cairo

Folktales in the Snow: Stacey Rozich.

2012-01-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

I first met local illustrator Stacey Rozich three years ago when she shared a tiny,cramped studio space in Pioneer Square’s 619 Western Ave building. Although shewas only 21 at the time, her talent and motivation were clear, even to anonlooker like me. Since then, Stacey has been kicking ass: working for herself,showing numerous solo exhibits around the city, and even making her 3D debut ina Fleet Foxes music video.

Stacey has been a member of the Cairo family for a long timenow: she designed a shirt pattern for Cairo moons and moons ago. [“Its very gratifyingseeing someone wearing your work, as opposed seeing themput it in their bathroom.”]

Stacey and I spent one snowy afternoon drinking tea andtalking about successful women we would trade lives with for a week (she pickedTina Fey), the best solo wintertime meal (“papardelle pasta with marinara saucefrom scratch”), and our biggest splurges (“Shoes! I. Love. Shoes.”).

Stacey's current inspiration: Doughnuts.

With so much already under her belt, it’s hard to imaginewhat’s next for this unstoppable woman. Read our interview to find out herplans! (Hint: Something involving teatowels…)

Some photos from our shoot:

(All vintage and jewelry sold AT CAIRO!)

Want more photos of Stacey? Click here!

Our interview:

Whatis your approach to what you wear every day?

Myapproach is to never be too comfortable. I don’t have a rain jacket or hikingboots or anything like that. I like to keep an element of professionalism whenI dress. Seattle is obsessively casual, but I’m not like that, really.Sometimes I just want to wear a jean jacket and an old t-shirt, but I like toalways keep it classy.

Doyou have any favorite current style trends?

I’m a big fan of classic cuts but with a twist—like neon with camel orsomething. I like to dress in things that are somewhat classic, so that I don’tlook back in a few years and think, “what the hell was I thinking??” I try notto dip into too many trends. I guess that’s kind of safe, but I still like toplay with cool things.

Whatwas your worst job?

Oh man. I worked at a pasta bar at Pike Place, and the boss was a totalasshole. It really helped me learn how to deal with assholes, haha. Workingwith such an extremely masculine personality really helped me grow a thickerskin, learn how to throw someone else’s bullshit back at them. I also learnedhow to talk to anyone—a grandma, or a homeless person, or a bunch of collegestudents.

Whatartists are inspiring you right now?

I get a lot of my inspiration from past art styles. I check out BibliOdyssey alot—it’s this giant digital image collection of artwork—everything formJapanese woodblock prints to Greek Orthodox iconography. Also artists likeMarcel Dzama, Mark Warren-Jaques, and my friend Matthew Craven in New York. He’salways so innovative that he really drives me to keep my work fresh.

Itlooks like traditional art has really inspired your work.

Yeah, I got started with Yugoslav folklore. The Federation of Yugoslavia has somany different cultures and different folklore, which is what really got mestarted. Then I started researching Russian and Bulgarian folklore, whichspread to Scandanavian, and then all over the globe. I got into West Africanstories, then Native American cultures. My art is sort of a hodgepodge oftraditional folklore, but through my own lense, creating my own narrative.

Whendid you first get into illustration? When and where did it start?

I’ve been drawing forever. It’s such a cliché but its just one of those things.When you’re a kid you draw all the time, and dad recognized something more thana childhood pastime. He always told me to draw every day, and I did until highschool. In high school I was a theater nerd, and did all the posters for plays,so I learned to create an image through communication. Also, I’ve wanted to bean animator my whole life. I loved cartoons my whole life. It was in highschool that I decided I wanted something a little more streamlined, so I wentinto illustration.

Howdoes your current environment inspire your work?

I have such a strong support system, being from Seattle, that it’s easy to workand feel like I have a good support net behind me. I’m such a collector ofthings like masks and reference books, so I have a good collection of imageryto look into, which is a good cushion. That support can be nebulous at times,but very freeing.

Whatputs you in the zone to create? What does that zone look like?

Doughnuts! Haha, only joking. The time when all my pistons are firing is whenI’m prepping for a show and I have a deadline looming. The first piece of thecollection and the last piece are very different. My work has such minutedetail, and in the first few pieces, I can see that my lines aren’t asstraight, or the detailing isn’t as precise. The more I work on a collection,the more I can see in my art that I really get back into the swing of things. Iget this amazing high—I know it sounds like an after-school special—but it’sthis pride and satisfaction in my work, and having that moment where you knowthat you’re on the right track. That’s when I feel the most productive, and themost happy.

Whatare you the most proud of?

I am really proud of having as many shows under my belt as I do. Especiallylooking at where I was four years ago—a 20 year old art school drop out livingin my parents basement—to working for myself and progressively doing biggershows each year. Ultimately I know I’m doing the right thing and that I’mreally lucky in opportunities that I’m getting. Oh, and doing the Fleet Foxesvideo was pretty cool, too.

Whatis next? Any other mediums you want to explore?

Yes! Very much so. I have a good foundation in 2D world, and now I want to getmore into the 3D. Seeing my work in Fleet Foxes video was so gratifying. Iabandoned dreams of being an animator long ago, but it was so exciting to seemy art come to life that I really think I would like to get more into video.The gals at Free Time Industries and I have a couple things that are in thepressure cooker, so I’m really excited to see how my work will translate intodifferent mediums. Ultimately I would like to work with textiles for home,porcelain collections, and weaving would be really exciting.

Whatdo you ultimately hope to achieve with your art?

I would like to create a pretty cohesive brand with my work. To publish booksis definitely a goal. I love to do gallery showings, so doing that would becool, backed up with a more robust brand.

Isthere someone or some company that you would want to work with?

I would love to collaborate with a fashion brand. For starters, doing a capsulecollection of clothes or a small house ware line. I think someone likeAnthropologie would be pretty cool to work with. They know their audience reallywell and know what sells, and I think I could bring something to the table. Iknow my audience. I’m constantly receiving emails requesting things likebathing suits and tea towels.

Whatare some of your favorite trends in the art scene in Seattle right now?
Beingmore of a part of the design community, I think I’m always excited to seewhat’s going on with Free Time Industries, The Adventure School, and Iacoli andMcAllister. I like self-propelled small businesses. I feel more excited aboutthat kind of thing, since I’m trying to create my own brand.

Whatis it like to be a woman artist?

Ireally like it, actually. It’s interesting, I’ve been told that people can’tdetermine my gender from my work, which is a compliment to me. When they dofind out I’m a young woman, sometimes it’s a shock at first, but I take it askudos to me. I know there are a lot of women artists out there, butunfortunately it’s usually the men that get recognized.

Ilike getting to know a lot more women artists in the city—it lets us create acommunity—not that we have to be bound by our gender, but I think it unites usin a way. I know that I do anticipate discrimination in the future. I haveshown at a few galleries in which I am the first ever woman to do a solo show.That is cool for me, but it definitely speaks to what can happen in the future.

Mostexciting place work has let you travel to?

I haven’t been able to travel that much yet. I’ve only gone to Portland for theFleet Foxes video. Hopefully this year I will be showing in Chicago and NewYork. I have an insatiable need to travel right now. I’ve been tellinggalleries that I want to do an instillation—which is like catnip forcurators—and that I will fly out for the show. It’s a way for me to travel andsee the rest of the country… but soon it will be THE WORLD. Ha!

Can't wait to see what's next. Thanks Stacey!

Photos from EXPO 89 & video from Ilyas Ahmed

2012-01-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

Robert Wolfe & his artwork above

Ilyas Ahmed

Eric

Devin of Flexions

someday we'll have our light back

Adam Forkner of White Rainbow & Purple & Green

Coastal Sightings and EXPO shirts (still a few left!).
Designed by Gabriel Stromberg

Pleasure Beauties

Grave Babies

Brian & Paul of Idle Times, check out Paul's podcast
"I can't believe I'm a Loser" REAL good

One of the 20 events Shannon Perry participated in over
the weekend, seen here reading at Mixtape #4

Matt Lawson of Secret Colors & Stephanie

high fives, with O.C. Notes

In Her Court: Getting to Know Elissa Ball.

2012-01-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

Eaze, E-Ball, Ebb, Ebola--call her what you will, she will always be the effervescent and ever-buoyant ELISSA BALL.

Elissa is a poet, a performer, a comic, and activist of many kinds. She is a regular contributor to arts and culture website Flavorpill, a soon-to-be-PUBLISHED poet, and even an ordained minister, if you are looking to get married and all.

She is also very active in the cyber community, and you can check out her hilarious tweets here. And some other nuggets here. Oh, and here!

With more energy and enthusiasm than anyone I have ever met, this woman is bright, beautiful, and radical. And did I mention she is only 4'11?!

Here are some photos of Elissa/Kunt Kuntroll in Cairo duds!

(see something you like? All clothes and accessories can be found in-store at Cairo!)

Here are more photos from our shoot!

You are writing a book of love poems. How would you describe love?

Love is misunderstood. Folks tend to think of the Hollywood, “hetero-monogamous-Valentine’s-Day” type of love. The type of love that sustains human beings is a more universal love, whether it is from family or friends, or just being kind to people you don’t know. That’s the sort of love that saves people. Not jealousy fueled, possessive, bickering couple “love”…

Tell me about your poems. What inspires you?

I draw a lot of inspiration from music—which is poetry I suppose. And of course other poets. Also larger-than-life figures in culture. On Facebook I have this album called Strong Female Leads, where I draw a lot of personality and essence from strong females. Like Mrs Flax from Mermaids—tap her energy when I need to create a poetry persona. The person in your poem is never really you, you know? —you’re inventing a voice and persona.

You spend A LOT of time in coffee shops writing. Do you have a favorite?

Yeah. Fuel in Montlake! They are the best!

Tell me about your hobbies in witchery, please.

Well, I read tarot and I work with crystals and sageand energy.

You got witchy on the I Can’t Believe I’m a Loserpodcast…

Yeah! Paul wanted me on to get‘woo-woo’. I’m heavy into ghosts and psychic phenomenon and dream symbolism. Hesaid to bring my tarot cards and crystals and I was a little nervous. I reallylike reading for people. I usually do it for barter, like “buy me some icecream and I’ll read your tarot”. I like being able to give people clarity whenthey feel like they really need it, like when they’ve lost a partner or lost ajob or need some clarity on what to do in a situation. Feels good to use thishobby to help my community.

Tell me about your necklace, since you say it’s yourfavorite.

Ah! It’s a pink Swiss Army Knife that my dad boughtme when I was eight. He gave me the “knife safety talk” before he took it outof the box. But I like it because it has a Barbie pink plastic exterior withvery powerful contents.

Tell me about your performance persona.

Sometimes I perform as Kunt Kuntroll. The spelling of the name is a play onsexist Internet trolls. (Someone who, for example, makes comments on an articlejust to be a bully.) It makes women feel like they can’t make comments online.And sometimes I perform as Elissa Ball if it’s a more button up, adult readingsituation. I also alter my content depending on who I am performing as. KuntKuntroll is more radical and IN YOUR FACE.

Where are your favorite places to perform spoken word?

Bellingham is reliably a super enthusiastic crowd. They are really receptive to whatever you offer them. Healthy Times! May it rest in peace. I also dig skuzzy bars.

Do you have any collections?

I have a gem collection, I have a few records. ANDGIRL, so many clothes. I have two garment racks, plus a closet. What I wear iskind of an artistic hobby- it’s a way I express myself, like with colortherapy.

Where do you find inspiration for your ever insightfulfacebook updates?

(giggle) I treat my Facebook page as a personalzine—I think it comes from years of making zines and just being a writer andcultivating a particular persona. I think of Facebook as a performance art aswell. Even on days when I feel like shit, if I can come with one pun to sharewith the online world I feel satisfied. I know how much joy I take from otherpeople’s content.

Where did you go to school?

I went to both Fairhaven School and Evergreen StateCollege. It’s where fairies and go to school! At least—that’s what itlooks like.

Which action hero do you wish you were?

I feel like Kunt Kuntroll is my action hero persona.She is ready to take on whatever, without caring whether or not she gets called a c--t. When you call yourself that first, just put it out there, you take away power from sexist people (or trolls) who can't handle powerful women.

What are you listening to right now?

Bruteheart, which reminds me a lot of Quixotic from Olympia. The old favorites like the Smiths, and the new Stickers EP! I am also really into Wild Flag. Its Carrie Brownstein’s (Sleater-Kinney, Portlandia, NPR) new project. I am really excited about this band. Carrie is definitely a Renaissance woman and totally limitless.

What is most exciting for you in 2012?

My book, The Punks Are Writing Love Songs! I feel like I've been in a relationship with themanuscript for 16 months. In that time, I've had to turn away hang-outs,wedding invitations, vacations, just to finish the book . . . and then revise,edit, and re-revise.
I'm excited to have something solid in myhand that I can smell and touch and show to all those wonderful people I had toblow off in order to do my solitary writer grrrl thing. I can't wait to go,"Look! This is what I've been making with my laptop during those bazillionhours. I've been writing poems that, I hope, will make human beings feel lessalone."

Tell me about the One Haiku A Day Project! Which was your favorite?

Here’s one:

Black Cape

Woman runs out of

the salon with foils in her

hair, pays her meter.

Want more?

Elissa is MCing an alternative variety show that she put together at Columbia City Theater on JANUARY 26TH. "It's an anti-frat-boy variety show."

And on JANUARY 28TH she will transform into Kunt Kuntroll to perform at Hollow Earth with The Sissy Collective "a new group of performers that are radical and queer! Yeah! I will definitely be Kunt Kuntroll for that."

new TERRARIUM NECKLACES by WOODII

2012-01-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

New jewelry for 2012...

Come in today and check them out in person. Also, fresh new vintage on the racks... waiting for you.

Case Studies, at EXPO 89

2012-01-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

Jesse Lortz as Case Studies.

Next Silkscreen Workshop is Tues. Jan. 31 at 7 pm

2012-01-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Make your own t-shirts, posters and more! $45 gets you this great workshop, teaching you the basics of silkscreening shirts and posters + 1 month's worth of 7 day a week access to our studio to create your very own goodies. Stop by or email alchemy.of.time (at) gmail.com to reserve a spot!

King Dude & Ensemble Economique at EXPO 89

2012-01-08T18:39:00.000-08:00

We'll be posting a round-up of photos and videos from EXPO 89 all this week, thanks again for coming out, and making this one of our favorite events of the year!

KING DUDE & the best candles ever to grace Cairo:

ENSEMBLE ECONOMIQUE:

Stephanie, Flexions, Erik Blood, and O.C. Notes at NEUMO'S, Tuesday the 10th

2012-01-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

Super pals show coming up this Tuesday at Neumo's! Check out newly minted Cairo Records label mates Stephanie and Flexions, with the always amazing O.C. Notes & Erik Blood. Erik just finished recording Stephanie's first full length album One Glove, which will find it's release in late spring on Cairo Records. See you on Tuesday, and until then, check out Flexions teaser here:

An Afternoon with BFF.

2012-01-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

Cairo Superfriend Ben Friars Funkhouser is home on Winter Break!

Ben is a Seattle native, currently studying at Reed College in Oregon. He has long been involved in the Seattle music scene (just ask Ari Spool) and is now making waves with his band Hausu down in Portland.

Ben and I hung out at Cairo/Top Pot for about 5 hours, dug into just about every subject possible (Seattle urban hiking, African hip-hop, men dressing femme, color combinations with "mustard" yellow, all things Japanese, etc), played some serious dress up, and talked to a lot of strangers.

Please note: Ben is down to get his ear pierced...anyone up for it?

Thanks for the words Ben, you'll always be the coolest kid in town.

Here are some photos from our afternoon:

"Politics"

"More, you ask?"

Aaaand our interview:

What are you studying in school?

Art history, I declare at the end of this year.

Tell me about your veganism.

It's over! Its still the right thing to do, but I’m currently not vegan.

What's been mostinspiring for you as a musician?

I've been really into trap music—likeGucci Mane and Wacka Flocka and Lex Luger. I’ve read a ton of Japanese booksand prose, which is reflected in a lot of Hausu’s lyrics. Also, like, early 2000’slame alt-rock bands like Interpol and Oasis, and Felt and The Chameleons. Yeah,a lot of reading. And spending time alone in college. My friends are all workingand have boyfriends and girlfriends, so I do a lot of stuff alone.

