BLUR_DETROIT

DETROIT XPOSURE

2005-11-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

BLUR DETROIT IS MOVING....

Check out our new site which will be up soon..

DETROIT XPOSURE

Jenna Brown at Wild Orchid

2005-09-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

Check out DJ Jenna Brown:OCT 4-WWW.PICTURETHISDETROIT.COM JENNA BROWN AND IAN HAMILTON @ WILD ORCHID

Celesta Danger Interview

2005-09-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

Celesta's is one of my favorite photographers, it was an honor interviewing her. Enjoy the interview,,,then check out her work

You are self-taught, do you think schooling sometimes dull the creative side of photography?
For me, absolutely. however, being around other creatives and equipment does sound appealing at the moment.

What kinds of equipment are you using right now?
I shot most of my pictures with a Nikon n90. that was broken and so i used a canon rebel for a little while (i hated that camera) then i got an n50 and now i have an f4 with 24-120 lens. i have 2 alien bees 400 strobes and a vagabond for outdoor shoots. to tell you the truth, my pictures would look the same no matter what i used.

Describe how you got started in photography.
I'm a nostalgia freak. i took pictures of moments and it quickly evolved into an outlet and a creative process although the nostalgia still remains.

Some of your work has a strong sexual matter. Can you talk about that?
yeah, that's what was happening before i grabbed my camera.

What do you look for in a subject?
I'm taking pictures of life as its happening. I'm not searching out a subject, I'm taking pictures of people who come in and out of my existence. who i choose to take pictures of is a direct reflection of how i felt about myself or what i wanted at that moment.

Describe how you create your images?
the images create themselves.

Doyou have any advice for other photographers who are starting out?
don't stop shooting.

Can you tell us about your creative process?
its seems as though i always have a palette of lighting i want to use and when the moment presents itself, i try my best to capture the "it" (the mood, the feelings, the connection). it helps that i have a little backpack camera bag i take everywhere.

What inspires you outside of film?
motion pictures
people
great art.
Andrew Jones is a concept artist i met 3 years ago. to my surprise he had already known who i was and introduced himself to me. after seeing his work i knew we had to get together. Andrew has over 1000 self portraits and i think the thought of someone else creating portraits of him tickled us both. the influence is apparent. here are my images
http://www.flickr.com/photos/celestadanger/sets/294324/

here are his

Do you prefer traditional film over digital?
ive never shot digital, but from the results ive seen, i prefer film.

More Info:
Celesta Danger

Online Film Fest

2005-09-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Some very nice shorts here...check them out

Haydenfilms LLC is an independent film production and distribution company based in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. Our mission is to create and foster an Online network of independent and student film producers, and to provide the support and resources necessary for these filmmakers to succeed in the film industry

More Info:
Haydenfilms

Jenna Brown

2005-09-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

Who inspired you to become a DJ?
In the summer of 1994 I met a DJ from LA who was a DJ and manager up at a bar in MT Pleasant (CMU). I happened to be heading up to CMU to start my freshman year of college and he gave me the opportunity to be a college bar DJ. Though I was much savvier than the average person as far as music went, I had no experience whatsoever in the DJ field. At that time I was basically a "Human Jukebox". I didnt even have my own music!! I used to buy the guys down the hall from me pizza and in return they would let me borrow their cd collection to DJ. After my freshman year I was given other opportunites at places like "River Rock" in Detroit. In 1996, my sophmore year of college, I was chosen for a Walt Disney World Internship in Orlando. At this time Orlando had a very happening club scene and I really embraced the music, it was like nothing I had heard or seen before. I returned back to CMU and continued being the Human Jukebox but knew I could do something more that that. After I graduated college I got turntables and a mixer, took my first trip to Reocrd Time in Roseville and gave it a go.

What can we expect to hear from you this year?
A blend of funky/techy/dirty house.

Name one good thing about the Detroit scene.
If a DJ has what it takes they can make room for themselves somewhere in the city. The people are open to hearing new Djs and if they like you they will support you!

Can you give us a list of the equipment you currently use.
JBL (EONS) (2) Technic 1200's Pioneer 600. The standard basically!

