“Can you hear the ocean?” asks Tania Elizabeth. “It’s so beautiful.”
Before taking a hike in the Back Bay National Refuge in Virginia, Tania chatted about saving the planet, changing bio-diesel fuel tank filters and touring with her band, The Duhks (pronounced “ducks”). With no shortage of cities to visit and environmental groups to meet, this fiddler not only gave us the skinny (via cell phone) on reducing your carbon footprint, she also talked music and how she strives to live green everyday.
“I’m a big advocate of organic foods and I’m a vegetarian,” added Tania. “It’s part of my everyday plan to eat healthy.”
It’s become easier in recent years to eat organic and local foods when Tania and the rest of the band from Winnipeg, Manitoba are on tour. “Seven years ago it was hard. Now it’s such a fad.” Though green is the new black — with celebrities and environmental agencies uniting to stop climate change and promote recycling — the Duhks were environmentalists before it became trendy. “We do it because it’s our passion.”
In addition to their own eco-endeavor, The Duhks Sustainability Project, they are currently partnered with several green groups like Clifbar’s GreenNotes Program, which helps them get in touch with local environmental groups and issues, so they can set up booths. “A lot of Duhks fans are environmentalists,” said Tania. “And they say thanks for the organic T-shirts we have at our concerts that they normally wouldn’t buy.” Did we already mention that the shirts are also sweatshop free?
Yet, minimizing their carbon footprint isn’t always an easy road to take. The band’s encountered their share of problems, particularly with their bio-diesel fueled tour van. “Really do the research on your vehicle. Make sure your diesel engine can handle it,” Tania said with a laugh. “We have to change the fuel filter every couple of tanks.”
Thankfully sites like BioDiesel.org help them find fill ups through GPS. “They’re super easy to find. It’s quite a different experience from hitting a regular gas station. Indie gas operators are always interested in seeing a band that uses bio-diesel,” explained Tania. “The people we meet are a huge highlight.”
After watching this video, I started to ponder portrayals of women in domestic roles on television and how, frankly, the job seems pretty thankless and scary — bringing us to the question, “Why don’t we love housewives?”
I mean, yes, we do have the pretty and pleasant housewives in commercials, who do their best to make kitchen floors shine and get stains out of their family’s clothes as they smile happily, but most roles of housewives on television are sad, crazy or stupid.
We have the likes of “Betty Draper” in Mad Men, a self-serving and mistreated sixties housewife with a drinking problem; then there’s schizophrenic “Tara Gregson” in the United States of Tara whose family is falling a part do to the tornado of her alter egos; next up we have the drug dealing Nancy Botwin in Weeds, who is perhaps the most selfish character ever written as she burns down neighborhoods and sleeps with drug lords; and finally there are the many ladies of Wisteria Lane on ABC, who deal with murder and remarriages to no end on Desperate Housewives; along with several other comedic mother-wives on 30-minute sitcoms who play it straight to joke-cracking husbands.
"Nancy Botwin" on Weeds
Each of these characters is a homemaker, creating an unfit home life with their destructive behaviors. These extreme roles lack the kindness, intelligence and responsible nature of real women. And, I’ll be honest, these representations don’t make the job appealing, which in a way, is an insult to mothers and wives of the past, present and future.
So what about those homemakers on reality TV, you ask?
They might as well be a modern version of Beyonce’s B.B. Homemaker, all dressed up and ready to act out what it means to be a “housewife,” making a statement about American culture. However, these ladies aren’t being ironic. The women who are “Real Housewives” exploit their wealth and silliness in top cities across the country on Bravo, or there’s the “swappers” who are willing to trade in their family for another, and who could forget the mom’s who have given up on their kids, ready for a nanny to take over on network television.
How are these women commenting on real world experience? You tell me. Are all women seeking to trade their families, be unhappy millionaire’s wives, or live selfish prime time soap opera-esque lives?
The Real Housewives of Orange County
I think housewives are being objectified and silenced in a different way than the past. The wealthy, irresponsible reality TV stars and the TV show characters create a new stereotype of housewife, but not in a good way. Any of these scripted series would make any young woman think twice before moving to the suburbs if they thought their lives would be similar.
