[Interview] Vee Miyagi Discusses No Color
This is the second in a series of two pieces by Contributing Writer Jessi Grant exploring No Color, a new campaign dedicated to creating a foundation of diversity and positivity within the Chicago arts and creative scene.
Art is often praised for its ability to connect. Through performance or visuals, the artist has the power to unite people and help them further understand one another. Chicago MC Vee Miyagi has decided to use this element of art for the advantage of his and other communities through the creation of No Color. Founded in March of this year by Miyagi and his friend Steven Reaves, No Color aims to bring artists of different background together in order to support a larger mission of community outreach. Ruby Hornet was fortunate to attend the first No Color event at Insit Studios last month. We recently followed up with Miyagi to learn more about No Color and his inspiration as an artist and activist.
[Interview] Jeremy Snead (Video Games: The Movie)
As a life-long gamer, Video Games: The Movie resonated well with me as it represented the de facto documentary on gaming. After all, it was created by a gamer, and the passion and understanding of the culture was very apparent throughout the film. I had the chance to speak to Jeremy Snead, writer, director, and producer of the documentary, about the process compiling Video Games: The Movie together, his views on the current state of gaming, and more. Read the full interview over the next few pages!
[Interview] Rob Dickens, Chief Operating Officer of The Great Bull Run
Practically everybody knows about The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. For those that don't, it's an annual event held in Spain during the week-long San Fermin festival in which organizers release bulls into packed streets, allowing people to "run" alongside of them. Of course, controversy surrounds the event with stories of participants getting injured and/or gored by the bulls' horns. Perhaps because of the inherent danger factoring into running alongside wild bulls, The Running of the Bulls is a popular event near the top of many's bucket list. Unfortunately, making accommodations to attend The Running of the Bulls is quite costly.
Thankfully, one group is replicating the awe behind The Running of the Bulls (as well as the Tomato Royale), bringing the experience across a nation-wide tour. The Great Bull Run has already visited seven U.S. cities to date and will be coming to the Chicagoland area this Saturday. Obviously, I couldn't let a chance like this go past, and I will be taking part in The Great Bull Run's festivities at the Hawthorne Race Course, both running alongside bulls and taking part in the Tomato Royale. To prepare for the run, I had a chance to speak to Rob Dickens, the Chief Operating Officer of The Great Bull Run about the event's history, their reasons why they're bringing the experience to the States, and the key differences between The Running of the Bulls and The Great Bull Run. Read on for our interview, and keep your eyes out for my first-hand experience at The Great Bull Run next week!
If you're interested in attending The Great Bull Run on July 12th, tickets are still available for the event. I hope to see you there!
[Photos courtesy of The Great Bull Run, LLC]
[Interview] Elena Fortes (Ambulante)
Last month, we shared Ambulante's Kickstarter project, an operation to begin a rogue documentary tour around the U.S. in order to spread the word on documentary culture. Through the use of crowdfunding, Ambulante has been on a mission to advocate alternative filmmaking and storytelling rooted in non-fiction film, and has been using Kickstarter in attempts to raise $52,780, begin their documentary tour in California, and ultimately make the tour happen around the rest of the U.S. I was lucky to have the opportunity to speak to Elena Fortes, one of the founders of Ambulante, where we discussed how Ambulante got started, the status of their Kickstarter-funded documentary film festival project, how far internationally their documentary tours have reached out, and what it’s like working with Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna.
[RH Photos] Marsha Ambrosius at the Friends & Lovers Tour in Chicago (3/28/14)
Photos by AngieStar Photography
With the recent release of her latest EPFVCK&LOVE, and with the anticipation of her upcoming sophomore album titled Friends & Lovers, it’s no surprise that British songstress Marsha Ambrosius had a sold out show at the The Shrine in Chicago. Brought to you by notable event coordinators Kristian Eliz and Jacob Thomas Entertainment, Marsha brought good energy, entertained with sultry and sassy talking bits in between songs, and with a wide range of vocals, the singer confirmed her undeniable classic talent.