What is your stance on the current file sharing phenomena?
I dont think the threat of getting in trouble supercedes the beneifit. Especially now that there are sites like itunes where a song is only 99 cents. Also, if you really liked that track or song, you should respect the artist and want to support it.

Do you have any upcoming shows in Detroit?
Yes, OCT 1 Wall Of Bass @ Ballroom OCt 4, Wild Orchid Windsor and OCT 8th Bleu

Do you have any other passions besides music?
Yes, I own The Pita PIt, a Franchise Restaurant in Royal Oak.

Would you ever consider scoring a movie?
Yes, that would be a dream for me, in fact, I think about that occasionally. I have always wanted to do that!! If so what would be your ideal movie to do? A Quentin Tarantino film.

Have you ever remixed another artists song?
Not yet!

Detroit Xposure

2005-09-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Check out Blur Detroit's sister site
Detroit Xposure

Evacuees at the Ramada Inn Southfield!

2005-09-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you all are aware that there are about 200 evacuees at the Ramada Inn in Southfield ( 9 mile and Lodge Fwy) from New Orleans. They arrived here on Sunday. I just spoke with the hotel manager and they are in need of the following:

- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Feminine Products
- Other toiletries
- Volunteers: babysitters, doctors, social workers, tutors etc.
- Baby items desperately: cribs, car seats, diapers, baby wipes etc.
- School supplies: pens, pencils, folders, binders
- Individually wrapped snacks: peanut butter crackers, granola bars, poptarts...
- Women's and Men's underwear & socks

You can take these items directly to the Ramada Inn.

You can get more information about their needs by calling the hotel 248-552-7777

Some submited work from Joel....

2005-09-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

B&WLondon
Originally uploaded by blurdetroit.

See more in our photo issue

The Mitten Movie project

2005-09-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

The Mitten Movie project presents:

Michigan Movie Night

At the Emagine Theatre in Novi

Tuesday September 6, 2005

Showtime – 7pm

Celebrate a night of films originating in Michigan. Meet fellow filmmakers and people who love film! Brought to you by Thought Collide Productions.

More Info:
Thought Collide Productions

Issue 2 Available Soon (Hopefully next week)

2005-08-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

Finally Issue 2 is wrapping up...you definatly will not be disappointed. We have some of the best photographers and artist featured in this issue. The .pdf will be posted this time for everyone to consume...ENJOY

~JARROD CHAMPION SLEEPS TILL DUSK~

2005-08-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Get your ass over to Hamtramck next Friday(SEPTEMBER 2)to see Jarod Champion Sleeps Till Dusk for free. Then you can check out "The Hard Lessons" on Sunday!

More Info:
Hamtramck festival

Second City Opens in Novi

2005-08-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

Tickets for preview performances of In iPod We Trust are available now
through August 17 by phone at 248-348-4448. The Second City is proud to
announce the opening of its 26th revue, In iPod We Trust, on Thursday,
August 18, 2005 at 8pm at The Second City.

Wednesday & Thursday 8pm - $ 15.00
Fridays 8pm - $ 20.00
Saturdays 7, 9, & 11pm - $ 20.00
Sundays 8pm - $ 15.00

More Info:
Review of the show
Second City

BLUR Detroit Film/Photo Issue

2005-08-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Thannks to everyone contributing to the film/photo issue. We are still looking for filmakers or photographers who would like to submit some work for the issue....Free exposure, you cant go wrong!!

Detroit Film Center Presents

2005-08-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend, August 20th
Detroit, In Focus #3 – Short Films Program
The Detroit Film Center will present an innovative mix of short films. This selection will feature work that has a strong tie to the city of Detroit. Whether shot in the city or about it, this program will feature the complex diversity that makes Detroit so unique.

Doors open at 7pm, films roll at 8pm.
Suggested donation: $3 DFC Members, $5 Non-Members.

More Info:
Detroit Film Center

HUSH at Emerald Theater

2005-08-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

You dont want to miss this one.With the eyes of the world on the Motor City music scene, Detroit's hip-hop community warrants a full-on stare. Leading the forefront of the industry's multi-platinum future in the genre is MC HUSH.
Immersed in the seminal influences of hip-hop, Hush honed his skills at Maurice Malone's Hip Hop Shop alongside Eminem and producer Jay Dee as an onlooker in the background.

More Info:
Emerald Theater
HUSH

BLUR SUMMER ISSUE PDF

2005-08-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

The SUMMER .pdf is complete and is being sent out this week. Please if you havent submit your e-mail to receive this issue. Up next month will be our first ever photo/film issue.

SUBSCRIBE

Jill Jack performs

2005-08-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

Photo courtsey of Drum Dancer Records

Jill Jack performs at "Wild Summer Nights Concert Series" presented by Starbucks at the Detroit Zoo, August 10 don't miss your chance to get down with Jill from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

More Info:
Jill Jack
Detroit Zoo

PARADIME at the blind pig

2005-08-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY AUGUST 20TH, 2005
Beats at Will Records in conjunction with The Pussy Cat Theater and the Womb Raiderz
present...

Paradime's Return to the Blind Pig!!
With his new band THE GORILLA FUNK MOB!!
featuring BRAND NEW songs off the upcomming album "White Noize"..

with VERY special guests..
THE DISREGARDED
and
SUN

with the legendary DJ AMF on the 1200s all night long...

More Info:PARADIME

Panic In Detroit CD Release party

2005-07-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

August 2
PANIC IN DETROIT (Soundtrack Release Event)
featuring Paradime & Sol
Magic Bag Ferndale
Doors 7 p.m.
$10.00

More info:Magic Bag

INDEPENDENT FASHION SHOW Feat: Detroit Remedy

2005-07-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Friday August 12 9:00 PM
The show will be at the 4731 Gallery
on 4731 Grand River Avenue

More info:
4731 GALLERY
Detroit Remedy

Mr Todd Wilke -DETROIT REMEDY-

2005-07-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

What has inspired you to create clothing?
Well everything around Remedy pertains to looking good with what your wearing,With that in mind, Ive been in the graphic design business for 16 years,and ive learned alot on creating good designs and matching different colors together.So i try to make my clothing designs in alot of different styles and color combos to match just about anything you are wearing.

Describe some of the feedback you get from your fashion shows.
Everybody loves the different color schemes,big size cut shirts,and that all the designs are simple,bold,and easy to read.

Where did the name come from?
This is funny but the truth.I had a friend that was hung over so i made him one of my home remedies for his hangover,and he told me "Todd you have a remedy for everything,dont you".Then a light bulb went off in my head "Remedy".

Where can people buy your gear?
Right now mostly online,but i do have some at Hot Hits in Rosville,Iam also in the works on getting them into some local stores.

Any plans for stores in the future?
Yes i have plans for my own store,it will also carry alot of other local clothing lines that are trying to make a name for themselves also.

What is your opinion on the current state of music from the "D"?
Alot of the music from the D is great.People just need to know Detroit music is so much more than just Kid Rock and Eminem.There are alot of other great artist that havent been noticed yet.Hopefully with McHush making a name for himself in the D,It will help out alot with this scene that has died out some.Honestly in my opinion there just seems to be to many Haters.

Tell us about the mix cd, any plans for a future release?
With me sponsoring alot of local artists and shows,In return alot of the local artists got together and recorded 26 exclusive tracks dedicated too Detroit Remedy.This cd really hasnt got out there yet,But it is a must have.

Your favorite spot to get some eats?
Its a toss up between Bangkok Cuisine of Roseville and Thai Orchid in the Clem.

What are your top 5 tracks right now?
1.McHush... Put 'em down
2.Paradime... 11 steps down Feat. Tash and Swift
3.McHush... Hush is coming... Feat.Nate Dogg Produced by Eminem
4.One Be Lo... Anybody
5.Sean Dalon and Syntax...Clem to Cali (Detriot Remedy Mixtape)

VISIT DETROIT REMEDY

Interview with Ty Stone

2005-07-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

Interview by Brian Falk
Photo by Hatcher Anderson Photography

1. Where are you originally from?
I was born in Wyandotte, MI and lived in Lincoln Park until I was 17. I've been in Los Angeles for the last few years.

