20 pics..

[Credit: as tagged + wgbar]

HOLY FRICKIN’ HOLIDAZE I can’t believe 2009 is almost gone. This time last year, I wasn’t even considering moving to LA. And yet here I am now, smack in the middle of the most creative and exciting underground electronic scene in the world!

December is always party season, and this year is no exception. I keep this post updated and added to throughout the month and you can find it by looking in the right-hand column on my main page under “Shilo’s Event Calendar.”

• Dec 2: Low End Theory Family Reunion w/Gaslamp Killer, Daddy Kev, Nobody, Nocando + special guests TBA
• Dec 3: The Do Lab presents Solvent, Michna & Kether at King King
• Dec 3: Respect presents Genr8 & Kuru
• Dec 4: Culprit & Throne of Blood presents DJ Kaos, Soul Clap, TK Disko & Droog @ TS2
• Dec 4: BWOMP presents Dubstep.FM Invades LA w/Dopelabs, HD4000, EMU & SURPRISE GUEST @ TBA
• Dec 4: Nosaj Thing & Low Limit of Lazer Sword @ The Changing Same (San Jose)
• Dec 4: CONTROL @ Avalon w/AC Slater & DJ Craze
• Dec 5: Mark Farina @ Vanguard
• Dec 5: KRS-One @ The Roxy
• Dec 5: Winter Fresh Festival w/Datsik, The Toxic Avenger & much more @ the Pico Rivera Sports Arena

• Dec 9: Low End Theory with Busdriver, Oscar McClure, Bossasaurus, Asura & residents
• Dec 10: I AM A LASER with Ana Sia and Deru @ Club Nokia Mezzanine Lounge
• Dec 10: Made to Play with Jesse Rose, Riva Starr, Zombie Disco Squad & more @ the Roxy
• Dec 11: CONTROL @ Avalon w/Etienne de Crecy
• Dec 11: Ewan Pearson & Droog at TS2
• Dec 12: Gaslamp Killer @ The Echoplex
• Dec 12: Hear 008 1-Year Anniversary w/Mark Henning, Drumcell, Jeremy P. Caulfield @ TBA
• Dec 12: Love Fix w/Mark E Quark, Xavier de Enciso, Alex Villalobos, Victor Carrillo & more @ TBA
• Dec 13: BRAINFEEDER Sessions @ the Downtown Independent
• Dec 13: Eskmo @ TBA

• Dec 16: Low End Theory w/Sole & the Skyrider Band, residents
• Dec 18: BLVD, Souleye, AdamandEvil, Mid City West @ The Stronghold Building (Venice)
• Dec 18: Out of Asia w/Reid Speed, Gridlock, HD4000 & more @ TBA
• Dec 18: CONTROL @ Avalon w/Armand van Helden
• Dec 19: LA Record Christmas Party with Daedelus, Daddy Kev, Nobody, Take, MatthewDavid & LOTS more @ Bedrock, FREE w/TOY & RSVP here.
• Dec 19: Infected Mushroom @ Avalon. Read my interview with Infected Mushroom

• Dec 23: Low End Theory w/Ras G, SamIYam, Lorn, Teebs & residents
• Dec 26: Pure Filth w/Flying Lotus, Daedelus, Daddy Kev, 6Blocc, The Professionals, Magi, Remo, Metaphase, Kemst & MC1

• Dec 30: Low End Theory w/Tokimonsta, 6Blocc, Mr. Fantastic & residents
• Dec 31: Sea of Dreams in SF w/Glitch Mob, Ozomatli, Bassnectar, Ghostland Observatory, Yard Dogs Road Show, EOTO, Lynx & Janover, Random Rab, Marty Party, Ana Sia, an-ten-nae, David Starfire & more
• Dec 31: Gaslamp Killer, Chromeo & Peanut Butter Wolf @ Club Nokia
• Dec 31: New Year’s Eve 2010 Together As One w/David Guetta, John Digweed, Dubfire, Sander Kleinenberg & more @ Los Angeles Sport Arena
• Dec 31: HARD New Year’s Eve w/Boys Noize, A-Trak, DJ Mehdi, Destructo & more @ The Palladium

On November 30, before their Shanghai concert, the Wonder Girls were at the DG101FM Radio Station.

Here are some videos:

credit: iLOVEyoobin (I do too!)

In Korea, “Tell Me” became a hit single and the Wonder Girls had received the title of “Nation Little Sisters”, there is no doubt about their success. With 2 years of debut, the girls had released a total of 4 singles & 1 full length album, even though the amount of albums & single released wasn’t that “big”, the results were significant. Every single became a “phenomenon”. From “Irony” to “Tell Me” & “So Hot”, Wonder Girls had received numerous of achievements & applauses. This had not only lead Korea went into a craze but the whole world, not forgetting the latest hit “Nobody”. A catchy song with simple & retro-ish dance moves, the hit single received lots of attention since their release in September, 2008. A huge number of parody could be seen on various online video streaming websites, & this is a legend whom only the Wonder Girls who can create.

Following with the interview segment, 5 members of the Wonder Girls also explained the reason for why “Nobody” was being so popular. Leader Sunye said:”Firstly, its the retro outfits & fashion that we use, & indeed it received a lot of attention from people. It brings back a lot of memories to people who had live in the early 60s & 70s, while to us, a younger generation, it was really creative & was a fresh idea as well. Secondly, the retro microphone stands we used was also one of the highlights, once “they” are placed on stage, audience below would definitely go crazy about it; & of course, the most simple reason was, the use of easy dance moves. We are very honored to have lots of people who likes to dance, dancing along to our song.”

The Wonder Girls sees this first very solo concert in China with great importance. Privately, they are trying to catch up with their mandarin, of course results could be seen. During the press conference these girls used mandarin to greet the local media, & introduced themselves. Although Chinese was difficult, but it doesn’t affect the members at all. From Sunye(Sun)’s perfect answer in chinese, we could tell about their sincerity. Member Ye Eun(Yenny)’s level of understanding mandarin was way better than expected, at times, she didn’t have to get the translator to understand what the local reporters are speaking & passes the information to other members. Reporters that were present, were pretty amazed by it. When asked about having any special performances for the china fans, Wonder Girls expressed that, there was an intention of performing the Chinese version of “Nobody” at the concert. However, it was known that the original Korean version was still the favorite of most people, & hence they decided to replace it by performing other Chinese songs, and it will be a great performance as well. On the other hand, the members will have solo performances each, all for the China fans. Please stay tune towards December 1st, Shanghai Grand Stage.

After Korea, US, & Thailand, China is the 4th stop of this Asia tour. Even though it has been a long period of time in between these concerts, the girls guranteed that it will still be pretty good as well. & after all these concerts, Wonder Girls expressed that there are no plans for them to return to Korea’s music industry as of yet. They will still be focusing on foreign markets. Although their hit single “Nobody” had topped US’ Billboard top100, and received a result since 30 years. However, these girls aren’t contended with it yet, hoping to achieve a better result & performances to report to us(fans.etc). Of course, besides the US, China is one of their favourite country. The girls fall in love with Shanghai even though its their first visit. Given the chance, the girls would love to hold a concert in other areas of China besides Shanghai. & the key-point is, “Nobody” Chinese version would officially be released next year, please anticipate it.

Lastly, the Wonder Girls announced:”2009 December 1st, will officially open another new era for the Wonder Girls!” Please get ready to enjoy a wonderful moment with them at the concert.

Un video de promoción para un próximo musical chino titulado ‘Man and Woman, World and Peace’ (Hombre y Mujer, Mundo y Paz) ha sido revelado recientemente. El musical cuenta con la participación de la actriz Ariel Lin entre otros.

En los videos de promoción, el elenco es presentado bailando al ritmo de éxitos de Kpop como ‘Sorry Sorry’ de Super Junior y ‘Nobody’ de Wonder Girls. Algunos netizens se están emocionando al ver éxitos de Kpop en un musical chino.

[Fuente: K Bites]

Ariel Lin es una actriz y cantante Taiwanesa mejor conocida por su drama “It Started With a Kiss” con Joe Cheng y Jiro Wang de Fahrenheit. Seguro que lo fans de dramas asiáticos han oido o han visto dramas con Ariel Lin, quien es extremadamente popular.

order of flowers on a cloudy blue sky background

flowers,frame,backgrounds,spring,nature,nobody,floral,petal,yellow,beauty,pattern,day,horizontal,color,bunch,summer,blossom,colored,beautiful,space,multi,freshness,meadow,abstract,blue,sky,bunch of flowers

easter egg over green grass

easter egg over green grass  eggs,grass,green,color,nobody,horizontal,meadow,day,outdoors,fresh,selective focus,tranquil

happy smiling easter egg and another few without face

happy smiling easter egg and another few without face

eggs,basket,easter,happy,smiling,face,green,grass,nobody,horizontal,image,group,shape,meadow,outdoors,food,focus,selective,selective focus,tranquil

easter eggs over green grass

easter eggs over green grass

I had a thought earlier today.  Being alone again… there’s nobody to tell me, “Mary, that’s a dumb idea.”  Not that John ever quite said it that way or ever treated me like that– I’m a little more blunt.

But at the same time there’s nobody to tell me “Mary, that’s a dumb idea.”

