Japan, Bettie Page, and Serious Whimsy

I hope you’ve been well- I’ve been in hibernation and incubating MANY things I’m excited to tell you about. I must admit that I was rocked to the core by the devastating and ongoing events in Japan. Of course I’m not connected to Japan by birth or heritage, but I’ve been inspired by and head-over-heels in love with Japanese culture throughout my life. Now I am inspired also by their strength, and the confidence that they will rebuild (and surely discover and teach the world new things in the process). Not only in Japan of course is there massive upheaval and transformation occurring but around the world as nature and revolution transform the globe through riots, fire, tsunamis… I’ve been saddened to know the suffering that’s transpiring but amazed and inspired to see the change people achieved by rising up in Egypt. It just seems that the globe is in upheaval, and though I wish I could do more to help those in need, we do the most when we focus on what we CAN do, so below I’ve provided some alternative information I found about ways we can all help beyond the Red Cross, which many of you have already given to.

Back here in Brooklyn I’m very excited to announce that I’m putting on my first ever art show (at least, outside of a warehouse I’ll be showing my own art for the first time alongside a hand-selected group of amazing artists in extremely varied mediums, but all focused around the theme of SERIOUS WHIMSY. I’ve realized that’s one of the edicts by which I live my life- taking whimsy very seriously. It’s important. 

Oh yeah, and Subatomic is going to Russia, and I’m helping the film release of the first ever authorized biopic of Bettie Page. The first really fun thing I’ll be doing around that is to present prizes and a specially dedicated burlesque set by the one and only Veronica Varlow at the next Swing House party on April 23rd, just one day after Bettie’s birthday.  

 Read on for all the details…

Rhiannon :: underANDabove ::

1:: Alternative Japan Relief Info: I know many of you have already given and know the main ways to do so, but in case you wanted to know here are a few ways to help besides the Red Cross that we’ve found

2:: THIS SATURDAY: Bettie Page’s Birthday burlesque with *Veronica Varlow*! 

3:: MAY 21ST: Save the date! My first art show! Serious ( / ) Whimsy @ Halcyon in DUMBO

4:: Subatomic goes Vampiric and sets out to capture Russia. Yup. For reals.

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underANDabove [Vol.1, Issue 18]

1:: Alternative Japan Relief Info (ways to help aside from/ in addition to the Red Cross)

Japan, we love you!!!

http://www.hearjapan.com/

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/03/crafters_come_together_for_jap.html

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/utterly-engaged/shelter-box-usa

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2:: Saturday, April 23rd: Celebrate Bettie Page’s Birthday at Swing House

*note: I am helping to promote the release of a very special indie film about Bettie Page- the first that’s authorized and told mainly through her own words. I’ll be sharing more about this with you, but this is the big kick-off event: I’ve helped curate a special Bettie tribute by Veronica Varlow and we’re doing giveaways at this weekends’ Swing House!

Gemini & Scorpio
present

Swing House – vintage/remix speakeasy dance party & Bettie Page Birthday celebration
“Gatsby-era fun with a twist of new-school vibe” (Village Voice)

Sat, April 23, Shagri-La Loft, 100 Sutton St, Greenpoint, BK
8pm doors, 8:30pm dance class, 9pm-4am party
$15 with RSVP + themed dress/$20 door/$10 after 12am/$5 after 2am; 21+
Details & RSVP: http://www.geminiandscorpio.com/events.html
FB: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165929663460415
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gemini_scorpio (win free tickets!)

A costumed dance ball with blazing burlesque divas, exotic cocktails, live swingin’ sounds by vintage jazz bands, and re-bopin’ DJs remixing and reinventing vintage grooves, held in a soft-lit wood-paneled ski-chalet Brooklyn loft. The space is eclectic and cozy, with many secret nooks and soft couches to lounge on.

Live music until 1am: The LES Hot Club paying homage to classic gypsy swing of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, and Poum Tchak, here on tour from Marseilles, France, rocking out virtuosic gypsy punk swing. Bettie Page-inspired burlesque by glamorous diva Veronica Varlow and daring dance moves by Zahra Hasemian delight and titillate you. DJ Miss Bliss spins classic hot jazz and swing early on and between band sets. After the glitter settles, DJ Shakey throws down electro-swing beats into early morning. Handmade vintage-inspired photo booth by FilmCycle. Tarot readings by Marcy Currier (after 11pm). FREE basic dance class before the bands by Angela Harriell of The Love Show. Exotic cocktail menu featuring herbal concoctions by The House of St Eve and other delectable potions.

Celebrating Bettie Page’s Birthday (4/22) with giveaways from the upcoming authorized documentary “Bettie Page Reveals All!” by Mark Mori – dress to join the celebration. “Best Bettie” costume contest (men welcome!) at 11:30pm, with group photo and DVD voucher to the winner. The doc team will be shooting the party for possible documentary inclusion.