I mean, really, if the lives of wives on TV are any indication, young and married urbanites should be desperate to avoid wisteria-covered houses, back-stabbing neighbors (ha, literally!) and screaming, ungrateful children altogether.The suburbs seem to be a breeding ground of hatred, lies, divorce and dissatisfaction.
Maybe the term “housewife” needs a makeover and quite possibly, a publicist. Those shows, both fiction and “non-fiction” are created for entertainment, not to depict realistic versions of women we are, or will become. Was that the point of B.B. Homemaker? Is Beyonce a feminist too?
Since I’m not a housewife myself, I cannot speak on their behalf, however, as a feminist, I believe it’s important that we are aware of this disservice to strong, smart, generous and talented women who choose the role. We must also defend our right to work in the public or private spheres. Being liberated doesn’t make anyone better than another — whether she works in an office, on television, or at home — we are all equals.
Does Matt Groening wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy… or Ke$ha?
Why would the writers and illustrators of The Simpsons rework the notable opening of the show to “Tik Tok” by Ke$ha of all songs?
Simpsons Via Wikipedia
Seriously? That song is popular, yes, but there have been many great songs worthy of taking a trip through Springfield since the inception of the show. Why this one?
Is time up for this once iconic show?
If you haven’t seen it, check it out below, there’s a clip of the opening reenactment of the lyrics from “Tik Tok,” with the citizens of Springfield lip syncing — including Lisa Simpson who is the first to awake. Thankfully, she’s not brushing her teeth with a “bottle of Jack,” that’s Groundskeeper Willy‘s job.
I’m not offended by the change, I actually thought it was a cute idea, I’m simply confused by the song choice. Will they be doing this a lot? Isn’t it an involved process to animate?
I also thought it was weird since the entire episode is about how people are treating Lisa Simpson, the notorious brainiac, like she’s stupid because she has blonde (yellow) hair. I don’t mean to be a stickler for plot lines regarding a Fox Network series airing since 1989, but the audience knows the characters, they don’t even change their outfits — why would Springfield suddenly not know Lisa is smart?
And, more importantly, why make fun of “dumb blondes” the episode where the opening is modified to celebrate a young blonde entertainer?
Image via Wikipedia
Maybe this was all meant to be a bit of Simpsons’ irony, draw attention to the problem (stereotyping blonde women’s intelligence) and then show why it’s not true — by showcasing Ke$ha music and Lisa’s smarts. (However, the song is contrary to all of Lisa’s hard-working efforts and do-gooder personality.)
Even if this is the case, I’d like to hear what other people are saying about the episode.
Has The Simpsons just run out of ideas? Was the pop-y opening a ploy to rope in a younger generation now that twenty-somethings who grew up with it are getting bored?
Since that may be a possibility, if the three-eyed crow is any indication of the show’s future doom, wouldn’t they like to at least go out with some better songs? Ke$ha is so 2009. Let’s be epic and timeless, like the earlier seasons when the characters’ integrity actually made sense and the show brought laughs, not confusion.
If you could choose a song for the opening sequence of The Simpsons, what would you pick?
Meeting lead singer Paul O’Keeffe from Intervurt is like getting a breath of fresh air from across the Atlantic. And the same goes for the band’s music.
Originally from Southeast London, band members Paul O’Keeffe (Vocals), Mark Alberici (Guitars), Oliver Alberici (Keyboards), Lee Wilton (Bass) and Scott Richman (Drums) form laid-back and closeknit alternative band, Intervurt.
“We’ve all known each other on and off for the last 10 years. We’ve done various things together in different combinations,” explained O’Keeffe, “and about six years ago we sort of cemented the lineup we have now. We started out as a dance oriented thing and it developed to rock and later, alternative.”
This very natural progression of the band’s genre stems from their many inspirations, creativity and the music they enjoy. “I’m a big fan of Radiohead,” said O’Keeffe. “I think Interpol are really, really good. And, I’m a massive Bowie fan, too,” said O’Keeffe, who’s been singing since he was two-years-old. The band also counts acts like U2, Massive Attack, Queens of the Stoneage and Muse, as music influences.
