Photo: Florence + The Machines

Blurb from YAMS:

A few months back, “Kiss with a Fist” [video below] by Florence and the Machine was posted here as Video of the Moment and dedicated to my lover. Today, whilst web browsing I came across a great mix by that I needed to share with you. Please take the time out to get into Florence and the Machine!

Blurb from YAMS:

In many ways, [aesthetically] Sia reminds me of Cornelia, Robyn, and Björk. She is an Australian soulful jazz-styled pop singer and songwriter and [vocally] exciting — every time! I wanted to listen to Sia’s album on Spotify to make this post more of an album review, but I was unsuccessful. For now, I bring you “Clap Your Hands” from her latest album, “We Are Born” and a personal favourite, “Buttons” by Sia from her album, “Some People Have Real Problems“. Enjoy. For the fashion junkies, feed your stomachs by reading Elle‘s article on her wardrobe.

MP3: “Clap Your Hands” by Sia

MP3: “Buttons” by Sia

Photo: siamusic.net

About We Are Born:

Sia released her fifth studio album titled We Are Born on June 18, 2010. The first single from the album is to be “Clap Your Hands“. A first track from this album, “You’ve Changed“, was premiered on music blog, Sheena Beaston, on November 18, 2009. “You’ve Changed” was originally co-written and released in 2008 by American DJ/producer Lauren Flax which was then re-recorded for Sia’s 2010 album, We Are Born.

Sia performed some new material (“You’ve Changed“, “The Co-Dependent” and “Clap Your Hands“) during her 2009/2010 tours, from “We Are Born“. “The Co-Dependent” was originally noted in 2008 to be part of a future ‘Animated Pop Project‘ called “The H-Crusaders“.

Her cover of The Church song “Under the Milky Way” was used in a Lincoln MKT car commercial, and on January 26, 2010, was released to the iTunes store.

“You’ve Changed” has become Sia’s highest charting single in Australia to date, and her first top 50 release, peaking at #31 and was played in the television show The Vampire Diaries. Her three other charting singles are “Buttons” (#67 in April 2009), “Soon We’ll Be Found” (#87 in May 2009) and “Taken for Granted” (#100 in March 2002). “You’ve Changed” also placed 72nd in the Triple J Hottest 100, 2009, even only being available since December 2009, followed shortly after by “Buttons” (CSS Remix) in 50th place.

The Wisdom of Courtney Love

Blurb from YAMS:

Other than the nostalgic images and videos from the 90s, the idea of who Courtney Love really is as an individual escapes me. I just watched this short clip below on Courtney and I cannot wait for the premiere. In the video below, Courtney discusses her pain, her anger, her fame, her band Hole, heroin usage, pregnancy, her critics, Trent Reznor, and Rohypnol. I love her voice. Watch the 2-hour episode with me on Monday, June 21, 2010 8pm via the Live Video button on our new toolbar. This interview will air via VH1.

[showtime]

Beth Ditto

Blurb from YAMS:

I have a love for photography with Beth Ditto in it — especially the photo work done for Pop — hence, the photograph taken by Steven Klein and overseen by Katie Grand on the GrungeCake homepage and all sister sites. In short, size matters… I wonder if Ditto and Gaga get along.

About Beth Ditto:

A resident of Portland, Oregon, she is a close friend of Scissor Sisters lead singer Ana Matronic, and considers her favorite song to be “Oh Bondage, Up Yours” by X-Ray Spex. She courted mild controversy in 2006 when, during an interview for NME magazine, she claimed to have eaten squirrels as a child, saying that “people in Arkansas just do – they’d think you were a freak if you ate squid there!”

Ditto is known for her noticeable stage dances and her unique and revealing image. She classes herself as a punk, and thus does not wear deodorant or shave under her armpits, having once remarked that “I think punks usually smell”. She has been lauded for her support of positive body image, despite comments from doctors that she may be causing harm to public health by normalising obesity. She also formerly contributed an advice column on body image to The Guardian newspaper.

In February 2009, she was featured in London as the cover model for the premiere of Love magazine with prominent public advertising. On July 9, 2009, Beth’s fashion collection for the UK retailer Evans was released for sale, both online, and in selected stores across the UK.

Ditto on the premiere cover of London’s Love Magazine. She has been an outspoken advocate for large women being body-positive and has been regularly photographed as an editorial model. Ditto, who is lesbian, is well known for her outspoken support of both LGBT and feminist causes.

Photo: M.I.A.