With John it was more the gentle reminders that I needed to get some sleep.  Or “did you feed the horses yet?” (which by the way, I haven’t yet).   Or “we need to remember to…”  Or the “what do you think about…” Or “don’t forget to…”

Confiding in a soul-mate and sharing a partnership together are some of the things I miss the most.  I miss them everyday, but I miss them most when it comes to matters of Nathaniel.  I don’t want to be the person that decides if it is safe for him to get vaccinated for H1N1 of if it is dangerous for him not to get it.  (He has gotten his first shot and is scheduled for dose number two.)   I want to be one of two parents who decides together how to best raise their child.  You know the way it ideally is… in a perfect world.  But, in a perfect world your beloved spouse doesn’t die of cancer at 35…

Everything is now my decision to make- for wrong of for right.  In a way it’s nice to know that there won’t be any conflict in parental matters- it’s my way or the highway.  (Practicing for the teenage years.)  I can do things that I want to do- if I want to go take Nathaniel somewhere, I just do it.  No, “not now… maybe later”… “I’m tired…”  or “I don’t feel like it,”  or “why don’t you just go (aka I’m not interested and don’t want to join you).”  I’m tired of learning things the hard way.  Hoping I’ll be making more right decisions, but I’m fully aware that I’ll make wrong ones too.

All that being said, I think I’m doing mostly okay on my own.  I ask for opinions when I need them and make my own decisions.  I’m pretty good at researching and collecting data.  I’m an adult and quite capable of making my own decisions.  I just wish John was still here to help me make up my mind.

Hiton y amigo japones imitando "Nobody" de Wonder Girls

La imitación de "Nobody" de Hilton y su amigo japonés, captura totalmente la atención de la cámara ignorando totalmente a su novio quién está a sus espaldas.

[Fuente: Sina.com]

Given the seriousness of my last two posts, I thought I’d mix it up a bit with a whole bunch of random stuff from the last 2 days!

Although I use the word “random” loosely. “Random” is defined as:

Having no specific pattern, arrangement or predictable outcome.

Well if “everything happens for a reason“, it flies in the face of random. So there’s food for thought! But I digress

“Lorraine Valmoria is happy”

I did say I was going to get away from serious stuff, but heck, we’re all entitled to change our minds! This’ll be quick…

This is my current Facebook status: “Lorraine Valmoria is happy”, with 4 “likes” and 2 comments.

I updated it the other day, very early in the morning, when I was reflecting on the events of that day:

• Had a great conversation with Sharyn over the phone – my best friend from high school. We lost contact for 10 years after school, but with the wonders of Facebook, we found each other again – and it was like nothing changed! I love friendships like that!
• Had lunch with my best friend Bernie and Jono (otherwise known as ”Chris Isaak”)
• Caught up with my work girlfriend Carolyn
• Caught up with Lina over the phone
• Had fascinating Facebook chats with Oscar & Luke…

And it made me realise how lucky I am to have such amazing friends! I don’t think I say this anywhere near often enough, but I just wanted to say thank you and I’m glad I have you in my life! Ok everyone… now group hug! 1… 2… 3… aww….

(It’s amazing how pop culture has influenced us. Damn you Full House!).

Woodford & Co 

Ok you fashionistas! I came across a brand called “Woodford & Co” in Cactus Jam QV the other day. I really liked this top – it was different – had a print of a map for Martha’s Vineyard all over it. (“That’s different”, I hear you say). But at $269? I decided it against it.

If I had to liken it to a brand, I’d say Zimmerman, although they do have more casual stuff like tees, singlets.

As luck would have it, thanks to Missy Confidential (sign up you shopaholics!), they had a sale on. Thank you universe!

So I scoped it out. Not only did they have that top at half the price, but I picked up a whole bunch of cool current season stuff at a fraction of retail price – a cropped red gingham jacket, a singlet, and an awesome black pinafore top with a frilled racer back. Aaah, nothing like a bit of retail therapy!

What impressed me further was the sale was on a “Level 1″, which meant I couldn’t take a pram (I’ve been there before), and the girls working there were nice enough to carry Tahlia around and keep her entertained while I tried on clothes. How’s that for service!

Anyway, that sale finishes tomorrow if anyone is interested.

Nobody jeans sale

If you’re into your jeans, check out the Nobody sale at 210 Brunswick St, Fitzroy – finishes Sunday December 6. Jeans from $20. (Thanks again Missy Confidential!).

I have to warn you, you have to rifle through a lot of stock. I had a quick look but gave up – had to get somewhere, and I had Tahlia with me which makes it hard to go into those makeshift change rooms! Had good stuff there though!

What happens when stay-at-home mums have too much time on their hands…

This is probably going to come back and haunt me – Tahlia will probably put me in a nursing home the first chance she gets!

So An from mother’s club (which has somehow dwindled down into a “mother’s duo”, consisting of her & I) had a playdate arranged for her gorgeous boy Jayden and Tahlia. Jayden is Tahlia’s boyfriend. With Jayden a week younger, she’s already gotten into toyboys early! Check out them out on Youtube – funny stuff!  

With Christmas on its way, I thought it would be funny to be a Mrs Claus outfit for Tahlia. Likewise, An bought a Santa Claus outfit for Jayden. And here… is the result:

Tahlia is not looking impressed at all. *sigh*. Oh well, it amused me!!!

Mind you, this isn’t the first time An & I have ganged up on our kids. See Exhibit B:

I love being a mum! Hehe!

Another reason why America is so stupid

 An has lots and lots of movies to watch at her place, and she introduced me to Food, Inc. It’s along the same vein as Super Size Me, and it provides insight into the American food industry. To summarise:

• how multinationals control the American agriculture industry, to the detriment of the farmers who are screwed over for the sake of dinero
• this control is largely brought about by the dominance of the fast food industry (fast food over there is cheaper than good, wholesome food)
• in search of the dollar, they engineer chickens, cows etc to grow quicker than usual. Some of the footage they showed was really sad – like these chickens who couldn’t even walk because they grew too quickly and their poor little legs couldn’t support their body weight. And I had a pet chicken when I was younger (“Blackdot”) so that part got to me. *sob. (And yeah I know… a pet chicken. I’m freakin’ Asian!)
• multinationals have “patented” soybeans which have infiltrated the farming industry, to the point where it is illegal to save your own “public” seeds and plant them the following year
• they have VEGGIE LIBEL LAWS. Wtf?? Yes that’s right – you can’t criticise a vegetable anymore without risk of being sued
• they cleaned hamburger filler with AMMONIA. Yup, the stuff that’s in your household bleach…

A whole bunch of other stuff happened, but watch it to expand your mind. Mind you, it did put me off food – for a second. An & I have since concluded the Australian industry is completely different, so we can happily go on in ignorance. But… I’m still thinking about the movie…

Ice cream!! Ice cream!!

I luuurve ice cream. Gelati. Sorbet. Heck, I ain’t fussy. I’ll have it all. And at the same time too.

Well An has introduced me to Home Ice Cream. Now I’ve been hearing their school bell-like chime going off in the neighbourhood for a while, but never knew what it was. And man – have I been missing out! I sampled a mango & macadamia ice cream yesterday at An’s… and hmm… oishii! Really creamy stuff! I’m hooked!

And while I was putting Tahlia in the car afterwards, I heard the bell. I swear I almost channelled Eddie Murphy from Delirious - remember that scene? ”IIIIIICE CREAAAM!! IIIIICE CREAAAAM!!”. Now I’m hanging out to hear that bell in my street!!!

Hi…. my name is Lorraine… and I’m an addict. lol

Thank you all for the support during this year. Today (Thanksgiving) marks the day of my one year anniversary of starting to make mashups. In return for all the support, I give back my first true megamix that features some of the top korean songs from this year and last year. Please support me for next year as I am still a beginning but with help from my fans, I’m sure we can make great music.

Download (Song): MediaFire
Download (Music Video): Coming soon

Tracklisting (from appearance in MV):

Jewelry – Vari2ty
BoA – I Did It For Love (Feat. Sean Garrett)
Son Dam Bi – Amoled (Feat. After School)
Bae Seul Ki – Tiresome (Feat. Ha Joo Yeon (from Jewelry)
2PM – Again & Again
SNSD – Genie
f(x) – Chocolate Love (Electronic Pop Version)
SNSD – Chocolate Love (Retro Pop Version)
Brown Eyed Girls – Abracadabra
Eun Ji Won – Adios (Feat. Mr. Tyfoon)
2NE1 – Fire
4Minute – Muzik
Kara – Mister
Wonder Girls – Nobody
SHINee – AMIGO
f(x) – La Cha Ta
G Dragon – Heartbreaker
vs. Jeremih – Birthday Sex (Up-Tempo Instrumental)

Again thanks!! Have a great Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Expect more from in the future:)

Thank you all for the support during this year. Today (Thanksgiving) marks the day of my one year anniversary of starting to make mashups. In return for all the support, I give back my first true megamix that features some of the top korean songs from this year and last year. Please support me for next year as I am still a beginning but with help from my fans, I’m sure we can make great music.

Download (Song): MediaFire
Download (Music Video): Coming soon

Tracklisting (from appearance in MV):

Jewelry – Vari2ty
BoA – I Did It For Love (Feat. Sean Garrett)
Son Dam Bi – Amoled (Feat. After School)
Bae Seul Ki – Tiresome (Feat. Ha Joo Yeon (from Jewelry)
2PM – Again & Again
SNSD – Genie
f(x) – Chocolate Love (Electronic Pop Version)
SNSD – Chocolate Love (Retro Pop Version)
Brown Eyed Girls – Abracadabra
Eun Ji Won – Adios (Feat. Mr. Tyfoon)
2NE1 – Fire
4Minute – Muzik
Kara – Mister
Wonder Girls – Nobody
SHINee – AMIGO
f(x) – La Cha Ta
G Dragon – Heartbreaker
vs. Jeremih – Birthday Sex (Up-Tempo Instrumental)

Again thanks!! Have a great Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Expect more from in the future:)

The JYP auditions had hit the states with a bang! It wasn’t surprising since stars such as 2pm and the Wondergirls made their stamp on the USA music scene. It reminds me of the time when everyone rushed to YG Entertainment after 2NE1 came out. Filling up forums about the how-to’s on the auditioning. But step aside YG and SM. JYP has definitely shown great business tactics here in the states.

