Liverpool’s The Delta Fiasco exude an  elegantly wasted allure of expansive  proportions. Their blend of heavy guitars,  intense drums and mutant bleeps combine  sublimely with Nathan Walzack’s twisted  falsetto to create an intoxicating rush of head-  swirling sound. Smelting avant-garde rock  with European electronica, they have created a ‘happening’ of dizzying originality.

How did you get the bands’ name?

(Nick) The delta’s were an alleged myth or concept I read about once in a rare old World War 2 magazine. It basically described a group of soldiers who, forced to fight against their will, would try and shoot their own county men in the back during battle. It was all very secretive and vigilante, so we liked the idea and just kind of created Delta Fiasco from that. Not so much stabbing people in the back, but more standing up for your own beliefs, when everything seems lost.

How did you form your band… how do you all know each other?

(Nick) Ok…I’m going to tell you the interesting version of the story. In 2008 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum-security stockade to the Los Angeles underground.  They then formed a band out of transistor radios and card boxes in a tiny garage in Liverpool. Today still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune, turning up in cities around the world to destroy sound systems and make you dance until your feet hurt. Fact.

How would you describe your music?

(Nick) Energetic, Electronic, Enigmatic. We like E’s! Honestly I don’t feel like we fit a particular genre so it’s really hard for us to describe. We don’t really have any rules or guidelines when we write, so basically we walk into the studio and anything goes. I think it makes it more interesting that way. Very few people listen to one type of music exclusively and we are no different. Sometimes its super dancy and electronic, sometimes really rock and heavy and occasionally delicate and heartfelt. The biggest compliment to me is something that our fans tell us again and again ‘you don’t sound like anybody else’. That’s cool. I never wanted to be in a cover band.

What was your favorite show thus far? Where was it and why was it your favorite?

(Nick) Well we just went out to Europe with Chester Benningtons new project called Dead by Sunrise. Pretty insane shows, about 3000 kids a night just going off their nuts. For me personally it was playing London’s HMV forum on that tour. I remember walking out and actually being wowed by the size of the crowd. Took me a couple of seconds to get me head back in it. That’s a great feeling to have in the country you grew up in.

(Simon) Europe is always a good time for us. People always dig what we do over there and it’s always great to play back home. We spent a month down in Bogota, Columbia which was so much fun. The kids there are just down to have a good time and even though we were essentially an unknown band there at the time they treated like they were watching the Beatles.

It seems like you have a good eye with video production too – how important are those videos and where can people find them.

(Nick) Thanks! Yeah that’s something that I got into recently. We kept realizing we were going on tour and seeing all this cool stuff, and having a lot of fun on the road. So we started to make tour videos so our fans could keep up with our antics. Then I started getting pretty good at it, and we really wanted people to be able to feel the songs from Blood will Have Blood. So was I like, hey lets do our own video for the ‘Knife in my Back’ single. We did, it came out great, and now James Cameron is shitting himself because I am going to make a new 3D film about blue people that look like horses.

www.youtube.com/deltafiasco

www.myspace.com/thedeltafiasco

www.thedeltafiasco.com

What else are you all working on?

(nick) We are working on a new E.P right now. We decided that it takes to long to go and write/record a full length, and all of us have the attention spans of toddlers. So we are pushing to try and make 5 or 6 track E.P’s more often. I don’t like waiting for things, so I feel that our fans shouldn’t have to either. We want to give people our new stuff as fresh as we can so they can enjoy it and get as excited about it as we do.

I hear you have collaboration with a cool fashion company – there might be a t- shirt coming out?

(Simon) Yeah we’re good friends with the girls from LNA clothing and we have collaborated with them on a limited edition single from our debut album “Blood will have blood”.

The single is called “Knife in my back” and we’re releasing a 7″ vinyl along with a t-shirt and tote bag. We love their clothes and style so it’s fantastic for us to combine what we do along with a label in the fashion world. The Release will be available May 4th 2010 via our website www.thedeltafiasco.com and www.lnaclothing.com.

You have amazing visuals – tell me about how you come up with your graphics and the concepts behind your materials you send out?

(Simon) Both Nathan and Nick studied art at school and Nathan is really talented when it comes to graphic design so between them they come up with some awesome ideas and concepts for our material. We design and print all our own merchandise, which is cool as it gives us full control and creative direction.

What are your favorite places to chill out + what cities are they located in?

We have a favorite bar in Berlin called White Trash, which is always a great time. Korova in Liverpool is a really special place for us too, as it’s the first and last place we go to when we’re back home in Liverpool. I’ve recently discovered some amazing places in New York such as Baddies, The Box and Freemans, which I cant wait to come back and get more familiar with.

What would be your dream gig?

(Simon) To play at Wembley stadium in London would be amazing. It’s the biggest stadium in England and has been a big part of the English sporting and arts heritage. We also really want to play a gig on a boat. We’re actually planning to shoot a video on a yacht someday.

