MUST SEE ARTIST: Mugwort

It's graphic artists like Issac Mills aka Mugwort of Mugwort Designs that make me sit back and my seat and say "Damn."

Click on the pictures provided in this blog and really look at the detail put into them.  I mean come on!! I came upon Mugwort while surfing for vector images as I was in need of inspiration (I'm a graphic designer) to create some cool new graphics.  Looking at Mugworts graphic art in only black and white vector even makes me think, "Do I really want to do this?" HA!

It's inspiration though and while I may never obtain this level of artistry it is most definitely cool to see that someone has.

Now I need to buy one of Mugworts shirts... Trying to make money not spend it people.  Enjoy and don't forget to support!

DAILY MESSAGE

MUST SEE ARTIST: M a n j e

While searching pinterest for mermaid art for my newborn daughter's nursery, I fell in love with this photo.  My husband and I are both musicians and I'd love to have a piece like this for our daughter who's name will be Aria, means "song."

 No artist credit was given so I put on my internet stalker hat until I finally came across Maldivian artist, M a n j e.

This piece, a commission, uses a medium of acrylics and sharpies, finished with matte fixative.  While I won't be seeing this particular guitar anytime soon, it has definitely inspired a DIY project.  Now, I just need to acquire another guitar and some patience!

While M a n j e is well known for her fantasy art, I was very impressed with the detail in her pencil portraits.  Click on the image for a larger more detailed version:

     

As always, please support this artist by "liking" her facebook
You can also follow M a n j e on the artist website, DeviantArt.com

MUST HEAR MUSIC: The Shook Twins

"Hauntingly beautiful" my first thought in hearing the The Shook Twins.  I was so taken aback by their talent that I immediately went to share them with everyone I know in the Northwestern states. Although, I'm not quite sure of all the dates of their tour (check out one of their pages for more info) those in Seattle should know that they'll be playing the Tractor Tavern in Ballard on April 5th.  Please let me know if you go because by then I'll have experienced the birth of my daughter, Aria and most likely won't be able to attend.  I'd love to live vicariously through those who are able to go!

"The Shook twins are identical twin sisters originally from Sandpoint, Idaho. They play banjo and guitar with beatboxing, looping, whistles, wawa pedals, tambourines and djembes intertwined. Their identical, chilling vocal harmonies take the lead on most of their unique, quirky folk songs. “The sisters’ voices blend and braid with amazing clarity and depth, their guitars percolate brightly, and the intensity builds to incendiary proportions with layers of percussion gradually added to the mix.” -Spokesman Review (Spokane WA)

Although this isn't a live video, I wanted to share this song "Time to Swim" from their 2011 album "Window" which you can find at Amazon.com here.  I'll provide other links below as means to listen or find a show near you.

This second video is a little snippets of their tour, an interview with twins (and Kyle) talking about their adventures with the created genre "Quirky Folk," their start in music, and how they write, among other things set to their songs "Window" and "Rose."

As always, please support The Shook Twins by "liking" their facebook page and attending their shows.

• The Shook Twins Facebook
• The Shook Twins Website
• The Shook Twins YouTube

MUST HEAR MUSIC: Xavier Rudd

I'd also like to feature Australian artist, Xavier Rudd who you may have seen during a guest appearance with Medicine for the People at the Byron Spirit Festival, in my last post.

"A multi-instrumentalist, world class surfer, animal rights activist and nature conservationist, Rudd’s widespread appeal transcends genres and categories, creating an atmosphere that Aquarian Weekly describes as “easy, feel-good listening that musically keeps you interested for its entirety.” His legendary live performances replete with his indigenous didgeridoos, has been hailed by About.com as a communal dance party that “takes almost no time for the crowd to start its bouncing, twirling, and all-out dancing.” 

Please enjoy the amazing didgeridoo groove in this song, "Lioness Eye."  Drumming is hard enough let alone playing several instruments and singing.

Xavier Rudd, is multi-talented.  Check out this acoustic version of his song "Bow Down." This was recorded by OurVinyl.com during the Texas leg of the "Spirit Bird" world tour.

As always, please support by "liking" Xavier Rudd's facebook page

You can find Xavier Rudd's 2012 album "Spirit Bird" here
and his official website here which includes all touring and show dates.

MUST HEAR MUSIC: Medicine for the People

Portland native band Medicine for the People is not just a "band" they are a movement and anyone can see why when they perform.

"Medicine for the People is a third year non-profit organization working with every kind of community imaginable to rekindle old traditions and spark the fire within the youth and elders to live their truth...Live by example. Live your truth. Sing loud. Be heard." -Medicine for the People WordPress

I've been moved beyond measure watching the freedom of expression that Medicine for the People exude.  As a musician, I've felt blocked lately... THIS is what I want to give to others.  The evocation of spirit through music.  They make it seems so easy and I suppose it should be, shouldn't it?

Another beautiful video featuring Nahko of Medicine for the People.

And lastly, Xavier Rudd joins Medicine for the People for a live performance at the 2013 Byron Spirit Festival, creating a truly remarkable moment while calling the spirits to the land.

As always, please support this amazing talent.  "Like" their Medicine for the People's facebook page for more information or here at Nahko.com which provides a free download.