The Jazz Age never ended, it just got funky. Dress accordingly: “An event worth wearing that ridiculous zoot suit for.” – TimeOut NY; “Corsets and top hats tweaked with studs and leather are totally appropriate.” – The New York Times. Suggestions: vintage (1920s-1940s) with a modern twist, cabaret, burlesque, Weimar Berlin, classic Hollywood, classy, sassy, tailored, hats, feathers, sequins, beads. Effort required. Dress code more modern-friendly after 1am for the electro-swing dance party. Past Swing House details & photos:http://www.geminiandscorpio.com/e09-03-15.html

Twitter ticket giveaway: for every 20 new followers (starting at 1,600), we’ll give away a pair of tickets to one lucky winner, from now until 4/23: http://www.twitter.com/gemini_scorpio

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3:: Subatomic makes Vampires, goes to Russia

SAT, APRIL 24 @ Milk in MOSCOW, RUSSIA w/John Forte (of The Fugees). Emch of Subatomic Sound System has the honor of collaborating with John Forte’ for the grand finale concert of his From Brooklyn to Russia With Love project: A tour, an international musical exchange, and documentary film. Check it out on Facebook

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4:: Saturday, May 21st: Serious ( / ) Whimsy

underANDabove & Halcyon present:

———-Serious ( / ) Whimsy———

An art opening and party to celebrate spring and the lighter side of Brooklyn’s global cultural influence through art, music, and fashion…

Coming out of one of the deepest, longest, and snowiest winters we’ve ever known in NYC, this show gathers some of Brooklyn’s finest established and emerging artists to celebrate spring and the lighter, more whimsical side of life. The fact is that we take our “whimsy” very seriously here in New York, and even rely upon it to soften the harshness of city life and remember our inner whimsical child. Often whimsy can’t be separated from serious issues, as some of the art displays. Regardless of the medium and tone, much of it is inspired by street art, comics, toys, characters, and cartoons; things we can all have fun with even in the darkest of times. Featuring live “jazz-inspired” drawing, Small Works of Great Value (small original paintings, drawings, and prints at recession prices), and 10% off vinyl for that night only (for DJs and collectors of all kinds ☺). 

If you’ve been to Halcyon, then you know that it’s a really special place that’s had several incarnations thoughout the years but always as a community shop where local artists, furniture designers, toys, and clothing are displayed and sold alongside a record collection that many DJs come miles to peruse and play. Now located in the heart of DUMBO where high art collides head-on with the world of street and underground art, many of the artists and DJs that have graced the walls and turntables at Halcyon include huge names who come there as a place to do something really fun and relaxed while they’re in town for some massive event. A community resource for over ten years, this show is also dedicated to them and designed to celebrate and help keep thriving Halcyon’s dedication to local arts.

Featuring Artists: 

 Ad Hoc (http://adhocart.org)

Rod Sanchez (http://www.rodsanchez.com

Charlie green (www.ckdub.com)

 Erica Camille (http://www.ericacamilleproductions.com)

Aron Hunter Bregman (NYC debut!) (http://tinyurl.com/3j9n2dt)

Rhiannon Erbach-Gruber (First time showing!) (http://www.underandabove.org)

With DJs Scottie B (http://www.bluntedfunk.com/) and resident Halcyon DJs

Plus free beer and cupcakes, live jazz drawing, and live vocals

 FREE to all, kids welcome, and afterparty will be announced at the event

Costumes welcome.

 7-10pm

 At Halcyon

 57 Pearl Street

New York, NY 11201

(718) 260-9299

http://halcyonline.com/

http://www.underandabove.org/

* Serious ( / ) Whimsy will remain showing until June 26th. *

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    * Thanks for reading… our culture can’t survive without you, and we can’t survive without culture! *

Ari Up’s Memorial Birthday Blowout

 

Yes, there was an INSANE lineup assembled at the Music Hall of Williamsburg to celebrate Ari Up’s birthday and legacy, including The Slits, Neneh Cherry!, Emch on the decks, and I got to sing Typical Girls with the Slits!! Amazing- such a fitting and moving tribute. I’ve been to two funerals in two weeks and now Ari’s memorial, which will be a joyful celebration of her life and sounds, but once again I am reminded of how precious the people and moments in our lives are, how much they inspire and help shape us, and I give thanks for knowing so many amazing people.

I have a New Years’ gift for you in the form of two free downloads of covers I made as gifts for family members this holiday season- totally different from what you’re used to hearing from me. I recorded them myself, so forgive any roughness on the production end, but I think you’ll really enjoy them.

Wishing you peace, good health, and a warm hearth,

Rhiannon :: underANDAbove :: underANDabove blog ::

1:: Ari Up’s Memorial Birthday Bash

2:: Free Song downloads!

3:: MTV interviews Emch!

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underANDabove [Vol.1, Issue 16]

1:: This SUNDAY, Jan 16, 7pm:: @ MUSIC HALL of WILLIAMSBURG in Brooklyn :: Ari Up Memorial Birthday Tribute :: Ari Up of the Slits passed away at the age of only 48 last October. We will be celebrating Ari’s pioneering rebel spirit through live music, film, and on record. An amazing cast of musicians including original members of the Slits, Neneh Cherry, PIL, Tru Warriors will perform Ari’s music throughout the night. Films of Ari by Joly of Punkcast. Subatomic Sound System will play some rare and unreleased Ari Up tracks in the middle of the night just before Neneh C!herry goes on. Subatomic probably will also DJ the after party and jam later that night. $20 at door. Facebook link.

Friends- if you haven’t yet, please take a moment to visit this page I set up as a memorial fanpage for people to share comments and memories if you were one among the many generations moved by her work and outrageous energy: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ari-Ups-Memorial-Fanpage/162148533815673

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2:: Free Downloads!

