. We grew up to Neil
Young! I guess we listen to a lot of music. I think
it’s best to be eclectic with music taste. My iPod
looks more like a record store than one genre of
music. It’s more collective.
MA: So you guys play ukulele. But sometimes
people look at the ukulele and think it’s not an
instrument. How do you guys feel about the
stereotype?
Thomas: I actually used to work at a used
musical instrument store. And we’d get
ukulele’s that were twelve thousand dollars, or
five thousand dollars, or six hundred dollars and
people will walk and say ‘That thing is a toy!
How can it be that expensive?!’ And you kind of
just have to sit down and explain them that it’s
a instrument.
MA: In your opinion what kind of songs make
the uke appealing? And to be taken seriously
instead of a plastic little disposable toy.
Thomas: One of the bands that I listened to in
high school and middle school was Everclear.
And what I really like about them, it happens a
lot in 90’s pop, is you have music that is
exceedingly happy and then lyrics that would
drive your soul to the ground. What I’ve noticed
about Turkey’s lyrics is that they’re more
brooding and dark. But in general, I thought it
would be cool to play the happiest sounding
instrument which is uke and banjo. And so it
kind of counters that stereotype of ukes being
just an instrument to for playing Hawaiian
music about rainbows and sunshine.
MA: On a totally unrelated subject, I want to
ask you guys about anti-piracy bills. I know you
guys are small scale musicians, but not
everyone has a dollar for every song especially
if they have one of those 17,000 song iTunes.
And I actually found you guys existed through
my friend who ripped a song from youtube on
their iTunes. And I felt bad because you guys
are small scale artist. But on one side it’s a good
way to share bits of music. On a bad side you’re
kind of losing some money with every one song
ripped. So how do you guys feel about those
antipiracy bills?
Thomas: This is something I really care about.
One of things I find is I stumble upon a song or a
review of an album where I do find myself
ordering that album. And I will be listening to it.
Piracy and torrents to me are like an
underground radio movement. When I tune
into a radio station and I like the artist, I buy
their album. And in torrents you can find long
playlist of songs people have put together. And
you might not like everything on it but you
might find something you like and end up
buying the album. The kind of backlash is when
you order albums there are these great
packages that people can get. The backlash to
record labels to illegal downloading is that less
people are buying their albums, but those
people who are willing to buy those albums are
spending more money than they would just for
a real tangible thing. But the thing is if people
don’t get to listen to that one song, like back
then when on the radio you could only listen to
the top 50 song, then people will be less likely
to buy that album. But now there’s so much
exposure out there for almost all artist. Like you
said, we write, record, and master our own
music and it would be hard for people in
California or New York to hear us. But with the
internet people know who we are and for
those who really like what we do they’ll buy our
album. I would hate for people to say hey listen
to the Broken Bicycles and hate it and throw it
in the waste basket. Download it. Listen to it.
And if you like it buy it so you have something
tangible and precious. I mean everyone would
love to quite their day jobs and do music full
time but the economy is not that kind of
economy anymore, so you rarely find people
who do what they love to pay the bills. So if you
do hear about us from a ripped song from
Youtube, then go ahead and buy our CD and
that will support us. I am for the availability of
music. I don’t encourage people to download
illegally, but if it gets us recognition and will
lead you to buy our music and share it then it’s
a good thing.
MA: So why haven’t you guys put out a vinyl
yet? I feel like you would be the kind of band to
have one out.
Thomas: I can’t release too many details but
there might be a split 7-inch released in 2012.
But probably because record making has
becoming exceedingly expensive. The cost to
make a compilation six years ago was $2,000 for
a full color vinyl. And now just to get a big thick
150 gram vinyl done it’s close $3,000. Which
gets a little expensive for a band like us. A 7-
inch maybe, but I can’t talk too much about it.
MA: Any words for the readers?
Thomas: Please take time to listen to us online.
It takes 20 seconds.
Listen to The Broken Bicycles on: http://thebrokenbicycles.bandcamp.com
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