REVIEW: THE BLUE BREEZE INN

Words by Tina Moore. 

The Blue Breeze Inn is Ponsonby’s newest (and dare we say hippest) eatery on the strip. It has a slightly unusual combination of Pacific/Hawaiian décor and modern Chinese cuisine. The quirky mix works though – the bright, open space on the Brown Street corner of Ponsonby Central feels fun and fresh.

It’s the brainchild of Mark Walbank and Che Barrington, the guys behind the delightful MooChowChow (also on Ponsonby Road, and another of our favourite lunchtime haunts). It’s no surprise then that this new kid on the block looks to be a roaring success right off the bat.

The Remix team visited The Blue Breeze Inn this week for a mid-deadline lunch. The deal with the menu is similar to that of MooChowChow – you can order small plates or large plates that you could have to yourself but are best when shared with the table. Between four of us, we ordered steamed fish with fermented black bean, ginger and shaoxing, twice cooked crispy skinned duck and the dandan noodle hotpot of braised beef shin, chilli and black bean gravy. The flavours were big, bold and explosive! No deadline lunch is complete without wine/cocktails, so we ordered a casual coconut cocktail!. Without a doubt, one of our new favourites.

See you there sometime… http://www.thebluebreezeinn.co.nz/ 

REMIX TALKS TO SEMI-PERMANENT SPEAKER ANNIE SPERLING

Words by Steven Fernandez.

For our third week of speaker profiles in anticipation of the Semi-Permanent creative conference at the end of May, Remix spoke to American art director Annie Sperling. Our online editor Steven Fernandez caught up with the multi-disciplined and super-talented Annie about her life in Los Angeles producing photography, paintings and murals, as well as designing sets for commercials, music videos and feature films. As the primary designer for famed fashion photographer David LaChapelle since 2005, Annie had no shortage of colorful tales…

Can you tell us a bit about your life as a production designer and artist?

I have long been a lover of photography and always considered myself an artist. I came to be a production designer in the most indirect route. I was a scenic artist; a substitute teacher, a mural painter, an interior designer, a photographer- but all these careers led me to production design. This job I love and feel is a mix of all my previous experience.

Why do you think you were chosen to speak at Semi-Permanent this year?

Good question! I am not totally sure - there are so many super accomplished people involved. I am very flattered to be among them! I think my work with David LaChapelle is probably my appeal - the work I have done with him has landed me many other jobs and I believe again this is the case!

Have you ever been to Australia or New Zealand before? If so, what are you looking forward to coming back to? If not, what are you expecting?

I met the guys at Semi-Permanent through a job I was doing in Sydney Harbor. We were shooting across from the insanely gorgeous architecture of the Opera House. I loved beautiful Australia. I have never been to New Zealand, so I am very thrilled.

What advice can you give to young artists or people wanting to develop a career as a production designer?

For myself, it was a real benefit to my job to be aware of the process - what exactly goes into building a set, how much materials cost, what materials are used to build sets and fabricate props, to learn art history and how it relates to furniture and architecture, as well as studying art and being sensitive to the nature of design. To understand subtleties in a set or design that will make it eye-catching and special.

What is your greatest achievement and/or proudest piece of work?

As a photographer, the last photos I took are my favorite: some beautiful models immersed in inches of large squares of gold glitter. As a designer, I love the sets I did for a Naturesway commercial recently: it was one of the most challenging builds I have ever done. I love the artwork series “Flowers “ I did with David LaChapelle and there is one painting I did of two burlesque maids that I like a lot!

You’ve been David LaChapelle’s primary designer since 2005 and been a huge part of designing the phenomenal sets that make his photography so vibrant and powerful. Can you tell us a bit how that came about and what it’s been like working with him?

I had an opportunity to design a really complicated shoot David was doing for Elton John’s Las Vegas stage show. In the show the video wraps around above him playing on giant screens. It was a lot of pressure, as it was ambitious and he is meticulous in all aspects of a shoot. The hair, make-up, sets, and lighting - if any part is not exactly how he likes it, he will not shoot. The sets I made wowed David and we’ve worked together ever since. We have a similar love of color and set dressing and weird modern junk. He is always the most challenging jobs I get and the most visually satisfying.