How many in the band are actually fromPortland? What is Hausu bringing to Portland?

Zero. We come from Seattle, Austin,Albequerque, and Scottsdale. I think we are in a pretty respected position withmusicians and avid showgoers in Portland, because we are a Reed [College] band, not aPortland band. I think Portlanders have an expectation of Reed kids—you know,we are all privileged and on drugs all the time. We but came out with a goodattitude and are proficient with our instruments; or at least, more so than alot of people in the underground scene. So, yeah.

Tell me about the band name "Hausu".

Yeah, well, we are allbig Japan nerds. We thought the name was cool and then we watched them movie—it’sreally cold and heavy, but really beautiful. It’s a weird movie—but still hasreally great points of incredible beauty, in a sappy way. Plus violence. It wastotally to our taste. We felt very boyish watching it. We are really boys--we boy out together.

What are the themes of the music?

Heat and cold. That sounds pretentious.Optimism and reflection. Also, figuring out why it is that we feel lonely andsad.

What is better or worse about thePortland music scene?

It exists! That’s really nice. It’smostly in bars and clubs, which is really weird. Bands like us in Seattle wouldonly play DIY spaces, but Hausu plays big clubs. You don’t have to beestablished in the hierarchy of bands to get big venues, because it’s so muchsmaller. Seattle has phenomenal bands and still have the right ideas on how toplay, whereas Portland is supportive and nice, and you don’t need to know “theright people”. But there are NO all ages venues.

I’ve been to one of Hausu's shows at Reed,and you had some serious groupies.

Yeah, they are our friends mostly, and they are just proud of us. But also,Reed is a hard place to go to school. People that aren’t our friends comebecause its something to do, and they need some sort of catharsis from school.

What is the best part about Christmas break so far?

I have walked a ton, just alone, thinkingand looking and seeing people. People can really relate to that Smiths song (Thereis a Light That Never Goes Out)—want to see people and lights and stuff, justlike those Morrissey lyrics, you know? Walking alone is something I can actively dowithout being idle, but its also really refreshing.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading a book of Naoya Shiga short stories, Michel Foucault, andHarukiMurakami’s The Wind-UpBird Chronicles. That’s it for now.

What fictional character most describesyou to others?

Hm. I’m not inside my own head as that,but maybe a slightly matured Holden Caulfield?

There was an article written about you a long time ago that described you as a Superfan. Are you still?

(Groan) No. Not at all. I like a lot of bands. Intensely even. I loved The Pharmacy, mostly because they were my friends. But I’m not a superfan.

Also? Ben blogs A LOT. Stay posted for future shows!

Happy 2012. The End.

Cairo Quickies: Family Edition

2011-12-27T17:55:00.000-08:00

Meet Joe, Katie, and baby Lorraine.

This gorgeous family stopped in Cairo after a family afternoon at The Frye. What a treat!

This family was sporting some serious gear: duck hunting hats, hand-knit bonnets, and is that BabyPendleton I see?

Thanks for coming in!

GIFTS

2011-12-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

Cairo will be open 12-7 like normal, then 12-5 pm on
December 24th. Come by and check out all the new
stuff!

Just a few ideas .....

Iacoli & McAllister JEWELRY an instant favorite

new addition, come see the whole line!

NEW MUSIC from flexions, secret colors, m. women,

U.S.F., brilliant colors, naomi punk, and of

course the new cairo comp, featuring 14 new

tracks.

MYSTERY BAGS grab a limited edition

mystery bag containing an exclusive cairo

designed t-shirt. GREAT STOCKING

STUFFER.

VINTAGE KITTEN SHOES (!!!!)

Vintage BOOTS. we just got a whole new collection

of vintage shoes and boots

Muchodesign! NEW JEWELRY LINE

New jewelry by SHANNON PERRY, and a

re-stock of perennial Cairo fave WORN PATH

out of Portland.

winter is for LEATHER BACKPACKS

Wiretap: On the Phone with Adam Forkner.

2011-12-20T21:56:00.000-08:00

First ever phone interview!
Adam Forkner, currently of White Rainbow and Purple & Green, and I chatted on the phone last week about all the important things in life: Paul Allen, and Pauly Shore, and basketball. What else could there possibly be to talk about?
Adam and I spoke before he made his way from Portland to Seattle earlier this month to perform for Cairo's EXPO fest, which was fucking AWESOME. (Props to Marius for "bringing the party" with his strobe light app.)
Thanks to Adam for coming up here, for the last-minute phone interview, and especially for the enormous, rubbery, scented...member... that you brought along from Portland.

ANYWAY.
This is what the show looked like:

"this song is like a caterpillar"

And this what we said:

What issomething that makes you never want to live in seattle?

Ohgod. Where do I start. I don’t know. Starbucks! I’ll just say starbucks. Also,the EMP. Paul Allen--he seems to have really ruined downtown. Alice in Chains.They’re from Tacoma, though, I know. Man, Baby Gap. People in turtlenecks.There are no turtle necks in Portland! Unless they’re from Seattle.

This is yoursecond Cairo festival this year. Do have any expectations are you lookingforward to something in particular?
Yeahyou know, I pop in, I pop out. That’s my thing. I’mlooking forward to playing in the small room. Its such a special little room.It’s always so nice there, so cozy. You can get crunk and sweaty. Im not goingto wear my stupid Columbia red jacket again. Last time I wore it and Ian waswearing the same one. Not again.

What was itlike running into Pauly Shoreduring an interview? (Was that staged?)

Noman, that was not staged! A film crew followed us around LA on the AtlasSound/White Rainbow tour in 2008, and it was our day off. We were in Chinatown, shopping and going to galleries. The film crew wanted to do an interview,and we were just sitting ducks answering music questions. Anyway, the guyfilming saw Pauly Shore and was totally starstruck, and got him to come over. Ilooked it up later on, and there are videos of him heckling people on that sameday. He had that same dumb do-rag on. I guess hes doing internet comedynow.

You have done a lot of collaborative projects. What do youlike about collaborations versus solo projects?

Withcollaborations you get to leave your ego aside. You get to just dedicateyourself to a musical idea without having to have ownership, like, everyone inthe collaboration gets to ease off their ego a bit. Solo is all about yourselfand your music. When I do solo stuff its almost like a musical diary for me.I’ve been a musician my whole life.

What instrumentsdo you play?

I played the trumpet from fifthgrade to college, but then quickly to drum machines and thesynthesizer.

Do you have astyle icon?

Astyle icon? Oh geez, yeah probably. FUCK! YEAH! George Clinton? FUCK! I don’tknow, I don’t have any money, haha. I like hyphy and hip hop fashion, and putit into my very-poor-person/noise-guy clothes. But I’m getting old now, so Ijust like t-shirts. I love Uniqlo, haha. Man, I went to Uniqlo in Japan and Iwore all men’s size large. Makes me feel good.

Tell me about the name “White Rainbow".

Oh,that was many years ago, like 2003. I liked that it made no sense. It negatesitself. White is all the colors, and so is a rainbow. Atthe time it represented the feeling of everything—the whole spectrum of light.But now I don’t fucking know. Sometimes I go by Dr. Pizza. White Rainbow just seemshella serious. And I'm not a very serious person, even though I take musicseriously.

Someone thatyou would really like to collaborate with?

Dam Funk comes to mind, I would love to learn what he knows about synthesized funk.Dane Funk is an ambassador to the R&B funk path of synth. Much respect tothat guy.

What three people would you invite to dinner?
Haha.Dinner? Like, eating and talking? Oh shit. Fuck. Dinner party! Those are fun!George Clinton. Because he would just be funny. Oh, and Larry David and JBSmooth. I feel like that would be a wonderful dinner. Lots of laughs.

Looking for a little Christmas gift for yourself? Saunter on over to our blog to listen to Adam's special mixtape JUST FOR CAIRO! AHH!

STILL not enough?? Click here!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Liv

Get your copy of COASTAL SIGHTINGS now

2011-12-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

NOW AVAILABLE

Digital Download HERE

Through our United States Post office HERE

In person at these places: CAIRO (duh), WALL OF SOUND records, SONIC BOOM records in Ballard, and EVERYDAY records on Capitol Hill

Silkscreen Workshop Tuesday, December 13, 7 p.m.

2011-12-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

We've added an extra silkscreen workshop this month for all your holiday gift-making needs. $45 gets you this great workshop, teaching you the basics of silkscreening shirts and posters + 1 month's worth of 7 day a week access to our studio to create your very own goodies. Stop by or email alchemy.of.time (at) gmail.com to reserve a spot!

Northern Exposure: Tiny Vipers

2011-12-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

Jesy Fortino, aka Tiny Vipers, IS PLAYING AT CAIRO THIS WEEKEND FOR EXPO 89!!

In celebration of such fortunes, I asked Jesy to come in for a small interview and photo shoot with me before her performance.

As luck would have it, we had a class together at Seattle Central in 2010, a discovery which led to a conversation bemoaning the quality of coffee at SCCC's The Buzz and discuss the explosion of pseudo-corporate eateries surrounding the school. "Panera? That place smells like toddlers."

Jesy is currently in school for hydrology, with the hopes of some day working at the Cedar River Watershed. Academia has put her music career on a temporary hiatus, however, which is why it's even greater than she is playing EXPO 89 on SUNDAY NIGHT!

Here are some photos we took...

...and here are the rest!

The interview:

You’re not originally from Seattle, how does the PNW manifest itself in your music?

I’ve been in the Northwest since I was about ten, and I go on a lot of hikes… but I’m not really sure how to answer that because I can’t remove myself from it, you know? I get asked that a lot and I never know what to say.

Where is your favorite place to hike?

Taylor Mountain, Tiger Mountain, and the Cedar River Watershed. I’m going to school for hydrology, so hopefully I can work there someday.

What is inspiring you the most right now?

I guess all the books I have been reading are really inspiring. I’m reading “We Have Never Been Modern” by Bruno Latour right now. It has been inspiring me to think about things in a new way.

Do you have a style icon?

Let me think. I never thought about that. I like really functional clothing… I wear hiking boots every day… but I’m not sure where I got that from. Probably the Pacific Northwest actually—you have to dress for the weather. I grew up in the mountains so you always had to do that, I guess I still do. I guess you could say the NW affected my style more than my music.

What is your fantasy band line-up [to play with]?

I would feel like a dingus playing with really good musicians! I guess Townes Van Zandt just because I would want to hang out with him afterwards. The Durutti Column, except I would feel like such an asshole for playing a show with them. But that would be so cool!

Do you have a favorite Sub Pop label mate?

I’m so out of touch right now, but really I like the Fleet Foxes. Robin Pecknold is a good friend, or was, before he moved.

Your style of music is very intimate, what kind of venue do you prefer to play?

Big venues are the most uncomfortable—anything with a huge stage and crazy sound system and, you know, lighting and fog, is just bad. The best are galleries and small places especially when its just me or one other person. My first-ever tour was with Minus the Bear and The Helio Sequence—every night we played huge venues full of assholes that just hated me. It was very disheartening.

Have you had any shitty jobs?

Um, I worked at McDonalds? And I worked at Skipper’s for years and years. I've pretty much had every shitty job there is.

What is something you are never without?

Like, when I go walking and stuff? I guess there is nothing in particular. I leave my phone at home and it causes problems sometimes. When we go hiking we always bring fire flints.

Tell me about your tattoo (at the base of your throat).

I got it when I was a teenager. The guy I was dating at the time was a tattoo guy. It’s a microscope. I kind of regret it. All my tattoos are bad… they are from high school. Look at this terrible one [shows me her upper arm]… it says “facism” instead of “fascism”. I tried to cover it up with stick and poke. I just walked around my house all day poking my arm with an inked needle, and it barely did anything.

Hurrah!

Listen to some Tiny Vipers tunes here.

Still haven't had your fill? Never fear! Jesy and Liz Harris (Grouper) are releasing a record on Kranky that will be out in 2012, under the moniker "Mirroring".

See you all this weekend at EXPO 89!!!

DAY 1 Expo 89, the art of Robert Wolfe, & Co. Jewelry, and films by local artists

2011-12-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

THURSDAY, December 8th

6 pm - 9pm opening reception for DIRT, new artwork by Robert Wolfe. Also during this time will be a trunk show for &. Co jewelry.

9 pm- 10pm AFTER DARK, a series of short films by: Emily Denton, Matt Lawson, Robert M. Wolfe, Christopher Ando, Robin Stein, Sean Pecknold, Jamey Braden, Shannon Perry, Carlos Lopez, Christian Palmer, and Frank Correa.

ROBERT WOLFE

BIO for Robert Wolfe written by Ruby Jay "When we are patient and take the time to listen, life opens up around us like a season in bloom. Some men are able to leave home and create a new world somewhere far away, while others never forget where they come from. “Dirt” is one of those little things you pass over or see at a glance, but the meaning is quite monumental. With a hesitance to make bold statements, it is the feeling I get when I think of what I saw in “Dirt” that sticks in the deep part of my mind to this day. Many objects will come and go out of one’s life. That is certain. Some are more important than others, sure, but the cycles of their tiny impact is undeniable. A marbled rock similar in weight to an apple is worth almost nothing, but it’s something and it’s significant. Many have passed away without ever knowing this and to me that is a great shame. “Dirt”, teach us to care. Remind us to remember, and please, “Dirt”, forgive us for our footprint."

- Ruby Jay "2011"

& Co. Jewelry

Very Special trunk show with one of our favorite and longest running designer, Meghann S0mmer and & Co. Jewelry. Come grab some gifts!

After Dark, a series of short films by local artists

Deborah's Interview by Shannon Perry, Jamey Braden & Carlos Lopez.

NIGHTVISIONS, by Christian Palmer, starring Margot Smith & Nate Quiroga

HAUNTED HORSES video for "Wands", directed by Emily Denton

NIGHT COWS, by Robin Stein

FIELD FLAIL, Margaret Jones

THE BANQUET, by Robert Wolfe

CATASTROPHE, by Frank Correa & Jesuit the Cat

NIGHTLIGHT, by Christopher Ando

COASTAL SIGHTINGS the second Cairo compilation, available at EXPO 89 december 8-11th

2011-12-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

2010's The Cold Jungle landed on more than a couple year end favorite lists, including top billing by Seattle Time's Andrew Matson....more on that HERE.

2011's compilation will be released December 8th in conjunction with EXPO 89. Coastal Sightings is again a reflection of this year's excellent EXPO line-up, and boasts new tracks by Stickers, King Dude, White Rainbow, Flexions, a special collaboration between U.S.F., Witch Gardens, and buds, AND many many more. See below for complete track listing. Head to the Temple of Cairo site to hear the tracks from U & King Dude

Coastal Sightings will be available as CD/CASS & digital download. As in years past, we will be offering special prices on the compilation during the festival, so don't forget to pick up your copy as you walk in (or out)!

See you on the Thursday!

Pinkies Up: High Tea with OC Notes.

2011-11-22T17:52:00.000-08:00

Otis Calvin III, or OC Notes, is becoming a Cairo regular. Well, why wouldn't he? He's fucking cool. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing OC3 here at Cairo, and we discussed everything from the magic of cable-knit sweaters to Funkedelic's One Nation Under a Groove.

As 1/2 of local hiphop group Metal Chocolates with rapper Rik Rude, Otis produces psychedelic beats for "the whole world. Everybody, really." Yeah? NPR and The Seattle Times think so, and so do we! So much in fact, that OC Notes will be performing at Cairo's winter music fest, EXPO89! Woot.

So check out those photos, and read that interview. Or look at more photos.

Jewelry from Iacoli & McCallister. NEWLY Available at Cairo.

"I feel very lucky that I started out playing instruments and singing in choir. I understand the spirit of truth that you express through music, instead of making a beat.That's just playing with noise."

"This sweater makes me feel like it's christmas dinner, man. And I got allll the money in the family."

"Never"

"Stop"

Our Interview:

Are you from Seattle?

Arizona. My father is in the military and I lived all over the place for a long time. I spent the most time in Washington State, though.

What is most inspiring about Washington to you?

Nature. The mountains.

Where is the most exciting place you've travelled to?

Germany, I think. Europe is hella cool. The food is really good, the people are nice. It's unreal.