For one, who actually goes to Jonas Brother’s Concerts? Girls, tweenies and…yep more girls. The Wondergirl’s main target were girls, probably younger or teenage girls. As girls probably know girls have this fandom thing that when they get into something it suddenly is their life. I don’t think this is the reason why JYP targeted young girls but it defiantly wasn’t a dumb thing since ‘Nobody’ is relatively a big hit in America compared to other “success” stories in America. And you can’t talk about ‘Nobody’ without mentioning the dance. It was a craze. It can be compared to superman or chicken noodle soup. Even if you didn’t like the song, if you knew the dance it was just too addicting to not do it. Almost like how the ‘Tell Me’ dance was such a craze in Korea.

He set base in America and has actually produced for relatively big hiphop people like lil jon and such. He is known as Asia’s number one producer and honestly I can’t argue. He’s a smart guy and he knows how to play the game. His biggest creation Bi Rain is not failing him one bit. Dubbed now a “Hollywood Star” supposedly, Rain could be the first big Asian market star to make it in the USA. That is defiantly something to be cocky about. Though I will say J Tune will not be as big or as great as JYP Entertainment for I think Rain is not all that great of a business man, well as much as our dear Mr. Park, expect great things from him.

One of the things I believe that made JYP so big in America is the Wondergirls of course. He started out small and honestly I don’t even know how he got the gig with the Jonas Brothers. Small radio shows and video uploads on youtube, which seems like the way to go. 2Pm, 2Am and the Wondergirls sporting their own glowing youtube page. Interaction with fans and a costless exposure overseas. With around 1 million hits on one video it just shows how popular his groups are. However, to compare to group giants like DBSK or BoA can he compete?

Yes, BoA’s American Album I believe did a good job here in America. But not as big of an impact as Wondergirl’s Nobody. Even though I’m totally sick of hearing it already. I don’t even want Tell Me or So Hot anymore. Write a new song for them JYP!!!! NOW! before the whole world gets bored with them.

Their Motown look is what’s hot now. I just wish they had the same sound as “motown.” All glitz and glamour can only get you so far. And I honestly believe hard work and determination can only get you just so far. Natural talent should also be an ingredient. Every member has their own charm. If it’s just their “character” in the lime light or not. Character is what they have.

2Pm made us fall in love with them through shows like Wild Bunny and Hot Blood with their dear fellow One Day loves 2Am. 3 members spoke perfect English and 1 spoke Thai to a pin. Honestly, Nickhun was 2pm’s own Sandara Park, in Thailand of course. Their image of big beefy guys who spin and flip on stage, who can hate that? Their style of acrobatics is crossing over to other artist’s performances too and it’s defiantly not a bad thing.

With the controversy with JaeBum and his myspace comments, I don’t want to say that’s why 2pm is doing so well now, but it’s safe to mention it of course. Their lovely leader in the states due to “anti-Korean comments” what better time to make a comeback? NOW! of course. This story is sad of course and I’m not trying to make light of it, but can you deny this, though depressing, was also good exposure even if it wasn’t intended.

Whether it be the luck of the draw or just having great connections, JYP will take over the world. Now that he has stepped his foot inside the American market if he keeps at it there’s no pushing him out.

Nobody – (Korean Version)
oleh: Wonder Girls

(Yoobin)
You know I still love you baby
And it will never change

(All)
I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you

(SunYe)
nandareun sarameun silheo
niga animyeon silheo
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

(SunMi)
nan silheunde wae
nar mireona eryeogo hani
jakku nae mareun deutji anhgo
wae ireohge dareun namjaege
nar bonaeryeo hani
eotteohge ireoni

(SoHee)
nar wihae geureoh dan geumar
neonbujok hadaneun geumar
ijen geuman haeneon
nareur aljanha wae

won hajido anhneun georgang yohae(All)
I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you

(YeEun)
nandareun sarameun silheo
niga animyeon silheo
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

(All)
I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you

(SunYe)
nandareun sarameun silheo
niga animyeon silheo
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

(SunMi)
nan joheun de nan
haengbok hande
neoman isseu myeondwae
deo baral geeopt neunde
nugur mannaseo
haengbok haran geoya
nan neor tteonaseo
haengbok harsueopseo

(SoHee)
nar wihae geureoh dan geumar
neonbujok hadaneun geumar
mari andoeneun mari
ran georwae molla
niga eopsi eotteohge haengbokhae