“We were lucky enough to play on the same bill as Depeche Mode, and they were really fun.” Yet, the band’s love for music and performing is unlike many of the latest indie acts you find on MySpace and Twitter. There’s something refreshingly old school about the band’s passion for touring and listening to other music.
For O’Keeffe, it’s about discovering music by word of mouth and embracing his nostalia for records. In fact, he began writing songs when he was 13-years-old, motivated by the lyrics on the pages of album sleeves. Now, he seeks unique ways of writing, while also embracing “molding” songs with each band member. Intervurt’s creative process is very collaborative, O’Keeffe writes the majority of the lyrics and melodies, Mark Alberici works out the chords and more new ideas with the help of his brother Oliver and bass player Lee Wilton. And, Scott Richman will add beats he likes.
“It’s like a bit of clay that we all poke and prod until it becomes ‘Intervurt.’ It needs everyone’s touch to sound like us, I think.”
When it comes to being onstage, this lead singer said, “We love playing live. It’s one of the things that comes most naturally to us. I think we’re much better live, than on record, but none of us are ever nervous and we just hang out and then it’s time to jump on. It’s cool.”
The band’s seemingly effortless performances and rehearsals, speak to their chemistry and passion for their music. To get swept away with the new band from across the pond, check out songs like “Union Square” and its music video below.
To find out more about this band, check out photos and songs at:
After spending three days at the sold out Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California with 80,000 people last weekend, I can honestly say there were some amazing bands, inventive art installations and memorable moments.
Below are some of my favorite acts each day of the festival. Video clips I recorded from the shows are included.
My Rating System
* Boring Performance
* * OK, But Lackluster
* * * Excellent Performance
* * * * Super Star-Worthy
Day One: Friday had the most bands I wanted to see. And, thankfully, most of them exceeded my expectations for an all-around great first day.
One of the first bands we saw over the weekend, Hockey, came ready to rock and was a solid score to start the day. You never know what you’re going to get when you see a band for the first time and they were terrific. Hockey was filled with energy and a fresh sound that brought thousands to the Gobi tent early in the afternoon on Friday.
I had read about this band in the Alternative Press and thought they’d be a good act to check out, but unfortunately, their performance was boring. They could play their instruments well, but the crowd was mellow and people stayed for a few songs, then left. I’d like to see this band again in a smaller venue, the Mojave tent may have been a bit too much for them.
This folksy act seemed perfect for an Anthropologie advertisement or something. They were fun, indie and earthy. I’ll admit, the main appeal was Zoe Deschanel, who has a ridiculously amazing voice, but their music wasn’t really Coachella caliber. Would I see them again? Maybe if Anthro hosts them at a live show/store wide sale, otherwise, probably not.
Masters of electro-pop-rock, Passion Pit was by far one of the top performances at Coachella this year. They had a solid sound and lights set up, and they knew how to connect with their audience without being too talkative or gimmicky. They attracted tens of thousands of people — and not just by making them want to dance, it was an entertaining live show.
Unfortunately, one of my favorite pop singers did not have a good concert at Coachella compared to her recent show at Webster Hall in NYC. As much as it saddens me to say it, La Roux’s talent was marred by the horrific sound system in the Gobi tent. The bass was too loud, the vocals were too low — and she seemed nervous. They also should have put her in a larger tent because everyone wanted to see her and was clawing their way to the front.
There’s a reason why Vampire Weekend is a mainstay on the Billboard charts. Not that I put too much emphasis on that, but they were simply pleasant. People danced, sang and enjoyed their performance on the Outdoor Theater stage. It was also interesting that they sounded exactly the same live as on their album.
Jay-Z is a megastar and married to Beyonce. He is the epitome of cool. From the LCD stage set up and music video-style camera work on the jumbo screens, to his duet with his uber-talented wife — his show was hard to top at Coachella 2010. Need I say more?
Day Two: Though Saturday had less acts I’d planned on seeing, the second day brought a different type of excitement, the discovery of new performers I will be adding to my music collection.
I’d never heard this band before I saw them on the main stage last Saturday. They’re a Brooklyn band that could hold their own against any of the other more well-known acts we saw like Vampire Weekend or Phoenix. They will be added to my indie play list for sure.
I first heard Band of Skulls on the New Moon Soundtrack and was even more into them after hearing their hard edge sound, tempered by their catchy lyrics during their Coachella concert. They walk the tightrope between real nineties alternative and pop rock in a dynamic way that’s surprising.
This band interested me because they seemed like one of those funky bands you just have to see live. Unfortunately, their band was stuck in Europe due to the volcano eruption in Iceland. I’d have to see them again, only having two band members and the bad sound of the Gobi stage, made for a rough show.
For some reason I was the last person at Coachella to hear of Gossip — since everyone else was already there once I arrived at Mojave stage. Mixing soul and punk (yes, really) to create one of the best performances of the weekend, Gossip, was incredible. They were better live, than their recordings. Must. See. Again.
This was my second time seeing Coheed at Coachella and this time they were on the main stage. Still not a fan. It was clever of them to bring up the USC Marching Band though. They are good performers, but not for me.
Mid-show, sometime after Danny DeVito ran across stage with his shirt open, I realized I’d heard many songs by Faith No More, but while they were on stage I felt confused. They are hard rock, but the lead singer was wearing a red suit that looked like it was borrowed from the Golden Girls and he carried a cane briefly. However, in the words of the great Wayne Campell, Mike Patton can “wail.” Really.
Best. Show. Ever. I saw Muse in San Diego at Soma and in New York at Madison Square Garden, their performance at Coachella topped both previous concerts. They are an exquisite band with talent that will go down in rock history. Plus, they have so many amazing songs and in this concert, Muse really stepped up their LCD display, lights, lasers, fireworks and guitar solos. Enough said.
Day Three: The final day of Coachella is a challenge for the bands and concertgoers alike. After long days in the sun and nights partying in the campground, people are sleepy and have shorter attention spans. Yet, there were a few acts that persevered and put on exciting shows for fans despite dehydration and ringing ears had by all.
This nineties act landed the main stage in early afternoon on Sunday. They would have been better suited on a smaller stage later at night. They had high energy, enthusiasm and were obviously seasoned performers, but the audience was too spread out and tired as they sat on the grass for the concert.
Despite sluggish concertgoers, Matt & Kim woke people up with hilarious commentary in between songs and upbeat tunes that embody the Brooklyn music scene. The duo knew how to get laughs and cheers, even more so when a streaker hit the stage. Plus, they were the type of people you hoped to meet later in line for water or while waiting to get a falafel.
The only way I’d listen to Club 75 again, is if I have ear plugs and get to stand 100 feet away. The sound was really messed up on the Sahara stage. I thought my ears were going to start bleeding. What a disappointment.
I had no expectations for this show because I wasn’t sure what kind of music Julian Casablancas would play solo. I adore the Strokes, but knew nothing about their lead singer. I’ll admit my favorite song he played was by the Strokes, but his other stuff was good too. My interest was peaked, I’ll be checking out more of his solo stuff.
These guys put on a solid, fun concert. They drew tens of thousands even though they weren’t on the main stage. They were an impressive act to see live because people could dance, sing along and hang out.
This electronica dance diva was near the top of my list to see on Sunday. However, the curse of the Gobi stage got her and the sound was terrible. Little Boots had a psychedelic laser show, but the poor sound quality was distracting and made for low energy among the crowd.
Maybe I was just tired at this point, but Thom Yorke would have been better suited for earlier in the day. He has a voice that drips with sincerity and moving lyrics, but at the end of a three day festival, I needed something more upbeat by this point. Although, watching Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers play bass was entertaining. All in all, he was amazing, but I’d rather watch his band Radiohead in a three day festival scenario.
This band was supposed to end the weekend on a high note, but Gorillaz totally fell flat. I would NOT have paid money to see this show, the only good part about it were the animations. None of the rappers like Mos Def and Snoop were present and they ended on a slow, depressing song. Gorillaz should not headline and end a festival. Ever.
To recap, some of the most awesome acts were a mix of super star musicians like Muse and Jay-Z, but there was also a strong showing by smaller acts like Gossip and Passion Pit. I cannot wait until next year’s event.
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