What are you doing when you're not making music?

Sleeping! No, I have a daughter, so I'm with her a lot. She's advanced. She's really bossy. She's a double Leo. I also like to try new things to do, like random shit. This lifestyle is so stressful, you know? You're not allowed to just be satisfied in anything you do.

What's your favorite kid's cereal?

Cinnamon Toast Crunch, man. That's the best cereal ever.

Favorite show growing up?

I was a huge fan of Seinfeld. That shit is great! I love that show. My life is like Seinfeld.

Do you have a style icon or influence?

I'm inspired by not giving a fuck about my style. I can't think about it. Takes too much time in the day. Those are my favorite styles, people who don't think about it ever. Hard work, that's the best style of all time.

Who would you love to play a show with?

Madlib, without a doubt.

What is the best part about collaborating with Fresh Espresso's Rik Rude?

We work really well together. He's really passionate about what he does, and about what he doesn't. His quality of work is better than most people who try twice as hard, too.

What is one thing you will never be able to give up?

I am never going to stop making music. I'm never going to stop trying to make something with my music, that's for sure. I'm glad the press likes my music as much as they do...I just need to get the rest of the world to like it.

Do you ever get starstruck?

Man, I am always starstruck. I get starstruck by Ish [Shabazz Palaces] and even Rik Rude! They are so hardworking and impressive. I'm all shy and shit, so I don't know how to approach a conversation.

Who are your favorite musicians and collaborators in Seattle?

Musicians? Stas and Cat [of THEESatisfaction], all the Wheedle's Groove cats, Darrius Willrich, Jahon Mikal. And of course, Ishmael and Tendai [of Shabazz Palaces] are mindblowing.

What was the best show you saw recently?

I would say Don't Talk to the Cops at Reverb Fest. That's the first one that comes to mind. I love their energy on stage.

What was the best show you played recently?

Metal Chocolates' show at the Triple Door was filthy? The Annika show was filthy too--I wrote 5 new songs for it.

What do you think is different or original about the Seattle hiphop scene?

I think that people are getting really inspired by the weird shit. I don't think people were expecting it to get so popular. I think people thought there was a certain recipe for hiphop, but now they are realizing you need to be an artist, not a businessman.

Where was your first-ever date?

Damn. I think I took this chick to the movies when I was in junior high school. My mom drove us. It was a really awkward situation. I just remember thinking, "damn, this is so lame."

What are your favorite spots to hangout in Seattle?

I like to go to Niho Sushi. I go to The Lo-fi sometimes too. They care a lot about the music.

Who is your target audience?

The whole world. Everybody, really. I really want to make music that everybody can listen to. I wanted to have something for everybody at some point. Well, people with open minds: I dont want to make music for people who make all the problems.

Do you have any music that you are the most proud of?

I made a record called This is Your Brain on Drugs. It's filthy, but no one's ever heard it. It's some of the most universal music I've made, though.

Convinced? Help a friend out!

Metal Chocolates also tweet, whatever that means!

and HEY. HAVE A GOOD THANKSGIVING. IT'S THE HOLIDAYS!!

EXPO 89 line-up! New mix up by Adam Forkner of White Rainbow

2011-11-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

EXPO 89 line-up Thursday December 8th- Sunday December 11th

Announcing the line-up for Cairo's 4th annual EXPO fest! See you at the FREE Thursday night kick-off party with new artwork by Robert Wolfe, jewels by Meghann Sommer of & Co. Jewelry, and a series of film shorts loosely revolving around the topic of "After Dark" by some of our favorite northwest artists!

Start getting hyped for EXPO now with a new exclusive Cairo mix by Adam Forkner of White Rainbow. Listen/download/explode your mind HERE.

Thursday December 8th, 6 pm, FREE Robert M. Wolfe presents "Dirt", & Co. Jewelry trunk show, and screening of "After Dark"

Friday December 9th, 6 pm, $8 music by

Saturday December 10th, 5 pm, $8 music by

Sunday December 11th, early afternoon FREE Mixtape Reading Series & "UMMM...WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" a salon hosted by Jamey Braden.

6 pm, $8 music by

GOODBYE BALL, HELLO WITCH GARDENS

2011-11-17T13:22:00.000-08:00

On the cusp of their upcoming Rain Delay b/w Goodbye Ball 7” on High Fives & Handshakes records, and subsequent record release party at Cairo this Saturday, we sat down with our four favorite Witches for a nice Q&A. Photos by Lena Joy Whittle.

IAN JUDD: Let’s start with your band name. Sources say that it came from a dream, did it not? What all happened in that dream?

SARA BEABOUT: It did. It’s kind of hard to explain, because it was a dream after all, and they’re hard to explain in full detail. But it was a very bleak, dark, misty area that made me think of a witches’ garden, and there it was! That’s how it happened – it’s not that exciting. I could lie and say there were a lot of cool things about it…

CASEY CATHERWOOD: I remember that I almost didn’t like it! I love (the name) now, and I can’t imagine it being called anything else. But at the time I was like, “that’s so stupid” (laughs) But I think that’s the thing about band names, it’s like, you think about them so much but then if you own one, it sort of just becomes a representation of what you’re doing. So if you really like what you’re doing, then the band name isn’t really that important, it’s just a name.

I: Were there any alternate names that you considered?

KAROLYN KUKOSKI: I only remember “The Age of Rings”…lots of rings.

C: Sara B and I were into tarot stuff for a while, and we were flipping through some and thinking, “what if we were to combine these two, like, the page of wands and the page of rings?” And then we were just like, “this is so stupid, let’s just call it Witch Gardens, or wait until it becomes more mystic. (all laugh)

I: Let’s share a little bit of your musical background, I know that most of you have grown up playing an instrument, like I know that Beth, you played classical piano growing up; Karolyn, you played the autoharp for years before you joined Witch Gardens; and Casey, you played a few other instruments before the guitar. Sara, I know you played bass in a band once?

S: Very briefly I played the bass. I wouldn’t say that I playedˆ the bass really. I tried. I grew up singing in theater but I never played an instrument before the picked up the drums. I’ve been playing the drums since I was 23! Being a drama nerd helped me with my confidence, like in trying new things, and wanting to get out there and perform. Confidence is the key, the rest will come to you.

BETH CORRY: I grew up playing classical piano, and I played for 10 years. I miss it, but I do feel that it provides an interesting and helpful angle in our band, because it’s fun to come with that background and understanding in music and try to make something new with people who don’t. You end up creating something cool.
K: And we need you to translate most of the music. (laughs) She’s the Beethoven of the band.

C: In learning new songs, it’s her ability to hear something, figure it out, and relay it Karol…her inherent ability to hear music and process it into notes and chords is a major boost to the communication of our band. For awhile it was like, playing a note on guitar and looking it up on Wikipedia, like searching “guitar” (laughs) to find what note it was, and it seriously took forever.

K: I signed up for autoharp lessons with Katherine Britell, who’s a cool autoharp lady, but I crashed my car and couldn’t go to all of them. There was another woman in the class named Karolyn who was 40 years old and wrote a song called “Bassett Hound Blues”…and I felt like I was looking into my future. (all laughs)

I: How did this record come to be? Out of all the songs that you have written, why did you choose “Rain Delay” to become its own single? Was it out of practicality or preference?

S: Peter Lowe approached us and wanted to put something out for us, so we got the ball rolling with him. We had a lot of songs at the time, but the majority of them were already on our Alice, Agatha, Branch, and Christ cassette. So to be honest, there weren’t a lot of songs left to put on this record. But we thought that Rain Delay and Goodbye Ball went together nicely!

C: It’s interesting that it’s coming out now, almost a year after it was written! The song is very much inspired by Pacific Northwest life. You can do all of these great things, but the weather is not accommodating, you’re harshed out, so you have to make the best of it. I love playing that song. I’m stoked that it’s getting its own seven-inch.

I: Would you want to elaborate on “Goodbye Ball”?

B: “Goodbye Ball” is a song that was inspired by Koko (the Gorilla)’s kitten. We wrote this song without lyrics, and when we sat down together to write some lyrics for it, the clipboard that I was using to write on top of was Casey’s copy of “Koko’s Kitten”. A lot of the lyrics are actually quotes from Koko.

C: But the actual chorus of “Goodbye Ball" is not in the book at all. It is referencing Koko’s cat, “Ball”, who dies. But the idea of a ball was inspired by this day that I was walking with Matt Lawson, up Union Street and we were just literally watching these kids lose a ball. And they were these tiny kids, so they were just chasing this ball all the way down Union, they were maybe like a few steps behind it the whole way. We watched them, they passed us, the ball keeps rolling, we don’t stop it, the ball keeps going. It was just like, “see you later, goodbye ball.”

I: Word is that Witch Gardens are contributing a track for Cairo’s Expo 89 compilation (Coastal Sightings) and it’s a collaboration with USF and Haunted Horses. Your group seems to be very open to collaboration – you cut a track with rapper Manch Malevolent a couple of months ago – is there anybody in the contemporary moment that you would like to collaborate with in the future?

B: My mind goes straight to top 40.

S: Lil B, the BasedGod.

C: I’ve wanted to write a song with my friend ISSUE, and I’ve been talking with him a little bit about it. He’s a young guy, totally weird, we both think a lot about creativity; just on the same wavelength. We’re friends on twitter. We’d like to collaborate with artists that sound completely different from us. I don’t think collaborating with another rock band would be very interesting, unless it was a collaboration of voices or something. We can make rock music, but we’re not very good at making rap or dance music.

I: I know that the four of you are all big rap and hip-hop fans, and you’ve played with a few rap & hip-hop groups: who are some of your favorite emcees/rappers?

S: Luda. Ludacris is my all time favorite.

K: Dead Prez, Brother Ali, Eminem. I love Eminem.

B: Pharell, but I mostly care about Snoop Dogg. I’ll be honest. Metal Chocolates are a favorite.

C: So much great local rap these days. Brothers From Another are amazing, Kung Foo Grip, Don’t Talk to the Cops, Metal Chocolates. OC Notes is super influential. Shabazz Palaces, THEESatisfaction...Proud to be from Seattle, all love to all rappers from Seattle, except the negative ones.

I: There’s a lot of imagery in your lyrics, but there’s an equal amount of humor and sadness to be found as well. Would you agree?

B: I would say that in terms of humor the four of us like each other a lot, get along really well, and have a really good time together. Humor just plays into that because we’re all funny people, and we take that into account when we’re writing lyrics, because we don’t take things that seriously. I mean, we take things seriously, we want the music and lyrics to be good, but we also want to have fun, and that’s just a part of our band and our personalities. In terms of sadness, I would just say that we’re sad dudes.

C: I would say that there is an element of true sadness in every one of our band members. I’m not trying to milk it but every one of us uses humor in a way to paint a positive picture to what are actually very dark issues. A lot of our songs are about things that I find to be truly sad, or a lot of the songwriting will come from a sad place, but if you can laugh about it all with your friends, that’s what our band is about, I think.

I: There’s also a heavy visual element to Witch Gardens. You make your own banners and posters, there’s a lot of iconography and references in those show posters - basically, you seem to have a good handle on the visual aesthetic of your project. Why do you feel that it’s necessary to have complete control not just over the musical aspects of your band, but the visual parts as well?

B: It’s exciting to be in this project with Casey, who has seemingly unlimited creative drive, and works with a variety of visual elements. It definitely adds a lot to the band.

C: Think about your favorite bands, they usually have cool album covers, who doesn’t like an album more when it looks good? When you get a book and there’s two different copies of the same book, like Art of War or whatever, and there’s the Barnes & Noble copy that looks like crap, or a different copy that some great graphic designer created. If they’re the same price, of course you’re going to choose the one that looks better. There’s something about it that’s just visually appealing. The band is like an art project. We have spent a lot of time on video work too…

I: You’ve made all of your own videos, except for the “Goodbye Ball” video, right?

B: Yeah, there’s also a video that Pierce made for “Small Daring Boy”.

SMALL DARING BOY - WITCH GARDENS from Pierce Adler on Vimeo.

I: Witch Gardens marks the first time that three of you have been in a band. When you were starting out, what were the biggest obstacles to being in your first band? Also, what came easiest?

K: It was really scary playing live for the first time. You don’t even know how nervous you are, you can’t feel it. I remember when we played “I Wanna Get Sick” the first couple of times, and there’s a part where I play the keyboard, and afterward you said to me, “your hands were trembling, were you nervous?” And I remember saying, “I had no idea, I can’t remember anything that just happened!” (laughs)

S: Travis Coster gave me some advice after our first show. He told me, “don’t forget this feeling, because at a certain point, you will lose that feeling of super nervousness,” and he was saying that he wished that he still felt that way sometimes.

B: Travis blows my mind…I would never want to feel that way again! (laughs)

I: My final question: what’s in store for the future of Witch Gardens? What do y’all see in your crystal ball?

S: We see a full length that we’re recording for Couple Skate in the future. That’s our next project that we want to focus on.

C: Happiness, taking things out on to the road, more music videos, more art.

B: I just want to keep playing and meeting more great people. Those are probably the best things about being in a band.

K: Beth and me have a two-piece called “Two Girls on a Porch”, we only play Linkin Park covers. We’re excited.

WG: See you in two weeks.

WITCH GARDENS PLAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH AT CAIRO WITH STEPHANIE AND JOHN OVEN / THE MILLENIALS. Show starts at 8PM. Cover is $5, $7 gets you in with a record!

CAIRO QUICKIES: BBBRRRR....

2011-11-12T16:29:00.001-08:00

.... It's cold outside!

Come check out our Fat Stack of Vintage Blankets. This mexican blanket is big enough for two.

Snuggling makes you warmer. Thanks to Casey and Rachel.

Next Silkscreen Workshop is Tuesday, December 6 at 7 pm.

2011-11-11T13:33:00.001-08:00

$45 gets you this great workshop, teaching you the basics of silkscreening shirts and posters + 1 month's worth of 7 day a week access to our studio to create your very own goodies. Stop by or email alchemy.of.time (at) gmail.com to reserve a spot!

Cairo Quickie: Leather Mamas.

2011-11-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

It appears that maroon is IN right now. (Burgundy?)

Kari Odegaard (1/2 of Voodoo Reverb ) and Isabel Trujillo ( 1 whole megababe) both sported their dark red leathers at Cairo last week. Who is so excited to see more new fall fashion? ME!

All about Isabel's jacket? WELL it will be posted for sale on Etsy soon!

Later!

MATT LAWSON, of Secret Colors

2011-11-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

We recently talked with Matt Lawson from Secret Colors in advance of his show here at Cairo on Friday November 4th celebrating the new release, Water Mirror, being put out on Brooklyn NY label Group Tightener. Show starts at 8 pm, and will also feature sets from Weed (Vancouver, B.C.) & Pleasure Beauties (Olympia, WA). Check out the interview below & as well as some recent videos Matt created.

Heavy Sleeper from Secret Colors on Vimeo.

1995, or 2012? That is hard! I feel like I could think about this for a long time . . . As much as I wanna say 1995 I know it's foolish to wanna live in the past so I'll say 2012. I'm excited for the future.

How did this album come about? What is your relationship with Group Tightener? Group Tightener is run by two guys from Seattle that live in Brooklyn now. They found my music via the internet/myspace about a year and a half ago and asked if they could put out some of my stuff. At that time I wasn't too focused on Secret Colors, I was a lot more invested in this new band, Stephanie. But they really wanted to do it and of course the prospect of having a vinyl record with my music on it was really exciting. So we came up with a way to do it. Basically, I hadn't recorded any new material in a long time, so they asked if I could send them all my old recordings and together we could decide on a batch of songs that could make for a good album. As a result, half the songs are from an old tape that had a ridiculously small pressing, and the other half are from a cd-r that I made and never officially released. Those guys are awesome and their support really made me take my solo music-making a lot more seriously and the process of putting out this record has been so amazing. Thanks Jamie and Sam!

Where did you grow up? Did you go to shows there? Do you remember the first show you ever attended (sans parents)? I was born and raised in Spokane, WA. There was some stuff going on there but I never knew about it. I never really went to shows at all until I moved to Seattle. I think that's given me a real appreciation for a lot of the stuff I'm able to experience and be a part of here, because it hasn't always been like that for me. There's so much going on all the time, it's so cool. I feel really blessed to be where I am in all of it. The first show sans parents might have been The Wailers (with some guy filling in for Bob Marley) in Spokane. Haha, that was pretty cool.