Covers I made as gifts, shared and downloadable as a small token of my appreciation and symbol of my wishes for our new year…

http://soundcloud.com/rhiannoncatalyst/blue-skies

http://soundcloud.com/rhiannoncatalyst/dont-cry-for-me-argentina

 

 

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3:: MTV Interviews Emch on Iggy!: Check out the MTV interview with EMCH for lots of stuff Subatomic Sound has been up to in 2010 and has coming up in 2011.

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Life, Death, and the In-Between

Welcome, new people to the list- I’ve met a bunch of cool new heads lately and I am constantly reminded of how much vitality and creativity inhabit this city. Thank goodness for that. On a somber note, the whole Subatomic and Dubblestandart family are deeply saddened by the passing of Ari Up- she’d been touring and recording with us (her last recording is actualy a 7″ with Subatomic that was just released) and was about to hit the road again. We were in the middle of recording our first track together after she asked me to make an album with her (which I was surprised and humbled by)- a track which will now be finished as a dedication to her with proceeds going to The Willie May Rock Camp for Girls. Please take a moment to visit this page I set up as a memorial fanpage for people to share comments and memories if you were one among the generations moved by her work and outrageous energy: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ari-Ups-Memorial-Fanpage/162148533815673

In other news, I took a break from throwing or performing at Halloween soirees this year to attend a Victorian/Gothic themed Wedding. Yup- complete with a gorgeous Edward Gorey illustrated cake and beautiful black-clad Victorian bridal party- it was amazing. If you’re in NYC, tonight friends and Brooklyn favorites The Mumbles get to live one of their dreams by opening for The Headhunters (yup, those Headhunters) and I highly recommend you go if you dig crazy good live music with enough brass, funk, and soul to light up a New Orleans Christmas. Lots of pictures and video coming your way next edition, including video from BLUE and a photo shoot where I got to be a Wonderland Canary (you didn’t know Wonderland had Canaries you say? Well, things do get curiouser and curiouser every day!). So stay tuned my fellow forces of nature. Until next time,

Wishing you peace, good health, and a happy autumn

Rhiannon :: underANDAbove :: underANDabove blog ::

1:: Ari Up

2:: New Subatomic Releases

3:: An insanely good show tonight that I have nothing to do with but you should really see (The Mumbles open for the Headhunters!)

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underANDabove [Vol.1, Issue 15]

1:: Ari Up- a fierce originator- my personal story of collaboration, mutual respect, and remembering to seize the moment…

I’m so glad we got to perform and work together in the studio for a second, but really sad I never got to sing with her. She called me up after we did  Summerstage and the Yard together and told me she wanted to make an album with me(!), which I kind of couldn’t believe, but we talked a lot and she told me that recognized something fierce and powerful in me, loved my voice, and could tell that I was another powerful woman who wanted to get things done and contribute positivity and things of real value to the world through my music. That obviously meant a lot to me. I’m glad I had that chance at least to get to know her a bit. She had a sense of urgency about making music with me that I thought was strangely intense. But she called me up one day and was like ‘I’m in the city and have this friend from Japan who’s amazing and we have to record with her tomorrow!’ So I found us a studio overnight, went in and started producing our first track– but we focused COMPLETELY on recording Anna because she was about to go back to Japan and we could get Ari’s stuff ‘next time’. So I don’t have a lick of her solo or me singing with her. But I’m still going to finish that track with the bass line she wrote (and give her a producer/writer credit), release it as a dedication to her, and donate proceeds to the Willie May Rock Camp for Girls. I think she would’ve really liked that And, appropriately, the song is all about being true to yourself. No one can deny that Ari was an individual. Rest in peace, Arianna. We’ll miss you.

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2:: Subatomic: NEW RELEASES & FREE MUSIC FOR YOU…

Elephant Man “Vampires & Informers” with music by Subatomic Sound System and some of our favorite producers from around the world: Stereotyp, Kush Arora, Dubblestandart, & Ming (of Ming+FS). This is the one you have been waiting for. Making crazy waves from the electronic to reggae world. Big collaboration between Subatomic Sound and People’s Records out of Kingston, Jamaica. Generation Bass blog admits they are addicted. Who wants blood?

Check the music video and grab the free promo mix of the entire release mashed up by your ! selector Emch right here on Soundcloud.

Out now on digitally on iTunes, Juno, Boomkat, and everywhere.

YES. It’s finally here to blow our minds! Some of our all time favorites together on one album, remixed by some of our favorite producers! Spanning all sorts of dub fueled bass heavy genres from dancefloor smashers to downtempo ambience!

Dubblestandart meets filmaker David Lynch and dub reggae legend Lee Scratch Perry. Out now on iTunes, Juno, Boomkat, and everywhere.

It features the expected dub and dubstep remixes of course; but it also explores less expect ed twists on dubwise bass-heavy sounds, venturing into tropical, 2step, funky, electro, industrial, minimal techno, and ambient dub territories. The remixers include some of the label’s favorite new producers: Dub Gabriel, Antiserum, and Kush Arora from San Francisco, and Liondub, Ming (Ming+FS), Subatomic Sound System, Dave Q (Dub War), and April White from NYC, as well as the Netherland’s Tony Dubshot.

LEE SCRATCH PERRY AND ARI UP OF THE SLITS? TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME ON RECORD? “HELLO, HELL IS V! ERY LOW”/ “BED ATHLETES” OUT NOW~

#1 Seller last week on the Ernie B reggae 7″ charts!

Buy the vinyl in USA,Europe, and Japan.

Blowing up on BBC radio in the UK. Check the review from Wire mag.

