Ralphy Boy – Get It!
New video from the charismatic storyteller Ralphy Boy for his track “Get It!”
.Artist – Ralphy Boy
.Directed By – Trevz
.D.P. – Marc Miller
.Stylist – Contessa
.Makeup – Contessa
.Edited by – Trevz
.Actress – Javana Mundy
.Actor – Buzz
.Jewelry by Javana
Album of the week: Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”
Katy Perry's warm, wet and wild "Dream," on a (store) rack near you.
Katy Perry’s sophomore effort, Teenage Dream, is at times like a message in a bottle to the Golden Coast, and other times a love letter to days begone as an 80s mall punk in neon spanx.
The best thing about the album is that it is so damn hooky. (The lead-out smash “California Gurls” being the biggest culprit.) And while Katy’s sexual advances toward boy crushes often come off as forward as a two-dolla hooker, ( See “Peacock” to have those blanks filled in) she is most times endearing (See “Teenage Dream” or “Not Like the Movies”), thanks to a hefty dose of electro-inflected production from the Ke$ha-lite geniuses, Dr. Luke and Max Martin.
Throughout the album, Perry thrashes her side ponytail about to the pulsing beats and melodies like she just snorted a vat of confectioner’s sugar.
Perry has never sounded sweeter, more charming, sassier or more fun. When interviewed about the album’s ambitions by MTV, Perry said she just “followed her gut.”
Perry’s gut has allowed her to create the ultimate summer soundtrack, fueled by all the things that bring us back to our bittersweet youth, including referencing to melting popsicles, fireworks, and building forts out of bed sheets.
The feel of Dream reminds me of the time my junior year of high school that I snuck out the house late at night to drink poorly mixed homemade margaritas and drag race in the nearest White Castle parking lot.
All of this and then making it home in time to fall asleep in homeroom at 7 a.m. the next day.
It’s this kind of music that makes you want to be young forever.
And Perry’s image, which has always been effervescently youthful, adds to the saccharine quality of the tunes. Remember when pop music used to make you feel that way? Like you could blow bubbles in the bank and leave your house skipping to work on days of sunshine?
All of this isn’t to say that the album is somehow void of meat. Throughout the album are sprinkles of darkness that might reflect the somber stages of teenage development. It is also through this that, ironically, Perry exhibits growth both as an artist and as a human being. Her debut, “One of the Boys” had a similar kind of spunk to it, but the lyrics lacked any depth beyond calling would-be hipster suitors gay and kissing girls (and/or mannequins) for attention.
“Not Like the Movies” finds our heroine pounding her fists on the floor about why love is never, well, like the movies. “If it’s not like the movies, then that’s how it should be,” she croons in the weepy chorus.
“Pearl” is about a woman who used to rule the world and lost her power to the turbulent relationships in her life. She sings it like she was the girl who never got picked to play volleyball with the cool kids in P.E.
Through these revealing nuggets of truth, one can sense that while Perry splashes in her warm, wet and wild fountain of youth, she realizes such youth is not always the dream we imagine it to be. It’s a lot like the picture of real life, it’s just that Perry chooses wisely – in an age of destruction and hopelessness – to sugarcoat it.
-Mickey Woods
New Pop Vintage 2008 – President Wyclef?
Wyclef Jean intends to announce he will run for president of Haiti on Larry King tonight. I thought it would be cool to pull out a vintage New Pop episode from the old Tone & Trevz series featuring the future presidential candidate. It’s always funny to see political figures use bad language.
Enjoy
Trevz
New Orleans Bounce – Big Freedia
Check out this cool piece I found on The New York Times website about Bounce music featuring Big Freedia who was featured on New Pop not too long ago. It is really well shot, and well done.
Go Freedia!!!
Our 2009 Piece on Big Freedia shot at Glasslands
A Cold Splash of MiMA
A much needed cold front is headed to the city, and its coming from the Caribbean. MiMA (Yarimir Cabán) lived on and off in New York until five years ago, when she released her folk-bossa self-titled debut at a packed Joe’s Pub and then headed off to the Basque Country, Texas, and elsewhere. When she landed back home in Puerto Rico, she pretty much tossed all of her beautiful, singer-songwriter crowd- pleasing material and started from scratch. And off she went, on to a winding road of her own, turning down countless record deals along the way and becoming a powerful voice, always stubborn in her DIY approach. MiMA has been constantly playing and experimenting live, but a proper second coming has not released or even finished due to evolving ideas, lack of funds, and her trademark perfectionism when it comes to recording.
