Numero Quatro

I didn’t really know what to title this blog post, because this blog post is selfishly about my second, first favourite band in 2012.
I’m writing this really out of my stream of conscious with no intention for structure or plot development, but as I sit here in the warm glow of the music studio in Los Angeles, CA I can’t help but feel some type of way about the genesis of this new era, these new songs, and these people who have physically come into the ether of my life for more than a year now.
The last album and the last era was endearing and special to me in words I cannot describe. So many experiences I have enjoyed beyond the pictures of Instagram or the words of Twitter. Seeing the makings behind the scenes of a production and hanging out with touring crew members and making tour bus runs in the middle of the night is something I won’t forget. Other things I won’t forget as we close the chapter on the Youngblood era and introduce this new one is the sheer determination these gentlemen have to always work on their craft.
Instead of sitting complacent with big egos to coincide with their accolades, they strive to achieve a different sonic than their album prior. They’ve meticulously written and rewritten chord progressions, choruses, verses, bridges, hooks, so on and so forth. When I thought something was “fine” they always strived to finesse.

In a matter of 9+ hours we will have a new era, the fourth to be exact.
I’m excited and nervous for everyone to hear it, but it’ll be worth it. Cheers my lads, forever your faithful fan turned friend turned… well, we’ll see.

Indelible Gratitude,

• Kat

In Love With The La La

On a cold Friday night in the hazy winter light. 

I had seen a film ever so magical, so wonderful. A delight. 

The colors that graced the screen so vibrant and vivid. 

The music so variant. It was both bold and timid 

The dancing had captured my heart in an instant 

My own memories of tap dancing, jazz piano, and musicals had been so distant 

This film I’m describing in none other than La La Land 

Please watch it if you love Los Angeles, fleeting dreams, or swing & big band.

---

**I couldn’t help myself but make a rhyme scheme introduction on quite possibly one of my favourite movies of all time.

I know I know I know guys, this is a big statement to make! Have no fear, I fully support this film from within my bones.

Before I gush on about the Top 10 Reasons why I’m in love with La La Land, I have to preface that I have a long running background in dance, piano, & musical theater. I’m also a classic film enthusiast so every single easter egg was a slice of intense joy for me. My perspective is completely bias, but after seeing this movie with various audiences (ranging from having no musical background to die-hard fans of overtures and 4 chord minors) there are overall themes that run through this film that are universal to anyone whose ever had a dream they wanted to pursue.

( image via Google)

10. The Opening Sequence featuring CinemaScope 

If you aren’t familiar with 1950’s classic films by MGM, the widescreen lenses they utilized during that era were CinemaScope lenses. These lenses were integral for motion pictures at the time to capture everything in frame. From panoramic views to sweeping perspectives capturing long sequences of choreography, the fact that La La Land was shot with these infamous industry lenses is a simply sweet homage to the classics.

(image via Summit Pictures)

9. Damien Chazelle and his personal story

There are directors that self impose their narratives in the work they do, but often do so in a way that is glorifying and centralized, Chazelle however inserts his personal experiences through struggle. He loves jazz music and musicals, but his cumbersome fear of stage fright kept him from the spotlight. I had rewatched his film Whiplash prior to seeing La La Land. The film Whiplash is Chazelle’s exploration of when he was a jazz drummer in high school and in contrast to La La Land, both films portray the process of achieving one’s dreams. One situation that is isolating and self-centered (Whiplash) and another that is communal and almost altruistic (La La Land).

(image via Summit Pictures)

7. The Non-Cliche Iconic Landscapes of Los Angeles

Having seen this movie with company from both LA and far from LA (London, in fact) there are variable differences on what people would like to see about Los Angeles in the movies. My British friend complained that they didn’t see the Hollywood sign; my Los Angeles friend loved that there was a scene at Watts Towers. Overall, I’m quite enamored at the fact that Chazelle didn’t choose the road most taken when it comes to filming in Los Angeles, his implicit direction to show some “uncommon but familiar” landmarks that ground the nature of this city is to my liking.

