Coming in 2015. Rest assured it won't sound like anything else!

Highlights of 2014

So just a brief recap of some things from 2014, one of the most challenging and life-changing years I've ever had. Besides my band The Julie Ruin's tours and experiences, which I've documented a-plenty on this blog, and maybe even too much, I've been involved in a few other creative projects, pieces, and pleasantries. I'm really hard on myself, and it never seems like I do enough, so compiling a short list may straighten me out (at least for 15 minutes). I suggest you try it too, if you're one of those people too, and see what you've actually done. Or not....

Bullet Space, East Village art gallery in October 2014. Tina Havelock Stevens is a film, sound, and video artist based in Sydney. Bullet Space premiered her video "White Drummer Detroit" (clip below), where she performs solo improvisation in different spaces and locations.

Here is a clip from MONA FOMA in Tasmania where Tina is being lowered into the ocean continuously playing drums. I've seen clips of the HD video still in the process of being edited, and it is a mix of claustrophobia, muscle pain, a textured sea weed mop, and unquestionably compelling sound design. 

We were introduced a few days before getting together at Bullet Space in October from writer Maggie Wrigley (and her book). We improvised with a loop pedal, a board of effects, my guitar, and her drumming. Turned int NOISE instrumental over high end surf loops loud enough to scare a puppy out of the room (I felt so bad about that!). Here we are looking stylin' in front of another artist's light work at Bullet Space. 

 Can't capture LOUD noise from a picture!

LA, Steve Allen Theater, Catopia! A cat themed charity event that raised money for Grace Animal Rescue in Los Angeles, CA.  While on a short west coast tour, I met up with 3 fabulous musicians to form Cat Sabbath, an "all cat tribute band." I played drums for the event, Rebecca Severin played guitar (Frightwig) , Marisa DeMeglio played bass, and singer Aimmee Echo jumped in to save us last minute! We had 2 rehearsals. We dressed like cats. A review said we could "actually play." Wow, we must've looked really rough to get that review, uh....

I wanted Peter Kriss whiskers and didn't have the clothes for the show, so maybe Hello Kitty-Sabbath was my look?

And there's more but instead I'm going to suggest three biographies I read this fall. And a TV show. Since this blog is about women/music/art, lets stick to that theme:

Suggested new bios:

VIV ALBERTINE
"Clothes, Music, Boys" 
2014

My review doesn't matter. Lets just say 3/4 of it inspired me and 1/4 made me sad. But she has a wonderful way with words. The older stories put into perspective the human side of punk/rock legendary characters that have been so blown out of proportion since. It is a must-read. 

TRACEY THORN

Bedsit Disco Queen 

2014

Another inspiring read. I didn't know much about Tracey Thorn but became a huge fan by the time I was done with this book.


Vivienne Westwood
Biography 2014

"The only reason I'm in fashion is to destroy 'conformity.' Nothing is interesting to me unless its got that element."
-Vivienne Westwood

I carried this 428 page "weighty tome" on the plane with me and for a short west coast trip because I could not put it down. Yes, I had my cute little NOOK with me, but this IS the new Vivienne Westwood biography. Fashion designer, activist, and historian - with no signs of slowing down in her 70's. My role model. Here's a link to her organization Climate Revolution.



The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo SWEDISH version MINI-SERIES on NETFLIX

Again, this is the MINI-SERIES from SWEDEN.

Don't watch the American version, it misses the point completely.

If you love binge watching Netflix and Amazon Prime shows, and have already seen Transparent, Orange is the New Black, The Comeback, and any others in the strong-female-lead-genre, watch this one next.

my new website redesigned...

Lessons for guitarists, bassist, drummers and more. New classes coming soon. SARALANDEAU.COM

Happy Holidays

Perfection. Happy Holidays!

3-2-1 Contact "Noisy/Quiet: Music" (1980)

3-2-1 Contact "Noisy/Quiet: Music" (1980). Synthesist Suzanne Ciani explains how synthesizers work to host Lisa. Women who inspire.

"Blueberry Island"

Federal Prism launched its pop-up pre-order record shop targeting vinyl collectors and serious music fans. It will be up for 60 days so take a look! Started by TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek, Federal Prism will be releasing our 7" "Blueberry Island" with the B Side of Yacht's remix of "Right Home."

You can stream our song for a limited time here on PITCHFORK.

Limited Edition Tshirts!

THE JULIE RUIN's new shirts!

LIMITED EDITION "All over Print" SHIRTS MADE IN COLLABORATION WITH SETH BOGART FROM WACKY WACKO!

SEE IT HERE

Next The Julie Ruin show.... at the Fillmore in San Francisco, CA with The Younger Lovers

I play this album by The Younger Lovers all the time. It starts with this song. I hope he performs it live!

Two shows coming up with my band The Julie Ruin. We are happy to be back....

October 4th in North Carolina at Cat's Cradle with Ex-Hex and more!

October 12th in Mexico City with all of these peeps...

Kate Bush BBC documentary (new)

Burger a-Go-Go

Yes! More on it here....

Carole Kaye gives Gene Simmons a bass lesson

WATCH "The Other Shore: The DIana Nyad Story"

On every level I can't stop thinking about this movie and this woman. Also inspiring is her friendship with trainer Bonnie Stoll. Feels like I know these women. This gives me hope constantly. Thank you for bringing this story to my attention....

She Shreds Show

See more pictures from the She Shreds show at Shea Stadium (say that fast twice...?) featuring Sharkmuffin, Bluffin, and Slothrust

. 

Sharkmuffin, psych trio with a perfect band name

Bluffin!

Slothrust, I liked and was intrigued by her stage demeanor. Like no apparent performance fright, at all. Apathetic rock. I want to play with her again.

 "White Mice" the band we formed and played with only 2 rehearsals, featuring Modettes and Kleenex songs. I made the dress for the show but forgot to do something with my mop of hair.

 I think we're still discussing how the song goes here. Haha. What ARE those Germanic lyrics?

Fun times. These songs were more complex than we thought. An era in British postpunk 1979-80 when the bass was the dominant instrument, mixed with staccato mini guitar chords (VERY Gang of Four) and up strums as accents. Now throw in odd time signatures.

Right off stage we're cracking up and sweaty. Marian from La Luz, one of my new all time favorite drummers blew us away. I had no idea how great she was. Her tone was incredible too. The killer bassist of the night Kathi Wilcox also from our band The Julie Ruin (how many octave jumps are there in the song "White Mice" anyway?) And the star of the show is really Fabi on the right, editor or She Shreds Magazine, young prodigy and guitar enthusiast who brought all the bands and women together.

Asbury Park pics

Just came across this great photographer's pics. His name is Chris Sikich.

Bitchin Camaro

Orange is the New Black's prison guard "Pornstache" arrives in a Camaro on the episode I watched last night. Haven't thought of this song in ages. Perfect. Scroll to 2:01 for full effect....

"Pornstache"

Playing this Thursday June 5th at Shea Stadium in Brooklyn

"White Mice" is our Modettes/Kleenex cover band featuring me on guitar, Kathi Wilcox on bass, and Marian Li Pino on drums. We're playing the She Shreds Magazine show and here's some of the songs we're covering.

I'll be playing at the SHE SHREDS MAGAZINE show on June 5th

Come out on THURSDAY JUNE 5th and support She Shreds Magazine, and see me do some "shredding" as well, along with Kathi Wilcox (also from The Julie Ruin, Bikini Kill, Casual Dots),  Marian Li Pino (from La Luz) and Fabi Reyna (She Shreds founder). And..... special guests???!!!  This is a one of a kind magazine featuring women guitarists. In Brooklyn at Shea Stadium.

She Shreds Magazine - the world's only print magazine dedicated to women guitarists - is coming to New York all the way from Portland, OR to celebrate the release of our fifth issue! We're teaming up with the greatestWITCHES to bring you a perfect night of badass women shredding followed by a DJ set from Pop Goes The Future's Georgie Okell.

BANDS:

WHITE MICE (MO-DETTES COVER BAND)
ft. Sara Landeau + Kathi Wilcox (The Julie Ruin), Marian Li Pino (La Luz) and Fabi Reyna ( She Shreds founder)

SLOTHRUST
http://slothrust.bandcamp.com/album/of-course-you-do

SHARKMUFFIN
http://sharkmuffin.bandcamp.com/

BLUFFING
http://bluffing.bandcamp.com/

DJs SHARK + MUFFIN in between sets

$8 pre-sale $10 DOS
ALL AGES

www.witchesofbushwick.com
www.sheshredsmag.com

A very sad week...

REPOSTING from our website, from us in THE JULIE RUIN:

Hey all, we are ridiculously sad to announce that all shows/appearances are canceled until September 2014. Kathleen Hanna has been outspoken about her struggle with Lyme's Disease and she is currently having a health crises and has been advised by her doctor to start a difficult 3-month course of treatment immediately. The treatment plan will make it impossible for her to travel. We are disappointed to postpone these appearances, however we are confident that taking this time off will allow Kathleen to heal so that we can continue touring in the future. Thank you for your support and we are so sorry we cannot come out and see you right now.