Who are some of your favorite bands?

NIN, Kasabian, Radiohead, Phillip Glass,  Soulwax, The Kills, Johnny Cash, The Police ..

Where do you gain your inspiration from for your songs?

(Simon) We take inspiration from Music, Films, Books, Art and Life experiences. We all have different musical backgrounds so we also gain inspiration from each other.

What was your best trip ever and where do you want to travel next?

(Simon) We toured the USA with Shiny Toy Guns and visited the entire country. Each state is so unique. It was the road trip adventure of a lifetime!

Next?  Japan, Australia and Canada.

Leave us with a cool quote.

“Dream as if you’ll live forever, Live as if you’ll die today” James Dean

Post from: Debonair Magazine

Interview-Liverpool’s The Delta Fiasco

Photo Credit:Jeremiah Sullivan

I read The Ultimate Happiness Prescription in November and it truly affected me. It was a book that you take the highlighter out for and you highlight like crazy.

1. What made you write this book? How did you do the research for this book?

The research on happiness from academic institutions and schools of positive psychology is readily available online and in libraries. I felt that the research was not easily understand to the general public so I decided to explain it in simple language. I also felt that the research did not address the problems of existential suffering such as the fear of old age, infirmity, and death. I therefore decided it was time to write a plain straightforward book that was easily accessible to everyone.

2. Have you conducted any seminars yet related to this book and if not will you? it seems like an amazing topic for a seminar – it contains so much “how to” material.

I cover this material in my seminars called “Seduction of Spirit” and “Emotional Freedom.”

3. Does everyone have the ability to be happy?  Why are some people always “not happy” or “negative” and how can they overcome that?

People who are always negative or unhappy have a brain “set point” that is negative this means they always see problems instead of opportunities. The set point can be altered through meditation and cognitive therapy.

4.  Why is that some people’s unhappiness can affect others’ happiness and vice – versa?

Emotions are contagious if you have a happy friend your chances of happiness increasing go up fifteen times. If you have a happy friend of a friend they go up another ten times even if you don’t know the happy friend of the friend. This is because consciousness is field. Also there is a mechanism called Limbic Resonance through which the emotions of your environment affect your emotions and physical well being.

5. It seems like you talk about meditation in a lot of your books and videos – why is this so important and how can people get started?

Meditation allows you to go beyond the mind to the field of silence which is the background consciousness of silence beyond the mind. There are several techniques of meditation: breath awareness, mindfulness, mantra repetition, body awareness, Vipassana, and others. I have a CD called The Soul of Healing Meditation which is very popular and teaches meditation in a very simple and practical way.

6.  When someone is being mean to you or toxic how do you walk away – what happens when you feel like you can’t walk away.

The best thing is not to react. Practice body awareness and say something non threatening to the mean person such as “ I understand how you feel.” without defending your point of view. The chapter in my book called “Give Up Being Right” deals with this.

7. What is your daily “prescription” for yourself – how long do you meditate, pray, read, write etc – does it vary or is there some general uniformity in some of the things you do to help yourself every day?

I enjoy good sleep, exercise everyday in addition I do yoga and breathing exercises in the morning I don’t take myself seriously and I have plenty of time for humor and play.

8. What are you working on?  What is taking up the majority of your time right now?

I am finishing three books this year: Mohammed: A Story of the Last Prophet, The Shadow, The Soul of Leadership. In between I do workshops and seminars and will be traveling to Europe and Asia.

9. What are your favorite places to chill out + what cities are they located in?

I am always chilled out and the cities I go to chill when I am there. I also chill out when I get there.

10. Who is your best friend and why?

My best friend is an Australian writer and radio talk show host. He loves to play practical jokes which I thoroughly enjoy.

11. Do you believe in past lives and if so what/who were you in your past life?

I believe we are a matrix of thought forms that recycle as persons. In the deeper reality there is no separate self so, I believe I have expressed many archetypal themes both divine and diabolical, sinner and saint.

12. What was your best trip ever and where do you want to travel next?

My best trip ever was LSD when I was seventeen and preparing to go to medical school. I want to travel to other dimensions in space and time. [non pharmacologically]

13. Who is your favorite artist, musician, photographer – who inspires you?

My favorite artist is Salvador Dali who explored surreal worlds, My favorite musician is George Harrison whose lyrics and music take you to transcendent levels of awareness. My favorite photographer is Dave Stewart who looks at ordinary things with extraordinary eyes.

14. If you were stranded on an island what book would you take with you? And who would you take with you?

I would take no books but plenty of paper and pens so I could write one instead of reading one. I would not take anyone with me but conjure up different beings in my imagination for sensual and spiritual delight.