Now, MiMA’s second coming will manifest itself in the flesh in Brooklyn, at Public Assembly on Sunday, July 25th. She brings along Macha Colón y Los Okapi, for their first foray outside the island. MiMA will also open for Bomba Estéreo at SOB’s on Tuesday, July 27th. Expect other shows and subway jamming sessions to be announced as well. She says the new album is in the works, due out this fall (for real!). Even if it is, one thing is certain: it won’t be the same as the magic we’ll be fortunate to witness this week.
Let these moving images telltale a glimpse of her potential.
Nuria Net
Light Asylum, Asa Ransom, These Are Powers (and more!) @ Cameo Gallery!
Yo kids,
So I had a great time last night and I’m here to fill you in. My girl Amber filled me in on another show happening in good ol’ BK, so I had to hit it up. This time, we, and a new friend, an indie artist named Lelia Broussard from LA, hopped the L to Cameo Gallery. (Check out her tunes, by the way!)
I’d never been, but was immediately impressed by the sort of cocktail lounge feel in the front, and the standing room only stage part in the back. We sipped a couple $4 Miller High Lifes and (FREE!) shots of bourbon, and headed to the dance floor.
In the back, the room was lit up with strobes and stage lights of every color imaginable. People were dancing and the energy was perfect.
The first group I caught was Light Asylum, which is fronted by Shannon, whom I met after the set. We caught the last song, but I want to hear more. There was something vaguely Crystal Castles meets Yeasayer about them. Shannon announced a (FREE!) show Wednesday on 12th and Bedford, I believe…. you guys should check them out. Whatever it was, it was hot!
I only caught one hot track, but I still got a decent pic! 
As the speakers boomed hood joints all night long (Soulja Boy and Ciara club mixes), I was meeting people. This hot couple below, Marie and Joe, head the band Hexa-Whorra. Their mashup of electronica and acoustic music would’ve suit them well for the venue.
YES.
Next up was Asa Ransom – Amber had heard them before and told me great things, so I went in with high expectations. They were exceeded. They had a very dark, Bowie-glam vs. She Wants Revenge stomp to it. The guitars crunched and buzzed and the bass driven beats evoked something delightfully evil.
I ran into The Loneliest Monk’s Michelle and Miles, from the last post, who were still in town, heading to Providence, Rhode Island for a show. Michelle and Miles played in Chicago with Asa Ransom a few times.
This is how I officially decided they were good.
Check the guitar! Hot, right?
Dark harmonies accentuate bitchin' rock dance tracks.
Finally, I saw These Are Powers. Before and during the show, lead singer Anna Barie was handing out popcorn and candy. When I interned at Secretly Canadian in Bloomington, I remember they were a band signed to SC’s sister label, Dead Oceans. My, has their sound (and look!) evolved.
They hit the stage with what I’d like to call “electro-hood.” Anna caught my attention with her Karen O-isms. She squealed and squawked and purred and harmonized (while breakin’ it down) over some of the hottest beats I’ve ever heard. I hadn’t heard much of their new material til now. Check out their MySpace for more. My fave is “Candyman,” naturally. I’d love to catch up with them for an interview.
THESE. ARE. POWERS!
It was also during this time that I met a “chocolate Marilyn Monroe,” in the form of a man in drag. His explanation?
“Marilyn’s been sleeping.” Marilyn did go onstage during These Are Powers to sing “Happy Birthday” Mr. President-style to a friend.
Tomorrow, I head to an EA Sports event with Trevz- should be loads of fun. In the meantime check out the hot pics after the jump.
The "Chocolate" Marilyn.
Can anyone else say FIERCE? Check out Becca's fly hair.
Amber in her cut up Misfits tee. <3 I. Love.
And yours truly.