You work in a ton of mediums, was art apart of your childhood or upbringing? I loved to draw and write at a young age. I loved writing stories. I really enjoyed that and was told that I was pretty good at it. That's something I wish I did more of these days. I used to draw a lot and make comic books and stuff. At some point basketball kind of took over, and then skateboarding, and finally music. But I really love to try and create things in lots of different ways. Music definitely comes the most naturally to me, but with other stuff I just get inspired by friends and stuff I see and sometimes it's fun to try and make a poster or a video or whatever.

Secret Colors - Rewinder from Secret Colors on Vimeo.

Are there particular filmmakers or video artists you admire? I really like David Lynch, Werner Herzog, Terrence Mallick, I saw a couple films by Andrei Tarkovsky that were inspiring. Same with Ingmar Bergman. Recently I got into Lars Von Trier's stuff. I really love Enter the Void by Gaspar Noe. Old skateboarding videos for sure. I think what I like about video art is the way you can sort of simulate a hallucinatory experience. I also really love the way situations or stories can be presented through film, as opposed to in a book, as much as I love reading and appreciate what that medium has to offer. There are just certain things that can be done with film that I feel really drawn to.

Was there a particular band, or song, that made you understand a reality "outside of Top 40", or commercial radio? It's hard to think back and figure out when that switch was flipped. I grew up a huge hip hop fan. From about 10 to 15 almost all I listened to was like hardcore rap. My dad would find the cd's and break them in half! But then I got really into a classic rock phase, and then I heard The Velvet Underground and that was huge for me. So then it just went from them to Sonic Youth, and then Black Dice and stuff like that later on.

You collaborate a lot, is there someone either historically, or a contemporary artist you'd like to create music with? There are a few bands that I'm so obsessed with that I've totally dreamed about going back in time and being in the band. It's almost painful that I can't actually do it. The Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine, and The Swirlies.

Top five forever albums?

The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground & Nico
My Bloody Valentine - Loveless
Guided By Voices - Bee Thousand
Animal Collective - Sung Tongs/Feels
Yo La Tengo - And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out

Who are you particularly psyched on right now musically? My biggest musical discovery this year has been Thinking Fellers Union Local 282. I'm obsessed. They've become one of my all time favorites for sure. Eric Copeland from Black Dice is one of my favorite contemporary artists. I've been really into this band Disco Inferno. They were from England and put out a lot of awesome stuff in the '90's. I also just recently discovered Tonstartssbandht, these two guys that make this weird music that just feels so good to me. It's kind of all over the place, from psych-rock to crazy a capella doo wop. Feeling inspired by them right now, like there's no reason to hold back.

What is your day job? How do you view your day-to-day, is a job a means to an end, or does it contribute to your creative process? I work at an elementary school as an after school counselor. I hang out with kids every day. I've been doing it for almost two years now and I feel really comfortable and it fits into my life really well. I think in some ways it could be contributing to the creative process because I spend that time thinking a lot about musical ideas and band stuff. It's not so demanding or stressful that I can't let my mind wander. A lot of it is fun and really entertaining and keeps me feeling like a kid.

We've never met, but I hear you are over 8 feet tall, any good stories come out of that? Haha,I'm 6'7" actually. Sometimes I become really conscious of that fact and it freaks me out, but at the end of the day I am what I am. I've gotten used to it. I always have a pretty good view of my surroundings, which is nice.

What's your favorite thing about the Northwest, or Seattle in particular....what keeps you here? The Northwest is just home. I'm so used to it. I think the main thing that keeps me here is relationships with friends and loved ones. I'd like to travel more and see more of the U.S. at some point. I don't know if I'll be in Seattle forever, but it feels good right now.

SEE YOU ON FRIDAY, $5 gets you in the door, and $10 gets you in the door AND a copy of Water Mirror! Until then enjoy another insanely blissed out video below....

Secret Colors - New Lens from Secret Colors on Vimeo.

FALL / WINTER 11 LOOKBOOK

2011-11-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Last month we shot our newest Cairo Lookbook at the Cafe Vita Loft on Capitol Hill. Thanks to Cafe Vita and our models. Styling by Aimee Butterworth. Photos by Olivia McCausland.

Check out our newest FALL / early WINTER Lookbook on our new TUMBLR.

Next Silkscreen Workshop is Tuesday, November 8 at 7 pm

2011-11-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

TRIP FANTASTIC with some of our favorite people, November 10th, 6-9 pm

2011-10-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

Please join us Thursday, November 10th from 6-10 pm, to celebrate the release of TRIP FANTASTIC, a new comic book series by Jason Baxter (U.S.F., the Stranger) and Mac Hamilton, with stunning artwork by New York-based illustrator Derek Charm. All three creators will be on hand for this event and Thursday's party will also be the first time, anywhere, that physical editions of TRIP FANTASTIC #1 will be available for purchase. This ultra-limited first-run consists of thirty hand-numbered editions; there will also be libations, a live DJ set by Self Actualized (Reed Juenger of Beat Connection), strobing projections, and live, on-demand silkscreening of TRIP FANTASTIC t-shirts.

At a time when the average comic book is only twenty pages at four bucks a pop, TRIP FANTASTIC #1 is fairly priced at seven dollars for fifty-two full-color pages and back matter including creator bios, essays, and pin-ups by Casey Catherwood (Witch Gardens), Joey Gantner (Radical Fortress), and others.

HALLOWEEN SCARE TACTICS: TJ Cowgill.

2011-10-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

Yeah. How's that for terrifying?

TJ Cowgill, of Book of Black Earth and KING DUDE fame, came in recently, and brought the whole fucking family. That's right. Emily, Pagan, and King TJ at Cairo together. Hanging out with me. What a great day.

This dude is no joke...although all we talked about was channeling his inner Christian Slater... and the origins of the term 'gnarlitude'.
TJ is conquering the world as co-owner/creater of clothing brand ACTUAL PAIN with Emily, who live in their warehouse/castle (tattoos occasionally available!) on the hill.

TJ, you are the truly kingliest dude.

Here are some photos from the day, but check out our Tumblr to see all of them!

"Meanest Danny Zuko"

Receipt to Comics Dungeon on 45th, compliments of USF's Jason Baxter. Thanks, Brah!

The man and his Pagan.

Ahem, jewelry by &c.

The interview...

Which do you prefer, performing a metal set or an acoustic?
I like both equally, for different reasons. The thing I like about acoustic sets? I don't have to lift a thousand pounds of gear, TWICE. The thing about metal? They are loud enough that you can't talk over me.

Where did you grow up and how did those surroundings affect your music/art?
I was born in Kennewick, WA, but when my parents got divorced we moved to Georgetown. I got beat up by black girls every day. There was one other white kid but he was fucked up, so my friends were culturally diverse. We were poor and moved like every six months. I started playing shitty pop-punk music when I was 15, like The Fallouts and Mudhoney, to get chicks. I realized that music sucked, so I quit playing it and started playing heavy metal.

You are a man of many trades, what do you say you do when people ask?
I say I own a clothing company. The stupidest thing you could say is "I'm a fashion designer". I'm a graphic designer and I use the medium of clothing. I don't say I'm a musician, because that is a hobby.

I like the combed-back look, by the way. How would you describe personal your style these days?
A slightly less ugly/disgusting Roy Orbison. OR, Roy Oribson as a vampire. Man, he looks like a child's nightmare.

How do you think Actual Pain's style aesthetic works with Seattle fashion?
Well we aim to change the entire world's taste in graphic tees. Our target audience isn't Seattle. It's a great place to live, and we have a lot of support but there isn't any influence in Seattle. It's something we would be doing with or or without Seattle. It's our home, and it's so supportive. Why not stay in your city? I think if people didn't move to NY and LA, they wouldn't be so shitty. I mean, sometimes I feel like a big fish in a small pond… but thats fucking awesome!

Do you have a motto?
Yes. "Love is the law, love under will" by Aleister Crowley. I believe love is the most important thing, but your will is more important that love.

In retrospect, what has been your favorite career path so far?
Probably making clothes. What I really want to do is get King Dude songs in TV shows, like Breaking Bad and Dexter. That would be a cool way to make money. King Dude is weirdo music, you know? It has to be fun, or I wont do it.

What is the best Halloween costume you've had?
I suck at halloween, I am not very clever really.

What is one natural talent you wish you had?
Oh, man. Probably to be photogenic. I always look like I'm in pain, or like I'm sick, or like I have to take a shit.

Something you always bring with you?
Pagan. Haha.

What is your favorite horror movie?
Probably Dario Argento's Suspiria. It's perfect.

Who is your favorite wordsmith?
I like Robert Frost a lot.

Who kills the undead better? Bruce Campbell or Sarah Michelle Gellar?
That's a tough one. I met Bruce Campbell when I was 10. He signed an Army of Darkness poster. My mom somehow fell off the 6 foot stage and he helped! AND he was dressed like a cowboy. It was fucking awesome. At the time I was so pissed…she totally stole my moment. I'll have to go with Bruce Campbell. I haven't met SMG… YET. But we love Buffy. We watch the shit out of that shit.

Desert island albums?
White Light/White Heat by Velvet Underground and Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie.

What are you listening to right now?
Ela Orleans, from New York. Also Angel Olsen…she sounds like she's 50, but she's actually really young. And a lot of Umberto.

What are you listening to in Seattle?
I love White Coward and Stickers. I really like Tit Pig, too.

Are you a downloader OR record store shopper OR merch buyer?
I'm all three actually. I do all three pretty obsessively. i don't buy cds at all anymore.

Biggest personal fashion inspirations?
roy orison or johnny cash. all black all well all the time. i know its corny but i like it.

If you had to choose 5 things with you to take to a different planet, what would they be?
A bag of cheeseburgers from Dick's, a lot morphine, some kind of gun, some beers, and cigarettes. That's what I would want.

What is your spookiest halloween memory?
There's this haunted house in Georgetown where I grew up and as a kid my Mom would tell us stories about how there was a choking ghost that lived there. Well, one year on Halloween, we went and trick or treated there. A guy that basically looked like an adult version of myself answered the door in a tuxedo and had white sort of gaunt face paint on. He didn't say a word, just opened the door and and gave us candy, and then shut the door. That was pretty spooky.

What other place would you want to live and why?
I want to live in Germany. I don't know why, but think I'm going end up moving.

What was the #1 King Dude international tour highlight?
I really loved playing Prague, and Italy was beautiful. Overall the hospitality was amazing. We are definitely going back.

What is the best part about your job?
That I don't have a boss, but that is also the worst part, because when something is fucked up, its usually my fault. There's no one i can blame it on…except Emily, but she never makes mistakes.

What would you do if you had a hamburger for a hand?
I would definitely eat it. No questions asked. I would eat it right away, too so it wouldn't go bad.

KING DUDE IS PLAYING HTFC TONIGHT, SATURDAY 10/29!
He will be covering The Kinks and Nico. It would be in your best interest to be there.

DO YOU LIVE IN CALIFORNIA AND ARE PINING TO SEE KING DUDE?!
Check out these west coast dates:
November 30th at Elbo Room in SF
December 2nd at Vacation Vinyl in LA
December 4th at Tin Can in SD

I wish all of you the happiest of Halloweens. See you at Healthy Times!

ILYAS AHMED, SEVEN COLORS and A.T. & LOVE, friday october 28th, 7 pm

2011-10-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

ILYAS AHMED (haunting ambience, Grouper collaborator)

SEVEN COLORS (moroccan trance with Morgan Henderson and Gust Burns)

A.T. & LOVE (far out psych/disco edits with Tyler Wilcox)

Read the STRANGER preview HERE

"Material Should Engage with the Realm of Light and Shadow"

2011-10-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night, we caught up with our pals Taraka and Nimai Larson, aka Brooklyn-based duo Prince Rama, after their show at Neumo's. They had just finished performing a set of transcendental jams from their new album Trust Now, recorded earlier this year in Seattle by Scott Colburn. The sisters were so glammed out in metallic face paint and layers of golden necklaces that we had to snap some quick photos for the Cairo blog.

Where did you get your necklaces?

Nimai: Our grandmother!

Taraka: They're ANCESTRAL!

As it turns out, the metallic costumes are not just beautiful on stage, they're part of Prince Rama's metaphysical master plan as outlined on now-age.org, Taraka Larson's digital manifesto on art, performance and spirituality:

"Now Age aesthetics embrace materials and sounds that exist in a mutually engaged and reciprocal relationship with their environment. An example would be reflective materials that catch the light from their environment and reflect it back into their environment, thus creating a feedback loop and energetic exchange between material (tangible) and space (intangible) as well as a portal between the mundane (real) and the luminous (potential).

MATERIAL SHOULD ENGAGE WITH THE REALM OF LIGHT AND SHADOW."

(Wise words!)

Trust Now is currently available from Paw Tracks Records. Prince Rama also contributed an exclusive track to the Portable Shrines Magic Sound Theatre Vol. I compilation, which is available for purchase through Cairo, where you can also find plenty of materials that engage with the realm of light and shadow.

Little City, Big Giraffe.

2011-10-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Did you notice the giraffe on the cover of City Arts this week?
That's the one and only Sierra Stinson, curator and mastermind behind Vignettes , which Sierra describes as "a one-night exhibition space featuring various artists, that I hold every two weeks in my apartment".
Chances are you have happened upon one of her gallery nights in the Capitol Apartments...the last one I went to featured several pounds of (strawberry?) melting ice cream and about thirty people ousted to the corners of the studio.
In other words, it was fucking COOL.
Sierra is also spearheading the visual arts program for City Arts Festival this year...Happy hour!

Want to see more photos of the lovely Sierra? Take a look at our Tumblr!

What are some of your ideas/inspirations behind Vignettes?
I went to a lot of apartment galleries and pop-up spaces in Glasgow and Berlin. It has been going on all over the nation, but has only become more popular in Seattle recently, with organizations like Free Sheep.

How have you noticed the recession has affected the local artist community? How has it affected Vignettes?
Vignettes is a response to the current climate. No matter what - artists will continue to create and need venues to exhibit. They will just have to find affordable means to do so.

How do you pick artists you choose to feature?
I select them mostly by the people I see around city, through the community, research, studio visits. It began with people I knew, and now it's expanding.

Do you have a favorite local musician?
Yes, Jherek Bishoff and Tiny Vipers.

What are 5 things you always carry with you?
I should (but don't) always carry corkscrew, a camera, a pen, a snack (usually fruit), and various scraps of paper.

What do you wake up to?
Waking Graham up for his job again and again then reading emails.

Do you have a preferred roasterie?
Oh, I don't drink coffee.

Who would star as you in a movie about your life?
Hmm, a total unknown.

Who were you in highschool?
I was a theater major… we did like 4 hours of theater a day. I realized then that I didn't want to be around thespians anymore.

Are you an artist?
Curating is definitely my focus at the moment. Enabling is my medium.

What was your biggest fashion faux pas from childhood?
I wore backwards hats during my tomboy phase.

What current style will you just not accept?
There are probably too many. I just will never get behind Crocs. They should stay in the garden.

Who are 3 people you would invite to dinner?
I would invite Roald Dahl, Jim Henson and Sophie Calle… she is the kind of person that would cook you a meal that was all one color.

What are you most excited about right now?
Being unemployed, StateVPan, City Arts Festival, Walden Three, the unknown and taking a trip to the Grand Canyon this November.

Trying to go to the next Vignettes? Look no further than October 13th, for Mittwit!

2011-10-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Cairo Quickie: OFFSITE!

2011-10-05T16:14:00.001-07:00

This Cairo Quickie was taken OFFSITE at the Vita Loft last weekend.

Starring Mr. Casey Catherwood of Witch Gardens and guest starring his, um, football.

Looking for wise words from Casey Catherwood? Maybe something about falling asleep on the job...

Oh hey! Extra special congrats to Witch Gardens for their interview on the Seattle Weekly blog!

Later,
Liv

Silkscreen Workshop next Tuesday, Oct. 11

2011-10-04T10:38:00.001-07:00

In the Pen with Great Spiders.