Were there any standout celebrities and/or subjects in David LaChapelle’s shoots that stood out to you?

When we shot The Rape of Africa - one of David’s art pieces, Naomi Campbell was the model portraying Africa. At the precise moment all elements were composed, she elongated her lovely neck and let out a perfect tear. It was exquisite.

Where would you like to go next? What else is on the horizon for you?

I have numerous places in mind for travel - I just returned from Venice, which was a longtime dream. It was truly magical, as I had imagined. I would like to work in Paris and Beijing - two places I adore. And I am hoping one day to do a great feature film with a new and superb director that would provide the opportunity to make incredible sets and designs.

Outside of your job, what do you like to spend time doing?

I love to travel - that is my absolute favorite thing to do. Sometimes I think the only reason I work is so I can travel again. I love to snorkel and dive. And I love to hear good, loud rock n’ roll music and dance, preferably with good friends and fancy tequila!

Is there anybody else at Semi Permanent you are excited to listen to and/or meet? Why?

To be honest, I am hoping to catch as many speakers as I can. The people they find are so diverse and unexpected. I love to hear all the takes on being an artist. At the show I spoke at in Australia, I became friends with a woman who designs fonts; an amazing musician/ artist, a fishing photographer and a graphic artist. Each had such a unique style and great talent. I found it truly inspiring. It made me happy and proud to be an artist.

If you’re interested in hearing more from Annie Sperling and a huge host of other speakers at this year’s Semi-Permanent creative conference, then head over to www.the-edge.co.nz/semi-permanent to buy tickets. As if there aren’t already enough reasons for you to go along, we have a special promo code so you get 15% off the price of tickets. Enter the promo code “FRIEND” when you buy your tickets online to receive the 15% discount!

'MASKED INTENTIONS' EXHIBITION IN SYDNEY

Words by Steven Fernandez.

There’s some seriously awesome stuff going on across the ditch next week, with the launch of ‘Masked Intentions’ on Wednesday 22^nd May at the He Made She Made Gallery in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

21 artists and designers created a mask as part of their ‘Masked Intentions’ exhibition and publication release. The show is curated by He Made She Made directors Laura Kepriotis and Patrick Chambers.

The masks were photographed by  Sydney photographer Tomasz Machnik and will be presented to the public as framed photographs available for purchase as limited edition prints. The shots were styled by Sophie Hart's Styling team.

“The inspiration for the Masked Intentions exhibition actually came from He Made She Made' long time friend and contributor Benja Harney. Specifically, a beautiful mask he loaned to us for a previous group exhibition. We really loved the piece, and it got us thinking about putting together a whole show of masks,” says curator Patrick Chambers.

“As we exhibit such a diverse stable of artists and designers, the idea of having them tackling such a finite brief was very appealing to us. We generally have a conceptual framework for our group shows, and leave the physical execution open, but this time we turned the process on its head, and the results have been really exciting.”

As well as selling limited edition prints on the night, the curators have also made available a short run of books to be sold exclusively throughout the duration of the show. 

So if you’re one of our readers over in Sydney, then make sure you head along to ‘Masked Intentions’ and check out what is sure to be an incredible exhibition at the He Made She Made Gallery between Wednesday 22^nd May and Sunday 9^th June.

Otherwise, visit their website for more information www.hemadeshemade.com/masked-intentions

INTERVIEW WITH P-MONEY ABOUT NEW ALBUM 'GRATITUDE'

Words by Will Seal.

In what has to be the ultimate end to the week, P-Money's new album 'Gratitude' drops today, so you have some fresh beats to get you through the weekend! To celebrate the release of P-Money's first album in three years, Remix Music Editor Will Seal spoke with the Kiwi hip-hop legend about his new record and new life in New York City...