XO,
M
The Roots Webisodes – Episode 4
So this is the final installment of The Roots series. This final video in a nutshell is everything the label wanted and pretty much what every corporate client wants, a happy upbeat montage of people living fabulously. If you have been following the series you know I wanted more. I wanted to capture the human side, the relationships, a portrait of artists at work. In the end it wasn’t worth the energy needed to fight the corporate beast and I gave in. The label was happy with this final video, but less so with the first three. This taught me a valuable lesson that is helping me maintain my artistic integrity in a corporate world. My friend Luca who owns the Atlas cafe on Havemeyer put it best. He said ‘Do one for them, do one for yourself.” A simple elegant solution. No more fights over artistic merit. If they are paying you the best you can do is make suggestions and move on. Leave the bold artistic statements to the projects you can control.
That being said it’s not all bad working for the corporate beast, especially when it involves getting paid to hangout backstage and onstage with The Roots, Kanye West, Lykke Li, and lots of beautiful and talented people.
Enjoy
TrevZ
PaperFleet, Jenny and the Holzers, Hollows and The Loneliest Monk @ Bruar Falls!!
Hey kids,
So yours truly, Mickey, is back after a week’s hiatus. The week has been filled with Gaga craziness, which I’ll fill you in on in a bit.
Until then, here’s a recap of last night’s festivities. I headed to good ol’ Billyburg with some friends for what I thought was a diverse and interesting concert at Bruar Falls. I had only been once, and was in love with the fact that they had $3 Rolling Rocks (!!!!). Oh, and yummy tap water to battle the heat. Plus, it’s just a chill bar in general, which I guess is a word to describe many bars in Billyburg. HA
Merch.
First up: Jenny and the Holzers. They had an aggressive, punk-driven sound, and were lead by vocalist Sarah Liller. Many of their songs were two minutes tops. I got a 90s garage feel, like a girl-power Less than Jake or Barenaked Ladies, even.
I told Sarah afterward that I could have easily been watching MTV’s ol’ skool classic, “Daria” and listening to their music. Songs like “Abuse of Power” and “Go All Out” definitely made me feel like a hard-headed teenager, in the best way. Check out their music here.
Jenny and the Holzers bring the punk to Bruar Falls.
PaperFleet was up next. The quartet brought something that was much louder and rockier. It reminded me of something distinctly Southern, motorcycles and chain-smoking.
Three words I’d use to describe them are acceleration, power and heart (3 of the 4 members were on guitar). The venue got more packed as the band’s meaty sound powered the crowd.
“Jailbreak” was a favorite of mine, with its youthful lyrics, and hard-edged sound. I caught up with singer and guitarist Jim afterward and he gave me a copy of their new CD, “Hi Sailor.” If you’re looking for something to toss ur hair to, their a good listen. Check ‘em out on their website.
PaperFleet take flight at Bruar Falls.
Now for the Chicago half of the post. Maybe I’m partial because that’s my hometown (WHAT UP CHI-CITY!!!!!), but these next two bands were amazer-lazers.
Hollows rocked my (white) sox. The crowd was smiling and bobbing their heads to cute songs powered by keyboard, guitar, drums and seamless harmonies.
The mostly girl-powered band (minus the male drummer) all raced together like one of those artfully fucked up kindergarten finger paintings. The ladies sounded like schoolchildren (from the 50′s!) playing at recess.
It’s all quite delightful, actually. The band even played a song called “Muncie, Indiana,” what up MIDWEST?! It was refreshing to see them play. Here’s their music.
Hollows mix 50's malt shop pop and trouble in the best way.
Finally, it was time for The Loneliest Monk (born from the time that MTV VJ Tabitha Soren messed up the pronunciation of Thelonious Monk.
Also hailing from Chicago, this band, comprised of 4.5 year partners Miles and Michelle, are friends of Amber’s from her days in Chi-City.
Their music was just as passionate as I’m sure the relationship is. Michelle plugged in her cello to give it an electrified sound. It was nothing short of breathtaking and beautiful.
Miles got his Gothic Gaga on, as he took to the stage in a masquerade mask and drummed his heart out to their haunting, well-balanced songs musing on love, lust, loneliness and heartache. I hope they move to New York and bring that ferocious talent with them. Music. HERE.
The Loneliest Monk KILL IT. 'Nuff said.
After the show, I told them how great I thought they were. Michelle told me that “Music is therapy.” While many artists say this, I believed her.
It was awesome to see such a diverse range of talent do their thing.
Headed to The Roots!