15. Who inspires you fashion wise – what is your staple uniform?  If you had to live in one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Donna Karan has been a very good friend and I like her subdued stylish taste. Simple black suit or a black jacket with jeans is enough style for me.

16. What was the most memorable day of your life thus far and why?

The most memorable day of my life was the day I was born.  I was very surprised to be here and miraculously discovered that I was no stranger to this world. [Yes, I do remember].

Bonus question:

Leave us with a quote – something you make up or a quote that you just love to repeat

I want the following to be my epitaph: “Easy come, easy go.”

Post from: Debonair Magazine

Debonair Interviews: Deepak Chopra

1.   Wow – you created an application for the iPhone… what is it called and how did you come up with the concept?

The concept is pretty simple, really. We wanted to create something fun and provocative to leverage the accelerometer technology that makes iPhone so unique. The first thing that came to mind was the old style nudie pens. We were lucky enough to get Jessica Dougherty to do the amazing pin-up girl illustrations which make it more premium feeling than kitschy. They’re pretty amazing.

Naming it was a project in itself. It was originally going to be called iTease, but the application process with Apple is notoriously subjective and it was declined – because it was “too risqué.” Um, really? So we decided on HOTTi, keeping that whole small “i” thing that seems to be integral to all things Apple. Works for me.

2. How long did it take you to create that application? How does one get started if they have an application idea?

Well, the idea came about pretty spontaneously. But the development, not so much. The entire process was quite the learning experience and I wont say it wasn’t maddening at times. Even for a simple app like this, my developer Andy Stepan and I used different vendors from all over the world. So, it’s not unlike being a general contractor with no shortage of hiccups along the way, which can really prolong the process. All in all, it took about six months – before the approval process. But obviously it was worth it.

3. So when you are not creating super rad iPhone apps, what is your day job…

I’m a creative director at a digital ad agency. Aside form the hours, it’s a pretty fun job which allows me to work with some really talented people while working on some pretty cool brands. Plus there’s a pool table, so…

4. What are your favorite places to chill out + what cities are they located in?

I’m comfortable anywhere with good food, good friends and a beer or three. But I love the water, so the Jersey shore (not from MTV’s reality show – the other part of it) and Newport rank highly in the summer months. My travel itinerary isn’t what you’d call “exotic.”

5. Do you believe in past lives and if so what/who were you in your past life?

Ha. I don’t really. This current one’s been keeping me pretty busy and mildly entertained for a while though.

6.What was your best trip ever and where do you want to travel next?

Hmm… I went to Sundance a few years ago which was absolutely amazing.  I partied like a rock star (with a few of them too). And I really enjoyed wine country. Northern Cali is just amazing. For my next big trip I really want to go to Italy. I hear the food’s somewhat decent.

7. So you are in advertising, where do you get your inspiration?

Anywhere and everywhere really. It’s part of my job to be up on pop-culture and what’s new in every medium. I watch an inordinate amount of TV and spend a good part of my day online. For work, of course.

8. I hear you play the guitar… how did you learn and what are some of your favorite bands?

I’ve been playing for 20 years and it’s one of the best things I ever did in my life, honestly. I’ve always loved music and the guitar has always come very naturally to me – I’m largely self-taught. I love a lot of different music but as a guitarist I listen to my heroes like Hendrix, Page, Van Halen, etc. I’m also a bit of a metal-head. Anything that rocks. Metallica, NIN, Alice in Chains and most 80’s hair bands fill out my iPod.

9. How much money do you want to make with your application?  Are you going to create more iPhone applications?  Do you encourage other people to create them?

It’s hard to say really. There’s what, like 30,000 apps available now? That’s a lot to compete with and can be a daunting proposition considering the costs incurred with making one. At the same time it’s fulfilling to contribute to pop-culture, however minimally, regardless of your net sales. I’m fairly confident we’ve got a cool little app here and we’re hoping it will appeal to a large enough audience to make a buck or two. Hoping this article helps too.

10. What is your favorite iPhone application?

There are so many good ones. I’m not much of a “gamer” so most of the ones I use are more functional and have to do with sports or music. Shazam is a really cool app. And of course there’s Facebook.

11. Who inspires you fashion wise – what is your staple uniform?  If you had to live in one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I have a lot of HUGO Boss in my wardrobe – love the style and fits me well. Paul Smith is really cool, too. And whatever I’m wearing, it will always be with jeans. I live in jeans.

Bonus question:
12. Leave us with a quote – something you make up or a quote that you just love to repeat?

“Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.”
Oscar Wilde said it. But I can relate to it.

