Chaos to Couture
Posted on by

Never Say Never…

Well, I have finally given in and decided to do what I said I’d never do…start blogging. Given how all the so called “trend setters,” fashion and music bloggers, and just plain ass holes who think the more ironic the trend, the cooler it is, I decided to take the bull by the horns and create this love child with my baby daddy www.tieabuzzon.com…You could call her the “cliff notes” version of Tie a Buzz On, considering not many people, including adults these days actually know how to read or write grammatically correct english, either that or don’t have the attention span, as well as have a vocabulary filled with more ridiculous acronyms that I don’t even know what they mean. *Note, I’m not claiming to be the grammar queen, and am sure you’ll find plenty of errors throughout my blog, but who cares or notices these days, right?

So, I have officially come out of my “Trend Forecasts” retirement, and giving a rat’s ass about what the latest must have fashion pieces are for each season…which in my eyes, are just recycled trends, if not just seemingly ironic crap, so outrageous it screams “Look at Me,” and therefore becomes a “trend;” along with trolling the internet to be the first to know about every “buzz” band NME decides to make their sweethearts for a minute. (Side note, such a shame because NME used to be the go to for all things good in music.)

I realize we all have different tastes, and God knows I don’t expect everyone to agree with mine, however, I saw the Strokes at the NYC dive bar Luna Lounge (RIP), over 13 years ago, actually opening for a band called Longwave with maybe 15 people there, and immediately knew they were going to be up to big and COOL things…real things, not the current bull shit of hipsterdom our society has seem to fallen victim to today.  So, I’m hoping at the very least to shed some REAL creativity and talent to the world and pop culture, making it a place with less bushy bird’s nest beards, man buns, and ridiculous un “trends” such as “normcore,” and a sea of “The” the bands of terrible music.

So, stay tuned (those with taste and a sense of humor), plenty more to come…

Dear America, Why Are We Surprised…
Posted on by

Wow, it’s been months since I’ve had the time to write, and, yet, the world has changed in so many ways since then…especially America.  I would be a hypocrite to say I voted (and as most Americans would say, I have no right to a voice to be heard), but what if you didn’t believe in either candidate? Isn’t it better to say nothing if, you you don’t believe in anything…especially someone running for the President of the United States?

I could be like most millennials and strong feminine minds, but, Hillary to me is/was a complete liar.  But, then to say I agree with Donald Trump, makes me okay with all the misogynistic and CEO bully ways, I am all too familiar with after being a Men’s Personal Shopper on Madison Avenue? Absolutely not.  To me, we were in a battle of the lesser of two evils.  I’ve never declared myself a Democrat or a Republican…and not even an Independent, which my spirit is all for, if you know anything about me.

We got stuck with, what I think Hollywood could have written a script two years ago, and we’d never believe these would be our choices, yet, alone, have to actually decide on one of these candidates.

Not only did Rage Against the Machine call this out over 16 years ago in “Sleep Now in the Fire,” but so did “The Simpsons.” (Just Google it, and it’s everywhere) What was a joke over a decade ago, has now become our reality.  Speaking of reality, are we not surprised we have (forget the CEO and Real Estate Magnate) a “reality TV “star” as our now President Elect?  I wish I could say this is all a shock to me, and in many ways it is…however, I’m more surprised Kris Jenner isn’t our Vice President.  We as a nation, ok minus NYC, LA, Miami, and a few other larger cities, have glorified Reality TV Personalities…mostly “Bravoleberties.”

Let’s be real ( ladies especially) we know more about what’s going on with reality “TV Stars” (God which even pains me to call them stars in any way) than we do about the reality of  what not just our Nation has become, but the world in general.  So, (and I’ll catch a lot of sh*t from my closest of friends) But, rather protest against Trump ( and believe me I am no fan).  First, start with the DNC, never one to get Political, but Bernie…yea, I probably would have voted for him.  But, 2nd of all, President elect or not, our social behavior, and fanaticism towards “Reality TV Stars” may have not elected Mr. Trump, but why are we surprised…and when I say we, I do not include 90% or more of my friends. But, we are now not just a nation, but world that glorifies the Kardashians, and reality TV personalities.  Need I say more?

 

Thunder Bitch “Shakes” the Grammys…
Posted on by

It’s been three days now…can we please stop bitching about how the Grammys blew and have become so out of touch with the realness of the heART of music?  Yes, I get it, the Grammys have turned into a commercial mockery of music and platform for ridiculous feuds through cryptic acceptance speeches, laughable performances, in which those of us with any taste or knowledge of music at all, could care less about nor want to see or hear.

lady-gaga-performs-david-bowie-tribute-at-grammys-2016

Lady Gaga’s attempted tribute to David Bowie Photo credit: JustJared.com

It’s the same thing every year, so why do so many people still act “surprised” at what a farce it is, filling social media with the same broken record of years past, but just with different characters?

Let’s talk about the phenomenal Alabama Shakes, a small town band from Alabama who’ve been together since high school, and took home three Grammys, all while being on a small label, ATO.  And, might I add, frontwoman, “Thunder Bitch,” Brittany Howard, slayed it in her custom glamorous Christian Joy gown, another iconic DIY artist and designer best known for creating all of the YYY’s Karen O’s costumes.

(Video courtesy of Vox.com)

This is now the second time Christian Joy’s designs have made it to a renowned awards show’s stage and in front of millions of viewers.  You may recall Joy’s stunning red gown KO donned at the 2014 Oscar’s, performing the both Oscar and Grammy nominated, “The Moon Song,” for Spike Jonze’s film “HER.” Also phenomenal accomplishments, much like a small town band on an indie label winning three Grammy awards.

KO performing at 2014 Oscars Photo: AP Press

KO performing in Christian Joy at 2014 Oscars Photo: AP Press

So, this year’s Grammys were actually, in a sense, a big win for independent musicians and artists of all kinds. Seemingly impossible barriers were broken without the backing of the slick and compromising ways of commercial muscle. And, in my eyes, the Grammys got “real” for a few fleeting moments this year.

Congratulations Alabama Shakes for winning “Best Alternative Album,” “Best Rock Performance,” and “Best Rock Song.”  But, also for kicking the mainstream’s ass, while dressed in costume extraordinaire Christian Joy…was refreshing to say the least.

Alabama Shakes Photo Credit: People Magazine

Alabama Shakes Photo Credit: People Magazine

Kaia Gerber: Taking Back the Throne of the Real American Supermodel…
Posted on by

Oh, how I used to love that first smell of pleats wafting through the City during NYFW before the onset of ridiculous reality stars, and the ever so arrogant Kayne West decided to declare themselves designers.  What used to be sacred to me is now a joke and simply my job to watch, write, and actually pay attention to this absurd circus now, called Fashion Week.

Kendall + Kylie launch NYFW Photo: Eonline

Kendall + Kylie launch NYFW Photo: Eonline

While the Jenner/Kardashian clan were celebrating the launch of new clothing line Kendall + Kylie, which is more than likely going to sell out (laughable but unfortunately true), I was praising the fashion heavens for the revealing of Alexander Wang’s faces for his #SS16 campaign…

Kaia Gerber Alexander Wang

Kaia Gerber #WANGSS16 Photo: Alexander Wang Instagram

 

Cindy Crawford’s beautiful daughter and heir to the 90’s Supermodel throne, Kaia Gerber, (who at 14 has more class and natural beauty than any Kardashians and Jenners have had or ever will have pre-plastic surgery/procedures) was featured in that list via: Instagram.  I had to do a double take given Kaia and Cindy could be twins.

Young Cindy Crawford & Kaia Gerber Photo credit: dishh.com

Young Cindy Crawford & Kaia Gerber Photo credit: dishh.com

There is no denying a shakedown is on the horizon, one in which, real models will take back their rightful place on the runways and billboards worldwide, and the truly glamorous people will reclaim their seats on the front row of the NYFW shows…just take a sneak peek at Kaia’s entourage.  You’ve heard the saying, “Classy is the new Kardashian…I mean black.”

George Clooney, Amal Alamuddin, Rande Gerber, Cindy Crawford Photo: NYPost

George Clooney, Amal Alamuddin, Rande Gerber, Cindy Crawford Photo: NYPost

 

 

 

 

Adam Green’s Aladdin keeping NYC’s Artistic Spirit Alive…
Posted on by

Adam Green, one of NYC’s most talented, creative artists has released a teaser (FINALLY) of his enigmatic feature film “Aladdin.” Green’s rock n’ roll, indie remake of Disney’s “Aladdin,” features some of Indie’s most prominent artists, and gives us a peek into the brain of this magnificent genius.