(All)
I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you

(YeEun)
nandareun sarameun silheo
niga animyeon silh eo
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

(All)
I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you

(SunYe)
nandareun sarameun silheo
niga animyeon silheo
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

(All)
I don’t want nobody body body
I don’t want nobody body body
naneun jeongmar
niga animyeon niga animyeon
silhdan maryaa

I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you
nandareun sarameun silheo
niga animyeon silheo
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you
nandareun sarameun silheo
niga animyeon silheo
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

(YuBin)
Back to the days when we
were so young and wild and free
modeunge neomuna kkumman gatatdeon geuttaero doragago sipeunde
waejakku nareur mireo naeryeohae
Why do you push me away
I don’t want nobody nobody nobody nobody but you.

___

Nobody – (English Version)
oleh: Wonder Girls

You Know I still Love You Baby. And it will never change. (saranghae)

I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you
How can I be with another, I don’t want any other
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

Why are you trying to, to make me leave you
I know what you’re thinking
Baby why aren’t you listening
How can I just, just love someone else and
Forget you completely
When I know you still love me

Telling me you’re not good enough
My life with you is just too tough
You know it’s not right so
Just stop and come back boy
How can this be when we were meant to be

I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you
How can I be with another, I don’t want any other
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you
How can I be with another, I don’t want any other
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

Why can’t we just, just be like this
Cause it’s you that i need and nothing else until the end
Who else can ever make me feel the way I
I feel when I’m with you, no one will ever do

Telling me you’re not good enough
My life with you is just too tough
You know me enough so you know what I need boy
Right next to you is where I need to be

I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you
How can I be with another, I don’t want any other
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you
How can I be with another, I don’t want any other
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

I don’t want no body, body
I don’t want no body, body

Honey you know it’s you that I want, It’s you that I need Why can’t you see

I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you
How can I be with another, I don’t want any other
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

I want nobody nobody but you
I want nobody nobody but you
How can I be with another, I don’t want any other
I want nobody nobody nobody nobody

RAP:

Back to the days when we
were so young and wild and free
Nothing else matters other than you and me
So tell me why can’t it be
please let me live my life my way
why do you push me away
I don’t want nobody nobody nobody nobody but you

Spring hadn’t quite kicked off in Melbourne by mid September the weather had regressed to cold and rain only a fortnight before my departure to Canada. It was still cold enough to sport a scarf as you can see by this picture of supportive parliamentarians wearing a scarf we designed in collaboration with Plan Australia for the Because I’m a Girl campaign.

After tormenting Fareeda Chand at Austrade in Toronto for two years with the prospect of an Otto and Spike marketing visit, finally during mid September we made the decision to present at the Mode Accessories Show. The consequences of our decision sunk in quickly – less than two weeks to complete a new cardboard display booth.

Before I could get ready to leave the residual winter weather played an important role in making our task more difficult.

First I smashed my ankle into the bitumen while riding my bike.  I was checking on a friend’s house while he was away in Canada and the roads were slippery from an unseasonal tropical downpour. My ankle blew up, went black – the weekend before I had to begin the task of building the booth. Then exactly a week later I endured a mental scarring when the Saints lost the Grand Final. It had taken a year to get used to the idea that they were winners  only to have it snatched away again.

The booth for Mode was special as it had the added requirement that all the pieces had to fit into 5 shipping cartons. We needed a design that would give us maximum wall coverage, floor area and be lightweight and strong.  After pages of sketches, mock ups and with time rapidly evaporating we had to move straight on to building the final construction. Fortunately it all worked and the pieces could be freighted out a week prior to the show.

Three units of the modular display system

The design is based on a modular system of interlocking units each is the dimensions of the inside measurements of a yarn carton, 620 mm X 450 mm.

Seven units make the base

Large display form

And this is how it came together in situ.

At the Mode Show

I always imagine when I travel to the Northern Hemisphere that the there will be a distinct change in the season. This time I had the impression of being in a continuous Autumn. It’s a really disorienting sensation that leaves you wondering what season you’re coming from and going to. My mate Joe Rogers (whose house I was checking on and who hails from Nova Scotia) assures me Canada has the same effect on him at this time of year. The other thing that took a little getting used to was the lack of little local cafés. It took me a while to find this great little French Pâtisserie as most places in Toronto are franchised – looking out their window at Trinity Bellwoods Park it’s hard to tell that it’s Autumn.

Trinity Bellwoods Park from Clafouti's window

On my way across town on day one I was reminded of our connection with Plan and the B.I.A.G. campaign when we pulled up alongside these posters.

Once I hit the ground I had two days to familiarize myself with the lay out of the city while I located the last bits and pieces needed to finish the booth.