Peace & Love,
M
The Roots Webisodes: Episode 3
In Episode 2 you witnessed a compromise in visions. I wanted to present a behind the scenes candid portrait of The Roots and the world they occupy. The label wasn’t on board with my vision and the videos started to evolve into a carefully controlled montage of all that is cool about The Roots. Clearly I was a bit naive thinking that I could tell it my way when the label was paying the bill. I had to fight for every inch of creative freedom and at some point all the re-edits just aren’t worth it. At this point it felt like I lost the trust I needed from the label and the group. There seemed to be tension every time I turned on the camera. Not having sufficient trust is a documentarians worst enemy.
What you see in the video below is a montage piece, highlights, which I can do in my sleep. What you don’t see is the story I really wanted to tell. The creative process, the brotherhood of the band. I wanted to show the human side of The Roots. A story of a bunch of guys who happen to be really good at what they do. I think thier audience would have appreciated that. This video takes place at The Roots picnic 2009.
Enjoy
Trevz
New Pop Vintage 2007: Junk Science – Granddad’s Nerve Tonic
In 2007 our friends from Junk Science produced an album titled Granddads’ Nerve Tonic. What was really interesting about this album was the fact that they were having a Beer made after it. I thought this needed to be documented. While shooting the interview at SixPoint Craft Ales in Redhook, the owner of SixPoint threw on some tracks from the Nerve Tonic album and Baje One the lead MC started to lip sync. It was a you dropped your peanut butter into my chocolate moment. It occurred to me that adding the musical element into this documentary might just work. I told Baje One to roll with it. It worked out so well that we utilized the concept throughout the entire video. On this day in the year 2007 the musical documentary was born.
Enjoy
Trevz
The Roots Webisodes: Episode 2
In this never released 4 part series for the album How I Got Over, celebrity photographer Ben Watts documents The Roots for that album. If you saw the entry for Episode 1 you know about my frustration dealing with the label when it came to penetrating the carefully crafted veil of The Roots. I wanted to document them with their guard down, smoking, fighting, talking about folks, etc. The Roots wanted something more montage like, complimentary and high energy. Episode 1 was as close as I got to capturing that. This episode is sort of a compromise. I guess it is to be expected when the label is flipping the bill. In the end no one seemed happy. I think this contributed to the project getting shelved. I thought despite the label not being happy with the end product that I worked my butt off on these videos and I wanted it to see the light of day even if it is late. Here it is Episode 2.
Enjoy
Trevz
NYC Pride Overview: The fierce, the fab, the fantasy
Hey kids,
So I checked out NYC Pride the other day. My first time experiencing it was nothing short of incredible.
The only thing I did mind was the heat. I must have walked approximately five miles. I showered three times yesterday.
Things got started with the Pride parade, which was the most interesting mix of crazy, hot, sickly fierce and original fashion, politics, art, expression, and love.
Check out some of these pics from the festivities. Me and my friends got front row at the barricades!
My voice went hoarse from yelling “WORK!” to those deserving of such a catcall.
Candy Land Couture
This was during the Puerto Rican portion of the parade
Bubbles came out the back 
Navy uniforms, rainbow flags
I like that she posed when she saw cameras flashing. FIERCE!!
Sidenote, speaking of “workin’ it,” I loved the way the New Yorkers booed the new mayor when he was announced on the float. They keep it real all day, everyday.
PrideFest (the annual street fair of sorts) was next – over on Hudson. There was a slew of local and up-coming national performers, including headliner Antigone Rising. I only saw two acts. One’s name is fuzzy but his song /dance moves was hot.
The other was Lex Z. Check out her website at lexzoutloud.com. I’ll just leave it at that.
Anyway, after a wonderful $10 dinner at Cafe Tasia (appetizer, Merlot AND entree), I slept, showered and recharged before hitting up Phoenix on 13th and Ave A. It was like a hipster version of gay pride, if you will. There, I met up with Carolina and Jason, whom you will remember from The Scene’s Episode 3.
We watched as the band Little Victory revved up their guitars and cruised through sociopolitical songs bashing bitchy gays and homophobes.
They had a fabulous, radiant energy. The bar was dark and packed body to body, and surprisingly, it was cooler inside than it was outside! I only had room to sip my ($5!) Long Island.