Once again Subatomic Sound goes back to the roots to brings you another first! Together for the first time in recording history: Jamaica’s dub originator Lee Scratch Perry and UK’s punky reggae originator, Ari Up. These pioneers are where the sound came from that you hear recycled by dubstep, MIA, Santogold, etc! Subatomic got your back. Dig deep! Get a free radio edit HERE.

 

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3:: The Mumbles open for the Headhunters!

Note:- I’ve known these guys for years through my dearest Charlotte and jammed with them many times but only saw them fully live last week at Body Music (one of the longest-running and best weeklies in the city- Sundays at Bembe- unreal warm and tropical vibe). The Mumbles fully live were amazing, and I know they’re going to pull out all the stops for this gig playing with some of their personal heroes, so this show is going to be incredible. Just passin the word along because I feel the music!

From the Mumbles:We are absolutely jazzed to announce The Mumbles have been invited to support jazz/funk legends, The Headhunters, on their upcoming US tour.  The fun starts right here in Brooklyn on Wednesday November 3 at one of NYC’s swankiest venues, The Brooklyn Bowl. You’re gonna want to get down to this one people, as The Headhunters are the real deal–truly some of the finest musicians The Mumbles have ever had the honor of sharing the stage with. Get your tickets early at www.brooklynbowl.com and tell em the Mumbles sent ya.

The Headhunters

with Special Guests The Mumbles (w/ full horns)

Wednesday, November 3rd, 9pm

at Brooklyn Bowl

61 Wythe Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

www.brooklynbowl.com

A little more about the Headhunters: Founded in 1973, they recorded their eponymous debut Head Hunters with Herbie Hancock. The Headhunters, legendary jazz-funk fusion band, immortalized as a result of their long recording and touring stint with jazz giant Herbie Hancock. Hancock’s “Headhunters” album was the first to be recorded with the group and has been heralded as the first platinum Jazz/Fusion project in history. Thrust, Flood, Manchild and other historic recordings followed. The band went on to produce more seminal records on their own, including Survival of the Fittest ,which featured the funk anthem “God Make Me Funky,” one of the most sampled jazz/fusion songs in modern music history. The Headhunters’ music is a complex but harmonious blend of many styles and genres, spanning the globe, from Africa to Broadway.

http://www.owlstudios.com/—Headhunters

http://www/themumbles.org —The Mumbles

http://www.brooklynbowl.com/–—tix

underANDabove Global Edition, Vol.1

Dear global family,

I’ve decided to start a special, different kind of digest for all of my networks, far and wide, because some really exciting things have been happening in my tiny corner of the world and I want to keep you posted, send you music dowloads, recipes, whatever, wherever you may roam.

I hope in true sincerity that you are well, and finding moments of peace amidst these tsunamis of change, heartache, tragic and brilliant and beautiful moments… I find a lot of strength in the things you’ll see below- the things we create together- the heart and soul of this insane and gifted city. Sometimes all we can do to save the world is humbly create and try pass on some lasting moments to others. Sometimes there’s so much beauty I really think I’ll explode. But I promise I won’t :]

Until next time.

with love and strength in numbers,

:: underANDAbove ::

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1:: The New York Times: “Decorating the Night in Brooklyn” by Penelope Green

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/18/garden/18party.html

Really cool article profiling the culture of events where arts and decor play a heavy role- they interviewed a bunch of us in the community, profiled and took pictures of RED! One disclaimer: I never said I was a DJ! But maybe now that the Times called me one I should start ;]  Congrats and shouts to everyone who made that event happen, esp. Tara McManus for dreaming it up and being a fierce organizer (and killer dress designer) and Lola for that incredible meal. Love lives on. Happy Year of the Tiger indeed.

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2:: RED: Pictures & Video / Audio

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/curioucity/RED?feat=directlink

RED was a night to remember and I was beyond thrilled to be a part of it. This city continues to inspire and amaze me. I got to sing from a second story perch and truly felt like a songbird. It was pure magic and I had the best seat in the house.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXCbKSDS8Ms

!Wear headphones while watching! (It’s better that way).

I taught myself the basics of video editing (it’s my first time- I’ll get better!) so I can start posting more videos. This video contains footage from multiple camera crews, stills and separate audio straight from the board. I started the underANDabove youtube page and I’ll be posting more soon so subscribe there to see the new videos I post.  I have more audio too that I’ll cut and post later, so stay tuned for that as well.

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3:: SUBATOMIC SOUND SYSTEM NEWS… MORE NEW RELEASES & FREE MUSIC FOR YOU…

SUBATOMIC SOUND SYSTEM dubstep remix of new track from Jamaican legend and vocal innovator U-Roy. FREE DOWNLOAD HERE!

Subatomic Sound System teamed up with Ming (of NYC drum and bass crew, Ming & FS) for a head charging dubstep remix of this wikkid new tune “Luv ‘n Liv”. The original track is from SF via BK artist Dub Gabriel along with the legendary mic innovator, U-Roy, pioneer of the Jamaican style known as toasting, arguably the foundation of both dancehall and rap music. Check the full 5 song release here, a roots mix from Yellowman’s Sagitarious band, a pyschedelic mix from Dub Gabriel, and a more dubstep mixes from Lloop & Timeblind.

Check the “making of” the remix video and interview with Emch & Ming here on Emusician.com Check the hilarious music video here, put together from vintage archival footage of U-Roy on stage in Jamaica in the 1970s.

