We’d like to thank all the artists who’ve taken time and energy out to make Wired into the event it is today, welcoming back many lineup regulars as well as brand new additions. We’re excited to be able to continue to support and experience the incredible amount of talent our scene has to offer.

RSVP on our Facebook event page, and let’s make this one BIG!

Just finished this one for Athens-based Jay Murphy aka Up Until Now‘s gig at Larimer Lounge in Denver, Colorado next month.

I created some of the static looks that were then combined with even more content by other artists like Kris D and used to create motion scenes by IVP’s team of animators. Using high-powered projectors, IVP will be manipulating this video content live onto 15,000 sq/ft worth of building facade of the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami.  Some shots are already trickling through from last night’s test setup, courtesy of IVP’s Brian Blessinger‘s I-Phone  on location in Florida.

Intercontinental Facade 'Mind Meld' shot by Brian Blessinger

The high powered projector rig, built by SennovA just for the Mind Meld project. (image by Brian Blessinger of Integrated Visions Productions)

I’ll be updating this post periodically with new content (hopefully some video) as it trickles through. Shout outs to Bryan Dodson and Michelle Dodson for including me in this massive project. Too bad I can’t make it to Miami this year to take it all in live.

***Update***

There’s a mention of the project in this short “behind the scenes” video on Ultra Music Festival on MTV!

Here’s some more images I culled from the Integrated Visions Twitter feed.

Haven’t see any good quality video yet, but I’ll post once I do.

**update*** Here’s the video recap of the project. Courtesy of Bryan Dodson at Integrated Visions Productions.

Red Bull Mind Meld – 3D Video Mapping the Intercontinental Hotel @ Ultra Music Festival 2012 from Integrated Visions Productions on Vimeo.

Soundtrack: “A Meaning” by Braille (http://www.braillesounds.com)

**update 3*** SenovvA, the company who built the custom projection rig just posted their own “teaser video” about Red Bull Mind Meld.

SenovvA Ultra Music Festival 2012 Teaser from SenovvA on Vimeo.

My own crew Organic Variance, lead by producer/engineer/DJ Variant, was happy to contribute a roots-influenced dubstep version of the nu-disco dub flavored ’2′R’, clenching a spot on the compilation. In anticipation of the full release, check out a promo mix put together by Piper Street Sound, with more details available here.

Remixed artwork for the remix album was of course done by Neu:Machina.

They approached me to create some artwork, riffing on the title ‘These Days’, providing keywords “2012, Occupy Wall Street, election year”. The result is some sort of pastiche of symbolic abstractions, commenting on the rising tension of being a world citizen alive today.

Check the cover art below, and make sure to head over to their Bandcamp page for a preview before February 14 when the release officially drops. You can also follow the band on Facebook and Twitter or visit their One Sheet page.

The whole thing came about somewhat unexpectedly when my friend (Athica Gallery board member and fellow Athens artist/designer) Michael Lachowski suggested I enter the ‘Mystery Selections Triennial Exhibit’ they were having at the end of the summer. The event was conceived as a clever way to raise funds for the non-profit gallery while at the same time bringing some attention to a very diverse set of local artists. All artists were encouraged to donate 2 or more small works (5.5″ x 8,5″) to be auctioned off at a predetermined price of $60, with all proceeds benefiting the gallery. At last count they had raised over $8000, with a lot of the pieces still available (including mine, haha!). The pieces I submitted were both adaptations of my commercial design / illustration work. Part of my aesthetic involves “sampling” and “remixing” my own work as a way to coax some more (or different) meaning through re-contextualization.

To my surprise, I got an email from the Athica Gallery a few weeks later, informing me I had been chosen to show some more work in the follow up show. Even though I jumped at the chance, the whole thing posed a bit of a problem for me. First, because of the various freelance projects I was already juggling and secondly, because I really had no “gallery ready” art to speak of. I took a few days to mull it over and came up with a plan. I wanted to show work that was in the same vein as the first two pieces, both of which were digitally created and riffing on pop (hip hop) culture, incorporating typography. Over the next week -after some ridiculously long hours- I managed to pull together some pieces I was happy with. They are all either brand new or newly updated from my vaults. I want to refrain from explaining the work too much, since I like to hear people’s interpretations of “what it all means”. I also want to emphasize that in my day job as a graphic designer, my aim is mostly to communicate a message or sell a product by developing a certain visual language. This show was a chance for me to do something where the message could be perceived as divorced from the medium, that is, without having to worry too much about clarity of purpose.

'Juicy' (8,5" x 24")

'Synaesthetic Time Machine' (8,5" x 24")

'Do You Have A Life?' (Custom print on T-shirt)

'They Shook' (30" x 30")

These pieces, alongside work by the other Selections Choice artists Jorie Berman, Will Eskridge, Cindy Jerrell, Missy Kulik and Rebecca Brantley are on display at Athica Gallery until November 6, 2011.

*For the people who inquired about buying art from the show: some have already been sold or reserved, but send me an email to check for availability. I will also be launching a web store on this site next month, with archival prints (and the one teeshirt design) available of pieces in this show, as well as some brand new stuff!*

Both these guys have been turning heads in their respective genres. Multi-instrumentalist and DJ Will Holland under his Quantic and Flowering Inferno monikers has been putting out album after album of quality latin and afro-cuban infused downtempo, funk and dub music from his Cali, Colombia studios. Bristol, UK based Phaeleh has been crafting lush and cinematic (post)dubstep and future garage soundscapes that have found wide support in this constantly growing worldwide bass scene.

Phaeleh – Caustic Storm off his ‘Cold In You’ EP.

I am beyond excited to have been added to the lineup on opening duties. There’s so much good music out there -beyond what’s trendy- begging to be exposed, and I’m elated to have the opportunity to warm up the room with some melodic goodness along the lines of my last mix. It also happens to be my birthday at midnight (October 9th). If you’re reading this, you’re invited to the celebration

Also check out the Neumachina artwork for the show. I’ve been immersing myself in Japanese design and had to go minimal on the vibe for this one:

We’ve been road-testing this one in our sets for a few weeks to enthusiastic response, and we’re excited it’s finally getting released “in the wild”. Preview the tracks below. or head on over to the band’s bandcamp for a free download. Make sure you get the bonus 5-track EP ‘For Real: The Remixes’ as well.

Also check out the artwork for both releases done by Neumachina, and RSVP for the official release party at New Earth Music Hall, featuring FLTRSK, HeRobust, Greenhouse Lounge and Uprise Dub, Saturday September 3rd, 2011

Again, I was a little worried about the time constraints, but it all worked out in the end. The 7-track release, entitled ‘People and Places’ features collaborations with local Athens chanteuse Lera Lynn and Atlanta – based hip hop artist Priceless The Kid, and will be available for free on June 21st via the band’s website. In the meantime, check the goods below!

Cover:

Back Cover:

Disc:

This year’s performer list includes:

Charlie P, Ployd, Sorted, Rel 1, Kryptonite, Captain Crunk, Section 8, Organic Variance, D:RC, Wonky Kong, Feral Youth, Ideal, Decepticron, T8r(tot), Envader, Trogdor, DJ RX, andyredrum, Thump & Hustle.

Neu:Machina – designed poster: