American Pirate Group: 2015

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Being KATE MOSS

*Warning: PIRATE RAIDO presentation*

She's been modelling for top photographers for 27 years.

But amongst the millions of photographs taken of her, Kate Moss has chosen her 11 favourites.

The Croydon-born model's top picks are a racy selection, with several nude images taken by the likes of Mario Testino and Annie Leibovitz making the cut for a new photography exhibition in London.

Revealing all: Kate Moss has chosen her favourite ever images of herself for a new photography exhibition in London

Kate, 41, has gone back through the archives to choose images for the Osborne Samuel and Beetles + Huxley's annual collaborative exhibition.

Included in Kate's hand-picked selection is a pair of fully naked photos taken in 2005 - almost 20 years after she shot to fame.

Another black and white image by the world-renowned Leibovitz shows the stunning star dripping in jewels for an Indian-inspired 1999 shoot for American Vogue.

Making a statement: A black and white image by the world-renowned Annie Leibovitz shows the stunning star dripping in jewels for an Indian-inspired 1999 shoot for American Vogue

Ready for her close up: Brit snapper David Sims took this stunning image of the top model in 2006

Cheeky: A 1997 image by Bruce Weber shows the Croydon-born star topless and blowing bubbles at the camera

There's more natural images too, including a candid 1997 snap by Bruce Weber of the young star, who was scouted aged 14 at JFK airport in New York, blowing bubbles, again while in the nude.

Perhaps the most famous portrait in the exhibition is one of Kate's first Calvin Klein images, for the 1993 Obsession campaign which Kate has previously confirmed was based on then-boyfriend Mario Sorrenti's own obsession with her.

Speaking to photographer and friend Nick Knight earlier this year, Kate explained of the famous shots: 'I'd wake up in the morning and he'd be taking pictures of me and I'd be like "F**k off" and I laid like that for about 10 days. He would not stop taking pictures of that.'

Iconic: Perhaps the most famous portrait in the exhibition is one of Kate's first Calvin Klein images, for the 1993 Obsession campaign, shot by her then-boyfriend Mario Sorrenti

Kicking back: Juergen Teller shot a then-26-year-old Kate smoking in front of a roaring fire

Speaking one-to-one with Knight, who she's worked with for 20 years, for ShowStudio.com the supermodel described her reluctance to be constantly photographed and how Mario treating her as his muse lead to the downfall of their relationship.

'10 days?!' The model continued. 'We split up after that. When you're in a relationship with a photographer and they start abusing that relationship by being like, "I want you to do this" it makes you like, "No".'

'I didn't want to work all the time. He'd be like, "Get up on the roof, take your clothes off" and I'd be like "F**k off! I don't want to do that".

Baring all: Included in Kate's hand-picked selection is a pair of fully naked photos taken by Chuck Close in 2005 - almost 20 years after she shot to fame

Brit icon: The model has included a 2000 shot from one of her favourite photographer's - Mario Testino

Throwback: This 1994 black and white image was taken just as Kate was hitting the spotlight in the modelling world

'Now I understand that kind of thing a bit better, capturing an image and working a lot. But at the time I was 17.'

Osborne Samuel and Beetles + Huxley are bringing together over 150 prints by leading artists spanning from 1910 to the present day for their 2015 exhibition which will be spread across both London galleries.

The Photographers 2015 exhibition will trace the history of photography from its early developments through its rise in status as both creative and documentary medium.

Osborne Samuel will host limited editions of seminal works by the great names of early black and white photography through to contemporary classics including The Kate Moss Portfolio by Mario Testino, Annie Leibovitz, Terry Richardson and Bruce Weber. Kate's images will be on show at the Osborne Samuel gallery in London from November 25.

Work of art: The Kate Moss Portfolio will be on show at the Osborne Samuel gallery in London from November 25 as part of The Photographers 2015 exhibition

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

YOUNG RIVAL "Bent Out Of Shape"

*THE SYNDICATE DOES NOT EXIST*

As Hamilton's Young Rival prepare to tour North America with Paper Baglabelmates Born Ruffians in support of the recent Interior Light, they have shared a video for the track "Bent Out of Shape."