After that, we went back to Carolina’s to get dolled up for Greenhouse Sundays, which is notable for its guests in costume.
Time for more sweat. The club was packed.
Me and the crew got on top of a booth adjacent to the DJ booth and danced like it was 1999. We had a great time, but my camera died in the midst of grinding and droppin’ it like it was hot (because it was hot, in the club, I mean). 
So no pictures from that…
But check these out:
Little Victory score big win with crowd @ Phoenix
From left: Jessie (KITE!) and Jason (CAPE!) before the Greenhouse sweatshow.
Getcha stunna shades on
Overall, NYC Pride gets an A+ for being the most diverse, intense, saturated, and expressionist event I’ve seen since I’ve been here. Can’t wait for next year.
XO,
M
(Costume) Party/Unreported Crimes @ BPC
Hey kids,
So we loved it. And we had a great time. Despite the lack of costumes – Amber, Eunice and I came decked out, but it was still fun.
I was a little worried that we were gonna miss out on the fun. The party started at 11:30 and we thought that we wouldn’t get there in time to see my buddy Rob Melso, and his rock/hip-hop band, Unreported Crimes, do their thing.
We caught a cab from 4th St after being super far uptown, and walked in right as Rob and co. were hitting the stage.
Sidenote: The Bowery Poetry Club is a great little spot, cupcakes and pies sold in the front, an intimate stage, dive-esque lighting and full service bar in the back behind a curtain.
Rob chattin' it up Outside the Bowery Poetry Club.
Unreported Crimes showcased a sound that was fun and party-hardy. The band cruised through covers of songs like The Beatles’ “Come Together” and Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up.” Their original songs had a feel good Cali vibe to them. My personal favorite song of theirs was a track called “Millionaire.” And Rob, who was lead guitar, was killin’ on the rhymes. Had no idea he could rap. Anyway, I enjoyed it.
Unreported Crimes arrest the audience 
At one point the guys brought girls on stage to do a cute call and response song called “Girls.” Kinda reminded me of the Beastie Boys. Hilarious.
At the end of their set, Amber, Eunice and I went to get more $3 PBRs when a random, crazily sicknasty hot beat broke out over the speakers.
A chick with blue hair by the name of Toxic Egyptian was rockin’ the stage. It was a treat. Not only could she spit, but she had maaaad style and a quirky, yet commanding sound and stage presence.
Toxic Egyptian commands attention during her brief set at the BPC
I later found out she was from Philly and does shows in NYC every now and then. Would love to profile her.
Alright, here are the goods. More pics. More fierceness. Until next time, check out Unreported Crimes and Toxic Egyptian on MySpace Music.
Congratulations, Toxic, you WERQ'd so hard! GET. IT.
Zuly was one of the girls dancing onstage. Had to catch a picture. Her outfit was fantastico.
From left Eunice in Black Barbie and Amber in Sailor Couture
Rob Melso of Unreported Crimes, Me (RAWR) and Amber hangin after the show
Get yer leather on.
Lovelovelove,
M
One Year Ago Today…
…we lost a legend. I’ll never forget that day. I had to shoot a party that night and it turned into a sappy MJ tribute.
R.I.P. MJ
Trevz
The Roots How I Got Over – Episode 1
Over a year ago I got a call to document The Legendary Roots crew as they were in the process of producing their album “How I Got Over.” As a filmmaker not of the “industry” it was fascinating to see the private behind the scenes Roots vs. the public ready for primetime Roots we have grown used to. The private Roots are far more intense than I would have imagined. I had hoped to capture more of that side but often ran into roadblocks from the band and the management whenever my lenses penetrated that carefully crafted image. I was able to capture some intense and private moments but not nearly as much as I would have liked. The little that I did get was fascinating. Hopefully it shows a side that you guys have not seen before. Not sure when or if this series will ever get the official release it deserves. I doubt it. Seems like anything of substance has a harder time gaining traction online than in traditional media. It’s less a world of story-lines and substance and more a world of sound-bytes, montages and cool kids. But instead of bitching and moaning about the state of the web, I’m going to do something pro-active and publish the 4 part series here weekly starting today.
Enjoy Episode 1
TrevZ
The Pretty Reckless @ PUMA Social Club!