2011-09-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

So what's it like having a conversation with Great Spiders' Omar Schambacher?
Here's a tip... the responses you receive sound something like:
"Well, I'm very passionate about the sonic realm, meaning and universal symmetry of music. It's the superficiality in the music world that I am complicit in that I struggle with. I feel as though we are all teetering on existential crises."
So basically, it's fucking AWESOME having a conversation with Omar.
This guy can talk...about pretty much anything you want. Rodeos? Check. Aliens? Check. Socks with sandals? No problem.

Read our interview to find out more wacky shit about Omar, and check out some more photos on our Tumblr to see his fascinating fashion choices.

Do you believe in aliens?
Yes.

Ever seen a UFO?
As far as something I couldn't identify in the sky? Sure.

Which do you think is more fascinating--earth or space?
It's just a matter of taste. Personally I think they are both very fascinating.

What are 5 bands you have been listening to lately?
I will always listen to Guns N' Roses like its scripture. Thats my primo shit. Ever since I was ten. For music, melody and interval appeal to me instead of time periods. I listen to pop music mostly. I believe there are two kinds of pop songs: catchy and beautiful, and catchy and awful. I'm also way into "CD chic", if you will.

What was your first CD?
The American Tail soundtrack and Madonna's True Blue. I like that one the best.

What, in your opinion, is best thing to complain about?
The best thing is the environment probably. It's the only thing that matters any more really. Environmentalism is the new racism. We are so environmentally reckless.

Who are some musicians that inspired you?
Well, I started out as a guitar player, so all the old blues guys. A lot of K Records stuff like Calvin Johnson. Also Alan Jackson and Marilyn Mansion--that's actually true.

Is there anyone you would really like to perform with?
Beck. I have dreams about it. Because he's the best.

Do you have a favorite animal?
I like squirrels.

Growing up, did you have the coolest name out of your friends?
I thought my name sucked when I was young. Now I guess its nice to be distinguished. It's not like a "John" or whatever. Well, unless I was in Dubai.

Did you have a pet growing up?
I had some guinea pigs and a parrot.

What do you do with your spare time?
Worry--about myself, and about people I'm close to. And animals and nature. Also, as a covert political crusade, I like to pose in the neo-tea party phenomenon. I go on TeaBag websites. I have several different personalities to create dissent or wax truth within the over-materialistic faction of the American demographic.
(**Note: I had to have Omar repeat that one a few times.)

What beverage best describes you?
Water--we're all made of water. I have ingested my fair share of crap, but I aspire to be solely a water drinker.

What is the worst job you've ever had?
Delivering food for an Indian restaurant: within 3 weeks I got punched in the face and 5 traffic tickets.
I was also a commercial fisherman in Alaska. That was definitely the hardest job I've ever had.

Were you born in a hospital?
No. I was born at home. And I'm uncircumcised.

Where are you from?
I lived near Neverland Ranch. I lived in Europe for a little while, too. I'm originally from Ellensburg. I'm not really into it but you can certainly get cool knick-knacky stuff there. I grew up with the rodeo.

Oh yeah? Tell me about rodeos.
It's sheer abuse. I saw a heifer get a broken leg once.
You see, my stepdad is a truck driver. He turned me on to ZZ TOP, and going to the stockyard. I once fell into a big pool of shit at the stockyard. I thought it was solid ground... but it went up to my chin. My step dad just laughed at me.

According to Omar, each of us is teetering on existential crises. In that case, let's all do it together! Great Spiders will be playing at Cairo with Seapony and ORCA TEAM on OCTOBER 7th. Come get weird.

Silkscreen Workshop Monday, September 26, 7 p.m.

2011-09-19T16:55:00.001-07:00

Stripping Down with ORCA TEAM

2011-09-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

What's black, white, and pop all over?
Leif Anders and his band of babes is what.
ORCA TEAM, who has recently relocated from Portland to Seattle, came in for a band photoshoot recently and I asked to do an interview. Turns out they have a soft spot for horror movies and all things 1950's. Oh, and taking their clothes off.
Note the special guest appearance by Peter Lowe and some serious Psychic Feline product placement...way to be subtle.

Here are some cool photos of this fashion-backward band.

Care to see more photos? Look no further than here.

And here are some cool questions:

Where do you hide your diary?
L- Right here in my bag.
J- In between my mattress and my box spring.
D- I don't hide it, I leave it out in the open.

What is your staple article of clothing?
L-My bowtie.
D- My jeans. Levi 511's.
J- My black pencil skirt… I have a few.

What is your worst fashion faux pas that you can remember?
L- I wore sweat pants and velcro until I was in 4th grade…Is that bad enough?
J- I had three different pairs of overalls.
D- I wore ribbed baggy knee jeans, New Balance sneakers and a tight Fox racing T-shirt. Even f it was functional, it was 8 years late.

What is something Portland does better than Seattle?
L-There are better food options for vegans.
D-Yeah, and better nightlife and coffee.
J- I think the scene feels really supportive. Everyone is really close in Portland.

Can you remember the best show you saw in Seattle?
L- It's going to be something really embarrassing… But I saw Shoplifting open up for the Yeah Yeah Yeah's in 2004.
D- I saw Regina Spektor and Kings of Leon opening for the Strokes once…

What band musically inspires you, personally?
J-I would say Young Marble Giants.
D- Tupac.
L-Dusty Springfield.

Do you have a favorite seattle band?
L- I like Witch Gardens a lot. And the Intelligence, Idle Times, and Unnatural Helpers. I really appreciate USF for what they do, too.
J- Stephanie and M Women. Leif just took all my answers!
D- Uhhhh, Sir Mixalot?

Where does the name "Orca Team" come from?
J- That's all Leif...
L- It started at school in Bellingham. I liked the PNW and I wanted to be on a team. Like a pack of sea wolves...or something.

What was your worst job?
D- Dairy Queen. I once was asked to kill a rat.
L- I worked at Noodles & Co as a dishwasher.
J- I worked at a Christian conference center…I win!

Describe the look of the band aesthetic, please.
J-We prefer to wear a lot of black…we like the simplicity of early mod's classic silhouettes, before the crazy colors. Oh...and bowties.

Can you all agree on one movie that is perfect for a first date?
(After several minutes of debate) Spyria.

What is your favorite soda?
L- A Shirley Temple…mmmm.
D- I think I just really like Mexican Coke.
J- I low Blue Sky Jamaican Ginger Ale.

Are any of you superstitious?
L- Yeah. I don't walk under ladders. And we don't practice the day we play unless do it twice... never three times.

As a youth, what did you want to be when you grew up??
J- I wanted to be a marine biologist… of course.
L- I wanted to be a scientist until I realized you had to be smart. That was in Kindergarten. Also, a secret agent.
D- I wanted to be a firetruck.

Trying to see them live? ORCA TEAM is playing at Ground Zero on September 24th, before their West coast tour with Pony Time in late Sept/Oct. Then they'll be at the Wildrose on Nov. 12th, sans pants if I have any say in the matter.

Adios muchachos.

Cairo at Bumbershoot!

2011-09-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Cairo is at Bumbershoot this weekend with a huge selection of vintage and handmade clothing and accessories. We're located near the Fisher Green stage. Stop by and say hi!

Silkscreen Workshop Tonight, August 29, 7 p.m.

2011-08-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

$45 gets you this great workshop, teaching you the basics of silkscreening shirts and posters + 1 month's worth of 7 day a week access to our studio to create your very own goodies. Email us at alchemy.of.time@gmail.com or stop in to reserve your spot!

Cairo Quickie: Vibrations Festival!

2011-08-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to everyone who came out to Vibrations last weekend, and MANY MANY thanks to all the serious babes who dressed up for the occasion!
For this Cairo Quickie, here is a small sample of fashionable friends:

Daaayum!

Our Friends are Expats! CB & Angela.

2011-08-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

Oh no! The time has come for us to say goodbye to our very dear friends and Seattle stars Christopher Brown and Angela Engbrecht. Very soon they will be returning to Hong Kong for more adventures in the Far East, after a summer of friends, music and river rafting in the PNW.
I was lucky enough to get to interview this gorgeous couple and watch them (Angela) strut their stuff in front of the camera. CB was very supportive; providing the occasional "work it, girl!" and "don't I have the sexiest girlfriend?!" while Angela did her thing. (Might I add that they shared the dressing room?)
We chatted about their experiences in Hong Kong, the bummer smoothies sold on Broadway, and how happy they were to be back in Seattle again. What else can I say about these two? They are lovely, and Seattle is waiting with bated breath for them to return for good. We love you guys!

Here are some questions I asked them:
What is your present state of mind?
CB- I don't think I ever know the answer to that question. Occupied.
A- In love with Seattle!

What is one natural talent you wish you had?
CB- I think I want to be more mechanically inclined. I want to know how things work. I'm a great problem solver though. Like, I can figure how your car is going to get fixed in half an hour, just not by me.
A- I wish I was more musically inclined. That's kind of my goal for next year: to wet my feet in the music scene in Hong Kong, because it doesn't really exist there.

What is the music scene like in China?
A- Haha, there is not much of a DIY scene in Hong Kong. People are really into materialism there, so things have value because other people have given it value... so there isn't very much original music there, but a lot of cover bands!

What is a quality you desire in a partner?
CB- The ability to be self-sustaining.
A- Hands down, integrity.
CB- Wait, can I say that too?! Integrity.

While you were away, what did you miss the most? What were you most excited to see again?
A- Friends of course...but definitely live music.
CB- That's exactly what I wanted to see too. And fresh air. Nice, clean, Pacific Northwest air.

What was the best food you discovered in Hong Kong?
CB- DUMPLINGS. Kimchi and pork dumplings.
A- I went through a few phases but on Cheung Chau they make fishballs on a stick… I know it sounds unappetizing but it's really good on a hot day. (!)

Tell me a joke, please.
CB- Oh I got one for you.
What's the different between toilet paper and a bath towel?
You don't know? Don't come to my house.
A- Okay, this is one of the first jokes CB ever told me.
How do you titillate an oscillate?
Oscillate its tits a lot.

If you were hosting a dinner party together, what 5 guests would you invite?
CB & A- Steven Wright, Jim Henson, Angela's deceased maternal grandmother (as a young woman), CB's little brother, and Raymond Scott.

What is your favorite current local band?
CB- That is the meanest question ever.

What is your favorite quality of the Seattle music scene?
A- It feels really earnest to me. Everyone loves what they are doing and that's why they do it.
CB- All the bands are handmade… each band does their own thing because they really want to, and they are really good at it.

Who, in your opinion, are the best drummers in Seattle?
CB- Tyler Swan of Flexions/Truckasaurus, Myke Pelly of Haunted Horses and Footwork, Carrie Schaff of M Women, Robert Wolfe of...several bands. Basically any drummer that i'm friends with. I like to watch my friends play drums.

What is one thing that you two love to do together?
CB- Other than smooching?
A- We like to make breakfast together. We are professional unpaid breakfast extraordinaires.

How did you two meet?
A- I brought vegan cookies to HTFC and he's been in love with me ever since.
CB- I asked her on a date after we danced all night at the old Pony, too.

What sandwich most represents your personality?
A- Hmm... something really fresh but with a really overwhelming ingredient. A pastrami sandwich with sauerkraut and mustard and a pickle.
CB- Oh shit! My favorite sandwich represents my personality: rye bread, brown mustard, red apple slices, tuna, lettuce, brie, smoked gouda, and tomato. A little bit of everything, makin' one good thing. Not to be totally cocky, but that's me.

Too true CB, too true.

If you want to see more photos from their afternoon at Cairo, check out our new Tumblr!

VIBRATIONS SURVIVAL KIT

2011-08-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

With so many GREAT acts on saturday you don't want to miss, might want to remember some key ingredients for a magical day in the park!

A) Magic Carpet / Blanket for lounging in the grass
B) Picnic basket with snacks
C) Sunscreen / Shades / Hat to preserve your youthful complexion from the harsh Seattle Sun
D) H2o / water / iced tea to sip
E) Some Cash $ to spend on Vendors. Cairo will be having a Booth with Summer Sale and Silkscreened Wears. In addition, there will be Jewelry, Clothing, Coffee, Tasty Pastries and more.
F) Buddies. Bring a Pal!

SEE YOU THERE!

First Annual VIBRATIONS Free Outdoor Music Festival This Weekend!

2011-08-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard, we at Cairo are supremely pleased to be hosting the first annual VIBRATIONS music festival this Saturday, August 20th at the amphitheater in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill (a recommended event by the Capitol Hill Seattle blog!). The local press seem to be pretty stoked on the event as well. The Seattle Times' Andrew Matson had lots of nice things to say in an article that debuted online yesterday (and runs in today's Times print edition:

"Meeting place, fashion center, idea salon, record label and showcase for music — they all come together at Cairo, small as it is...the place is starting to look like the vortex of an exciting new movement, especially since the launch last month of Cairo Records, an attempt at bottling the energy around the space."

Read Matson's entire article here.

Meantime, Seattle Weekly's Erin Thompson has documented Cairo's upward trajectory as a local nexus for the arts in another new article:

"It makes sense that Cairo's looking to extend even further beyond their established family of bands—it's the same upward trajectory by which a one-room art gallery evolved into a festival-hosting, band-promoting, album-distributing record label."

Read more of Erin's generous write-up here.

And, for the link-averse readers out there, here's a reminder of the awesome VIBRATIONS line-up:

-Seapony
-Witch Gardens
-Charles Leo Gebhardt IV
-Stephanie
-Metal Chocolates
-Flexions
-Purple & Green
-Grass Widow

+ DJs from Voodoo Reverb and Actual Pain

The fun kicks off at 2 pm Saturday. For directions to Volunteer Park, click here. We can't wait to see you there!

Special Thanks to All of Our VIBRATIONS Supporters

2011-08-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

With the VIBRATIONS music festival fast approaching, we at Cairo would like to take a sec to thank everyone who has helped us get this unique, free outdoor concert event off the ground. What was once a pipe dream has been made a reality thanks to the generous support of Whole Foods, the Stranger, and KEXP. Additionally, we couldn't be hosting VIBRATIONS without the support and participation of these local businesses and individuals:

Wall of Sound records

Arabica Lounge

Justine Ashbee

& Co.

Beth Martini

Analog Coffee

Dante's Inferno Dogs

Melisa Ludin

Joe Bar Coffee

Pacific Standard

Dumb Eyes art collective

The Vera Project

Robert M. Wolfe

Thanks, all! We couldn't have done this without you.

Next Silkscreen Workshop is Monday, August 29

2011-08-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

LATE SUMMER /// EARLY FALL CAIRO 2011

2011-08-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

photos by Liv McCausland /// lookbook by Aimee and Liv /// special thanks to Robert, Rio, Isabel and Colleen

***stay tuned for more photos

Fjord Your Information...

2011-08-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Rejoice! Flexions' new record, Golden Fjord, comes out this week on Cairo Records! In celebration of such fortunate events, they are this week's fashion-forward feature.

Some highlights: Robin was indubitably stoked on his "Original! First edition Cairo!" printed T that he brought from home, I discovered Devin's passion for spicy/sweet condiments, and (another) serious conversation about the Denny Regrade took up a considerable amount of time. (Robin and CLGIV should meet. Seriously.) Oh, and seeing the finished product was the biggest highlight of all, of course.

Also, although each band member made an appearance, I was only able to interview/photograph 2/3rds of the band. Tyler is here in spirit.

This is what they look like:

Showing off

"What does it look like when you eat lemons?"

Costume change...

This is what I asked them:

So what is happening?
R- We are releasing a record. It's our first record with Tyler, and the first full embodiment of our creative identity as a trio. This is also a starting point for Cairo as a larger entity. We're kind of learning the ropes of starting a record label. We are doing it right instead of totally DIY: trying to present ourselves as serious and professional without being corporate.

What about Flexions did you want to do differently than previous projects?
D- I wanted to have more freedom to not stick to one specific style and to be able to experiment, and have it always be really positive and make sure we were doing it because it felt good. Take it seriously...but not too seriously, you know?
R- Flexions was the first music project that I worked on where I was playing with musicians. When playing with Devin and Tyler, I was able to work with people that were committed to putting things together in a complete way, as opposed to just "jamming". They are dedicated to being good performers that represented all of our specific interests, without boundaries on what the band "should be".

What are your individual influences for the new record?
D- Hmm…explorations of styles that I was feeling at that particular moment really. Also everything that was sampled. We were jamming with all those bands in a way, like Sade, Gary Newman, Quincy Jones and Cerrone. A more consistent running influence that comes in the record has been Grace Jones and Tom Tom Club and more…dubbier… music.
R- Covering Rolling Stones records. I was also listening to a lot of Mississippi Records mixtapes at the time, so a lot of old soul records.

What made you decide to become a 3 piece?
R- There is a lot of limitation when you are working specifically with drum machines and don't have a strong grasp of rhythm, and we had a hard time filling out the kinds of dynamics that we wanted to in our songwriting. It was really deadpan. We wrote a lot of music that was never intended to be played on actually drums, but Tyler was able to play everything.

What will Devin's move to Portland do for Flexions?
R- I think it's going to be a good transition for the band. We are kind of at this point where we are just getting together twice a week, as opposed to working in a focused environment on occasion. Plus I think it will be good to establish ourselves in Portland. Seattle is our home, but it's kind of fun to be new in town...

Where are you from and what are your biggest influences from home?
D- I'm from the Eastside… from Kirkland. It has the highest percentage of parks in any city, or something like that. I still really enjoy forested areas and open spaces. I think that will always stick with me.
R- I was born in Los Angeles. My parents told everyone they know that they would be out of LA by 1985. Took them until 1994 to actually leave, haha. I really became who I am here… I don't think I would be the same person at all.

What is your favorite thing about being involved in Seattle music scene?
D- I think Seattle has a very complex music history, and I like the idea of being involved in that. I think its all interesting, and its cool that its all maintained a lot of momentum and is able to put a lot of awesome music into the world.
R- My favorite part is how it is not so influenced by industry, although I do wish there was more attention and funding for these things.

Robin, what other artistic outlets do you have, other than music?
R- I have done installations and projects with photo, motion and documentaries... I use a lot of images that are related to the way people interact and imprint our personalities on the landscape. I'm also working on a book about some journeys I took in the Ohio River valley and some of the early Frontier history of that area, which should be coming out by the end of 2011.

Tell me about the band name, please.
R- When Devin and I started playing in 2007 he had asked me to perform with him, and we wrote a few songs that went well, but we never had a band name because we never intended to start a band. We chose Flexions because it wasn't too obscure and we intended on writing music that people wanted to dance to.

Devin, how does the music scene in Seattle differ from late 1990's/2000's?
Well, I think there has always been a really cool underground scene… the venues have changed but the Seattle music scene has always been about really cool shit. The attitude and spirit has stayed the same. Kind of reminds me of places I would go when I was 18 like The Velvet Elvis in Pioneer Square… it always had really positive environment.

Favorite bands to play with?
D- A lot of favorite music is made by people I know, like Bronze, Specter Protector, Dunes, Talbot Tagora, and Mika Miko. I used to play in Chromatics, I still really like their music that they are playing.
R- I have to agree with Devin. It's really cool being friends with people and seeing their progression of their art. I love seeing that with M. Women and Stephanie. I also really love Tyler's project Linda and Ron's Dad.

Do you use full words when you text?
D- Uh usually, I think. yeah. I don't even know what a lot of them mean. Like, what's FTW mean? What's lawlz?
R- I usually make up a lot of my own words. You can ask Ian Judd.

Who was your favorite child star?
D- Of all time? Joshua John Miller. He's the kid in River's Edge, Class of 1999, and Near Dark. He's always the badass miscreant kid… I get the most excited about him.
R- I really loved the girl who played Vicki on Small Wonder. It's kind of one of the shittiest 80's sitcoms but I really loved it.

What musician you will always listen to?
D- Brian Eno and Sonic Youth.
R- That is a really hard question. The Beatles.

Since he's not here, what is one thing Tyler wouldn't want me to know about him?
R- Haha, his first band name.

Many thanks to these guys for coming in during such a hectic time, and Bon Voyage to Devin, who moved to Portland this week. Seattle misses you already.

Hvala,
Liv

Silkscreen Workshop August 8 - Reserve a Spot Now!

2011-08-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Our next silkscreen workshop is Monday, August 8 at 7 p.m. Learn to print your own t-shirts, posters and more! $45 gets you the workshop + 1 full month of access to our studio. Email us at alchemy.of.time@gmail.com or stop in to reserve your spot!

Flexions' Golden Fjord Release Party This Friday!

2011-08-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Cairo Records officially dropped its second-ever release, the Golden Fjord full-length by acclaimed local trio Flexions. This Friday, Flexions celebrate the occasion at Chop Suey, performing a grip of new songs alongside Metal Chocolates (OC Notes and Rik Rude) and Seven Colors. The 21+ show will kick off at 8 pm, so don't be late.

As a special release party bonus, LP copies of Golden Fjord will be available for a scant $10 at the show, with CD copies costing only $8. Alternatively, the album is available for download now at our bandcamp page, and will be available in-store at Cairo and at local record stores starting next week.

Already, Golden Fjord has the local music press talking:

"Flexions have gotten more exotic sounding and expanded their repertoire of moods, proving that they could have a promising career in film scoring, given a break or two."

-Dave Segal, the Stranger

"It's a little shadowy, a little sinister, but also courses with the kind of propulsive rhythm and zealous energy that makes for the best groove music."

-Erin K. Thompson, Seattle Weekly

"I’m not really sure why you wouldn’t like this."

-Seattle Subsonic

"If the promise of this release is any indication, then this label is quite promising indeed."

-SSG Music

Order your copy of Golden Fjord on vinyl or CD now from the Temple of Cairo webstore or bandcamp OR save your money and scoop up a discounted copy Friday night! To RSVP to Friday's show, click here. You can also add the show to your Google Calendar by clicking below:

Also of note: you can see Flexions and Metal Chocolates share the stage once again at our upcoming free outdoor VIBRATIONS music festival in Volunteer Park on August 20th (more details here). Headliners include Portland duo Purple & Green who have just launched a spiffy new tumblr page. Check it out.

And without even breaking a sweat, we're hosting another bitchin' show on Saturday night, featuring the long-awaited return of Seattle expat and Cold Jungle contributor Big Spider's Back, who will perform with his West Coast tourmates USF. RSVP to that show here.

Cairo Digital Mixtape #06: Bass Treble Level

2011-07-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

"Bass Treble Level" is a selection of favorites by Devin Welch of Flexions. Remember that the new Flexions record, Golden Fjord, can be ordered through our Temple of Cairo web store here!

Track List:

01. Joe Meek & the Blue Men – The Bulblight
02. The Aislers Set – Attraction Action Reaction
03. The Beach Boys – Fall Breaks And Back To Winter
04. Brian Eno – Golden Hours
05. Shuggie Otis – Xl-30
06. Assèlèfètch Ashiné & Géténèsh Kebrèt & Army Band – Mètché Nèw
07. Family Fodder – Film Music
08. Telepathe – Islands
09. Muscle Drum – Swimming Headache
10. Harmonia – Gollum
11. Quix*O*Tic – On My Own
12. David Bowie – Art Decade

Cairo Quickie: Men of Cairo

2011-07-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

So as I was interviewing (most of) Flexions last week, there was a mini-Cairo invasion!
Observe: Joel, Robert, and Travis with Devin and Robin of Flexions.
How handsome.

Way to be an individual, Devin.

Also, stay tuned for the full Flexions interview, coming soon!

-Liv

NEW FLEXIONS VID - pre-order Golden Fjord album

2011-07-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

New Flexions Video for Her War!

Flexions - Her War from Cairo Records on Vimeo.

Pre-order Golden Fjord today HERE

BUDDY GLOVE: New Mixes by Pals DUNES, COLD SHOWERS, and STEPHANIE

2011-07-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Summer, three great new mixes by LA natives and Capitol Hill Block Party Participants Dunes and Cold Showers with local faves Stephanie. Catch Dunes & Cold Showers TODAY starting at 4 pm on the Vera Project Stage! Stephanie, will also be playing tonight at the Cairo sponsored show at SPACE in Pioneer Square (114 Alaskan Way S.) with Mountianss, and friends.

To Download the mixes visit the Temple of Cairo and click on Mixtapes.

Brushed Off by DJ Sharlese.

2011-07-23T09:20:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of interviewing Sharlese Metcalf last week!
I started seeing the seemingly ubiquitous Sharlese at shows and festivals about 5 years ago ("I love all music festivals! What the Heck Fest, MusicFestNW, and CMJ are my favorites.") so I was stoked. Talk about a lady on the go! We had some difficulty coordinating our schedules but it was definitely worth it.
As a renaissance woman of KEXP, Sharlese works as a radioDJ, local show Audioasis producer, events assistant, and production assistant. You can also find her at the Wildrose every second Saturday night... she and co-DJ Timmy Taco host the bar's ultimate dance night, called Brush Off .
Once together, Sharlese and I discussed the performance oddity John Maus and the rest of the "Ariel Pink's children" music scene in Los Angeles, and our love of list writing ("KEXP asks us to keep Top 10's of the year... It's so hard to keep track!").

Check out Sharlese's 3 flashy looks and her fab interview below!

(Original Cairo silkscreened leggings)

need MORE?!?

What has been the greatest opportunity presented to you from KEXP?
Getting my radioshow. That's the best thing ever. That's what I went to school for.

You have met a lot of bands in the past. Which bands stood out the most/why?
I tried to meet Hunx and His Punx today… he did not want to talk to me at all. But to answer your question... all of them! Each is a different experience. I can say that I look forward to them all... I can't name just one.

You met Carson Daly! What is he like?
Haha. I still have no idea.

Any funny stories from KEXP?
I told my boss that I have a conflict every morning between listening to him or KUBE. That was pretty dumb.

Which local band do you think is gonna make it?
Oh my god. I refuse to answer that question.

What do you think is the most original characteristic of the Seattle music scene?
The variety of music. And the sense of community that we all have. We all support each other, which is really rare.

If you could go back to any time period of American music, what would it be?
I would go back to the 80's unfortunately. Probably when Joy Division was hanging out.

What do you do when you're bored in the studio?
Eat snacks, talk to my friends Janis and Cheryl, and surf for new music. New music is a huge distraction.

What are 5 things one should always carry with them?
A mirror, some sort of lip something, some form of ID, candy, and a CD you can pop on anywhere… because sometime's thats called for. I can honestly say I have all that in my bag right now.
What CD do you have?
Shabazz Palaces!

What is one song that you have heard enough of?
Wacka Flock Flame's No Hands. He is my favorite, I love him. But I'm sick of that song.

Which festival do you most look forward to?
I like CMJ because I look forward to going to New York.

What was your first record?
Ha, "Hangin' Tough" from New Kids on the Block.

Do you have a nickname?
Yeah! SeeSee. But some people call me S. I like that one best. It reminds me of Gossip Girl.

Do you have a favorite musician that you picked up from your parents?
Probably Aretha Franklin.

5 bands you recommend listening to?
Oh no! I want to say every band. Unknown Mortal Orchestra, most definitely. Witch Gardens, Karl Blau because he's the best. I need some hip hop, so Don't Talk to the Cops, and Wacka Flocka Flame.

Are you a coffee elitist?
Well, I definitely have coffee ranked in Seattle. First is Vivace. That's the best. Second is Stumptown. I had a good experience at Uptown. They have short, iced espressos, which I think is important.

Do you have a cat?
I do! His name is Gunner Juliard Metcalf. He's really cute and lovable.

What was the most valuable thing you learned at the Green River Community College radio program?
Being yourself.

Dovidjenja Seattle! See you in a few weeks!
Liv

Announcing VIBRATIONS--Cairo's Free Outdoor Music Festival!

2011-07-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Cairo is pleased to announce the first annual VIBRATIONS MUSIC FESTIVAL on Saturday, August 20th. This is a FREE outdoor summer concert event to be held at the Volunteer Park amphitheater featuring eight of the coast's best artists, with between-set DJs and more. Sponsored by Whole Foods, KEXP, and the Stranger, VIBRATIONS will be the last and best concert of the summer season, with a line-up that includes some of our favorite Cairo performers as well as some awesome talent that's never graced our space before:

-Grass Widow
-Purple & Green
-Flexions
-Metal Chocolates
-Stephanie
-Witch Gardens
-Charles Leo Gebhardt IV
-Seapony

The music is set to start at 2 PM on Saturday, August 20th, and last into the night. Building on the legacy of our highly-successful EXPO series of micro-festivals, Cairo is expanding our horizons, putting together this special one-day event for fans of awesome music and arts across Seattle.

Mark your calendars. The forecast calls for good vibrations.

To RSVP to VIBRATIONS today, click here.

next SILKSCREENING WORKSHOP is MONDAY, AUGUST 8th

2011-07-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

Sam Mickens, Extra Life, and U tonight

2011-07-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

You might have seen that Sam Mickens (The Dead Science, Xiu Xiu, late of the Stranger) and Extra Life are playing a set tomorrow at the Highline on Broadway, but whereas that show is strictly 21+, tonight's Mickens/Extra Life concert at Cairo is all-ages and a scant $5. If you've ever seen opening band U before, you know they're not to be missed, especially now that they're performing blistering all-new material. We hope to see you tonight and if not, come by our early (7 PM) barbecue show tomorrow, featuring three of the area's best solo artists!

RSVP to tonight's show here.

Getting Funburned with CLGIV

2011-07-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

How many different ways can I say his name?
My interview and photo shoot with CLGIV spanned about 3 ½ hours. In this time, I learned more than a few captivating tidbits about the musician: Leo once licked a puddle in 2nd grade, had (has?) a pet bee, has a custom design of Blackbird shoes named after him, and apparently has an alternate ego named “Svetlana Sexycat”.
Might I also add that when we met, he was very sunburned… quite a commodity in this dreary summer of ours.
Our interview, which was held outside, allowed Charles to conduct several costume changes--his glasses were replaced with shades and his jacket was removed 4 times during it's course: how fashion forward.
Charles Leo Gebhart IV, who is formerly of Unnatural Helpers and currently a solo musician, plans to spend his summer recording with Gold Leaves, ("I am so excited about that. I met this guy and told him how much I love his music, and he asked me to come play and record with him. So awesome.") Grant Olsen of Arthur & Yu's new project. Leo is currently on GGNZLA records (alongside Unnatural Helpers) so stay posted to see updated show dates and music releases.
(4 ways!)

See for yourself how just stylish this flaxen man can be.

"Svetlana Sexycat"

Wearing a Daniel J Mitchell original T.

Featuring Cairo original crystals and Blackbird original CLGIV shoes.

"This photo represents what I am doing right now. I am getting my photo taken by a giant camera. I am the girl in the picture."

And the interview...
Where did you grow up?
On Mercer Island.
What was your first concert?
I saw Skip Leader, The Red Aunts, Gas Huffer, Fits of Depression at The King Cat Theater in in 7th grade. It was one week before I saw Green Day for the Epitaph Records Punk’o’Rama.
How about one of your most cringeworthy memories?
I punched Michael St. Pierre in the stomach when he was climbing in between two trees on the first day of kindergarten. I still feel guilty about it.
What were you listening to as a kid?
I remember our family’s first CD, it was the Cirque du Soleil soundtrack, after we saw them perform for the 1990 Goodwill Games. My first cassette was “The Simpsons Sing the Blues”. Also “Deep Breakfast” by Ray Lynch when I was 10 years old… I still remember the tune.
Musically, do you have a favorite labelmate?
Yeah, Johnny O’Donnell. His record Hellbodies is still my favorite one. He is such a prolific songwriter. Also, I think Trent is the most amazing composer. He has a natural gift. It’s been a great experience knowing him.
Do you have a favorite Seattle venue?
My two favorite shows that I’ve ever played were at Cairo and the Jewelbox at the Rendez-Vous. They are good venues with an awesome audience, and both had a great spirit around the show. I loved the show at Cairo because there is no specific structure or framework to the space, so there is little distraction for the performer—they can be more involved with the audience.
Tell me a weird tour story, please.
Most notable was probably in 2003—I went on tour with the Catheters and our transmission in the van broke down in outside Indio, CA. Eight years later I was on tour with Missoula Oblongata and our van broke down. Our transmission died. In Indio, CA! We were stuck there for a week while we were waiting for the part. Very strange.
What is your staple article of clothing?
I really like polo shirts. I like a good collar. Most people would probably say my hair. I’m also really into my new polarized prescription sunglasses. (That explains the costume changes!)
What sandwich best describes your personality?
Today I had a salmon sandwich from Le Fournil on Eastlake. It was amazing. So I’m gonna go with that.
Thoughts on Sonic Boom closing and the death of record stores?
Aren’t we the problem? We can get everything for free on the internet these days. I feel as though people purchase merch at a show as a token of remembrance, not because they need the music. They can find it online.
Who in the world would you invite to dinner?
My grandfather CLG Jr. He died before I was born. Everyone I’ve spoken to said he was a phenomenal, considerate person. I would have loved to meet him.
Do you have an idol?
Well, I have an inspiration. Jonathan Richman—both musically and psychologically. I guess there’s no right word for it. He is a very self-aware musician. I remember first hearing his album and thinking, “I want to do music that sounds like this”.
Got any summer plans?
Yeah. I’m learning how to ride a motorcycle this weekend. I never learned and I always wanted to.
What would you do as a member of the opposite sex for a week?
Oh, I guess I’d do push-ups.