This album was #1 in dub on the Juno UK charts several months and on many top releases of 2009 list, so to show our appreciation for your support…

We’re giving everyone on the list a FREE track: the 7″ radio edit from the Blackboard Jungle Vol.1 release with Subatomic Sound, Dubblestandart, Lee Perry, & Jahdan. Extra thanks go out to everyone who watched, reviewed, blogged, & forwarded the Blackboard Jungle YouTube video.

OUT NOW on iTunes/ Juno/ TurntableLab/ Boomkat, Subatomic digital release of “Blackboard Jungle Vol.2″ dubstep version EP feat. Lee Scratch Perry, Dubblestandart, & Jahdan Blakkamoore… Also, a few 12″ vinyl copies with the original mixes left in the US, Japan, & Europe.

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* Thanks for reading… our culture can’t survive without you, and we can’t survive without culture.

Transmedia Storytelling article by Caitlin Burns

This is a great article by a really cool and smart lady we’ve had the pleasure to work and play with. More on that later . Check it-  Transmedia storytelling is the now and the future of marketing anything and everything, and it’s pretty fascinating too…

http://thesocialrobot.com/2009/11/transmedia-storytelling/

UnderandAbove Vol.10: Roots and Gratitude

Welcome new peoples to the list and I’m sending this out to my whole global community becuase of the shows abroad and year-end pictures. I know it may sound a little cheesy, but I’m really glowing with gratitude for the friends, family, community, and networks of support and inspiration I have. Don’t any one of you think I take these things lightly. Thanks to our fans who made it to The Last Masquerade- you helped make it insane and unforgettable. Thanks to everyone who continues to create, support, and follow the culture I’m gratefully a part of. Bunch of new big Subatomic news below (including a a 3 week tour in India w/Dubblestandart & Subatomic kicking off in Bombay and ending on new year’s eve in Goa!). And if you happen to be in Brooklyn I highly recommend you attend this really crazy fun soiree on Dec. 19th I’m helping make smooth and spirited as you know I love to do for events- not only is it the second zzZion! (the last one was amaazing), it’s also $mall Change’s birthday, plus the space is gorgeous and there will be tamales. So it’s kind of a no brainer if you can make it by. Hope to see you there- I’ll be the one with bells one running between bartending, running door, and dancing with my inner elf.

Below you’ll find:

1:: Tons of Subatomic News and a free Download! New releases! A dubstep smasher and a mini documentary! OUT NOW on , iTunes/ Amazon/ Juno, Subatomic digital release of “Blackboard Jungle Vol.1″ dubstep version EP feat. Lee Scratch Perry, Dubblestandart, & Jahdan Blakkamoore. And just DROPPED on DEC.8TH!!… “Blackboard Jungle Vol.2: Respect my Sh*t“ available now on Amazon. Plus check this new behind the scenes Blackboard Jungle video doc catching fire on YouTube.

2:: Sat, Dec. 19th: ¡zzZion! numbero dos: A really cool loft party I’m helping put on… but you have to RSVP for the location info yo!: smallchange666@gmail.com

3:: Halloween pics and a personal faves of 2009 teaser:

Best of 2009: http://picasaweb.google.com/curioucity/BestOf2009AlbumTeaser?feat=directlink

Halloween: http://picasaweb.google.com/curioucity/TheLastMasquerade?feat=directlink

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1: On the Subatomic Massive Front: Touring in India, a dubstep smasher, a mini documentary, and a free download… Yes Subatomic fam! Thanks to you we are #1 in dub on the Juno UK charts for the past month. To show our appreciation for your support, we’re giving everyone on the list a FREE track: the 7″ radio edit from the new Blackboard Jungle Vol.1 release with Subatomic Sound, Dubblestandart, Lee Perry, & Jahdan. Even more thanks go out to everyone who watched, reviewed, blogged, & forwarded the Blackboard Jungle YouTube video AND also to the several thousand ghouls who turned out to the Halloween party in Brooklyn to rock with Subatomic Sound, Sam Sparro, Golden, & Love Grenades.

Quick recap & overview of what’s up in the Subatomic camp: 1) the new Blackboard Jungle digital release w/Perry, Jahdan, Dubblestandart 2) new Lee Scratch Perry video doc 3) Subatomic heads to Vienna, Austria for a show w/ Dubblestandart, Jahdan, & Matt Shadetek on Dec.10 and then 4) a 3 week India tour w/Dubblestandart & Subatomic kicking off in Bombay and ending on new year’s eve in Goa.

TOUR DATES

Vienna, Austria, THURSDAY, 12/10, Subatomic w/Dubblestandart, Jahdan Blakkamoore & Matt Shadetek. Massive digital dub, dancehall, and dubstep blowout in Vienna at Fluc Wanne. World class performances from NYC and Europe. More info.

Mumbai, India, Friday 12/18 Planet Dub tour Pt. 2 kick off at Urban Distortion Festival with Dubblestandart & Subatomic Sound System, tour wraps up with Subatomic Sound System 12/31 in Goa. More detailed dates at www.myspace.com/dubblestandart

NEW RELEASES “Blackboard Jungle: Vol.1 Respect the Foundation“, long awaited digital release on Amazon, iTunes, Juno UK, and more from DUBBLESTANDART, LEE PERRY, SUBATOMIC SOUND SYSTEM, & JAHDAN BLAKKAMOORE. New versions & radio mixes. Also, a few 12″ vinyl copies left in the US, Japan, & Europe. And just DROPPED on DEC.8TH!!… “Blackboard Jungle Vol.2: Respect my Sh*t“ available now on Amazon.