Post from: Debonair Magazine

Brett Minieri Talks Pin Up Girls & iPhone Apps

1. What made you decide to start your own collection? What inspires you when you create the collection?

After more than a decade of having a successful boutique in Soho and being a vintage connoisseur, my partner Gerard and I felt it was the right time for us to create a collection inspired by our best and favorite vintage finds. We were inspired by so many incredible pieces of clothing during our worldwide search for the finest vintage that we knew we were in the perfect position to position our experience into a true lifestyle brand. Our inspiration comes from many outlets; our vintage collection, our travels across the globe, perfectly preserved interiors, and, first and foremost, the rock ‘n roll stars and their lifestyles.

2. You have the best vintage collection ever – where do you find everything? Where do you like to travel to find the most “loot”? Do you consider yourself a hunter?

We have been on “World Tour” since 1993, going everywhere and anywhere we can to find the next best thing. No one spot is the true go-to for us. We find our treasures across the USA as well as Europe and Asia . This past fall we were in Japan to present our vintage-inspired What Goes Around Come Around Collection and were also lucky enough to have an amazing vintage shopping experience in Tokyo . I would definitely refer to Gerard and myself as “hunters,” that is what it takes. We are always looking for those “Holy Grail” finds on our endless pursuit of the best vintage.

3. I love the custom vintage collection – what made you design this as part of the collection … how do you get the concepts behind this collection?

After a few years of creating the What Goes Around Comes Around Collection, we began to make some customize vintage pieces for our stores to create a nice bridge between our collection and our vintage merchandise. The concepts behind WGACA Custom Vintage are meant to complement the theme in our main collection, therefore the pieces change seasonally as well. Custom Vintage is a great unique addition to WGACA’s brand direction.

4. Do you believe in past lives and if so what/who were you in your past life?

Yes, I think that some souls are “old souls” and consider myself one. I think that I was a regal Bengal tiger in a former life.

5. What was your best trip ever and where do you want to travel next?

My best trip ever was my latest trip to Tokyo . We were featured in an incredible fashion event called the Tokyo Girls Collections.

Additionally, WGACA was a featured pop up store and drew a line of 1,500 people. I had an incredible shopping there, and I was also able to experience the Japanese lifestyle, which is an incredible fashionable culture and retail market. Next? I would love to go to Scandinavia and hunt those markets.

6. Who is your favorite artist, musician, photographer – who inspires you?

Dali because he is so original. Musician is Pink Floyd who created their own form of music and evolved the platform. Favorite photographer would be Steven Meisel.

7. You have the 2nd best vintage concert tee collection I know… a guy I know has an awesome personal collection but you sell those t-shirt finds… now selling concert tees – you must love MUSIC… what do you listen too?

I love classic rock and roll. There are so many different forms from Hendrix, Doors, Pink Floyd, you name it, and each has its own method and translation. It really inspires me creatively.

8. If you were stranded on an island what book would you take with you?

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

9. Who inspires you fashion wise – what is your staple uniform? If you had to live in one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I am inspired by Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano. I don’t wear their designs, but I believe they are true artists and elevate fashion. My typical uniform consists of my vintage levis , classic rock tee and converse.

One piece? Impossible.

10. What was the most memorable day of your life thus far and why?

My life has been filled with so many important moments that its impossible to select just one.

Bonus question:
11. Leave us with a quote – something you make up or a quote that you just love to repeat

What goes around comes around baby!

Post from: Debonair Magazine

Seth Weisser from What Goes Around Comes Around

1. How did you get started by being a party planner / expert for big holidays like Halloween, New Years Eve etc.?

I started planning events by observation of other experts at the 10 venues that I owned in NYC and decided that I wanted to join in on the fun.

2. What parties did you plan for New Years Eve?

For New Year’s Eve, my team and I planned about 50 events in New York, Los Angeles and Miami at great venues and with celebrity appearances by Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Brody Jenner, Kelly Killoren Bensimon and Danielle Staub.

3. Where will you be on New Years Eve?

This New Year’s Eve I will be in Joonbug.com’s command center, where I monitor all 50 events through our database and oversee the events.

4. What makes a good party?

What makes a good party depends on the customers’ wants and needs. The definition of this is different for every venue and every event that we produce.

5. What djs are you booking right now?

Some great DJs that I am booking now are Steve Powers at Gansevoort South Beach & Nick Cannon at M2 Ultra Lounge. They’re great and really keep a crowd going.

6. Are people still partying in this economy? What feedback have you received?

Yes, people are definitely back partying for New Year’s this year. They are over the shock of a bad economy and have learned to live within their means. Besides New Year’s Eve comes but once a year and people are willing to spend to ring in the new year in style.

7. How did you get into party planning?

After watching event planners who worked at my venues I decided that I could do what they were doing, and I never looked back.

8. What is your goal for your business? What do you tell other people trying to start their own business?

My goal for Joonbug.com is to become the largest New Year’s Eve event producer in the world. I would like to expand Joonbug.com to be both a national and international company, as well as to start producing amazing single events throughout the year, like our Fashion Week event on February 13, 2010.