Hey kids,
Mickey here. So I just got back from the PUMA Social Club, in the heart of the Seaport, Lower East Side Manhattan. Never been til tonight, and I gotta say it was swanky. My buddy Eunice tipped me off to this and let me be her plus one.
Since it is supported by the PUMA brand and World Cup has been crazily captivating, well, the world, there were flags and maps of Africa just about everywhere.
But tonight I wasn’t seeing soccer stars, but 16-year-old Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen with her band, The Pretty Reckless, at an exclusive event hosted by the always-chic Nylon magazine.
Guests gather for The Pretty Reckless at PUMA Social Club in Seaport
Pretty Reckless frontgirl Taylor Momsen points to a dancing fan
There were swirling strobes, what seemed like a fleet of photographers, and fashionistas inspired by Gaga and pop art in attendance.
I have to say, I was shocked, not only with the decent turnout, but with The Pretty Reckless themselves. They’ve gotten buzz from Taylor’s star power, but have made a name for themselves since forming last year. They have since signed with Interscope Records and are currently on the Vans Warped Tour.
Taylor, clad in tights, an oversized NYC T-shirt and eyes covered with dark mascara, got her Courtney Love on as the foursome rocked out to Hole-esque tunes from their new self-titled EP. The jams included “Zombie,” “Miss Nothing,” and “Make Me Wanna Die.” Something tells me this Gossip Girl will make for a great interview.
Tay-tay gets her C. Love on.
In addition to mingling with fierce guests (see below), I got free coconut water samples, and had my picture taken for The Studio Booth and Wire Image. Eunice and I even got to hang with DJ Josh Madden before the show started.
Yes!
Check out the hotness of the night below (I mean, hello, a fashion magazine did host this shindig!)
I had an amazing time.
Eunice, DJ Josh Madden and Mickey (thaaat's me!) chill before the PR set
(From left) Natalia and Amanda were at the Nylon party WERKIN like the rent was due!
Mr. Chris Reed rocked a hot vintage look.
One word Ni'ma uses to describe her fashion interests: everything. I say: fly and flashy.
Tomorrow, I head out to the L.E.S. again for a art/rock show put on by the fine fellas of Con Artist Gallery. Keep it locked at The New Pop.
Check The Pretty Reckless on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theprettyreckless
Also, pick up the latest issue of Nylon, featuring cover girl, M.I.A., on stands now!
XOXO,
M
Elevator Fight @ The Delancey!
Hey kids,
It’s Mickey here. So, I moved to New York a month ago, and I’m getting my feet wet in the scene, and I must say, this was a great show to help kick things off.
I’d been stalking Elevator Fight (a Philly-based band fronted by the one and only Zoe Kravitz) on the low since I heard buzz about them at South by Southwest, which I was lucky enough to attend this year. They’ve also been the topic of hot discussion in mags like Paper and New York. And of course, they visited The New Pop Loft not too long ago for an interview.
This rising band was everything I hoped for.
Zoe rocks an intimate crowd at The Delancey
The crowd (filled with plenty of fly young’uns) danced to alternative pop-rock jams that buzzed and screeched on bass and electric guitars. Zoe’s voice has quite the bite to it, I must add. I loved the way she didn’t seem to care if her whiskey was spilled, or if some in the crowd didn’t dance at first.
She broke the ice by saying, “This is our soundcheck,” before breaking into breezy, yet hard rockers about the Illuminati such as “Get Up” and “Ragin’.”
Take five.
After the show, we all hit the rooftop, which seemed surprising exclusive with it’s low white couches and large island plants. And you best believe, the bottles were poppin’. (I indulged in a tasty Long Island, the drink of choice for many last night.)
I hung out with the drummer and the electric and bass guitarists: Joe Baldacci, Dominic Angelella, Nick Bockrath, respectively, after the show. (Shout out: Dominic’s mom Marianne even hung out for a bit! She let me stand in front of her briefly to get some pics of the band.)
Check out pics below of the party. I had a blast, and would LOVE to see Elevator Fight perform again.
The life of the party
- Brittany from Long Island is sippin’ a Long Island
Me (Mickey!) hanging with Nick, Dominic and Joe of Elevator Fight (from left).
Elevator Fight At The Delancey
Tuesday Elevator Fight performs at The Delancey which got a write up in Paper Mag. I also posted a profile we did with them last year. I love their energy.
,