Regal

The guys at Regal had everything I needed to complete the build on our stand. It is such a great store I wish I’d photographed the interior – wall to wall tools and gadgets -  just like a real hardware store should be. I visited a wide range of stores from the large department stores and international brand name stores to small consignment boutiques specialising in Canadian made craft. The window displays in the two ‘big’ stores were elaborate and fantastic.

Fishing at Holt Renfrew

Holt’s lavish, layered outdoors themed Autumn windows were approaching psychedelic.

Barbie at The Bay

Life sized

At The Bay the windows featured Barbie. Not the doll but Barbie clothes for real people – I’m not sure if it’s life imitating art maybe life imitating commerce.

There were a few reminders of home – Australian clothing brands stocked in stores around town. Nobody Jeans from our neighborhood in Fitzroy were available in some good stores like Lileo in the Distillery and Lavish and Squalor on Queen West.

Nobody in Lileo

Toronto has a layered public transit system, subway (TTC), ground level trains and buses (GoTransit) and street cars. It was hard not to think of Melbourne – riding the ‘rocket’ along King and Queens streets.

It’s great to see different approaches to issues  – I couldn’t help noticing this public health message.

Sleeve sneeze?

I quickly became aware of another form of transport closer to my heart – bikes. Everywhere I was noticing examples of a strong bike culture. When I photographed this eccentric bike trailer the guy who made it appeared from a doorway to make sure I wasn’t trying to steal his design concept. My interest was in the aesthetic properties of the trailer not the engineering which he assured me were exceptional as the arm attaching the trailer to the bike had a universal joint for fluid movement.

Copper pipe trailer

Like cities all over the world the fixed wheel bike phenomena is sweeping through Toronto – converted road bikes and track bikes kept popping up everywhere. The ones I have  photographed I liked for the intricacy of the paint work and the choice of colour combinations – Fixie 2 was an unusual combo of white fading into dark purple contrasted with bronze anodised head stem, handle bars and pedals. Number 1 used a dark grey frame with hot pink highlights on the head badge and on the top of the front forks and grips.

Fixie 1

Fixie 1.2

Fixie 2

Located on Queens Street West is Toronto’s Community Bicycle Network – it’s hard to miss all the yellow signs and bikes parked on the pavement. You can go there to rent a bike, fix or make one. There’s a lot of bike action on Queen West.

C.B.N. bike stand

Vintage Chopper

One of the highlights of the trip was singing I heard each morning outside my hotel room door.  At first I wasn’t sure who was serenading the new day until I discovered the housemaid Maxine’s mellifluous voice escaping from the open door of the next room. I asked if she sang anywhere else and she replied in a beautiful lilting Jamaican accent, “only in Church”. Maxine generously allowed me to take her photo as she was a bit concerned about a strange guy asking to take her picture.

Maxine

I’ve always been interested in Jamaica so finding a city that has a big Jamaican population and  culture with Mr Jerk restaurants to Ethiopian Coptic Churches was an added fascination for me. The signs below feature the ancient Amharic language of Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Orthodox Church

In another part of the city I discovered Corrado’s Barber Shop on Bathurst Street. I love the painting on the front, it reminds me of Nigerian barber shop paintings. I was so captivated by the sign that I had to go in. I knew I needed a trim and the painting pushed to do something about it. Corrado emigrated from the Southern most part of the Italian mainland fifty-three years ago. He said he’d like to be there now, “somewhere that it’s summer nine months of the year.”

Corrado's

Corrado the man

Here he is surrounded by some very buxom women – company on the long afternoons napping in the chair between customers. He was such a character I didn’t notice handing over $20 for a number zero trim, despite the fact the he missed a section on the back of my head.

Streetscape Queen West

My favourite area in Toronto is West on Queens Street. There’s a strong culture that’s evident in the shops and businesses that resonate with visuals, design, and an eclectic style that reminded me of home. Jennifer Durand at Ziliotto told me that often people from Melbourne feel very at home on Queen West. It’s also where you’d find a Crumpler store in Toronto.

The store windows in this precinct presented a catholic array of objects displayed in unconventional ways.

One of my favourite windows on the strip is Chatelet. Their engaging combination of found objects and products are intriguing.

In Ziliotto the best-selling hat is a cloche – something we understand at Otto and Spike.

The next image completely baffled me when I first saw it. At a distance I couldn’t figure out what I was looking at – I had to get quite close before I could see that it was a wooden post completely covered with rusting steel staples used to hang posters.

Queen West has a number of art galleries.  An intricate and intimate collection of found objects in one and pop art simplicity in another.

Toronto is a great city and Otto and Spike will soon be there. To get this far we were lucky to get help from some new friends.

Fareeda Chand at Austrade, Peter G from N.A.F.E, Jason at Crumpler, Sean and Lisa at dconstruct, Orusia from Pushan, Jen from Jeelee, and Jo Balles (even though we didn’t get to meet).