9. What do you think people should wear on New Years Eve? What will you be wearing?

New Year’s Eve is a classy night and people should dress for the occasion. With that being said, I will be in a t-shirt and jeans in the command center!

10. What was the most memorable day of your life thus far and why?

The day that my kids were born. My son is 2 1/2 and my daughter is 1 1/2.

Bonus question:

11. Leave us with a quote – something you make up or a quote that you just love to repeat?

“Throw a successful event-because you have no choice.”

Post from: Debonair Magazine

New Years Eve with Joonbug’s Jon Gabel

“In 2006 an American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by caring TOMS customers.Since our beginning, TOMS has given over 150,000* pairs of shoes to children in need through the One for One model. Because of your support, TOMS plans to give over 300,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world in 2009.Our ongoing community events and Shoe Drop Tours allow TOMS supporters and enthusiasts to be part of our One for One movement. Join us.” TOMS Shoes Website

1. What are TOMS Shoes? Where did you get the name?

* TOMS Shoes are Argentine-inspired slip-on shoes, in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles. Our company is based on a simple business model: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.
* When I first started TOMS, I called it the “Shoes for Tomorrow” Project. “Tomorrow” wouldn’t fit on the tag, so I shortened it to TOMS.

2. Where are you based? What are some of your favorite places to hang near where you work?

* TOMS is based in Santa Monica . I live on a boat in Marina del Rey.
* I love going to Abbot’s Habit on Abbot Kinney for a good cup of coffee and biking around Venice is a great way to spend an afternoon in west LA.

3. What is the future of TOMS Shoes?

* A lot of really cool stuff is in store for 2010, including exciting new collections, a big giving effort in Ethiopia to help with the prevention of Podo, and a huge plan around One Day Without Shoes on April 8th.

4. What is this video about that you put together?

* This holiday video is focused on the message of “Choose Shoes”. When you buy a pair of TOMS, or a t-shirt, hat, gift pack… we give a pair of new shoes to a child who really needs them. TOMS Shoes are gifts that work harder and brighten the holidays for others.

5. Do you believe in past lives and if so, what/who were you in your past life?

* I don’t believe in past lives, but if I did, I think I would have been a bird.

6. What was your best trip ever and where do you want to travel next?

* My recent trip to Ethiopia was amazing. There’s so much TOMS can do to help the people and communities there.

* I’m actually looking forward to my trip back to Texas for Christmas. With all the traveling I do, it’s a good feeling to be home.

7. Who is your favorite artist, musician, photographer – who inspires you?

* Photographer who passed away – Dan Eldon, Musicians – Bon Iver, Amos Lee and Frank Sinatra, and Artist – Tyler Ramsey.

8.What has been the most rewarding part of starting TOMS Shoes?

* It’s rewarding to see all different types of people wearing TOMS: from the children we hand place shoes on at a Shoe Drop, to celebrities on the red carpet, to tons of college students proudly wearing theirs and sharing the story on campus. TOMS Shoes are the one thing connecting all these different people around the world.

9. If you were stranded on an island what book would you take with you?

* Greg Mortenson and David Oliver’s Three Cups of Tea.

10. Who inspires you fashion wise?

* My grandma (who I call Nan Naw)! She loved color and bold prints, anything that would demand attention or had a story associated with it.

11. What is your staple uniform? If you had to live in one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

* I have a stack of madras, paisley, and plaid pants and I almost always wear them to events- leads to interesting conversations! I could definitely live in plaid pants.

12. What was the most memorable day of your life thus far and why?

* I’ll never forget when I realized we were bringing 10,000 shoes to Argentina on our first Shoe Drop in 2006, instead of the 250 I initially promised. It was truly amazing. The difference we were making just surpassed my initial hopes by so much.

Bonus question:
13. Leave us with a quote – something you make up or a quote that you just love to repeat?

* A simple phrase I’ve used for years – Carpe Diem.

Post from: Debonair Magazine

Blake Mycoskie-TOMS Shoes Founder Talks to Debonair

Debonair had the opportunity to sit down with Kenyon Phillips and Brian Gumbel of Unisex Salon – one of the hottest bands based in NYC right now.  They have been playing a lot of shows all over Manhattan and this week are headlining at the Blender Theater. They were also picked to be one of the bands featured on “Fearless Music” recently which is super rad.

1. So what is the deal with Unisex Salon? Where did you get the name? What type of music is it?

Kenyon: Unisex Salon is a New Wave rock band that I started waaaaaaay back in 2000 with Strokes producer Gordon Raphael. The Salon’s had a ton of personel shifts since then, but it’s my baby. Originally I just wanted the band to be called Unisex, but that name had already been taken by one band in Norway and three or four bands in Japan. One day when Gordon and I were walking past one of those ghetto “unisex salons” on the way to his studio, he joked, “Hey, why don’t you just call the band Unisex Salon? It’ll advertise itself!”