The show was hosted by budding local talent Lili K, fluidly keeping the night going. After Philly-bred, Motown signed R&B group MPrynt performed and while talented Chicago based singer Kiara Lanier got the crowd warmed up, we were able to get a brief exclusive interview with Marsha. Inside her brightly lit, art adorned tour bus, she sat down right in front of a big screen tv that was playing March Madness clips, confirming her love for basketball. We were briefly able to talk about her music inspiration, her experience as a solo artist since Floetry, and of course, her thoughts on Chicago.
Shortly after the interview, we all scurried back into the venue to get the show started. Gracing the stage with a laced and tasseled, black and nude robe, Ambrosius seduced old fans and enticed new ones with an intro of her latest hit, Stronger than Pride. She then proceeded to sing some of her various hits, including old Floetry favorites like Getting Late and Say Yes. After leaving the audience wanting more, we were then treated by a DJ set from the infamous MC Lyte. The set was so good, Marsha even stood until close, jamming to Hip Hop hits and dance inducing tracks.
Marsha, who would you say is an inspiration for your music?
(Smiles) I'd be lying if I didn't say Michael Jackson, I've always been a huge fan.
Are you enjoying being a solo artist moreso than being in a group?
I've actually always been a solo artist, even with Floetry, I was a solo artist.
Interesting. And now just one last question, what do you like about Chicago?
It's kind of unfair to ask what I like about Chicago, because what I LOVE about Chicago is the people. Like no matter where I am in the world, I can always spot Chicago people. I always connect, it's crazy, I have a crazy connection here. It's always what I dreamed about, like I'm IN Chicago! (laughs)
Check some of our favorite moments and check out even more photos here.
[Sundance Interview] Arifin Putra and Julie Estelle (The Raid 2: Berandal)
[Ruby Hornet will be at Sundance Film Festival 2014 providing coverage of the festival's 30th year. Keep it tuned to Ruby Hornet this week as we share reviews, interviews, photos, and more at one of the country's largest film festivals.]
Header photo via Getty Images
Following my roundtable interview with The Raid 2: Berandal director Gareth Evans, Berandal stars Arifin Putra (Ico) and Julie Estelle (Hammer Girl) sat down to chat with my group about the film. Despite the light-hearted conversation, we probed the actors about their experience on the film, specifically asking about their training regimens, comfortability working with Gareth, the long wait for Berandal to begin production, and much more. Of course, we threw some fun questions in there, like their favorite action films (spoiler: Kill Bill 2 isn't one of them).
As always, major spoilers for The Raid 2: Berandal are sprinkled throughout the interview, so read at your own expense. Enjoy!
Kanye West For Interview Magazine
Photos by Steve Klein
Kanye West recently sat down with Director Steve McQueen for Interview Magazine and touched on various topics ranging from his influences, creativity, and what he wants to accomplish in is career. Accompanied with the interview is a photo spread shot by photographer Steve Klein capturing Kanye in what you can a very artistic way which is open to interpretation. But when you looking through the photos and reading the interview in it's entirety it all makes sense and the two go hand in hand in showcasing Kanye's drive and passion. It's an interesting interview and gives insight to his personality and show's his drive to make is ideas become reality so make sure to read the entire interview here.
[Via Interview Magazine]
Photographer Clara Balzary's Interview With Frank 151 [NSFW]
Photos by Clara Balzary
Frank 151 recently caught up with photographer Clara Balzary for an interview touching on topics about her start in photography, her style, not being credited for her work, and the connection to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Clara has shot campaigns for companies like Vans, Opening Ceremony, Urban Outfitters, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band's lead singer, Anthony Keidis, is Clara's godfather whom she credits for getting her started in photography when she received her first camera from him in elementary school.
Since she has been traveling her whole life, she has developed her own style, conjuring up feelings of living life as a free spirit. The interview also brings up the topic of the time she took photos of Kate Moss in which she was never given the proper credit for them. Check out some of her photos and head on over to Frank 151 for the rest of the interview.
[Via Frank 151]