(image via Summit Pictures)

6.  The Subtle Jokes About Los Angeles 

I went to college in Los Angeles county and became acquainted with all the Los Angeles stereotypes. This film captures these seemingly real stereotypes and situations in such a light-hearted humorous way; from Prius popularity to gluten free galore it also portrays that although this city is filled with dreamers where everyone is trying to make it, there is room to find your “tribe” or “squad” in the immense demographic that is the people of Los Angeles. In a city full of people playing professional make-believe, I’ve  made an immense amount of authentic friendships that last a lifetime.

(image via Summit Entertainment) 

5. The Title’s Double Meaning

Not only is LA known for its moniker “La La Land” but La La Land is defined as “a fanciful state of mind” in which the cinematography captures so effortlessly in many frame by frame moments. It toggles the boundaries of reality and disillusion through dream like sequences. I’m a sucker for things with depth and the movie title’s double meaning adds another layer.

(image via Miguel Aguilar) 

4. The Production Collaboration + Minimal Post Production Editing 

Due to the nature of making this film in the 1950’s technique, Chazelle’s objective to take elongated one camera shots with minimal takes was an operation of meticulous proportions. In addition, I’m appreciative of the use of the actual landmarks and the minimal use of a soundstage/ set. It is rare nowadays to see a film without some sort of CGI, multiple takes and multiple cameras used, so this film felt like a visual breathe of fresh air. It is relaxing to the eyes; you’ll experience it once you see it.

 

(image via Summit Entertainment)

3. Ryan Gosling + Emma Stone’s Chemistry 

Originally, Miles Teller and Emma Watson were cast to play the roles of the two lovebirds.  Due to conflicting filming schedules, Chazelle went with Gosling and Stone instead. Prior to this film, the pair starred in two roles together. If you have ever seen the 2011 movie  Crazy Stupid Love their chemistry was very natural. Both of these actors’ dynamic emotional range is versatile as well. During the filming process, Chazelle, the screenwriter, and both of the actors were integral in the development of Mia and Sebastian. The result? Absolute chemistry. If you pay attention closely, the behaviors/dialogue of one transfers onto the other in the same fashion as a real relationship.

2. The Music 

The composer of the musical score is James Hurtwitz. He also has worked with Chazelle on his two prior films Whiplash and Guy And Madeleine On A Park Bench. The thematic musical score has five main melodies from it’s five main songs. If you listen to the film’s soundtrack closely you can hear each one of the five songs transposed in a different key and tempo throughout the film to convey the emotional atmosphere. The film’s soundtrack is really meant to be listened as a whole, each song advancing the narrative. Creating together an amalgamation of scenarios that define the human condition when it comes to trying to achieve your dreams.   In the process of composing the musical score for La La Land, Hurwitz compiled roughly around 1900 piano demos to show to Chazelle as well as the lyricists Justin Paul and Benj Pasek. Paul and Pasek also wrote original music for one of my favourite shows, Smash.

(gif via Summit Entertainment)

1. The Dancing + Rehearsal Process

All strengths put aside, if there could be one reason and one reason only for me to love this film, it has to be the dancing. I’m a sucker for dance movies, but lately the movies that have come out in recent years didn’t have a narrative I was fully invested in. The plots were predictable and the choreography (or lack thereof) was inundated with tricks and gimmicks. La La Land however heavily pays homage to cult film dance classics such as Sweet Charity, Singing In The Rain, Umbrellas of Cherbourg and many others. Iconic sequences of choreography recorded in beautiful one camera one take constraints (like the Old Hollywood movies did) effectively hones in on the beauty that happens when dancers, dancing, and a compelling musical score converge together. Mandy Moore, the choreographer also created these pieces to be accessible due to the capabilities of the actors. She wanted the choreography to to be approachable and realistically anchored in everyday movement that (when shot on camera) would blur the dreamlike dance sequences and dialogue seamlessly.

Prior to the four month filming process, Gosling and Stone had a three month rehearsal for both the dance choreography and the learning of the piano. Although the rehearsing schedule was rigorous, it was beneficial in the long run.