DOWNLOAD RADIO SHOWS, RADIO SPECIALS, & INTERVIEWS ATTENTION RADIO HOSTS! DL the clean edit Blackboard Jungle radio doc for rebroadcast on your radio show, wesbite or podcast right here …  New SUBATOMIC radio specials on BROOKLYN RADIO: Blackboard Jungle release special featuring the Blackboard Jungle radio documentary and show. Interview with top ranking UK dubstep producer on BROOKLYN RADIO, “Rusko interview”

VIDEO

If you haven’t seen it yet, you really should check this out: LEE SCRATCH PERRY “Blackboard Jungle: From Dub to Dubstep” video doc 1973 Jamaica. 2009 to the world! Tons of footage of secret Lee Perry Brooklyn show w/Dubblestandart and sold out Central Park show w/Subatomic Sound System & Jahdan Blakkamoore. Plus interview with dubstep producer Rusko and live footag e w/Major Lazer.

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2:: ¡zzZion! Sat, 12.19.09, 11pm- stupidly late

SATurday Dec 19th.
¡zzZion! number dos
$¢ birthday blow ‘em all down blowout
with stella selectahs
Still Life
Reaganomics
and $mall ¢hange of course

plus special late night all you can jack set from my man my mellow DJ Duane.

Last one was mega off the heezy and Brooklyn Urban Sanctuary
is a fab locale, tho one must RSVP to find out eggzactly where it
tis!:smallchange666@gmail.com
$10 all night, 11pm til somewhat stupidly late.
visuals by Spencer Brewley
Tamales by Laura
dancing feet provided by YOU.

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3:: Pictures!

A Teaser of my personal favorites of 2009 Album:

http://picasaweb.google.com/curioucity/BestOf2009AlbumTeaser?feat=directlink

Halloween (if you haven’t already seen these on facebook, you may want to see this insanity): http://picasaweb.google.com/curioucity/TheLastMasquerade?feat=directlink

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wishing you warmth, love, and holiday cheer,

rhiannon + underANDabove

* Thanks for reading!  Our culture can’t survive without you, and we can’t survive without culture.

UnderandAbove Vol.9: A Bump In the Night

Ah, autumn, my favorite time of year…

Warm welcome new people on the list: if you don’t want these emails you can always unsubscribe below or reply and say BIG news only. Special thanks and shout-outs to all who came out for UnderandAbove’s RITME RIVIER in Figment’s City of Dreams Sculpture Garden- the weather, crowd, & vibe could not have been more beautiful. In fact, we shot so much video and stills I had to buy more space to process and keep all these things we create together… What a blessing of a problem to have- too much beauty to absorb, process, and share. I’ll have video in the next issue but you can check out some of my favorite pictures from some of the event here or here:

Governor’s Island 2009

Sorry for the super late notice, but TONIGHT if you happen to be out, don’t want the night to end, and want to have some silly fun in a beautiful loft space old skool afterparty style, you should seriously check my man $mall ¢hange’s Decom afterparty ¡¡¡zzZion!!!, regardless of whether or not you’re going to Decompression or you like to go burn that man in the desert. You have to RSVP to get the location: ShortBusRsvp@gmail.com. How often these days can you find a chill place to dance and watch the sunrise? Personally I’m not going to Decom- I’m goin straight to the afterparty.

And speaking of mysterious things that go Bump in the Night, to add to your list of Halloween possibilities Subatomic Sound System is doing a HUGE show with Modus Vivendi and TheDanger – they’re giving us a whole stage to ourselves! NY and LA unite for one night of insane talent and masquerade mayhem. Our first time in NYC doing a show with the full Modus family (which includes Grammy-nominated underground sweetheart turned superstar Sam Sparro, master producer Jesse Roog, and The Love Grenades!!!) More details on that soon to come. I can’t tell you how exciting or huge this is, so stay tuned if you want any chance of getting in- this show will sell out!

May the beauty and balence of both light and darkness walk beside you…

Rhiannon

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¡¡¡zzZion!!!
Oct 17th
SATURNday night / SUNday morn
3am – 9am

The After Afterparty at the end of the Burniverse
@ Brooklyn Urban Sanctuary
RSVP for deets: ShortBusRsvp@gmail.com

DJs:  $mall ¢hange, Stylus, Criterion, Barney Iller
providing tunes to continue your journey as we enjoy the universe slowly exploding around us.  Stylus has been behind the Brooklyn Wonderland loft events, always funky, Criterion runs the Broklyn Beats label and is part of the grime/dubstep/booty/etc Pure Fire crew,
Barney Iller is a Rubulad resident and rediculous collectro, and of course DJ  $¢ will def be playing a record or 3.

Wakey Wakey Eggs n’ Bacey, Sunrise Concoctions and an assorted OrgazBoard of Breakfast Delights!
Just added:  Smoothies by the lovely Love Grrl!

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Halloween Night
(This is just a hint…)

If Saturday, October 31st, was your last Halloween night,
how would you live it?  We offer you this:
The Last Masquerade
7pm through 7am : Halloween Night

Experience our pre-apocalyptic fairy-tale featuring over three dozen
artists and performers, inhabiting three epic spaces in the dark heart of Brooklyn.  Your night begins in “The Chapel”, a 114 year old brick and iron fortress with 26ft ceilings draped with art and intrigue; then comes “The Sanctuary” with five areas, three levels and one massive dance floor; and finally “The Ever After” a beautifully warm loft and open-air terrace with music and performance continuing past dawn.