Ha, cool.

Hey! You can see this man in the flesh! Charles Leo is playing Seattle Weekly's REVERB Music Fest in October. See you then, friends.
Liv

next SILKSCREENING WORKSHOP is TUESDAY, JULY 19th

2011-07-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

Eyes of Ecstasy

2011-07-11T00:50:00.000-07:00

Izzie Klingels, a British illustrator and regular contributor to graphic design agency Dumb Eyes, is the teeniest person I have interviewed so far. She was down to try on anything (that would fit her) and spent a pretty penny on some clothes once the photo shoot was finished.
Might I mention that Izzie has, hands down, the coolest name? (“Izzie” is short for “Isvald”).
As an illustrator under the name Les Yeux D’Extase, Izzie’s art has been showcased all over the world, and has worked with everyone from the band Death in Vegas to Topshop to NYLON Magazine.
If you’re looking to pick up some of Izzie’s custom greeting cards or posters and you live close to the hill, stop in to Marigold & Mint or Elliott Bay to get ahold of some wicked merch. However, if that’s too far away, there’s always Etsy!

Anyway, check out some pics from her bangin’ photo shoot below and go to the Cairo Flickr to see the rest!

What is your sign?
I’m a Libra.
What is your spirit animal?
It’s a Panda. Very slow and lazy. And eats a lot.
Do you have any favorite local bands?
I love Tiny Vipers, Shabazz Palaces, and Magik Markers.
What fictional character do you most relate to?
I love Cassandra from the book Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith. She’s a very clever character. It’s a very “English” novel about a bohemian family living in a castle. Horrible movie.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I have always wanted to be an artist. Although I used tell my mum I wanted to be a goddess. I think it worked out well.
Describe your personal style, please.
I think it’s very eclectic; I tend to wear a lot of vintage… its affordable and I love vintage shopping. I perversely like to make uncool clothes work, and I’m not really a fan of wearing designer clothes for the sake of “good taste”.
What are you currently working on?
I’m doing a fashion story for a SECRET magazine, and a skateboard design. I’m also working on calendars and Christmas cards, which is really strange in the summertime.
Current Inspirations?
Stevie Nicks, obviously! I also really love nature and the Northwest…I incorporate a lot of animals in my work.
What achievement in your work are you the most proud of?
I received a gold record for the work I did with Death in Vegas. I toured with the band and worked on their visuals. So now I have a gold record!
Favorite makeout music?
I even can’t remember making out. I’m 40 and married now. Although I do remember loving Sade and totally wanting to look like her.
What do you and your husband like to do together?
Bicker…
What is one thing that Seattle does better than London?
Rain? No. London rains pretty well. Food! For casual dining, Seattle has really great quality restaurants.
Where is the next place you want to live?
I would like to live in San Francisco, but I’m afraid of earthquakes. And high rent.
What would you consider to be the apex of your career?
If I ever finish my graphic novel, I’ll feel like I can sleep for the rest of my life.

See you next week!
Liv

Friday Night (De)Lights

2011-07-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

Cool down Friday evening with some dope electronic sounds. Cairo's got a four-band bill on deck (a rarity for us!) that's sure to satisfy. Nothing but wall-to-wall instrumental awesomeness.

Dig on the transcendent electronic sounds of Radio People aka prolific soundscaper Sam Goldberg, Midwestern tripper Carl Calm, Gift Tapes' awesome Harpoon Pole Vault, and Same Species (the combined powers of Jermaine Blair, Matthew Ford, and Adam Svenson).

A Vague Year by Radio People

There are two posters for this kraut-flavored weekend happening, the first is by the inimitable Chris Ando (Talbot Tagora) and the other is by Harpoon Pole Vault himself (Gift Tapes/DRAFT Records boss-man Jason E. Anderson, also of Brother Raven).

The show starts at 7:30ish, with admission being the usual $5. All-ages are welcome. Negative vibes are not. RSVP to the concert on facebook here. See you then!

Cairo Quickie: Jamey

2011-06-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

Whats black, white, and red all over?

Wet Paint DMM's Jamey Braden stopped in to Cairo following an afternoon siesta
to pick up a silkscreen, looking like a sunburned zebra.
What advice did the former fashion blog interviewee have for me?
"Don't nap. I just woke up from one and my brain is infantile. I'm not fucking doing them anymore!"
Pearls of wisdom.

Congrats to Witch Gardens and USF

2011-06-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Two of Cairo's featured artists on our 2010 The Cold Jungle compilation cropped up on Pitchfork this week. Read Martin Douglas' review of Witch Gardens' Alice, Agatha, Branch & Christ here and watch the new video for USF's new single "Close Your Eyes" below.

Baby Got a Haircut by Cairo

Lunar Halo by Cairo

Shepherds of the Abstruse

2011-06-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Emily Pothast and David Golightly of Midday Veil are a sight to behold. If you haven’t noticed David’s beard around the neighborhood, you either don’t go outside enough or you’re too busy staring at your shoes. Look up! That beard is madness.

As connoisseurs of all things psychedelic, Emily and David are well versed in what it means to be a psych band—“It’s music that acknowledges and willfully manipulates our notion of perception.”—Trippy.

Apart from the band, this couple co-coordinates Portable Shrines, a local art collective focused on psychedelic culture here in Seattle, (come get Volume I of their compilation at Cairo!) and runs a record label called Translinguistic Other. They also keep busy with organizing the annual Escalator Fest, AND Emily hosts the silkscreen workshops at Cairo. Phew.
E & D consider themselves to be pretty dark and spacey—“Leonard Cohen was the first artist I discovered whose mental state I could identify with”—but that definitely doesn’t manifest in their fashion choices. Both wanted to model bold and bright clothing, and Emily even pulled out some Cairo clothes from her personal closet.

Check out the photos and interview below, and head to our Flickr to see the rest!

How did you two meet?
D- We met in 2007 at Emily's art gallery.
E- David came in to Davidson Galleries. I was the director of the
antique print department. David came in on first Thursday with a
mutual friend.

What brings you to Seattle?
D- Seattle seemed like a place that it was easy enough to find jobs but not too expensive, with an interesting culture.
E- I went to grad school at UW.

Where were you born/raised?
D- I was born in Columbus where my dad was in grad school, and I grew up in Sacramento and Kentucky. Seattle seemed like a place that it was easy
enough to find jobs but not too expensive, interesting culture.
started working in software jobs.
E- I was born and raised in Iowa, and then I went to high school and
college in Wichita Falls, TX.

What else are you two currently working on?
E- Midday Veil has a cassette coming out this summer, and we are recording our second album in the fall. We are always coordinating for Portable Shrines events, and Escalator Fest, which is next spring.

What are some of your biggest inspirations?
E- Feedback systems…which means I look at my own stuff more than
anything else. (haha) No, I originally was inspired by Fursaxa and Cocorosie’s concept—like lo-fi/homemade/bedroom music. Hearing music that sounded really easy to make I guess. The book “The Death and Resurrection Show” was the perfect thing for me as well. It’s all about how show business and performance are related to shamanism—the link between performance and the spirit world.
D- I grew up around a lot of church music and classical music, and then went to
music school. I got really fascinated with Karlheinz Stockhausen, who is a big influence
because he was so grandiose in his exploration of music. Terry Riley is an inspiration oppositely—he’s a minimalist.

Is there a city with the best psych rock scene right now?
D- There’s the Internet now, so every city can have something.
Everybody is aware of what everyone is doing in the world.
E- Austin does have a lot of support though, especially with Austin Psych Fest.

What is the best venue you have played in Seattle?
D- the Comet.
E- Yeah, it’s historically a dive bar but Michelle Smith [Comet’s booker] is a
visionary. One of the best bookers in town. Cairo too, there is a crazy draw in the neighborhood… it’s very community-based. Also The Josephine in Ballard .You can get
away with anything there... be as loud as you want and as late as you
want.

Can you name each other’s weird habits?
D- Emily is obsessed with touching cats’ feet. They don’t like it, but Emily is…persistent.
E- I just like touching them softly! David likes to put headphones on for
synthesizer-based meditation. He needs to plug into his little universe
of knobs and cosmic noises every once in a while.
D- We also enjoy Mexican food in an obsessive amount.
E- Yeah, we basically toured the Southwest just to eat tacos.

Who are 3 people you want to have chat with?
E- Just my mom and dad. Everything I’ve done in the past five years is for them.
D- Oh man. Emily wins this one. Let’s just use her answer.

Who were you in high school?
D- I was home schooled until 9th grade. I lived in the sticks in Eastern Kentucky. I was really nerdy and a total outsider.
E- I was kind of the “token person who smoked pot in an RV between AP calculus classes”. The most loser-ish of the AP kids, if you will.

Dream travel destination?
E- I haven’t been to very many places in Europe, but we sell a lot of records overseas. I really want to tour Europe. Psych rock is a big thing there, and they have a culture of supporting traveling musicians too.
D- You know, I really like the outdoors of Washington State. The Olympic Mountains and San Juan Islands are beautiful.

That's what's up.

See you next time! Liv

Cairo Digital Mixtape #04: Memphis Voyager

2011-06-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Enigmatic contributor "St. Germain" brings us our latest Digital Mixtape: "Memphis Voyager," a comprehensive collection of little-heard Southern underground hip-hop and other stanky, bassy sounds. The concept behind "Memphis Voyager" should sit well with anyone who's been binging on Ancient Aliens on Netflix Instant Watch™--if aliens came to Earth, what are the subterranean sounds we'd first like to introduce them to? Take me to your leaders, yo.

Our shiny new Temple of Cairo has the stream and download of "Memphis Voyager." Here, again, is the direct link.

Tracklist:

01. Gangsta Pat Ft. Villain – The Saga Continues
02. Gangsta Blac Ft. Cool ‘B’ – Life’s a Bitch
03. Tommy Wright III Ft. Evil Son and Crucifix – We Creep
04. Criminal Mafia – Yo Ass is Dead
05. Mack DLE – Future
06. DJ Zirk Ft. Tha 2 Thick Family
07. 3 Memphis Kniccas – Funkytown Sounds
08. Yo Lynch Ft. Criminal Manne – Keepin My Pockets Swole
09. Kingpin Skinny Pimp – Don’t Test Me
10. Playa Fly – Start Runnin
11. Gangsta Blac – Wanna Guess

Psychic Feline Tonight!

2011-06-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Cairo's unofficial "Portland Weekend" continues tonight, with performances by Oregonian rockers Psychic Feline and Nucular Aminals. Locals M. Women are opening and I understand they'll be debuting some new songs. I also know that Peter Lowe's been busy all day in the silkscreen studio prepping new Pyschic Feline swag for the show. It's gonna be awesome, and over in time for other shows/other parties/Pride Weekend shenanigans. All-ages are, as always, welcome.

Set times:

8:00 - M. Women

9:00 - Nucular Aminals

10:00 - Psychic Feline

The phenomenal poster was designed by Merlin Mannelly, who, I'm sad to say, is about to join the Seattle-to-NY expat club. He'll be missed! Click for the high-res (you won't regret it).

ASSS, USF, Sorry Tonight!

2011-06-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
tonight we're hosting another stellar all-ages show, this time with visiting Portlandites ASSS, USF, and Sorry. Each one fills a different niche in the Cascadian electronic scene--Sorry's new to the region, but he's already got a record on the way from local imprint Debacle, USF are Cairo faves with some big news (and new releases) in the very near future, and ASSS are former tribalist-noise savants now working in a more kraut-y vein. Virtually everyone is playing new music. You should check it out! 8 pm, $5 at the door.

RSVP to the show on Facebook by clicking here.

Cairo Quickie: Ian & Chris

2011-06-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Look what I found lounging outside of Cairo on Thursday...

Matching woodsmen!

What advice did these verdant sages give me for the good livin'?

Ian told me to "stop in the name of love".

Chris said to avoid sketchy people in Cal Anderson park.

Both incredibly handy words of wisdom. Thanks boys.

Cairo Records: the Temple of Cairo is Now Open

2011-06-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Big news, folks—Cairo is pleased to announce "Cairo Records," the newest arm of the tiniest empire in the Northwest. Visit the Temple of Cairo to learn more about our plans to build on our rep for hosting amazing shows, sharing great mixtapes, organizing awesome annual festivals, and staying at the fore of the region's cultural revitalization by launching what we hope will be your new favorite local label. Last year's Cold Jungle compilation can go down in the books as Cairo Records #001, but it's our second vinyl/CD release that should really get you going: Golden Fjord, the long-awaited new full-length album by local trio Flexions.

Golden Fjord is a noir-esque trip, a "seething mass" of dub, decelerated disco beats, and focused, fang-baring instrumentation. It will be out on vinyl, CD, and digital formats on August 2nd.

The aforementioned handsome new Cairo Records website is also where you can find all of our free digital mixtapes, past, present, and future. Some of the mixes that we have in the pipeline are wicked-good listens, and we have a bunch of keen stuff planned for the label as well.

Start following our RSS feed to stay in the loop. The temple is now open.

RumSpringa Forward!

2011-06-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Is it possible that two “partial” albinos could find each other and become best friends? Clearly.
Fair Anna is a conceptual designer with a history of industrial and costume design, and currently works with Allie Hankins for Northwest New Works. She also costumed an Implied Violence exhibit at the Guggenheim museum for the "Works and Process" Festival.
Not-so-fair Carmen (but still albino?) is a fisherwoman, aspiring model, and student at Bastyr, and nutrition and natural health enthusiast if I ever met one. Carmen hosted a workshop here at Cairo last weekend, featuring non-toxic DIY cleaners and natural fragrances… and now all my clothes smell like wondrous rosemary lavender.
The girls tried on every boot and heel in the shop last Saturday, while engaging in serious conversations about the Amish and the importance of Vitamin B12 in a vegan diet. We got so carried away, in fact, that our interview had to be rescheduled. Nutritional yeast and supplements can sure be distracting...

Anyway, these girls were naturals in front of the camera.

And knew how to pick some eye catching outfits...

And then there was something about a banana?

for more photos, including close ups of Carmen & Anna's accessories (exclusively at Cairo!) click on over HERE!

What is your sign?
A- I am a Scorpio. WATCH OUT!
C- I am a Libra.

What is your spirit animal?
A- I’m pretty sure I am a rabbit.
C- No, you're an albino unicorn. But wow that’s a really good question. Maybe a feline. Fe-lion. A lioness.

Who or what are your greatest fashion influences?
C- I would say my grandma and Stevie Nicks.
A- I am really obsessed with the Amish people and Mennonites…. So I guess that translates. Oddly, I would say the striking assurance and confidence of the way Diana Vreeland dresses herself is a great influence.

Where were you born and raised?
A- I was born in Bradford, England. I was raised in Seattle, WA.
C- I was raised in Cordova, AK, but I was born in California.

What was the first concert you ever saw?
C- I saw the Pixies in Denmark when I was sixteen.
A- Im a little embarrassed about the truth of this answer… My sister and I loved Debbie Gibson and went to see her at Key Area.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
C- Oh god. That would take a whole page. I didn’t want to grow up though.
A- An inventor. I just couldn’t figure out how plastic was made; I wanted to know and no one could help me out.