The song is a psych-tinged pop ditty that's filled with Beatles-esque harmonies. For the accompanying visuals, we see a retro footage of a woman dancing in front of an empty stage. A crowd looks meekly on as the camera circles around and captures the extended, slightly bizarre routine.

Watch the clip at the bottom of the page. Also below, see the band's tour schedule. Perhaps fans can use some of the moves from this video while dancing along during Young Rival's sets?

Tour dates:

10/30 Northampton, MA - Pearl Street Nightclub *
11/02 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's *
11/03 Washington, DC - Rock & Roll Hotel *
11/04 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle Backroom *
11/06 Atlanta, GA - Aisle 5 *
11/07 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon *
11/08 Houston, TX - Studio at Warehouse Live *
11/09 Dallas, TX - Club Dada *
11/10 Austin, TX - The Sidewinder *
11/12 Phoenix, AZ - Valley Bar *
11/13 San Diego, CA - Soda Bar *
11/14 Los Angeles, CA - Teragram Ballroom *
11/15 San Francisco, CA - Slim's *
11/17 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios *
11/18 Seattle, WA - Barboza *
11/19 Nanaimo, BC - The Cambie Pub *
11/20 Victoria, BC - Sugar Nightclub *
11/21 Vancouver, BC - The Imperial Theatre *
11/23 Nelson, BC - Spiritbar *
11/26 Calgary, AB - SAIT's Gateway *
11/27 Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room *
11/28 Saskatoon, SK - Amigo's *
11/29 Winnipeg, MB - Park Theatre *
11/30 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St Entry *
12/01 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall *
12/02 Ferndale, MI - The Loving Touch *
12/03 Windsor, ON - Olde Walkerville Theatre *
12/17 Toronto, ON - The Horseshoe
12/18 Hamilton, ON - The Casbah

* with Born Ruffians

YOUNG LEAN "Hoover"

*THE SYNDICATE DOES NOT EXIST*

There's no denying that Swedish rapper Yung Lean makes dope music, but he shines the most in the video format. That's why we're happy to share his brand new clip for his single "Hoover."

The clip opens with a dirt bike jumping over a graveyard on a rainy day — a perfect Yung Lean image to enjoy on Remembrance Day. From there, he gets covered in mud as he delivers the hyped-up hit.

Watch the new Yung Lean video below.

Monday, November 9, 2015

"Real Hollywood Stories" with Sam Irving

*Warning: PIRATE RADIO presentation*

I'm a talent agent with Finkle & Finkle and I know things about celebrities.
Listen, I've been around a long time in Hollywood and I've met loads and loads of people in the entertainment industry. And I know all their secrets.

Who do you want to know about first. How about Jennifer Aniston?
Axe murderer.

Every time she goes on location for a movie, she brings an axe. She does it to unwind after a long day of filming a movie. Some people drink, some people do drugs, Jennifer likes to cruise around town and find random strangers and just kills 'em with an axe. They never catch her...I don't know how, it's Jennifer Aniston for God's sakes.

But, it's nothing like Morgan Freeman.
Russian sex slaves!

Yes, I was at his house one time and here comes a bunch of naked women walking around with a bowl of cookies. Well, what was I suppose to do say NO to Morgan Freedom when he offers me a cookie? He's a great actor.
I didn't stick around to see the sex...you know why?
Respect.
And I left my glasses in the car...but mostly respect.

Listen, I hear the phone ringing. It must be one of my many famous clients trying to get in touch with me. I don't blame them. Visit this blog next time and I'll tell you how Whoopi Goldberg accidentally grabbed my penis.

Long story/short...it was in a hot dog bun and I told her it was a foot long.