We’ve been preparing all year for this.

The night will blend New York City’s favorite music makers with a few of the finest from Los Angeles including: International nightlife hero Sam Sparro & Golden, dj Collage, Jahdan Blakkamoore, Subatomic Sound System, Justin Carter & Eamon Harkin, dj Kimyon and the classic sunrise set by Zemi 17, plus many many more…

Expect big fire art and performance, games of chance and mercy, moments of beauty/bedlam and a taste of the end-times…

Details and full listings will be posted in the coming week at:
http://www.TheLastMasquerade.com

* Thanks for reading!  Our culture can’t survive without you, and we can’t survive without culture.

UnderandAbove Vol.5

It’s a big month and I am so pleased to share all this with you- I’ve been asked to help curate some really special events, and historic anniversaries and collaborations are overflowing from this city of dreams with an abundance and diversity that can only be found on islands and the water’s edge. This Saturday Stranded! pays homage to Darwin’s 200th and 150th of The Origin of Species with a magical voyage on the HMS Beagle. Next Saturday, I’ll be presenting roving performers at Halcyon’s massive 10 year anniversary. The following Sunday will be a day of historic proportions and collaborations, where the Dutch join hands with New York and two festivals converge to commemorate 400 years of culture building on the majestic river we call The Hudson. I’ll be presenting an entire day on Governor’s Island in Figment’s City of Dreams Sculpture Garden, with a lineup that traces many of the deepest rhythms inspired by this region along with art, dance, green education, a collective mural envisioning the future of the Hudson River bioregion, and much more. To those of you with kids (or cousins, or tiny friends)- both the Halcyon and Governor’s Island parties are daytime super family-friendly soirees, so bring the whole clan! We’re representing for all generations.

Last but not least, scroll down or click here to check out the long-awaited sophomore LP of The Shift, on which I sing the title track and Bora Yoon and China Edelman lend their angelic voices as well.

Meet me at the water’s edge,

Rhiannon

|:1:| TOMORROW: Stranded! on the Galapagos Islands

|:2:| SATURDAY SEPT 12th: Halcyon’s 10th Anniversary Mssv

|:3:| SUNDAY SEPT 20th: UnderandAbove’s biggest event yet

|:4:| NEW MUSIC Alert! Spies is out on DankFunk Records!

SCROLL DOWN FOR FULL DETAILS…

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|:1:| THIS SATURDAY, September 5th, 2009: Stranded!

Saturday, September 5, 2009 from 9pm until Morning at a Never-Before-Seen Warehouse of Historic Proportions in Brooklyn!  $15 advance, $20 door. 21+. You Must RSVP to Attend!

Note: I’ve toured this space and it must be seen to be believed. The number of people that have gathered to make this event come to life is inspiring in and of itself. There will be art installations and eye candy in every corner. You’ll have to go to the site for full details and the story behind this strange tale of discovery…

http://winkellittlestar.com/

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|:2:| SATURDAY September 12th: halcyon 10 Year Anniversary Party at the Water Taxi Beach, South Street Seaport Pier 17

This September marks Ten years that the good people of New York City have been feeling the halcyon experience, and now it’s time to celebrate.

This event will be HUGE with a lineup too deep to include in full here, so make sure you check the site for more info and to RSVP for reduced admission: http://halcyonline.com/blog/10years/

Highlights include:

sets from Danny Krivit, Nicodemus, John Selway, Adultnapper, Liondub, and a twenty-deep DJ invitational where selectors will play their favorite Halcyon tracks back-to-back, plus live silkscreening from Ad Hoc Art, games, and UnderandAbove presenting roving face painters, break dancers, circus performers and costumed curiosities to make it extra special.

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|:3:| SUNDAY September 20th: UnderandAbove in the City of Dreams

Huge news- The Figment Festival is sponsoring 4 days and nights of FREE art and music on Governor’s Island, September 11-13 and September 18-20. This event is a part of the massive New Island Arts Festival, presented by the Dutch Government and featuring artists of all mediums from Amsterdam from September 10- 20th all across Guv’s Island. UnderandAbove has been invited to curate a whole day of the festival. This is the perfect event to close the Summer of the Boat and Island party in NYC, and it’s FREE!

Bring your kids, drums, and dancing shoes for a day in the park celebrating our artistic and rhythmic heritage- from indigenous to dub to old-school hip hop. Featuring DJs, dance, live art, collaborative mural making, a live set from Subatomic Sound System, and much more. There will be a cash bar (for 21+ only w/ ID) right next to Figment thanks to our friends from Amsterdam.

Full details soon to come– rsvp and watch it grow on facebook and follow this link for the latest on the whole series: http://figmentnyc.org/newisland

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|:4:| The Shift’s 2nd Album is finally here!

Its been three long years in the making but our new LP, Spies, is here!!  And it’s definitely been worth the wait. (Click here to sample or buy tracks)

“Spies” finds The Shift back and better than ever. This album takes on a more ambitious approach to their funky electro-acoustic house and downtempo style. Scottie B’s chunky beats and samples lay the backdrop for the original band members to do their thing: Brian Fegan on guitar, Chris Tempas on keys, and Mike DeVellis on sax and flute. Newcomer Jeff Angel brings his thick, juicy basslines to the forefront. Vocalist Rhiannon joins the group again for the title track; a funky, up-tempo house cut. Accomplished singer-songwriter-innovator Bora Yoon collaborates on the slick downbeat cut “On This Side” while newcomer China Edelman lays down vocals over “Phone Song”, a groovy house track.