What can fans expect from ‘Gratitude’?

For this album I wanted to keep it strictly hip-hop. There is a string nod to the sample based NY style beats of the 90’s but with my own modern interpretation. I think this album will really appeal to fans of my first two records “Big Things” and “Magic City”. It’s almost like a 3^rd installment of that series.

How did the ‘Gratitude’ concept come about?

The title represents how I feel about my career and my place in life right now. I’m working with some amazing people and still loving what I do. To be able to say that after over 10+ years in the music business is something special.  I give thanks to everyone and every event that has contributed to where I’m at right now. I wanted to express that with the album. It’s also a personal reminder to appreciate the life I’ve been given. 

You’re currently based in New York, how has that impacted on the sound of the record?

I’ve always been drawn to the city. My style is heavily inspired by the pioneering Hip-Hop producers who created the NY Rap sound. Legends like Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Beatminerz, DITC etc. I made probably 50% of the music here in NYC. The opening song “Welcome To America” was the first beat I made when I moved in to my apartment. So the city has been a direct influence on a lot of the music.

Your new album features a number of well-known international and local artists, how did those collaborations come about?

Some of the collaborations are with people I know personally and some were a case of reaching out with some music and seeing who was down to be involved. It was dope because almost everyone we contacted was with it. I can only recall two guys who declined the offer. And with both of them it was budget issue.

Who was your favourite to work with?

M.O.P. were my favourite to record with. We did the session in Soho at a spot called SweetSounds NYC. I had been a big fan for years but never met the guys before. They came through and you could tell they really were in to the music. It wasn’t just a case of “ok, let me do my vocals and get out of here”. They put a lot of energy in to it, which you can hear in the track. We have some video of the session on youtube. That was a crazy night.

You recently signed with Duck Down Music, how does it feel to be breaking the international market?

Of course it’s an exciting opportunity to work with such a revered and respected Rap label but also a company that has such a big global reach. I’ve never had that before with any of my albums. We’ve previously been able to release in NZ, Australia and the UK. But dropping an album via an American label grants access to a far greater audience. And because it’s Duck Down it’s predominantly a specialist Hip-Hop audience who know their stuff. It’s the perfect place to release an album such as this one.

You’re heading back down to NZ for a nationwide tour with David Dallas, what can people expect from your live show?

At the center of it is my DJ set and Turntablism skills and also this time around we are adding video components to the show which is gonna be really dope and something I have never done before! Plus with David he will be performing all his hits and premiering some of exclusive new material from his upcoming album. My plan is to take this beyond a standard rap show and have it feel like a festival stage, with production, lights and have people getting real hype while dancing to the music.  No arms folded in the building please!

What do you miss most about New Zealand when you’re away?

Family, friends and the FOOD!

Anything you’d like to add?

Thanks Remix for always supporting me, my label and fellow Kiwi artists. Cheers!

GRABASEAT THEMED CHARTER FLIGHT TO PHUKET

The cold has certainly set in, but there’s no need to get caught up with the winter blues. Summer is still a while away, so book yourself a mid-winter break to top up on your tan and let your hair down!

And here’s the ultimate way to get that much-needed dose of R & R – a six day/five night trip to tropical Thailand! Party poolside with DJs Tim Phin, General Lee and Peter Urlich and laze in luxury at the 5-star Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa.

Do as little or as much as you like when you join a bunch of like-minded Kiwis on grabaseat’s charter flight to Phuket.

In what is an unrivalled offer, grabaseat is offering packages starting from $2,299.00 per person that include the following:

• Return flights and in-flight experience (direct to Phuket, no connections).
• 6 days / 5 nights in the 5-star Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa.
• Return hotel transfers.
• Daily breakfast.
• Poolside DJ action and the famous Beach Party!
• $100 return transfers per person from outside of Auckland. 

Hurry! There’s only six weeks left to get yourself in on the action with a seat direct to Phuket for all the action! Get a group of mates and get on www.grabaseat.co.nz to book the ultimate mid-year getaway!