The Swellers-Fire Away

Well, this is most likely going to be my last post for a little while. I'm moving to Ohio tomorrow morning, and I have been using my uncle in-law's computer. So until I get a new computer, I dont think many posts are going to be happening. With that being said, I would like to leave you with an amazing video from a band from Flint, Michigan called The Swellers. Off their new record Ups and Downsizing on Fueled by Ramen Records, Check it out.


Thanks for reading, until next time

-Nathan

Placebo-The Bitter End

"Everywhere I turn people seem to be ceaselessly at odds- tearing each other down and devaluing the ideas, efforts, and lifestyles of others. Regardless of whether its music, art, style, ideas, beliefs, or lifestyle choices, it appears that there's no shortage of people read to give a cutting remark towards someone who differs from them or stands out from the crowd. This criticism is something that so many of us take part in and also fall victim to and whether its words spoken, or written on a page or a screen, there's little question of the hurt that can be caused and I have to ask- What is gained by it? Is it a feeling of superiority for knowing more or having the "right" ideas about something? Is it a feeling of validity for having "better" taste or being "real"? Or is it something more? The times we live are marked with social, political and economic turmoil and perhaps we've become so filled with fear that we've learned to tear others down just so we can build up our own self image. Maybe the degradation of others has become just another means of protecting ourselves from a world that seems so hostile. Are we really that vulnerable? Do we really want to live that way?

So how can we escape this trap of criticism where its always us versus them, and me against you? Praise- offering genuine appreciation and encouragement to others simply for the people that they are and the efforts that they make. This goes beyond just casting off the urge to tear others down- it means honoring the people we meet, celebrating the differances that help define us as individuals while striving to find the things which bind us together, and most importantly taking the time each day to let others know the things that you value in them. Its not an easy thing to do- in fact opening ourselves up to people in this manner may be truly against the grain. But, if we atleast attempt to bring the praise of others into our daily lives just think of the difference it could make! I know all of this sounds too hopeful but in a world that seems so cynical don't you think it's time we try to offer some
support and encouragement to each other? I believe that the power to offer people that kind of comfort lies within the hands of each of us, and I feel that only when we learn to praise others can we start to find any real peace within ourselves and in the world around us. Our world needs praise."
-Aram Arslanian

The man who wrote this, Aram, just happens to be in 3 of the most inspirational bands of this generation of hardcore (to me atleast). The First Step, Champion and Betrayed. All of these bands have played a very pivatal role in my introduction to hardcore as a kid, and have helped me make many positive decisions to get me where I am today.
I picked up a record from the band Right Idea called Our World not too long ago, which is on React Records (also owned by Aram) and lately I have been feeling down and not so positive on the things I have to look forward to in my life, And I havent been too sure why. Anyways, listening to this record today and reading that qoute have really helped me get my mind on the right track. Thanks Aram, Thanks Right Idea.

Take a second to check out Betrayed, Champion or The First Step.
Promise you wont be disappointed.

Heres a download of Right Idea-Our World
if you like it, be sure and support them, by going to a show, or buying the record!

Track List

1 Alert!
2 That's Not You
3 Clear Your Head
4 Clean Break
5 Our World
6 You Sink
7 Searching For Meaning
8 On Edge

DOWNLOAD!


Thanks for checking in, until next time.

-Nathan

The Contortionist-Oscillator

I spent the last 2 hours or so, sketching up differant cartoon characters, and coming up with a couple differant ideas for some new stickers. Last year I picked up a Juxtapoz mag, and inside is featured an artist that goes by the name of Ghost, out of Queens, New York. He has been into the street art culture for over 20 years, and he does alot of work with cartoon characters and bright colors. I definatly have been getting alot of inspiration and ideas from him. You can get more info on him at CousinFrank.com



I also wanted to note, that my first 2 official post's happen to be related to "ghost" in some way. Funny how the world works eh?

PS-I have been naming the title of the posts by what I am currently listening to, I definatly encourage anyone to check out any band, or any artist posted, I'm sure they wouldn't mind? Maybe I'll get a cut from the record company for promotion one day?

Thanks for checkin in today,
until next time!

-Nathan

Mammoth Grinder-Anxiety onset

Ever since I was introduced to Wheatpasting, I have been completly drawn to the idea of speaking my view or opinion in an art form. I have been wanting to create images or characters to get peoples attention, whether it be about social, or political issues, religion, or on the other hand, maybe to get somebody to laugh. Whatever I am feeling that day, wheatpasting has made it alot easier to put my art out on the street, if I happen to run out of spray paint.

Lately I have been watching a few of these videos from Sofaria on youtube, its just a few street artists who have came together to make a few videozines called Beats & Drips. I havent had the chance to order any of them yet, but I have been keeping up on the youtube posts, and these guys definatly have some good stuff going for them. This is one of my favorite videos from Sofarida





You can order there video zines from sofarida.com and check out more of there online stuff at myspace.com/sofarida youtube.com/sofarida

thanks for listening

until next time

-Nathan

7L & Esoteric-Verbal Assault

I am going batty thinking about how I am going to start this blog. I have never been good at writing, or good with words in general and all I want, is to have somewhere to post how I am feeling, what is inspiring me, and basically somewhere to get all these scrambled thoughts out into a physical form.

My name is Nathan Dell, Im 19, artist, musician, skateboarder, collector, thinker. I love my beautiful girlfriend Bri, and my floor lickin' puppy Lou. I love to travel, Make stickers, vandalize, listen to music, and spend time with my girlie pie Brianna and all of my best friends. I listen to many differant types of music, all of which inspires me in many differant ways. I have lived in Flint, Michigan almost my whole life, but I recently moved to Orlando, Florida with my girlfriend. So far its looking like it was a good decision, we both should be starting school soon. Unfortunatly, for me, I dont know where yet!

Sometimes I feel like I am overwhelmed with inspiration, with art, music and many other things. I always seem to have ideas of something to paint, draw, or some beats going through my head. Most of the time I end up scatterbrained because I cant paint or draw or play my drums all at the same time! Hopefully by creating this blog, I'll be able to post some of the inspiration I am getting whenever, or wherever and share it with, whoever is willing to check it out.


If you have read this far, I apologize for being so terrible with my words.

thank you
until next time

-Nathan


photo: Flickr.com/photos/ellewyatt