I could go on about seeing his early beginnings in his band the Moldy Peaches, dressing up in animal costumes with partner Kimya Dawson, opening for the Strokes, collaborating with the Paddingtons, but why bother?  This man is an artistic maestro, and has far surpassed that period of time.

Adam Green has been a catalyst that has kept the creative vibe going and surviving in NYC, and worldwide…something that is in jeopardy of becoming extinct due to the greedy sell outs of gentrification and commercialism.  Yet, he has made a film (music tour to follow) with just about every respectable indie artist imaginable, with the true D.I.Y. spirit, offering their contribution to a friend.  I could list them all, but why spoil the surprising fun?

Enough talk, here’s a sneak peek of what I know will be a piece of true art, and a continuation of the communal artistic spirit that is alive and kicking in NYC…

 

God, the Devil and Rock n’ Roll…
Posted on by

While most of us have been busily running around cluttering our schedules “in the spirit of the Season,” much has been taking place in the heart of the Rock n’ Roll and music community.  November 12th, 2015, Eagles of Death Metal were not a household name, but that all changed the following evening in Paris at the Bataclan, a well-known venue for musicians from across the globe.  ISIS members opened fire on the crowd an hour into the EODM set, taking 89 lives.

EODM's Jesse Hughes at the Bataclan Memorial Photo credit: the Guardian

EODM’s Jesse Hughes at the Bataclan Memorial Photo credit: the Guardian

 

The horrific attacks catapulted Eagles of Death Metal into the headlines, especially frontman, Jesse Hughes.  I’d be lying if I said I was a huge fan of theirs but what has transpired after this tragedy has left me a devout fan for life.  Preachers and leaders around the world condemned the band, claiming they brought the attacks on themselves because their music was “satanic,” and one went so far as to saying “What do you expect going to a concert with a band called Eagles of Death Metal?  They deserved to die because they were evil and worshiping the devil.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing from these “so called” Christians and ones in leadership, for that matter.  I’m a Christian and cringe every time one of these a** holes opens their mouths and speaks on behalf of my faith.  First of all, I’ve heard Christian bands whose music sounds more “satanic” and metal than EODM (don’t believe me, just click here: Oh, Sleeper to have a look and listen for yourself).  Secondly, lead singer Jesse “the Devil” Hughes is an ordained minister…one I know most of my friends, Christian or not, would listen to and respect.

He is real, human, and does not use his faith as a crutch or mask, nor push it in people’s faces, manipulating it with a hidden agenda.  Vice recently released a documentary, “The Redemption of the Devil,” capturing it all as Jesse turned 40.  (see trailer below)

I knew it’d only be a matter of time this side of EODM and Hughes would be made public, and indeed it has.  Finally, major music press outlets such as Rolling Stone, NME and Vice are reporting these facts and bringing them to the forefront. (There’s nothing I love more than to see a Johnny Cash style “Up yours” to naysayers.)  But, more importantly, the tragic events that were meant to hurt and kill have now evolved into a huge heartfelt movement within the music community to heal through their heARTS and music.

Rolling Stone wrote a phenomenal article on the “Play It Forward,” campaign/charity EODM has launched with some of the industry’s most talented musicians and bands, such as U2, Florence and the Machines, and Kings of Leon contributing their voices and music for the cause.  In which it also includes Jesse speaking candidly about his faith.  I don’t think I’ve ever read a quote in Rolling Stone from a Rock n’ Roll bad ass about praying and God.  No matter your belief or lack there of, there is one thing I think most of us can agree on, and that is music has the ability to heal and is a universal language, bringing the most unlikely of folks together as one.

You can read the article here: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/eagles-of-death-metal-talk-sharing-stage-with-u2-play-it-forward-campaign-20151222?page=2

 

Yeezus One Up’d by The Fat Jew at NYFW…
Posted on by

It looks like the fashion heavens have finally had enough of Yeezus/Kanye West.  Josh Ostrovsky, a.k.a. @TheFatJewish, made his NYFW debut this afternoon with his dad-themed fashion show at the Standard High Line hotel, that is surely going to outshine Mr. West’s “my sh*t doesn’t stink, but really it does” farce of a collection.

“[The show is] all unknown models. A lot of Craigslist. And some real dads that I know,” Ostrovsky told Yahoo Style. “It’s a lot Rockports. A lot of sensible walking shoes. A lot of khakis. A lot pajamas with big giant plastic buttons. All dad shit.”

Fat Jew’s Dad Fashion Show Photo by: NickyDigital.com

 

And, his response to having to reschedule his show due to the “last-minute addition,” of Kayne West’s show to the fashion calendar (as if that wasn’t preconceived by Yeezy) is even more genius than his parody of American pop culture and fashion week nonsense…

“This is exactly what he should be doing. This is why Mariah Carey flips tables. If it were up to me, my show would have been at the D.M.V. at 2 a.m., but I don’t have the fashion juice to do that.”-New York Times

Josh “The Fat Jew” Ostrovsky Photo credit: Vogue.com

 

Oh, thank You G-D for this NYFW miracle.  Yeezus, you just got one up’d by the Fat Jew.  Let this be a reminder Kanye, that Jesus was a Jew, and a humble one at that, who didn’t walk around telling the world HE was the sh*t.  HE didn’t have to, HIS work spoke for itself…

 

R.I.P NYC Fashion Week…
Posted on by

Well, high fashion is officially dead…at least in New York City.  Lauren Conrad, from “The Hills,” “OC,” or whatever crap reality tv show she came from that spawned from MTV (another lost soul), is kicking off NYC SS16’s Fashion week by unoffically launching her new collection for Kohl’s today…the day before the formal September 10th start date, a cardinal sin in itself.  And, to add insult to this fatal injury, she says her inspiration behind the line was “folklore and fantasy of fall.”  Sorry LC, it’s been done year after year, and it’s called Coachella.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Lauren Conrad Photo credit: Getty Images

The once sacred week of the world’s most creative designers and fashion’s most stylish icons (ones with true personal style, who didn’t need a stylist to sweet talk designers and their publicists into dressing their clients in their garments) has turned into one ginormous cluster f*ck of vaguely important people, we have made famous for doing absolutely nothing.  Okay, that’s not true, these new classless fame mongers did give us the now infamous “selfie” and “side boob;” two ridiculous so-called trends I still cannot wrap my head around, nor intend to embrace…ever.

Photo Credit: Xavier Collin Monitor

Kim Kardashian Photo Credit: Xavier Collin Monitor

The only ‘Side Boob’ you’ll ever catch me with is off Albert Hammond, Jr’s new LP, “Momentary Masters” out on Vagrant Records (Sooooo goood!)  But, back to the death of fashion…

Actually, I think the fact that a reality show cast member is an opener for our once beloved NYC Fashion week with her collection for the commercial chain Kohl’s, says it all.  “It’s the end of the fashion world as we know it.”

However, there is always a silver lining…fashion may be dead, but style is alive and kicking with an eternal flame…

While all the fauxlebrities and cookie cutter bloggers are air kissing, pretending to be important during NYCFW, I’ll be playing with legit style hero, Alexa Chung, and posse on Villoid, the new app she launched last week at a NYC slumber party with the true fashionistas in their pajamas.

Oh wait, you haven’t heard about it?  Didn’t think so, that’s exactly what the heART of fashion is all about, being at least 3 seasons ahead of the pack.  Thanks Ms. Chung and friends for keeping the genuine fashion fire alive; long live personal style…

Photo by: Alex Chung Instagram

Photo by: Alexa Chung Instagram

 

Endless Summer…
Posted on by

Just when I thought I was over my relationship with Summers in the City, Karen O puts out this NYC classic short film for ‘Singalong,’ off her “Crush Songs” album, directed by Asli Baykal.  Everything about this video reminds me of the NYC I once loved, and how great it was to spend summers there because it was emptied from all the “air kissing socialites” and hob knobbers, who were off out in the Hamptons doing the same bull sh*t.  This is something I never understood, and still don’t…why travel to see the same people, do the same thing, and pretend to like each other?

But , back to this beautiful love filled film…Thank you Karen O, mama to be, for continuing to bring forth the true spirit of NYC, and creating a memory we can come back to at any time, any season, or any place and experience an Endless Summer in NYC…

“Human Sadness,” Julian Casablancas + the Voidz’ Tumultuous Lullaby Comes to Life…
Posted on by
Julian Casablancas' "Human Sadness" Photo courtesy: VICE

JC + the Voidz’ “Human Sadness” Photo courtesy: VICE

Below, is an article I wrote almost nine months ago upon hearing the release of Julian Casablancas + the Voidz’ first single, “Human Sadness,” off their debut album “Tyranny” on Cult Records.  Now, Julian and his creative team, including long time friend and collaborator, art director, Warren Fu, and wiissa (who brought us Karen O’s “Day by Day” short) have created and released one of the most painstakingly, beautiful and most truthful short films/videos that to me, is one of the most honest and authentic portrayals of life; what’s really going on, and just how many hurting souls are out there…You can check out the official video below.