Blurb from YAMS:

Red heads, running, stamina, masculinity, pop, and innocence. Initially, watching M.I.A.’s new music video, many questions were formed in my head — with no one to ask, but only to hope when the video was over — I would have answers. Gore and gallant. Plus, I love the use of sound in this video. Very mature. Though, I have read articles who’ve compared “Born Free” to Erykah Badu’s “Window Seat“, — it is not as strong as reporters and journalists make it.

MP3: “Born Free” by M.I.A.

See for yourself:

Photos: Courtesy of Cadre Cartel

Blurb from YAMS:

David Alexander of Cadre Cartel is a 22 year old Graphic Designer from Washington, D.C. who currently resides in San Francisco, California. For more of their world, kindly click here.

GrungeCake: How long has Team Titans and Cadre Cartel been in co-existence?

Cadre Cartel: Team Titans Entertainment has been around since 2007 and Cadre Cartel was set up in early 2009.

GrungeCake: You have mentioned, “we want to bring a sense of unity and creativity back into the music industry?” When did it leave? Kindly elaborate on your statement.

Cadre Cartel: Currently, there are a lot of “crab in a barrel“ situations going on. Not wanting to work with someone because of their status, etc. or hating on someone because they are trying something different. In Hip-Hop’s early days, it was for the love of the art, the expression. Not what you look like or what car you drive. Everyone helped each other to get where they wanted to be and tried to learn from one another. That’s something we are trying help bring back.

GrungeCake: Which album covers, or disfigurement were or are you displeased with?

Cadre Cartel: I’m not displeased with any piece. I’m just trying to bring a different take with my work. I’ve been an art major since high school and trained in many different types of media. With that gift, I’m trying to bring those techniques out in my pieces to make sure there are as unique as possible for the client.

GrungeCake: How do you know which artists are worth your services?

Cadre Cartel: (Laughs) Everyone is most definitely worth our services. We are here to help provide upcoming and established artists alike with quality work whether it is album layouts, DJ hosting, or collaborations. If we have the ability to take care of your needs, we will.

GrungeCake: Are you fans of the music before you reach out?

Cadre Cartel: If we are reaching out, then yes we are usually already fans of their work. Having said that, we are always looking to meet and work with new artists! That’s actually how we found our two producers Marcel and Devin, amazingly talented people. As well as an artist from Indiana named Wes T — who we are about to start working with heavily.

GrungeCake: What do you do if a ‘wack artist’ contacts you and wants your services?

Cadre Cartel: An artist is an artist. If you work hard, believe in, and stand behind the work you put out — we will work with you.

GrungeCake: How did the G-Unit collaboration happen? What exactly did you do with or for G-Unit?

Cadre Cartel: Basically, the story behind us and Trav getting together on that Leaders of the New School tape was at the same time he had just released his new single ‘Ride the Wave’. DJ 4five is good friends with Diesel, head of G-Unit Promo; he approached him with the single to push out there in Canada in all the clubs and radio stations. 4five was really feeling the record, so he contacted Trav and was like, “Let’s put out a tape.” We all just clicked from there. We are currently setting up his newest tape title to be announced soon but definitely keep an eye out for that.

GrungeCake: Talk about the Creative Control video. How did you feel when you found out your work was going to be featured?

Cadre Cartel: It was definitely an exciting moment. That situation is the epitome of the idea that we are trying to push. To put out quality work, really try to help the other person and build their brand. Respect and hard work will always be appreciated and returned if the company you keep is of that same mindset.

GrungeCake: Elaborate on your portfolio.

Cadre Cartel: I would like to think my portfolio truly portrays range. There are some cartoony pieces as well as more realistic layouts. I always ask the client what style are they going for or do they have a direction in which they want to go. I try to provide people with as few limitations as possible. Which I hope my portfolio demonstrates as well as the rest of the work our company does.

GrungeCake: Cadre Cartel, where does that name come from?

Cadre Cartel: Cadre Cartel, simply put, means “Foundation Family.” We are a group of people that have been working extremely hard and have been blessed with the opportunity to work with amazingly talented artists. So DJ 4five and I sat down and put together a plan to help give other artists or businesses a trusted avenue get them to the level they want to be.

GrungeCake: What made you contact GrungeCake Magazine for an interview?

Cadre Cartel: I was actually referred to GrungeCake from an old friend. After viewing the site and reading some of the articles, I thought it would be a great place to introduce the company. I admire GrungeCake‘s love of art and its forms of expression. Whether it is music, illustration, photography, etc.

GrungeCake: What makes your team news worthy?

