Wonderful Wednesday 10

 

Here are some wonderful things from a wonderful week...

Getting my reading mojo back: All of a sudden, out of nowhere, it's like I want to devour all the books I can get my hands on. I've had orders coming through thick and fast from the library and I'm so excited to feel inspired once more! My most recent read was Jasper Jones and it was absolutely faultless. I'm kicking myself that I hadn't read it sooner. The reading experience was extra special, too, because the story takes place in Western Australia, where I live. It is always so wonderful to know there's such amazing Australian literary talent, I just need to actively seek them out. I'm hoping to write a more thorough review soon, so watch this space.

Attending a zine launch by local poet: The event took place in the upstairs area of a small record shop. Alongside a photography exhibit, a live band, complimentary candy floss that tasted like cinnamon donuts and zines on sale for $5, it was a lovely way to spend a Friday evening.

Much needed catch ups with friends: Whenever I get together with my friends, I always walk away realising the world of good time with them can do. Everything seems to be moving so fast these days and when we finally do get a chance to all catch up, so much has changed! It's exciting watching them all grow and flourish.

Volunteering at the Alliance Francaise: The launch of my favourite annual film festival is tonight and the lead up has been quite exciting. As I finished studying French last year, I've become noticeably rusty, so being surrounded by fluent speakers is inspiring me to get back into it and find ways to complete daily language exercises.

Wet and windy days: I feel like I mention the weather in every Wonderful Wednesday post, but it does have a significant impact on my mood! This past week, I have been absolutely loving the cooler weather after a long run of high 30s. I recently acquired a special package of flaked chocolate perfect for hot chocolate, so I can justify snuggling on the couch with a decadent drink on cold evenings...

Get an added dose of wonderfulness with other ‘Wonderful Wednesdays’ posts found all over the bloggersphere. Check out creator of 'Wonderful Wednesday' Sally Tangle along with posts by Jo, Helen,Michelle, Sarah, Kate, Cat, Sam, El, Kerri, Jasmin and Lynsey.

Good Vibrations | Artists, Albums and Songs on Repeat

 

I've been treating myself kindly by letting music back into my life and am finding it one of the most effective ways to shut off from the world when I want a break. I have been listening to so many amazing tunes lately which are giving a much needed boost in motivation, inspiration and general good vibes. In these vibrations, I am rekindling an essential humanity: laughing, crying, singing, dancing and ruminating.

Catfish and the Bottlemen - The Balcony and The Ride
Do you ever discover an artist/band or album and just know, deep down, that you will never grow tired of their songs no matter how many times you play them to death? It's one of those beautiful, rare things that has only happened to me twice before discovering Catfish and the Bottlemen. Every single song on both of their albums is killer and they never fail to make me feel indescribable things. These guys are simply brilliant. They pride themselves on not 'thinking outside the box' but staying inside it and drawing on the fundamentals of rock. Their approach is 'simple', but their delivery is phenomenal. I am absolutely obsessed and cannot wait to one day see them perform live, wherever and whenever that may be.
Favourite Songs: Kathleen, Hourglass, Cocoon, 7, Outside and Twice.

Sing Street Soundtrack
My sister introduced me to the movie Sing Street last week and ever since, I have been playing the soundtrack on repeat. Taking place in 1980s Dublin, Sing Street follows 14 year old Conor and his band, which was initially formed to impress a local girl. The original music is spine tingling good and the kind of stuff that can turn a bad mood into a good one. Much like La La Land, it's inevitable not to aspire to bigger things and feel the burning desire to chase your dreams after watching the film and listening to the soundtrack.
Favourite Songs: Riddle of the Model, Up, Drive It Like You Stole It and Go Now

Blossoms - Blossoms
While I am only just easing into this indie-pop/psychedelic band, I can tell they will be playing on repeat for a long time to come. One of the hooks for me was the fact that their singer Tom Ogden's vocals are strikingly reminiscent of Alex Turner's. Blossoms have me dreaming of days from an elusive yesteryear I never lived through.
Favourite Songs: Charlemagne, Getaway, Texia, Onto Her Bed and Honey Sweet

Father John Misty - I Love You Honeybear
I first listened to I Love You, Honeybear mid last year but for some reason, never bothered to fully explore the entire album. To me, the work of Father John Misty (real name Joshua Tillman) just gets better with each listen. His lyrics are so intricate, so tender yet so mournful. It's hard not to get misty eyed while swaying to this indie-folk/indie-rock singer's vocals. It makes for perfect lazy afternoon listening and brooding.
Favourite Songs: I Love You, Honeybear, When You're Smiling and Astride Me, Holy Shit and Nothing Ever Good Happens At The Goddamn Thirsty Cow. 

Magazine of the Moment x Stack | The Exposed

  

It's hardly breaking news around this here blog that I am a magazine fiend. Over the past year, I have found so much joy through documenting magazines that have caught both my attention and my heart. It was with much exhilaration, therefore, to be told by Stack that I won a year's worth of magazines.

Stack Magazines is a subscription based service that aims to increase awareness of all the incredible independent magazines from all corners of the globe. In signing up for a subscription, readers are never sure of what they'll receive until the selected magazine comes through the mail. It sounds a risky concept, but I can tell Steve, the director, and his team are deeply passionate about the best quality magazines; whether it derives from spectacular editorial content or magazines which stretch the limits of print publishing.

The magazine that arrived this month fits the latter description. The Exposed is based in Copenhagen but takes contributions from all over the world. The unique thing about this magazine is that, upon first impressions, you may be inclined to question whether it is a magazine at all. Aside from the editor's letter, it contains very minimal text (the only text used is for the purpose of article titles and captains). 'Reading' The Exposed is unlike any other magazine related experience I have encountered. As seen in the Vimeo clip, readers engage with stories through video and audio, all made possible through the magazine's app.

It's the closest thing (that I know of) to the interactive print publications more likely found in magical realms (ie. The Daily Prophet in Harry Potter). But while this may imply gimmickry, The Exposed avoids it entirely. The use of video and audio to tell stories is not just quirky experimentation. Rather, the articles are carefully composed. Breaks between each image and video/audio accompaniment allow for deeper contemplation. As Steven notes, The Exposed is something like an 'embellished podcast', a 'gallery installation' or even a guided tour of cities and museums which situate participants into the cultural landscapes behind the stories. The accompaniment of visual and aural media with images stimulates highly immersive experiences. Two pieces which stood out to me were 'People of Pattern', which explores the intrinsic link between textiles and humanity, and  'Besides Faith', an examination of religious goods, clothing, iconography and the lucrative business behind them.

Stack has set the bar high with their first magazine of 2017. The Exposed is an exciting and innovative example of what the future of print and digital media holds. It is certainly comforting to know that the advance of digital media does not necessarily signal the death of print. If anything, The Exposed proves they can not only coexist, but also collaborate with one another, without sacrificing the credibility and importance of either medium.