2. Tell us where you draw your musical influences from and what inspires you to create music.
The first time I heard License to Ill I started rapping, and I've been making music ever since then. I love 50's and 60's R&B and soul music, and draw a lot of influence from that. I also use Bob Seger as a study guide. Nobody does it better. I just feel like God blessed me with the gift to sing, and it's important to me to use that in the right way.

<3. Can you describe the sound of your music?
I don't think you could call what I do anything other than Rock & Roll. I mean it's soul and blues infused, and my daddy's country music slips in there once in a while, but it's Rock & Roll. If Otis Redding sang for the Rolling Stones... I'd open.

4. Where are some of the places you've performed at and which one really stood out to you.
The most amazing concert that I ever played was opening for Kid Rock at the Verizon Music Center in Pelham, Al. He sold the place out and let me open the show solo-acoustic style. Standing alone in front of that many people was fucking sick. I've also played the Whisky-a-gogo and the Viper Room in LA. I played Tootsie's and the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville. I've played almost everywhere in Detroit over the past five years. I've been very blessed.

5. Do you feel music has helped shaped who you are today?
I dedicated my life to my musical career about five years ago, and the trials of being a working musician have certainly shaped me into the person that I am today. I lived on nothing in LA, flipping hamburgers to pay rent, and playing music anywhere I could for a long time. That really helped me to curb that early 20s angst that used to get me into so much trouble. And I believe that songwriting and story telling has helped me to be able to see the world through many different perspectives. I would have never had most of the experiences that I've had if I hadn't had this here guitar. (Damn that's a mouthful.)

6. Have you had the chance to perform live with any other musicians?
I have been lucky enough to be on stage with Kid Rock, Gretchen Wilson, Big and Rich, Doop, Gavin DeGraw, Zoe Bonham, Joe Purdy and Nashville Chance.... and many other great musicians that the world has never heard of...

7. Where's your favorite local spot to hang and relax or just have a few drinks?
If I want to see music, I head to Jacoby's downtown. Stirling and Sue Static have always treated me like family, so that's my spot. But I live downriver, so when I just need a beer I usually go to Falls Sports in Dearborn, and it's always Simon's in Allen Park on Wednesdays for Inside Outlaw night.

8. Do you have any other shows lined up this summer other than the Taste Fest?
Locally, I'm going to be doing a spot at Fallapalooza on August 13th at Falls in Dearborn. Every year they do a charity event for the Dearborn Fire Department's childrens fund, so I always like to help out when I'm in Detroit. I think this will be my fourth year performing. Other than that I'll probably just be popping up at Inside Outlaw shows and trying to get Kid Rock to play the Palace so I can finally rock that mothafucka... :)

9. What advice would you give to upcoming musicians?
Practice a lot. You need practice whether you think so or not. And that includes songwriting. Use your brain for something other than a place to rest your fauxhawk. And play with people who are better than you. I've always found that the way to take my music to the next level was to get smoked in the club a couple of times and then go back to the drawing board. I've always come with something badass in those situations. Also don't be a dick. You're probably not as cool as you think you are.

10. Do you have any CD's currently out, if not when can we expect one from you?
I just wrapped a new CD, and I'm in the process of negotiating a deal right now, so keep your hats on, and it should be available soon. I have a few advanced copies that I've stashed for the right girls, so if you use your imagination, you can probably get one. :)

Interview with SOLVENT

2005-07-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

Interview by Bobby Jones

1. Who inspired you and who still inspires you?
My biggest musical inspirations would have to be Vince Clarke & Daniel Miller's early synth work on Depeche Mode, Yazoo and other early Mute releases. And although I'm not as big of a fan as I once was, Aphex Twin has been a major inspiration and fundamentally changed the way I hear and approach music. He was definitely the one that made me decide to start making electronic music seriously. These days, I really feel beyond inspiration; it's just me and the machines now - I hardly experience any thoughts about the outside world while I'm in that music-making zone in my studio.

2. Tell us about Suction records
Suction Records is the label I started in 1997 with Lowfish, to release weird electro and robot music. Unfortunately, the label's on hiatus because Lowfish and I are really tired of the business of running a record label, and want to concentrate on making music instead of selling it for a while. For now, the only thing that is still active with Suction is the webpage (www.suctionrecords.com) where we have an online store for selling Suction, Solvent, Lowfish and Skanfrom releases.

