Angels in Ireland

My sister, the lovely Serena Jean, toured Ireland last month with the band Favourite Sons. And while they are a great band, she is also an insanely talented musician in her own right. 


So one balmy evening, she enlisted the help of fellow canadian Sarah Pagé to make musical magic on one of her songs... Angel Song. What with the whole being in Ireland thing, and the running river in the background, and the guest appearance of a little kitty, the whole performance gave me chills. And guess what? You can all experience it too, cuz I made a film about it, innit!

The song is about the light and dark we all have within us and the desire to overcome our demons. It is stunning. You need to hear this.


Oh, and for any Canadians out there, she is embarking on a tour of that great country in just a few short days! Check it out, yo!

This wasn't the only fun that was had in lovely Ireland. Besides tooling around Galway and Dublin, Favourite Sons played Electric Picnic, and my friend Mary and I tagged along. 

Mary was reading Liz Taylor's biography. It was more than a little inspiring.

Ken Griffin of Favourite Sons.

Serena Jean being a cool musician and stuff.

Mary O'Connell is kiiiiind of a big deal.

And she sure loves her some cheesy chips.

This was me and Mary's supply list for Electric Picnic. Please see the second to last item...19-20 year old boys. A definite necessity.

This looks more like a TREE than any other tree I have ever seen.

Flags.

I heart Flags.

This young man described himself as my "virtual daddy". Um, ok.

Hottest girl at the festival.

Look how many famous dead musicians decided to turn up!!

Mary smokes a cigarette and brushes her teeth at the same. fucking. time.

Matt plays bass in favourite sons. My sister knows some good looking men.

And this is their trumpet player. Like I said. Cute boys.

And look how pretty I am.

Last day of the festival....aaaaw.

Matt and Kamara

Kamara Thomas and Matt Whyte, formerly of Earl Greyhound, in New York 2006. 

all photos sydneysoutham

Meet Mogwai

Mogwai are a band from Scotland. They are awesome. They recently played a gig at Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, which I unfortunately missed. And so did you (probably). Watch this vid to find out what we weren't lucky enough to see.

Cov

YAOAY went to play a gig in Coventry a few weeks ago. So I made this.

Frenchy French Bloggy Blog

YAOAY was recently interviewed for a french blog called whothefuckareu.wordpress.com. It's pretty funny. You should probably read it. Don't worry it's in English. So click the link


In other news, I think I am getting strep throat. And remember how I broke my nose? Well, it is slowly collapsing in on itself a la Michael Jackson. Fuck.


Ok, gotta go eat some lasagna and get ready for our gig. 9 pm at the Relentless Garage.

Dandy Bandy Interview

YAOAY has been interviewed. Click the pic to read.

I wish they had included my Pia quote. They didn't, so I will include it here:

"Rap music is all the same. It's all, 'Back your booty up onto my Manhood and gimme some diamonds!'" - Pia Shandel

Presenting the Amazing Kelly Family!!!

Ok. So. This is absolutely the creepiest most confusing and hilarious thing I have ever seen in my entire life. I kind of hate my friend Louise for showing this to me. But I mostly love her. Enjoy, nerds.

Apparently, this frightening family has sold over 20 million records worldwide. WHAT!!!

Basically, they are a multi-generational, possibly inbred, gypsy family that traveled around Europe in a double decker bus making horrendously frightening music like the gem of a song I just shared with you. Apparently they have traded in their long hair and vagabond clothes for a more mainstream look...which is OBVIOUSLY a mistake.

Life would be so boring without Youtube.

Berlin Ich liebe dich

I just returned from a week in Berlin, and what can I say....the place was amazing, as usual. The only question I have is, when the fuck can I move there?

The week was filled with too many insane, inane and bizarre experiences to name them all, but if I had to pick a highlight, it would perhaps be driving through prenzlauer berg in a Volkswagon convertible with two german air hostesses and their weed dealer at noon on a tuesday after dancing our faces off at a variety of locales. What fun.

Oh ya, and can't forget Bonobo at Maria ost Banhoff. HOLEY MOLEY what an amazing gig.

Special thanks to Benjamin Teicher, aka Aurora Kiss, for being such a lovely friend and telling us about all the super duper cool places to go.

Look, I know it's a cliche to love Berlin this much...but I seriously LOVE Berlin so much. Be back soon, I promise.

Ok, now for some photos I took. That's why I ain't in any of them...

I Effing Heart the 90s

Dude! Seriously! For Reals! Two of the best songs ever. I am pretty sure we can all agree on that.

Spinny Roundy Smashy Smashy

If you have ever met me, you will know I am extremely proud of my freakish man strength. You will also know that I have extremely bad judgement. Mixed with my charming "punk rock attitude", this often spells disaster. 

Look, I broke my nose for the second time in 7 years! It is not as bad, but it is still swollen and it has impaired my singing voice for the time being. That being said, you should definitely come hear me sing and play synths at Barfly in Camden this Saturday. It's gonna be FUUUUN!

So. The moral of the story is, 6 foot three men were not meant to be hoisted onto ones shoulders and spun around like a top. Because sometime they will fall and smash your face into the ground. That is all.

Musicing is Fun

On Saturday, I played my second gig with You and Others Around You at Servant Jazz Quarters in Dalston. It was super duper fun. Roro came and took photos.

Britshop Chipshop and Inca Gold also played, and they were both awesome. OUr set was super fun, thank god, because I was in the foulest mood of all time for the rest of the night, and then I was locked out of my flat at 4 am because I left my keys at the bar. Thank god for sexy french men...just what a damsel in distress needs...especially when they happen to live down the street...


Thanks to all who came. For those who missed it, we are playing at Barfly in Camden on March 12. It's gonna be super fantastic! I promise to be in a good mood all night! I swear I am usually incredibly charming and ridiculously funny!

You And Others Around You

A few weeks ago I started singing and playing keys with this band. We are Dan Robinski, Hoey, me and JAAAAAHRN. So far so good.

 photos by Roro Charnel

 John plays the Drums. Hoey plays the bass. Dan sings and guitars and writes the songs. And I sing back up and plunk on a few keys. Sounds like...post punk funk? A little joy division, a little talking heads...fun. Have a listen, folks.

We have a gig this thursday at 93 feet east, 8 pm. You should TOTALLY rsvp on facebook. And if you can't make it Thursday, we are playing again on February 26 at Servant Jazz Quarters in Dalston. Come!

And now, I present to you....Dan Robinski....