“Human Sadness,” Julian Casablancas + the Voidz’ Tumultuous Lullaby…

Posted: September 2, 2014 for Tie a Buzz On…  By:  Kristen G

Finally, a full track from one of this year’s most highly anticipated albums, “Tyranny” by Cult Records’ JC + the Voidz, has been revealed.  “Human Sadness” is like nothing Julian has ever done before and tumultuous harmony to my ears.  It pierced my heart upon first listen, taking the sorrowful emotions and feelings I encounter each time I turn on the television, or social media to see what the world and state of humanity has become as of late, and turned those feelings into hopeful melodic bliss.

“Human Sadness” is a beautifully cluttered, harmonious symphonic soundtrack to the society in which we live in today; a thunderous lullaby that brings peace in chaos through this musical masterpiece.  For me, it is a powerful example of how sorrow and joy go hand in hand, but also an impeccable ballad showcasing the many brilliant and talented sides of Julian Casablancas, composer being one of them.

The new single may not be what most expected or wanted, and I am sure there will be mixed reviews and feelings by the many vultures that seem to hover above, while waiting to hear anything Julian puts out.  They are always ready to rip Jules to shreds when he goes outside of their box, creating music and art so far removed from the record that, indeed, we all loved and quite possibly saved Rock n Roll, The Strokes’ “Is This It.”

For those critics out there who cannot appreciate artistic growth, nor the balls it takes to do something outside the commercial box, might I suggest you continue to fish in the sea of all the “the” bands, and manufactured garbage out there, the machine aka: music industry, is pumping out to find that “garage sound” you seem to so desperately need.  Or better yet, dig in your record collection, or record store crates, and listen to the Velvet Underground, or Television…the iconic bands you, yourself wrote the Strokes ripped off at the time their infamous “Is This It” came out.

Kudos to you Julian Casablancas + the Voidz…way to put yourself out there and make music that reflects what is really going on in this ridiculously fame hungry, instant gratification “Tyranny” we live in today; where the sheep do not even know what they are “following,” just clicking “like” because it is what the so called “cool kids” are doing.  Being popular on social media, to me, is like sitting at the cool table at a mental institute.  But, we are lucky that a man with such substance, talent, and heART with a following and platform such as his is putting it to good use, and exposing the world to the true spirit of creativity, and good music that makes you feel something in the depths of your soul.

Photo by: Eric Ray Davidson

Photo by: Eric Ray Davidson

Now you can cast both your ears and eyes upon this prolific masterpiece.  You may need some kleenex, and a good look in the mirror after watching it…

Into the Depth of Darkness, Where True Beauty Can be Found…
Posted on by

Wow, to think I was about to complain about the love/fornicating bugs (‪Florida problems‬ when it’s time to leave); one of my favorite artists, and human beings of all time’s new music popped up on the local college station…

God, how I have missed Sufjan Stevens, and this side of his music and art. I still can’t believe I was fortunate enough that my best friend, Katrina, shared her journey and tours with him, with me…Still pinching myself to have seen this exceptional human perform with the Tibetan Monks at Radio City Music Hall, and the Lincoln Center years ago.

Katrina Kerns-Kiedis, Sufjan Steven's "Illinoise" makers Photo: blownbythewind.blogspot.com

Katrina Kerns-Kiedis, Sufjan Steven’s “Illinoise” makers Photo: blownbythewind.blogspot.com

Sufjan Stevens changed my life and comforted my heart years ago, and his new album is just unbelievable and so real and raw; something that’s been missing…truth.

I’ve had writer’s block for some time now due to all the tragic news going on at the moment…how does one write about bull sh*t that means nothing, while the world has become such a dark place?

Needless to say, my writer’s block has been cured, and, yet, not going to write much, rather let you, the listener, decipher your own feelings and words to this beautifully dark soundtrack to our lives.  For those who don’t know, much like “Seven Swans” his newest release, “Carrie and Lowell,” is an in depth look into his soul, his life, and all the darkness in it…if only we could all be so honest.

And, yes, it may surprise many that this Punk Rock n’ Roll/Ghetto Princess has a soft spot for folk…but most importantly, REALness…

Have had this on repeat all day, and am in absolute awe….