Cairo Digital Mixtape #06: Bass Treble Level

"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

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

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

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.

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!

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

$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!

Sam Mickens, Extra Life, and U tonight

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

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

$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!

Eyes of Ecstasy

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

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).




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

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

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.

Shepherds of the Abstruse

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

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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.





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

New Cairo Blog Feature: Cairo Quickies!

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

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

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

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.

new JEWELRY in from &c.

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.

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

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