Carmen, you are leaving for Alaska to go fishing for the summer. What is the trendiest fishing accessory?
Oh that’s easy. Xtratufs…they are these round rubber boots. I always feel so chic when I am fishing.

Artistically, what are your biggest inspirations?
A- I am blessed with a weird imaginiation. I think what I interpret something as is often different than reality. I do tons and tons of research.
C- I am very inspired by lifestyle—mine and those of the people around me. I am inspired by feelings—and how I want to feel.

Anna, was is your most fathomable achievement as an artist?
The greatest achievement that I can conceive of is having time. When you reach the apex you have time to think about what you want. The financial reward will be time. The time to dream, I guess.

Who is your favorite musician?
C- Oh that’s so hard. I’ll say Dolly Parton.
A- I’ll say Moondog. He makes the most beautiful music ever.

How would you describe your personal style?
A- I would say body-conscious utilitarian.
C- I have told been I dress romantically. I really like clashing bright-colors. Tropical.

Interested in Carmen's workshop? Sit tight until the end of summer! More info TBA!

Catch you later! Liv.

Saxual Healing Tomorrow Night!

2011-06-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow at 8 pm, we're hosting another badass show featuring Arrington de Dionyso's Malaikat dan Singa, Footwork, and WaMü. It's gonna be LOUD.

If you're not hip to Malaikat dan Singa, it's Arrington de Dionyso (erstwhile of Old Time Relijun) singing guttural love songs in the Indonesian tongue, splattering his vocalisms with verbal gymnastics and dancehall patois while blaring away on his saxophone, usually shirtless. Back-up musicians ply him with unfussy electronic beats that shudder and spasm beneath his flamboyant anti-melodies. It's awesome.

Footwork you should know by now if you don't already, and WaMü are a five-piece that is all about making as much eardrum-obliterating noise as possible. In their hands, even a saxophone is a terrifying weapon of aural assault. Besides being notoriously noisy, the band is something of a Seattle supergroup, with a roster that includes Garret Kelly and Brittnie Fuller of Hollow Earth Radio, Rachel LeBlanc of Wehrwolve, Eric Ostrowski of Noggin, and local golden-boy guitarist Kaz Nomura/ PWRFL Power.

WORK IT (demo) by FOOTWORK

Is This What It Feels Like To Be Hungry? by WAMU

Tickets are $5 at the door. See you tomorrow night!

New Cairo Blog Feature: Cairo Quickies!

2011-06-09T19:34:00.001-07:00

Hey there Cairo bloggers,
this is our first edition of a new feature, where we take photos of the smartly- or interestingly-dressed folks that mosey on into the shop.
Our first ever post features Cairo neighbor & superfriend Maggie!
When she's not whippin' up a fresh batch of fish'n'chips at the Fry,
Maggie can usually be seen riding her bike around Seattle or hanging out at home with the Cat(s).
On this particular day, Ms. Maggie was on her way to a BBQ, in full summer attire.
Check out the short interview and a few pics of the beauty in her cool duds.

Where did you get your dress?
I got it in highschool for my senior photos. I still love it though. It's going to be my wedding dress.

What's your biggest style inspiration right now?
My cat Sophie. I try to dress in similar patterns, because she always looks so damn good all the time.

Have any summer plans?
Yeah! I'm going to Iceland and then England for the final Harry Potter premiere, which I just bought a wand for. I'm looking at opening a wizarding school here in the Northwest...

Where is the best place to bike to in the summer?
The nude beach!

Hell yeah. Until next time!
Liv

DIY: Natural Household Cleaners workshop this sunday

2011-06-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

You may be inclined to believe that toxic exposure is something that happens in coal mines and nuclear disasters. The reality is less distant. Look no further than under your kitchen sink or the cabinet in your laundry room. On average we are exposed to more toxic chemicals in our own homes then we are anywhere else. This workshop will provide you will the knowledge you need to avoid the most common and dangerous carcinogens more commonly referred to as “household cleaners”.

Learn from Carmen King, certified Nutritional Therapist, what effects specific chemicals have on health issues like hormone balance, weight gain and degenerative disease. In addition, this hands on workshop will teach you how to make products that will work better, cost less (and smell better) then what you’ve been buying at the store.

Attend this eye-opening workshop and learn how easy it is make your own household products. Attendees will be brewing up their own concoctions that you take home with you.

Cairo will be hosting 2 workshops this sunday. From 1-3pm and 3-5pm, come play alchemist and mix up your own scented cleaners. Drop by today with $12 and reserve your spot.

Sidekick Feline

2011-06-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Local chillwave darlings USF sure are cute, huh? Let’s be honest, we all know how awesome these guys are. Jason Baxter and Kyle Hargus are multi-talented: They can make music on their computers, write articles for local newspapers, and do some serious Googling… all while they stroke their respective kitties and drink Kombucha.
Who are these guys? In addition to being Cairo’s blog/mixtape guru, Jason (the blonde one) writes a weekly column for The Stranger, contributes to Tacoma’s The Weekly Volcano, and is the communications coordinator for The Vera Project (exhale).
I think Kyle (the ginger) explains his own profession best: “Well, I have an office job that involves a lot of complicated Googling. A lot of Google News, and summarizing Google News.”
We went for the beachy-keen look for USF (duh) sporting some tropical shades, shorts, and tees. Hell, we even threw in a dolphin. Check out the Cairo-original tee on Jason ($24.00 in store or on Etsy!) and the super slinky Alternative Apparel purple tank on Kyle. Poolside attire anyone?

More? MORE!

What is your sign?
K-I’m a Virgo
J- Taurus!

What is your spirit animal?
K- I know what I would like it to be… an owl.
J- There was a tiger in my dream the other day. I’m going to say a tiger.

Where were you born and raised?
J- Born in Seattle and raised in Edmonds… with a pit stop in Portland.
K- Born in Seattle, raised in Seattle.

Jason, what is your affiliation with Cairo?
J- I write blog posts about all the amazing shows we have here, and
sometimes I share photos and videos. I also work on press releases,
and coordinating our new bandcamp/mixtape series.

Where do you think is the best place to see a show in Seattle?
K- I saw Sigur Ros at Benaroya Hall. I like Benaroya… not every
city has a state of the art music hall.
J- besides Cairo? I’ll cosign on Benaroya.

What new record do you recommend right now?
K- The new Wild Beasts album [Smother] that I’ve been listening to a lot at the
moment. And the new Javelin record.
J- I’ll have to look at my phone… the new Craft Spells record. Also
Synthesist by Harold Grosskopf (Bighead). I’ve been digging on that a
lot too.

Where did you two first meet?
K- We met at the McCharty dorms at UW. We were separated by a floor.

How did you two start playing music together?
K- We lived together for a year…
J- …In the shittiest apartment ever.
K- It was a shitty apartment…we started when Jason got a DD20 pedal
for Christmas one year.

What were your first impressions of each other?
J- Something like, “this seems like a cool dude I could get along
with.” We both really liked comics…
K- …and yerba mate lattes from Tully’s.

So Kyle, are you into comics too?
Oh yeah. Very much so. I really like Batman, Inc., Duncan the Wonder Dog, Cold Heat.

What is your ultimate fantasy band for USF to open for?
K- Os Mutants for sure!
J- I would love to open for… not Wilson Phillips. Kitaro.

Which boy band resonates the most with you?
(in unison) 98 degrees!
K- no, 2gether, that MTV fake boy band.

Word on the street is that USF is into cats. Tell me about yours.
K- My cat’s name is Holly. I’ve had her for about a year and a half.
She's hefty… a lot to love. She's a lot of colors; she's a
barman with a tabby mix. She is reluctant to exercise but anxious for
attention. She's the size of a small raccoon. I call her Hall & Oates
sometimes. She comes to her name too; she has a bit of a dog streak in
her I guess.
J- Montana! She's a 4-year-old tabby. She was a big girl when I got
her, but with proper diet and exercise, we’ve got her down to a healthy weight. She is a real pest and incredibly needy, but she is super affectionate. I recently discovered that she hates listening to metal. She likes to eat boxes and loves catnip. Also, she has no respect for anyone’s boundaries.

What is your favorite tropical locale?
K- Maui, my mom grew up in Hawaii so we used to go there a lot. That’s
definitely my favorite island.
J- Oh yeah, you would ask that of USF.

What is in store for the future, you ask? With two singles (one for Deathbomb Arc ) coming AND a tour this summer, these guys are on the fast track to cat-sickness.

See you at the beach!

Liv

Kick Off the Sunny Weekend with a Jammin' Show

2011-06-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

The high today is supposed to be seventy degrees, and it's only going to get hotter on Saturday. Good thing we booked such a killer summer-rock show for tonight. Former and current East-siders Zephyrs and Naomi Punk will perform (with special guest Matt Lawson!), along with some visiting Canadians whose music is as radical as their names are strange: Walter TV and Watermelon. The show starts at 8, with $5 admission. It's all-ages (duh). No shirt, no shoes, no problem (just kidding). RSVP here.

Dank R.I.P by walter tv

How I Came 7" by Watermelon

BYE SUN by ZEPHYRS

CLS by naomi punk

new JEWELRY in from &c.

2011-05-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

More great gems from &c. just went out. Come in today and get first pick of the litter.

Necklaces and Earrings by &c.",

Go Suck a Tooth: The DJM Story.

2011-05-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

Daniel Joseph Mitchell, former poet, current painter, podcaster, and mixtape guru, is my subject du jour. An artist of many mediums, Daniel had an extensive list of sites where his work could be found… "I’m well represented this year.”
Daniel hosts a podcast with friend Paul Waude called "I Can’t Believe I’m a Loser", where they stop getting real, and start feeling real. He is also a member of the White Fence Art Collective with Cassie Ramone (Vivian Girls), Ryan Sambol (The Strange Boys), and Tim Presley (Darker My Love).

Bespeckled and nervous, Daniel spent most of his interview speaking to me about our mutual love of talk radio and the terror of living in Texas as a youth. During his photoshoot, I received a Ginsberg-esque reading from an informative picture book on Native American culture—very entertaining.

Everything Daniel wears from the waist-UP can be purchased at Cairo, including that super-cool yellow T, which features Mitchell’s own designs. Pick one up Friday, DUH. Wait, what is happening this Friday? Along with "loose" art collective called TEETH with Darin Shuler and Brian Standeford ("We figured we could get a show easier if there were more of us...") Daniel will be exhibiting his work at CAIRO!

So be there. But be here now to look at his awesome photos/interview.

See you then, friends.

Wanna see the rest?!?!?!?

What is your sign?
I’m a Pisces…Jewish.

What is your power animal?
My friends.

Where were you born?
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. In a suburb called Richardson.

What do you look forward to most when you go back home?
I don't really. I look forward to petting my parents’ animals.

You have a show coming up here pretty soon. What will you have on display?
I do. I’ll have shirts, large watercolor paintings, mix tapes that I have drawn on the
cover, poster-sized prints, and lots of tiny little pieces of paper.

What is your favorite medium to work with?
Right now? The human voice and sumi ink and paper. And mix tapes.

What was the first tape you ever purchased?
I remember the day I bought They Might Be Giants’ Flood, and maybe Def
Leppard’s Hysteria.

What was your most ambitious facial hair-style?
Oh, ha. A handlebar mustache. For a week. With my friend Joshua Fingert.

Favorite book of all time?
Probably The Museum of Love by Steve Weiner.

Okay, why would you recommend that book to me?
Because it has short, disturbing sentences.

What are you listening to right now?
White Fence’s Is Growing Faith. Gun Outfit. Dim Light. Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over
Troubled Water…the whole album.

What are some of your more notable past projects?
Well, I made a 45-minute dream tape of 3 months’ worth of my dreams when I lived in
Portland. Also, I made book of 500 haiku in 9 days.

Until Next Time...

-Liv

Cairo Digital Mixtape #03: Go Easy With Me

2011-05-25T12:26:00.001-07:00

Matt Lawson of Secret Colors, Stephanie, and recent Cairo photoshoot fame is responsible for the latest entry in our popular digital mixtape series. His is maybe the best mix yet, with a really eclectic selection of awesome tunes (Swirlies!). He also included what is maybe the best song from that hot new Gang Gang Dance Record.

You can download "Go Easy With Me" here via mediafire (until we figure out something a little more elegant).

Artwork:

Tracklist:

01. Please Go Easy With Me - S.E. Rogie
02. Rachelle - M. Women
03. His Life of Academic Freedom - The Swirlies
04. A Lamb's Lullaby - Thinking Fellers Union Local 282
05. Snowbank Treatment - Dragging An Ox Through Water
06. Fun Dink Death - Eric Copeland
07. Your Love - The Dovers
08. First Time - Soft Circle
09. The Fog Rose High - Craft Spells
10. The Cold World Melts - Soft Metals
11. Chinese High - Gang Gang Dance
12. Hold Onto Your Woman - Yellowman and Fathead
13. Da Art of Storytellin' Pt. 1 (Instrumental) - Outkast
14. Call Collect - Blues Control
15. Burning - DQE
16. Keep On Trying - The Outsiders

Previously:

Cairo Digital Mixtape #01

Cairo Digital Mixtape #02

double vision part II

2011-05-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

Last chance to check out the Doubles photo show, up until wednesday. Come in before then and get one of these great X-LARGE photo tote bags for only $10! Tons of small and large prints still available.

photos by Frank Correa and Ryan Furbush

Sick Poster!

2011-05-20T09:36:00.001-07:00

Sam from Coke Candy/Read sent over this last-minute poster design for Saturday's show and holy mackerel is it rad-looking:

Secret Couple.

2011-05-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Cairo regulars/babe couple Matt Lawson and Liz Pffffffriem (no P sound, thank you) are featured in this week's post of Cairo fashion mania!
Matt (Secret Colors) currently works at the Boys & Girls Club and has played with bands like Stephanie, Solar Master, Yellow Rabbit, and The Rain Drops. Liz now works for the super-glamorous Grammy Awards, and has worked for The Vera Project, Rainy Dawg Radio, and SIFF.

Liz also has a mixtape series with Kari Odegaard, called Voodoo Reverb.

Hanging out with Matt & Liz for the afternoon was awesome, although we did have a few set problems. Below is a photo of Matt raising the white backdrop, which was too short (ha!).
I know they get shit about their height all the time but it just makes them so damn cute.

Also, we had guest appearance by Beth Corry and Marius Mazilu (the first ever interviewee) during our photo shoot, so they helped us out a little. Thanks guys!

To see the rest of the shoot, mosey on over to our Flickr.

What is your sign?
L- I am a Scorpio.
M- Gemini…
L- This horoscope book said if we (a Scorpio and Gemini) could get past the conflict we would have great adventures!
M- Yeah, Scorpio Liz is a fiery pistol.

What is your spirit animal?
L- a Dalmatian!
M- a mole maybe…but I would rather be a bird.

Are you from Seattle?
L- Kind of, I’m from Edmonds.
M- I’m from Spokane.

What is your favorite Seattle band at the moment?
L- I’ll say Secret Colors.
M- M. Women

What is your favorite northwest band of all time?
M- Ooooh, probably Modest Mouse.
L- The Thermals.

What is the worst joke you've heard about your height difference?
M- people embarrass us a lot about dancing and sex.
L- Yeah, just inappropriate adult comments in general.
M- I get asked how tall I am every day.

How tall are you?
M- ha, you’re the first today! I’m 6'7.
L- I’m 5'2.

What is your favorite Seattle music venue?
L- I saw some really fun shows at Atlas (on Broadway), and it wasn't around long enough
to get tired of it. Definitely The Vera Project too, because of my history there.
M- I’ve only been around for a few years, but The Greenhouse was really cool.

Do you remember the first song you ever made out to?
L- Ha! I remember making out to The Mars Volta with my first boyfriend in
high school.
M- I was in 6th grade, so we were listening to the Space Jam soundtrack.

Would you prefer to have the ability of flight or invisibility?
L- Flight! Who needs to feel more invisible? AM I RIGHT?
M- flight.

What are you listening to in preparation for summer?
M- I just got really into this band Thinking Fellers Union Local 282. They are a 90’s band from San Francisco. And the new Gang Gang Dance!
L- A few weeks ago, when I was making the balloon art for Jason’s birthday, I listened to some Aretha Franklin Gold. That got me really pumped.

Until next week!
-Liv