2. What is the influence behind the music? Who comes up with the lyrics and the sounds?

Kenyon: The music is heavily influenced by mid to late 80s synth pop — INXS, Fine Young Cannibals, The Thompson Twins, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and New Order, to name a few. I come up with the lyrics and a bare-bones framework for most of the songs — then I hand them over to the band, since they’re all far better musicians than I am.

3. I hear you don’t have a guitarist – how does that work… but you have a keyboardist ( Brian ) that plays two keyboards…

Brian: That is correct. We do not have a guitarist, and that’s what makes our sound so unique.  I play two Korg X-50 synths stacked on top of each other, and play each similar to how a rhythm and lead guitar would be played in a band.  The top synth belts out more melodic and hypnotic sounds, and paves the way as the main groove in the song.  The bottom keyboard is my rhythm section, which adds fullness to create a powerful ambience.

4. Do you believe in past lives and if so what/who were you in your past life?

Kenyon: As much as I love the idea of past lives, I can’t say that I believe in them. Something tells me this is my first and only go-round.

Brian: I do believe in past lives, and am pretty sure I was of asian decent.  I love the people, culture and most of all the food.  I simply can not get enough Thai green curry and seaweed salad.

5. What was your best trip ever and where do you want to travel next?

Kenyon: Best trip ever was an extended trip to Italy — I ended up living in Rome for eight months. If I had my druthers, my next trip would be to the moon!

Brian: My best trip was to Kenya.  I never thought a trip could have such a profound impact on how I view the world.  I encourage anyone who has ever thought of going to Africa, to make it happen soon.  Live that dream.  You won’t be disappointed.   I love animals and the beauty of nature, so my next trip will be to the Galapagos Islands.

6. Who is your favorite artist, musician, photographer – who inspires you?

Kenyon: Hands down, David Byrne. He’s my favorite everything: musician, performer, photographer, conceptual artist, writer, and bicycle enthusiast. He’s been my number-one inspiration since I was 12 years old.

Brian: It’s hard for me to just pick one, as I have been inspired and influenced by many artists.   There is an element of classical music in some of our songs.  I know this stems from my fondness of Beethoven and Bach, from when I was classically trained on the piano as a kid.  My inspiration also comes from several artists from different genre’s of music, Dave Mustane, Bruce Dickinson, Matthew Bellamy (Muse), Tiesto, Jim Morrison and Bono.

7. If you could work with a musician, producer, an “idol” for Unisex Salon – who would it be?

Kenyon: Brian Eno. He’s my favorite producer ever. The stuff he’s done with U2, Talking Heads and everyone in between is genius. I also love love love his solo records — every single one of them.

Brian: Matthew Bellamy (Muse)

8. If you were stranded on an island what book would you take with you?

Kenyon: “Naked Lunch” by William S. Burroughs. I never get sick of it, and it’s one of the most challenging reads ever.

Brian: Being that I am a practical person, I would take a book entitled, “How to Survive While Stranded on a Desert Island.”

9. Who inspires you fashion wise – what is your staple uniform to wear on stage? I know you guys wear a lot of awesome necklaces by one of my favorite designers… Lulu Frost – that is so FANTASTIC !

Kenyon: Lulu Frost is amazing! She uses antiques that she collects from all over the world, so all her pieces are dripping with soul. Clothing-wise, I’m inspired by anything that’s tight, sexy, monochromatic, and just a little bit dangerous. Onstage, I don’t wear much. I usually go topless cuz I love my tattoos more than any shirt I’ve ever come across.

Brian: John Varvatos is my favorite!

10. What was the most memorable day of your life thus far and why?

Kenyon: The day I met my girlfriend, Megan. I was in a real tailspin, and the fact that such a beautiful, pure and vibrant human being could exist in this strange and terrible world proved to me that there was more to life than mediocre sex, poverty and band practice.

Brian: My Wedding day.  There was an incredible energy surrounding that day. Nothing was better than having your closest friends and familiy together to celebrate in your honor.

Bonus question:

11. Leave us with a lyric from one of your songs that really speaks to you or Unisex Salon

Kenyon: “I don’t want what I need. I just want what I see.”

Post from: Debonair Magazine

Debonair Interviews-Kenyon Phillips and Brian Gumbel of Unisex Salon

Claudine Gumbel sat down with Peter James Lee, who in addition to being a photographer, blogger, dj, and gardener also happens to be the founder and designer for Cassette (www.houseofcassette.com). The work of Peter James Lee can be found in the most respected fashion retailers around the world. The likes of Barneys, Fred Segal and Oak to name a few have picked up on House of Cassette.

1. What are you working on?  What is taking up the majority of your time right now?

It changes from day to day…. If you want up to the minute tabs on me, friend me on twitter.. www.twitter.com/nyc_paris. Aside from Designing/Consulting…. I’ve been focusing on my photography and have been DJ’ing more and more…. And have started a new blog. www.nycparislondonhktokyola.com my six favorite fashion cities..