In addition, if I could shamelessly plug in another aspect as to why I love this film so much, a couple of my favourite dancer friends from the YouTube community also make an appearance in the opening number (ahem,Jilly Meyers, Dana Wilson, and Galen Hooks to name a few) and it’s rewarding to see other dancers that I’ve watched on YouTube/had taken workshops with for  years, finally get the recognition they so well deserve.

If you have read this far, I applaud and appreciate you. Leave comments if you have other reasons as to why you love La La Land too!

Indelible Gratitude,

-Kat

Falling Back Into The Urban Fabric

A night last week was a turn of events that lifted my spirits in the most connective way possible. My previous post about “Intimacy” and sharing a human experience left me feeling despondent with a craving to discuss bigness, not business. I missed observing all the walks of life that inhabit the fabric of the urban environment. Lately though, I got my “dose” just as unexpectedly.

My cousin invited me to a multi-medium art show in the heart of a bustling downtown and I almost hesitated because I didn’t want to go alone. Had I made the decision with my fear I would have missed out on a soul-soothing experience.

The event was called “FUTURES” and it was sponsored by the organization RAWartists.org. This showcase featured artists of all different mediums. From makeup and fashion to music and dancing this event had it all. It took residency in the House of Blues performance venue for a night and it was something to experience as with anything that is ephemeral in nature.

I was uncomfortable at first, because I came alone and didn’t know anybody except for my cousin whom was busy selling her handmade jewelry, but after a beer I became more conversational (huzzah for a little bit of carbonated liquid courage eh?) and I met some creative souls over conversation I won’t forget.

I had conversations about things I missed talking about when I was in college. Amongst these conversations were topics of the following:

• The importance of narrative driven design
• Instagram and the consciousness of light, shadow, tone, and texture of a photo
• How to write socio-political rhymes for a modern “twerk & bae” audience
• The materialization of an idea and the logical process of starting

I sound so elitist with my art & design jargon, but I just miss talking BIG ideas; things regarding the creative process whatever the medium may be. I still have hopes to search for conversations like the ones I had that memorable night. Or maybe my INFP personality is just overly-romanticizing things.

Whatevs, I’m slowly sipping away at my flat white and enjoying this pitter patter of the rain that is currently storming through the Southern California skies. Here’s to a Lazy Sunday of mental preparation for this beast we call Mondays.

So, this is to you, my reader/subscriber to my thoughts.

I hope you find yourself in good conversation over this next week. We all need it.

Indelible Gratitude,
-Kat

2015 In Retrograde

It’s already the sixth day of the new year and I feel like I haven’t given the blogosphere and my wordpress the attention it so lovingly deserves. This year has been a year of a lot of firsts for me, and it’s been really revealing in my character and personal strength.

For starters, I landed my first job as a “designer” sort of speak. After my graduation in 2014 I embarked on a “self-healing” journey because my own demons that haunted me resurfaced themselves and I had to tend to them and keep them at bay. From January to until May I was still unemployed and working on my own internal pursuits whilst on the job-hunt. I landed the job I currently have today and had absolutely no idea what I was throwing myself into. I work for a small firm along the coast of California so my surroundings were a bit more relaxed than the tumultuous urban thoroughfare, but it was still a steep learning curve for me. The biggest lesson I learned is that from outward eyes is that I am incredibly shy and way more regimented than I’d like to admit. For example, if I don’t start my day at the gym at 5:30 am, the whole day is shit for me; from then on, my workday is going into complete shambles to be quite frank. In retrograde, this whole year has been a continuous roller coaster, emotionally for me. Here’s a quick summation in brief highlights.