(Sam Irving writes for Pirate Radio)

Swamp Thing "Muddy Step" / "Straight Out the Murk"

*THE SYNDICATE DOES NOT EXIST*

Toronto rap crew Swamp Thing just dropped the follow-up to last year'sOuter Limits LP with a new record called Planet Murk, and now they've unveiled a new clip for album cuts "Muddy Step" and "Straight Out the Murk." You can see them first right here at Exclaim!

Both videos for the two-song package were directed by Daniel Jardine. The first sees Timbuktu, Chokeules and Savilion taking a trek through the great outdoors. The rap trio spit rhymes straight into the camera, while some funky-coloured filters add some extra visual interest. The accompanying shots for "Straight Out the Murk" takes things in the opposite direction, wiping out colour in favour of black-and-white shots of the band goofing off with some homemade pyrotechnics.

"We packed the crew into the whip and headed up north to get some creepy b-movie style shots in the woods," explained Chokeules in a statement. "The concept is also a nod to the golden era, when some of our favourite rappers would squeeze two songs into one music video."

Timbuktu added: "I always loved it when an artist would sneak part of another song into the video. Something extra you're not expecting. That was the idea, a throwback to those two in one videos with a slightly different version you won't hear anywhere else. Plus being able to give a taste of two different songs from two different albums all at once."

You can check out the premiere of the back-to-back clips right now in the player below. Planet Murk is available now through Urbnet.

Elephant Stone "The Devil's Shelter" (ft. Alex Maas)

*THE SYNDICATE DOES NOT EXIST*

Montreal psych troupe Elephant Stone recently teamed up with Alex Maas of the Black Angels for "The Devil's Shelter." Now, they've given the track a video.

The clip was directed by Elba Berganza, and it reinforces the threatening urgency of the song's Eastern-inflected, sitar-assisted grooves. In keeping with the theme of devilish darkness, we see a black-clad woman running franticly around a gothic landscape of wheat fields, railway tracks and rubble-strewn ruins.

Scroll past Elephant Stone's tour schedule below to watch it. Meanwhile, the band have an LP planned for 2016.

Tour dates:

11/12 San Diego, CA - Whistle Stop
11/13 Los Angeles, CA - Hotel Cafe
11/14 Santa Ana, CA - Constellation Room
11/18 Seattle, WA - LoFi
11/19 Vancouver, BC - The Cobalt
11/20 Portland, OR - Bunk Bar
11/21 Oakland, CA - The New Parish

Travis Barker "100" (ft. Tyga, Kid Ink, Ty Dolla $ign, IAMSU!)

*THE SYNDICATE DOES NOT EXIST*

Everybody clear your schedules: there's a party going on at Travis Barker's house. This wild bash is chronicled with the video for his star-studded, bouncy hip-hop single "100."

The black-and-white clip depicts a lavish, Great Gatsby-style party taking place at a mansion in the Hollywood Hills. A preening Barker twirls his stick as the drummer of a band that's set up in the house, while glamorous-looking women hang around and a litany of guest stars — Tyga, Kid Ink, Ty Dolla $ign & IAMSU! — swing by to rap the verses amidst blatant product placements. With burning bills and a house-trashing finale, this party is as destructive as it is fancy.

Watch the clip below.

Meanwhile, Barker's band Blink-182 have been moving on since theirsplit with Tom DeLonge by working on a new album and reissuing past efforts on cassette.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

DELORES HAZE "Touch Me" release

*THE SYNDICATE DOES NOT EXIST*

Stockholm band Dolores Haze often make headlines for odd reasons. Recent exploits include their guitarist Groovy Nickz narrowly avoiding death at the hands of a falling Swedish music legend and then bassist Groovy Fuck (there’s a theme developing here) convincing an English journalist that her first name really was Fuck ( “it doesn’t mean Fuck in Swedish”). Outside of this capacity for incident, they’re also a really great band. Their Accidental EP was four songs of debased sludge rock, wrapped up with a cover of Peaches‘ ‘Fuck The Pain Away’. Their first full length album, The Haze Is Forever is about to drop and ahead of that they’ve released a video for recent single ‘Touch Me’

‘Touch Me’ sounds like something a sleazier version of The Pixies would turn out, all shoegaze drawl and moody atmosphere. It’s therefore been treated with a suitably dusky video, filmed in some kind of bunker low on natural light and high on chains, vomit and other vaguely unsettling occurrings.The Haze Is Forever is out on November 13th on Woah Dad.