Cadre Cartel: The fact that we are bringing a positive message out with our work. Nothing is impossible it is just the question of how much work and sacrifice you are willing to put forth to achieve your goal. Keep a positive group of people around you and do not let anyone tell you otherwise.

GrungeCake: What’s next for Cadre Cartel?

Cadre Cartel: Whew! We have Trav’s new tape, Huey’s new video “Hello to Haters” featured on XXLmag.com, Cadre Cartel’s official tape that will feature known and unknown artists. Also, 4five and I have up and coming scheduled events. We have a few projects with an artist by the name of Wes T, which was mentioned before. Collaborations and projects with other artists should make for a very exciting summer and provide a lot of growth.

[showtime]

Photos: Baloji

Blurb from YAMS:

Visually exasperating. I am hooked. My love and interest/s for talent and expression is infinite. He reminds me of my brother. They were born on the same day. Go figure. Kindly watch the video below. It started it all for me. So raw.

MP3: “Entre Les Lignes” by Baloji

Baloji’s Bio (English):

Baloji also known as MC Balo within the group Starflam, is a rapper Belgian origin Congolese. Baloji was born September 12, 1978 in Lubumbashi in Congo. Born of a liaison illegitimate, he left his mother at age 3 and embarks with his father to Belgium, who settled first at Ostend. Baloji feels alien to its surroundings. He leaves the family and left home at age 16. In youth house, he invests in rap, is the encounter of young rappers and forms with them the group Starflam. Due to differences within the group, Baloji left the ship in 2004 and turned his back on music. It is a letter from his mother, he has not seen since 1981, and a poetry competition in Paris, which won the push back into the environment. His first solo album, Impala Hotel, and is a response to the letter from his mother, he tells the story of his life.

Baloji’s Bio (French):

Baloji, aussi connu comme MC Balo au sein du groupe Starflam, est un rappeur belge d’origine congolaise. Baloji est né le 12 septembre 1978 à Lubumbashi au Congo. Né d’une liaison illégitime, il quitte sa mère à 3 ans et embarque avec son père pour la Belgique, qui s’installe d’abord à Ostende. Baloji se sent étranger à son entourage. Il s’éloigne du milieu familiale et quitte la maison à 16 ans. En maison pour jeunes, il s’investit dans le rap, fait la rencontre de jeunes rappeurs et forme avec eux le groupe Starflam. Suite à des divergences au sein du groupe, Baloji quitte le navire en 2004 et tourne le dos à la musique. C’est une lettre de sa mère, qu’il n’a plus vue depuis 1981, ainsi qu’un concours de poésie gagné à Paris qui le poussent à revenir dans le milieu. Son premier album-solo, Hotel Impala, est ainsi une réponse à la lettre de sa mère, où il raconte l’histoire de sa vie.

Photos: iamkelis.com

Blurb from YAMS:

Badu dropped her new music video for ‘Window Seat‘ and now Kelis is back on deck? I feel like I am 15 again. Thank you, God!

MP3: “Acapella” by Kelis

My song is called “Acapella” and I wrote it with love and life in mind. … Kelis. Honey, it looks like we couldn’t wait for the debut with love and life in mind. Fellow fans, enjoy it! For the latest on Kelis, kindly click here.

Photo: Nneka

Blurb from YAMS:

Hip because of Shania D, I have been listening to Nneka all week. Whilst comparisons have been made to Lauryn Hill over and over, I think this is going to be larger.

Nneka’s Bio:

Born in Nigeria, Nneka relocated some 10,000 miles to Hamburg, Germany, at the age of nineteen to pursue a career in singing along side a degree in Anthropology. Having landed in the German port, the singer hooked up with DJ and Hip-Hop beatmaker DJ Farhot and ever since, their strong musical relationship has been the backbone of Nneka’s success. Her influences reflect her younger days in Nigeria as well as her time in the Western world. The distance she has travels shines through in her voice as does her diverse musical influences. She cites famous compatriot Fela Kuti and legend Bob Marley as well as contemporary rappers Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Mobb Deep and Lauryn Hill as key influences in her pursuit of musical recognition.

Nneka’s single The Uncomfortable Truth is now “Single of the Week” via iTunes from 1/26 – 2/1. Click here to get it now!

More Nneka? ‘Loved what you heard? Great! ‘Get to know the voice here.

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Obviously, we all know Lady Gaga had CG applied to her eyes, but that doesn’t mean we cannot replicate the look using makeup. As you can see, it looks very close to her big googly eyes, maybe not as crazy looking haha! You can use After Effects to enlarge the eyes. Credit.