To the Fiends

Well, it's hard to believe it's already over, but here's to another year of good times had. I hope you all had a very merry Christmas, and have an even better New Year. Thanks to all you readers who stay loyal even with my lack of consistant posting while on hiatus in another continent!

DESIGNFLOOD

DESIGNFLOOD is essentially the web designer's version of the infamous Hot or Not website (or any of those other rating website people use to try and boost their egos). In this case people post screenshots and links to their websites. This is a great place to find inspiration, or just browse cool websites. However, I am not sure I would ever post a website here. It seems there must be too many design snob members who rate most of these sites much lower than what they deserve. I have checked out many well designed sites so far, and only one has had a score over seven.

INDISTR

INDISTR is making "making it" pointless as they say. The website is the brainchild of Benjamin Gott, co-creator of The Brilliance. The concept of INDISTR is one that I have always known would come about sooner than later. Essentially INDISTR makes it possible for musicians to widely distribute their music, and remain truly independent. The artists have complete control over their music and keep 75% of the earnings. It is what I believe will be the future of music, the death of monsterous record labels reaping the benefits, and true freedom for the musicians. The website is in the pre-launch stage right now, and is said to be launching in 3 weeks, I am excited to see how it goes.

S.O.V. VS Zoo York

Since the first time I posted about Lady Sovereign I knew this girl wasn't going to be just a flavor of the week. Whether you like her or not, she is here to stay. Projects like the new Zoo York/Lady Sovereign skate deck only help support the case. The deck, inspired by S.O.V.'s fashion sense, has an old school feel along with her cute little face displayed right in the middle. Zoo York is only producing 340 of these limited edition decks, so check Ebay for highly priced wood and paint. I would also recommend checking out Zoo York's second round of Artist Series decks.

[via::Hypebeast]

Flavorpill/Budweiser

Large corporate companies such as Budwieser pay millions upon millions in advertising every year. Much of Budwieser's ads with the large breasted women and post-frat guys partying with beer in hand would go right over my head, but I have to hand it to them for their colab with webzine Flavorpill. The colab has featured seven new up-and-coming artists do design banners and desktops that are not only amazing artworks, but also double as Budwieser Select's ad campaign in Flavorpill's ezine. At the end of the campaign readers will select the artist they feel it the best, and their artwork will be used on Budwieser Select billboards throughout the entire nation. This type of advertising is not only cheaper than traditional advertising, but it also gives exposure to young artists and reaches an audience they normally wouldn't. Props to the agency who came up with this idea. See the artwork here.

Young Lovers Tees

Is it just me, or does Australia just seem to be putting out some really dope shit these days? Great music, great design, great clothing, including the latest collection from Australia's young Lovers. Their line has that lovable homegrown, hand-drawn type feel that I really like. All of their tees are limited edition, and only 100 of each are made, so if you like what you see hurry and snag one before they are gone.

Modular People/Podcast

This is somewhat of a two part post. The first part is about the fact that Modular Records is basically taking over the world. With well known artists on their label such as The Avalanches, Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Soulwax and MSTRKRFT to relatively new artists to the world like The Presets, Van She, New Young Pony Club and The Klaxons, Modular seems to be storming the world with its new sound. Quite honestly over half the tracks I played on a recent DJ set were by artists on Modular, and every one of them were welcomed with cheers and people dancing their asses off. I am much anticipating more releases by the label.

The second part of this post keeps with the podcast theme of the last post. Modular also has a great podcast by the name of Modcast. Modcast features singles released by Modular artists and some other great tracks too. It's great for keeping up on the recent buzz at this awesome label that's taking dance music to new places.