2. What are your favorite places to chill out + what cities are they located in?

Depending if it’s in a city or a remote location.. If it’s city (work related)it would be hanging out with friends and seeing the morning sun peep through the roll down gate of the bar that has been long since closed.. A sure sign of good conversations worth the headache of the next day.. My favorite remote location would have to be deep inside of huge mack’n barrel in Bali or Hawaii. Or snowboarding on top of a freshly powered mountain like Mammoth.

3. Who is your best friend and why?

My MammaCita cuz I’ve known her forever and she still loves me..

4. Do you believe in past lives and if so what/who were you in your past life?

I try to stay Present…

5. What was your best trip ever and where do you want to travel next?

I swear every trip I go on can be turned into a movie… http://www.nycparislondonhktokyola.com/blog/2008/04/15/concert-in-hong-kong-bong/ (I took those photos on stage..)

6. Who is your favorite artist, musician, photographer – who inspires you?

Modern Artist- Matthew Barney’s Cream Master Cycle
Musician-Bob Marley / Led Zeppelin / Sade

7. Do you have a photo you took or a link to a piece of music or a video that speaks to you? Will you share that with me?

Here’s a photo of me charging the famous Bonzai Pipeline in 2006. When ever I look at it.. It says why aren’t you doing this now..?

8. If you were stranded on an island what book would you take with you? And who would you take with you?

I would trade the book for a surf or a body board.. And I would bring my MommaCita so we can start the world population all over again.

9. Who inspires you fashion wise – what is your staple uniform?  If you had to live in one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Steve McQueen is a classic Dudes Dude fashion icon. One outfit for the rest of my life.. would have to be something durable if I am suppose to wear it for the rest of my life.. Leather Jacket, Tee shirt, Cassette Jeans, and some Redwing boots.. If it’s actually one piece of clothing then I would ask for a pair of Katin Surf Shorts and to be stranded on the island mentioned earlier with surf/body board and my MommaCita.. (smile)

10. What was the most memorable day of your life thus far and why?

This is always a tough one and it always changes cuz there’s been so many.. For today I’m remembering that I had a pretty big smile on this day.. http://www.nycparislondonhktokyola.com/blog/2009/01/29/mammoth-0921/

Bonus question:

11. Leave us with a quote – something you make up or a quote that you just love to repeat?

Give Thanks.

Post from: Debonair Magazine

Interview with House of Cassette’s-Peter James Lee

Brad, I love your cd?  I love it because it is this mix of love music in a way + dance tracks… the energy behind the whole album is genius – what were you trying to accomplish when recording it?

I was trying to make a fun pop record to dance to, with some contemplative moments.

What is your favorite song on the album and why?

It changes but right now I think it’s the title track, “Human Nature.” I’m a sucker for a pulsating bassline.

Heard you just had your first performance at Santos – I love that heart disco ball… why did you decide to do it there and how did you feel after it was all over?

It was my first live performance in a couple of years, and I did it very last minute. It was part of ArjanWrites.com’s “Superfraiche” pop showcase and when it was offered, I just figured I might as well give up trying to make everything perfect and just get out and DO it. I’ve got quite a bit of stage fright so I had to just jump in.

What else are you working on – you are a photographer, a musician… what else do you do in your free time if you have any ?

I’m already working on new music for the next album, and I’m doing a couple major label remixes for other artists. Stuff I’m really excited about!

You planned Christian’s birthday party – what did you decide to do in order to have some special elements?  And I am sure you wanted to have great music, did you put in and special requests?

Well, we had our puppy Topper’s face on all the cupcakes. Pupcakes! It had to be a surprise party, too, which is VERY hard for me. I can’t keep secrets. But I kept this one! And I asked the DJs, Josh Madden and Ultragrrrl, to play lots of pop and dance stuff because that’s what Christian loves.

What is your perfect music for a party such as what songs do you love to hear?

Lately I’ve liked a remix of Marina and the Diamonds that Josh plays. I think it’s by Starsmith. I like a good electronic remix of a pop song that everyone knows. Not a straight up dance/club mix, but something that gives it an interesting new life.

Why did you pick THE ELDRIDGE?  That is my favorite place since one of my good friends Matt Levine owns it but heard you had a lot of choices for party – why ELDRIDGE?

We have been trying to do a private party at the Eldridge for a long time! I love the space, it’s not too big, not too small. It’s like being in a friend’s living room, lots of seating and when you’re there with company it’s just this comfortable, fun place to hang out with good music. The celeb spotting doesn’t hurt, either. Lance Bass walked in on Christian’s birthday party right after Kat Deluna sang him “Happy Birthday!”