* Thanks for reading!  Our culture can’t survive without you, and we can’t survive without culture.

UnderandAbove Special Edition: New Island Festival

This Sunday, 12-6pm, join us for a truly historic day of live art, live music, and DJs in a sculpture garden complete with a mini-golf course on Governor’s island. Featuring a lineup tracing the incredibly diverse rhythmic heritage and traditions of NYC plus collective mural-making, green & river education, and much much more to commemorate 400 years of NYC. It’s all free, and you can also roam the rest of the island for free to check out some of the most acclaimed Dutch artists in the LAST day of the New Island Festival. Just added: an afrobeat and global funk set from Amon, The Clearwater Foundation sharing info on how to protect our river, an arts & crafts table for the kids, and an open invite to paddlers that want to come in their own boats! (see below for map and important info for boaters).

And check this out: our event is featured in the current Flavorpill as the pick of the weekend!

The forecast is for clear and sunny skies, but just so you know it’s rain or shine. Come early, and see here for ferry info and directions: http://www.govisland.com/Visit_the_Island/directions.asp

** Note: We are looking for photographers and videographers that would be down to help us document this historic and visually inspiring and striking event. If you or someone you know would be able to assist with that, please contact me or just come and I will give you full access and return the favor for your valued participation!

And by the way, thanks to all who came out for Halcyon’s 10th- it was raining all day but the vibes were PURE sunshine. Stay tuned for more news on their next big move and I’ll have pictures in the next issue.

See you on Sunday!

Rhiannon

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SUNDAY SEPT. 20th :  NOON – 6 pm
UnderandAbove PRESENTS: RITME RIVIER in Figment’s City of Dreams Sculpture Garden
Curated by Rhiannon (Subatomic Sound / Dankfunk Records / UnderandAbove)

This is the biggest event yet for me and my new co, UnderandAbove, and we’re so pleased to have been invited to curate the final day in this historic series of events. Built by 2 nations, 3 festivals, and countless artists, please join us for a VERY special day on our own island of dreams. Kids, boaters, breakers, fire spinners, drummers, and dreamers all welcome!

All Ages, 100% FREE by and for the people!

FEATURING

LIVE:

Subatomic Sound System

(featuring Rhiannon on vocals and Amon on percussion)

ON THE DECKS:

DJ MKL (3 Generations Walking / Spiritual Life Music) No tribute to New York’s rhythms would be complete without a study of house music and the diaspora of influences (from afrobeat to dub to jazz, funk, and soul) it draws upon and connects back to. And few are better suited to drop this education than DJ MKL, producer of such hits as “Slavery Days” and “Skin.”

DJ Still Life (Sleeping Giant) This secret NY superstar will begin his set in the Bronx, travel down into a range of breakbeat-based territory, glomming together a tribute to the myriad cultural influences which collide in our city with a nod to mashup culture and the art of storytelling through careful music selection.

Emch (Subatomic Sound) The dub scientist and production mastermi nd behind rising group Subatomic Sound System, Emch connects the dots from past to future, Jamaica to NYC, island to island with the deepest dub, reggae, broken-beat, and jungle cuts, an amazing array of genres all finding deep roots and new horizons on the banks of the Hudson.

AMON (Subatomic Sound / Afrokinetic)Known for his incredible live percussion stylings with Subatomic Sound and the long and strong runnin Afrokinetic parties thrown by Turntables on the Hudson’s DJ Osirus, Amon storms the decks to spin Afro-Beat and other dancefloor jams dripping with rhythm & heavy global funk with a special focus on rivers and the big waters of the world.

PLUS green education, live art, facepainting, performance and participitory art among the sculptures including Dream Gathering in Deborah Yoon’s HiveMind sculpture, a “visioning mural” unfurled as a canvas for public art and commentary about the Hudson River region’s future, and much more

AND YOU! any and all creative particpants are welcomed to bring and share art, music, and dreams among the scultpures in the City of Dreams!

** Special note to non-motorized boaters: Kayakers and paddlers can land at Pier 101 during all public hours. They should call the security office 30 minutes in advance of arrival so they can be checked in at the dock. Security’s number is (212) 809-3299

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ABOUT Figment’s CITY OF DREAMS and The NEW ISLAND FESTIVAL::

FIGMENT at the NEW ISLAND FESTIVAL will take place in the City of Dreams, a green open courtyard filled with interactive art and large scale sculptures, complete with a mini-golf course, all created by the Figment family: http://www.figmentnyc.com

September 20 is the final day of this huge & historic multi-day series of events – The New Island Festival, sponsored by the Dutch Government, features acclaimed Dutch artists of all mediums performing across the entire island. Artists from the NY City metropolitan region will join their Dutch counterparts and be featured at the City of Dreams sculpture garden performance stage on Governor’s Island. Along with the culmination of the historic 2009 New Island Festival, this day is an opportunity for looking forward and envisioning the future of New York and the Hudson River watershed over the next 100 years. As part of the event a “visioning mural” will be unfurled as a canvas for public art and commentary about the Hudson River region’s future.

* Thanks for reading!  Our culture can’t survive without you, and we can’t survive without culture.

UnderandAbove Vol.4