• January- Aunt & Uncle’s 25th Wedding Anniversary aka the weekend I found out how much my grandma could drink.
• February- My bestfriend’s birthday, kinda a complete blur
• March- WonderCon, aka the place for all my fandomonium to combust into sheer joy.
• April- Finally, after such a long time, I saw my first pop punk band Blink 182 perform at the legendary place where a lot of bands started out in So Cal, at SOMA. Hearing “First Date” live, was unreal and my heart was bursting at the seams with happiness. This was the start of my live music addition.
• May- Started my first job and learned the real struggle of young professionalism. Saw Cartel live for the first time and they still sound as great as they did 10 years ago.
• June- My cousin’s wedding as well as my birthday. This was the weekend my friends found out how much I can drink.
• July- Comic Con, always a yearly highlight. Finally saw All-Time Low during the MTV Fandom Awards.
  My first time seeing 5SOS in their first headlining tour and it was hands down the best damn night of my life. Also received a birthday e-mail from Calum, THAT was wonderful ❤
  Also, my first time doing photography work at Warped Tour, that was spectacular, because of Neck Deep & Sleeping w/ Sirens
• August- Attended a “new” kind of festival Kaboo Del-Mar, and I loved it. Finally got to see Allen Stone live as well as The Killers live. That was amazing .
  Also, went to my first ever Foo-Fighters concert on a whim on a Thursday night, best decision I ever made.
• September- Went to the Quartyard to see The Maine: Free For All Tour, and it was the best free concrete I’ve ever seen.
• October- TASTE OF CHAOS. Reliving the teenage dreams I had and still hold onto, one Dashboard Confessional song at a time. Also my first experience crying at a festival (due to Bert McCracken and Justin Shekowkski and “On My Own”). Also, my first time seeing my  favourite band, The Used (also wrote a whole blog post about the ordeal…emotional overload central).
  My friend Eric invited me to his wedding and I felt all the feels.
  5SOS released their sophomore album SGFG and I went to the official release performance in Hollywood & Highland (again, all the feels were felt)
• November- Thanksgiving, aka the start of my glutenous diet. Also my first time attending a Darling Magazine event.
• December-Christmas, aka the season where I gain lots of “happy pounds”

Overall, I think this year has been good to me musically. If it wasn’t for music I wouldn’t know how to overcome all the mental breakdowns I had this year. I couldn’t have been more sad and elated in one year than in 2015. As I close this chapter on this year, the new in 2016 awaits and I can’t wait what else there is to encounter….

Catch Ya Later

-Kat

#TFT- Thankful Thursdays

Traditionally, Thursdays meant delving into one’s archives to find the most ridiculous and nostalgic picture to post up on Instagram, but since Thanksgiving is occurring within this month, I’m dedicating my Thursdays in a different, more thought provoking manner.

In juxtaposition to my last post, my first gratuitous mention is the spectrum of music. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I’m a budding musician, but I do dabble a bit in the ivories (been playing since year 9). I’ve never gone out to compose my own music, but music has been an essential part of my soul since the very beginning.

At the heart of it, I was born dancing. My parents recount the days when I would sit in my high chair, crying for food, but simultaneously swaying to Earth Wind & Fire, Tracy Chapman, The Goo Goo Dolls, and Led Zeppelin. They got a kick out of it; me not so much because my belly was empty.

Music was essential to my growth as a dancer. It taught me to listen to all the complexities that is found within music; it forced me to visualize notes, materialize rhythms, and express feelings of depth that I’m always too afraid to speak of. Music supported me when nothing (and nobody) could and gratitude doesn’t even begin to explain it.

AND, if I could make an honourable mention in the realm of music, I think there’s one human being in particular that I would like to thank. Thank you producer, writer, all-around badass musician John Feldmann for believing in the music of SO MANY bands that formed the anthems of my growing youth (and 2 albums in particular that happen to be my favourite all-time). Thank you for having faith in: THE USED, Good Charlotte, Story of the Year, Ashlee Simpson (Autobiography), The Cab, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Hedley, Saosin, Makua Rothman, We Are The In Crowd, ATL, Sleeping With Sirens, and finally 5SOS. If you ever read this John, know that you’ve helped tremendously in the development of a 20 something lost millennial find her musical personality since the pre-teen days. You’ve inadvertently comforted me during a heartbreak, helped me say “fuck the rest” when I’m feeling rebellious, and lifted my spirits when I was in despair. I will be forever grateful for your creative headspace. Don’t stop rockin’.

Sincerely With Gratitude,

-Kathy