]]> http://wonderfanaticos.com/2009/11/20/wonder-girls-breaking-entering-en-billboard-com/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:22:19 +0000 NESSA http://wonderfanaticos.com/2009/11/20/wonder-girls-breaking-entering-en-billboard-com/

Artículo a continuación:

Breaking & Entering: Las Wonder Girls

por Crystal Bell | 20 de noviembre de 2009 2:57 EST

Completa con un estudio de baile, un escenario para ensayos y un espacio para grabaciones, la oficina de JYP Entertainment en el centro de Manhattan – la única compañía disquera asiática abriendo en los EE. UU., según su fundador JY Park – se siente más como un campamento de entrenamiento de un artista que un espacio corporativo. Pero para la banda de pop coreana, Las Wonder Girls, es su casa – literalmente.

Por los últimos de meses, el quinteto – formado por Sunye, Ye-eun, Sohee, Sunmi y Yubin – ha hecho una casa de los dos últimos piso del edificio, el cual está dividido en dormitorios separados. Escogidas por un proceso de audición y colocadas en la “JYP Academy” hace dos años, las chicas han estado perfeccionando sus habilidades en el canto, baile y actuación también y dominando varios idiomas en preparación para su aun sin titular álbum en inglés – un set de 12 canciones con seis canciones que serán versiones en inglés de sus hits coreanos, y el resto material original en inglés.

“Al principio fue muy difícil,” dice Sunye (Sunny) sobre cantar en inglés. “Pero creo que esa experiencia me hizo crecer y estoy muy agradecida por eso. En verdad me ayudó a crecer como una artista y fue una gran experiencia para mí.”

Las Wonder Girls ya son uno de los grupos más populares de Corea – de acuerdo con la “Korean Music Content Industry Association” (KMCIA) (Asociación de la Industria del Contenido de la Música Coreana), ellas han vendido alrededor de 7 millones de sencillos digitales hasta la fecha. Pero es su canción inspirada en el “Motown”, “NOBODY,” la cual ha despertado el interés en EE. UU.

Con un coro pegajoso, un look retro y el característico baile de “Nobody”, la canción entró al “Hot 100” en el núm. 76 el mes pasado, con más de 32,000 copias [del CD] vendidas y más de 30,000 descargas digitales hasta la fecha, según Nielsen Soudscan. En parte esto se debe a que las chicas abrieron los conciertos de los Jonas Brothers durante su gira de verano por EE. UU. y recientemente abrieron para Jordin Sparks así como también una campaña de promoción en las tiendas de ropa de EE. UU., Justice.

“Es asombroso” dice Ye-eun (Yenny). “Nosotras hemos estado soñando por un largo tiempo, y hemos crecido escuchando a artistas americanos y leyendo Billboard. Nosotras acabamos de llegar a América, así que es un gran logro para nosotras.”

Pero no fue una hazaña obtenida fácilmente, dice, Park, mentor y manejador de las Wonder Girls.

“Ver a artistas increíbles como Hikaru Utada de Japón y Coco Lee de China fallar fue muy duro. Estaba tratando de analizar por qué estos artistas increíbles no podían entrar a la lista de éxitos del Billboard. Llegué a la conclusión de que ellas cambiaron quienes eran al moverse a los EE. UU. Vinieron muy similares a los artistas americanos. Contrataron a grandes productores americanos como Timbaland, y terminaron perdiendo quienes eran realmente,” dice Park. “Yo básicamente escribí y compuse la canción ‘Nobody’, y no cambiamos nuestra imagen o quienes éramos al venir a los EE. UU. Permanecimos fieles a nosotros mismos.

Para crear un término medio y ayudar más aún su entrada hacia los EE. UU, Park contrató a Jonas Group – una agencia de manejo de artistas en EE. UU. propiedad de Phil McIntyre y Kevin Jonas, padre y” co-manager” de los Jonas Brothers – para un esfuerzo de representación conjunta [de las Chicas].

“Obviamente estuvimos increíblemente emocionados con la entrada a la lista de éxitos, pero lo más importante es, que nos sentimos muy animados al ver que las Wonder Girls tienen un hogar aquí en América,” dice McIntyre. “Realmente vemos esta campaña como la primera etapa en un plan de múltiples etapas. Ahora el próximo paso será el de realmente entrar al grupo a los EE. UU. y lanzar un disco y establecer una marca.”

Próximamente, las Wonder Girls estarán encabezando su primera gira de seis ciudades, empezando en enero de 2011. Pero por lo pronto, las chicas están ansiosas de demostrar que son más que la última sensación asiática.

“Hay momentos en que extrañamos Corea y especialmente a nuestros fans porque ahora mismo estamos aquí en Nueva York,” dice Yenny. “Pero creemos que es una gran oportunidad el poder presentarnos frente las personas americanas, así que lo estamos disfrutando.”

[Fuente: Billboard.com]

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