3. What can we expect to hear from you this year
Besides a few remixes that'll be coming out this year, I don't expect there will be any more new Solvent material this year. I just had a baby girl so that is keeping me very busy. But in 2006 I'm hoping to release two new albums of all-new material - one all-vocal album , and an instrumental ambient album (not the "chill-out" variety).

4. How has Ghostly International treated you so far?Seems like a great fit for you?
They have been working me like a slave and have been harrassing me about the fact that my work isn't commercial enough, saying things like "I'm not hearing any singles."

5. Can you give us a list of the equipment you currently use.
My favorite synths right now are my Roland System 100 and Jupiter 4. I also recently acquired a Polymoog, which has been one of my dream synths since realising it was the synth behind all of those otherwordly strings and leads on the early Gary Numan albums. My gear list is pretty extensive, so I think the best thing would be to point out the "studio" section on my website which has a full listing of my gear.

6. What is your stance on the current file sharing phenomena?
I used to be firmly against it, but since I'm too broke these days to buy records, I've started downloading music recently. It's saved me a lot of money because there have been several records that I would have bought without listenning to first, but after hearing the mp3s, I decided they weren't very good and not worth buying. The problem is, a lot of people don't even buy records even if they love the mp3s, which is not cool. Another problem I find with file sharing is that it creates short attention spans; people want instant satisfaction, or else "NEXT!"
they're on to the next of ten thousand mp3s sitting on their hard drive.
So overall, I think file sharing is one of the worst things that's ever happened to music, but I would be a hypocrite to stand up against it.

8. Do you have any other passions besides music?
Not unless collecting vintage electronic music instruments counts.

Interview with Twilight Babies

2005-07-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

Interview by Bobby Jones

Explain the Twilight Babies sound?
Flowing rock/folk-grooves, backed by a collage of beats and bass, and topped off with sultry female vocals. We do our own mix on-stage every time, for big and small shows. vocals are very important in the mix... how many times have you been to a show and not been able to hear what was being sung? We have crystal clear vocals, a multitude of guitar effects, a variety of synths and drum machines... blah blah blah

What do you hope people will get from hearing your music?
A great listening experience. we also hope that they know we're doing it all live. i'm triggering all the loops and bass lines live. we don't have a backing cd or dat tape. (actually we did once and that was for the purpose of video synchronization at our cd release).

Tell us about your latest cd “monster”
6 new tracks. 3 remixes. the material was developed over the past year and a half, then we got a hold of Mike E. Clark who tracked most of the guitars and vocals in one day. Alison penned all of the lyrics on this effort, as well as playing acoustic guitar and percussion. Mikey played the electric guitars, some keyboards and the harmonica. i did all the beats, bass and synths. the remixes are by three different artists:
Switch from the group FULL from seattle, wa.
Dale Cooper from the group Lushwell from pittsburgh, pa.
Mnty from detroit,mi.

How has the Detroit Scene treated you?
Good. lot's of support from across the scenes. it's made us a better band too, because there are so many talented acts here that we always are trying to do something new or different so we stay current.

Where is your favorite place to play in Detroit?
It's hard not to say the magic stick now... (we had that place packed for the cd release in march) another favorite spot is the buddha lounge on 8 mile. we played there quasi-regularly for the better part of a year (2002/2003) ... that's where we wrote a lot of material through live improvisation. also enjoyed our residency last year at fifth ave in royal oak.

How does the rest of the year shape up for Twilight Babies?
Chicago, pittsburgh, and cleveland gigs, and a couple of detroit appearances as well.
there is also the possibility of more remixes being released on vinyl, as well as a children's cd.
(yes, a children's cd).

Musically, who are you into now?
trs-80, the perishers, the brazilian girls, "pretty in pink" soundtrack, air, jill scott, the replacements

Where do you guys get your inspiration?
We each have our own sources. that's what makes it work. our techniques are quite different, but it's because of the way we gel during live improvisations/jams that's inspiring to all three of us. In terms of outside sources of inspiration, i'd say we wear some of our influences 'on our sleeves'