Artists:

Dolores Haze

"Conspiracy Theory" with Frank Finkle (MK ULTRA)

*Warning: PIRATE RADIO presentation*

My name is Frank Finkle and this is my Conspiracy Theory.

Is the government using mind control to keep us buying Pharmacy drugs?

Although initially seen as another fanciful conspiracy theory, this one turned out to be true. The CIA really did run secret mind-control experiments on American citizens from the 1950s until 1973, using "electronics, hypnosis, sensory deprivation and verbal and sexual abuse". In 1995, President Bill Clinton issued a formal apology for Project MKUltra, as it was known. It is believed that 'Unabomber' Theodore Kaczynski was part of these experiments, although that detail has yet to be confirmed.

Many side effects have lead to...

"Hey Frank, you want some pancakes?"

Lou, we can't keep cutting each other off everyday when we do a post.

"So, that's a NO on the pancakes?"

...I didn't say that. You got any blueberries? I'll take mine with blueberries.

Project MKUltra—sometimes referred to as the CIA's mind control program—was the code name given to an illegal program of experiments on human subjects, designed and undertaken by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Experiments on humans were intended to identify and develop drugs and procedures to be used in interrogations and torture, in order to weaken the individual to force confessions through mind control. Organized through the Scientific Intelligence Division of the CIA, the project coordinated with the Special Operations Division of the U.S. Army's Chemical Corps.The program began in the early 1950s, was officially sanctioned in 1953, was reduced in scope in 1964, further curtailed in 1967 and officially halted in 1973. The program engaged in many illegal activities; in particular it used unwitting U.S. and Canadian citizens as its test subjects, which led to controversy regarding its legitimacy. MKUltra used numerous methodologies to manipulate people's mental states and alter brain functions, including the surreptitious administration of drugs (especially LSD), hypnosis, sensory deprivation, isolation, verbal and sexual abuse, as well as various forms of torture.

The scope of Project MKUltra was broad, with research undertaken at 80 institutions, including 44 colleges and universities, as well as hospitals, prisons, and pharmaceutical companies.

"We're out of blueberries. How about raisins?"

Yeah, I guess if you don't have them. I need something to take with my Paxil.

My name is Frank Finkle and this was my Conspiracy Theory.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

"Conspiracy Theory" with Lou Finkle (FACEBOOK)

*Warning: PIRATE RADIO presentation*

Lies spread fast on Facebook. Once they do, it’s nearly impossible to change anyone's mind.

The accusation that Jade Helm, a U.S. military training exercise, was the beginning of a civil war originated on Facebook. Conspiracy theories about ebola, autism, and global warming all thrive on the world’s largest social network. Facebook feeds are filled with unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. And even though many thousands of attempts have been made to debunk them, those efforts are mostly futile, according to new European research that studied 54 million American Facebook users over a five-year period.

Social networks like Facebook and Twitter are fertile ground for misinformation, the researchers found, because the websites cultivate powerful echo chambers that not only amplify falsehoods but also aggressively resist any attempts to correct them.

Researchers looked at nearly 50,000 posts debunking false information and found that most of them were wasted efforts. In fact, the people most likely to respond to factual debunkings on Facebook were the most committed conspiracy theorists. When a debunker comes along, the conspiracy theorists often react negatively. The debunking often achieves the opposite of the intended effect.

"So you say if I drove around Harlem at night, I could be at Eddie Murphy's house?"

Frank! I'm doing a post.

"Well, excuse me money bags. But I was discussing some very important business opportunities here with miss Scleroso here.

You did that on purpose! Now I have to finish this before you ruin it any more than it is.

My name is Lou Finkle and this was my Conspiracy Theory...how did she get here, Frank?