What was your favorite part of the night ?

Oh definitely when Kat sang. It wasn’t planned, but she got on the mic and led the crowd singing, it was amazing. She’s got such an amazing voice.

Post from: Debonair Magazine

Debonair Interviews-Brad Walsh

Claudine Gumbel sat down with Vince Scheuerman of ARMY OF ME to discuss his most memorable day, what he is wearing, his source of inspiration and who he was in his previous life.

1. What are you working on?  What is taking up the majority of your time right now?

Tonight, I’m in Kansas City, I just played a concert. I’m currently on tour in support of a new EP that I just released on Oct. 27 called “MAKE YOURSELF NAKED”. So, it’s music that takes up most of my time. I’m a singer and a songwriter, and I play in the band Army Of Me. I’ve spent most of my life in the Washington DC area, but these days, I can more often be found making noise in some other town… When I’m not playing music, I’m probably eating something. Always hungry. My friends think I have a tapeworm. I hope not.

2. What are your favorite places to chill out + what cities are they located in?

Sometimes my favorite places to chill out are far away from the city. I love the city, and I live in the city, and wouldn’t have it any other way. But I like to get away at times to find peace and to be refreshed. One place that I visit from time to time is in the Amish country in Pennsylvania, a town called Quarryville. The combination of the people, the atmosphere, and the surroundings make it a very special place… Another favorite getaway place is southern Montana in the Yellowstone area, where I like to go during the summer to fly-fish. I will mention one place back home in DC that I love, though…the 9:30 club. I’ve played music venues all over the country, but it just so happens that my favorite one is right down the street from where I live.

3. Who is your best friend and why?

If I have to pick one person, I’d have to say that my brother Chris is my best friend. He’s a person in this world who I know would do ANYTHING for me, and vice-versa.

4. Do you believe in past lives and if so what/who were you in your past life?

I tend to believe that the glimmer in my dad’s eye was the first time this universe had ever heard of me.

5. What was your best trip ever and where do you want to travel next?

I feel like I have the best job in the world. I get paid to travel around the country, playing my songs for people. Each time I go on tour, there are new adventures and new disasters. It’s never boring. A couple of days ago, we stopped for lunch in Tuscaloosa, AL. I wandered over to the Best Buy in the shopping center and emerged with a new video camera. For the first time, I’m documenting these adventures and posting them on our YouTube page for everyone else to see. Once, I took a trip to Nice, France. Walking on the stony beachesthere wasn’t exactly as comfortable as a stroll on a sandy beach in Costa Rica, but the scenery & red wine more than made up for it. I rented a tiny car and drove into the mountains to the city of Grenoble. On my way back down the winding mountain roads, I was caught in a snowstorm and narrowly avoided plunging off the side of the mountain!

For my next trip, I might try to recreate the journey in Bob Dylan’s song “Isis” – head off to the pyramids with a crazy friend in search of a tomb or a treasure or something along those lines… I have a soft spot for archaeology…

6. Who is your favorite artist, musician, photographer – who inspires you?

I often find myself most inspired by my friends. They push me to be more creative, to work harder, and to try new things.

7. Do you have a photo you took or a link to a piece of music or a video that speaks to you? Will you share that with me?

Sarah Vaughan is the perfect singer. When she sings “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life”, it blows my mind. Here’s a link to the only version I could find on YouTube -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoEfbrlraks

8. If you were stranded on an island what book would you take with you?

That’s easy.. I’d bring “Survive On A Desert Island” by Claire Llewellyn. Honorary mention goes to “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, Capote’s unfinished “Answered Prayers”, “The Road Less Travelled” by M. Scott Peck, The Bible, & “Harmonica For Dummies”.

And who would you take with you?

I’d most likely take someone who looks good in a grass skirt.

9. Who inspires you fashion wise – what is your staple uniform?  If you had to live in one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I’m very fond of my House Of Cassette pants, lots of Ben Sherman, cardigans, white v necks (yes – I, too, got the memo about that), and my pink chuck taylor shoes. I visited 10 stores before I could find one that carried them in my size. Who would have thought it was so hard to find pink chucks in men’s size 10?

10. What was the most memorable day of your life thus far and why?

Today was pretty damned good actually. Tomorrow’s gonna be better.

Bonus question:
11. Leave us with a quote – something you make up or a quote that you just love to repeat

“Two souls too smart to be in the realm of certainty, even on our wedding day”. It’s from the song “Moment Of Surrender” on the latest U2 record. That line is profound. To me, it’s about having the wisdom to know that you have to step into the unknown in order to find your footing. Not the other way around.

Check out these links
website: http://www.armyofmeonline.com
http://www.myspace.com/armyofme
http://www.youtube.com/armyofme
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Army-of-Me

Post from: Debonair Magazine

Debonair Interviews-Vince Scheuerman from ARMY OF ME