I can't call it homie

I need to have my two cents in this Japan glorifying business. I lost my log in for a minute but this is it. Way past my bed time but let's just say it is 7:30 in Japan so I'm either waking up or partying and bull shit.
I can't outdo Thomas on the pictures, no friggin way! thanks Money
I still got some gardens to make movies off so don't lose this sight out of site (or vice versa)
I stayed for ten more days and went to Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka and back to Tokyo. I need to sit down and give you the whole story. Now It's just rantings of a man with tears in his eyes and a taste for tuna on rice, period.
Without a doubt one of the high lights, besides the performance, was the batting cage in Jingu park in Tokyo! Sweating like a hog, feeling the blisters in your shoes and on hand palms, alive as a 16 year old fart with a new pack of bubble gum no one tried before...
I just say, Kampai

P.s. I got the karaoke movies to prove that Karaoke is for all ages!!

TO KY YO

I'll spare you the million more picture we took in Toky YO! Instead i'll give you a short impression of the stuff we did over there. We did loads more, this is just the stuff that was suitable to post (I mean, it's a work related blog after all).
So amazing. 360 degrees of buildings and people. What a city. 30 million people live here. I mean: 16 million people live in the whole of the Netherlands.
Jacob and I had fried shrimp. It was good. I like eating at the bar like that. Come to think of it. I have an overall fondness for bars.
I forgot the name of the most famous temple in Tokyo, but here we were. We drew our fortunes from those metal boxes. I drew "small fortune", which basically means that I'm small time now, but I end up BIG. It's written in the stars. Just so you know.
After karaoke we ended up in probably not the best bar in Tokyo. There were some Egyptians. Two hookers. And us. The beer was good tho.
Karaoke was off the hook. We went into this nine story karaoke castle. The place wasn't that special. We made it special. They litterally heard us eight floors down. Ok. Maybe I'm exagerrating. But we we're proud to be loud.
You've probably seen this side of Tokyo in the movies. So did I. And now we were there. Crazy.
Caprice looks lost. He was. We all were. We asked for directions in a bar. We never left. Tokyo is like that.
Electric City Tokyo. I was having diner some place else. You can't be at two places at once. But that would be convenient.
Everybody makes this shot. I've seen it a million times before. But now I'm in it! See me? 23d asian dude from the upperleft corner.
My guess this is tuna. But I didn't really care. We didn't sleep. It was 7.00 in the morning. Let's not discuss fish.I'm intrigued by squid. I don't know why. I can tell you this taste's funny on your sushi roll. Wanna see a couple of tall dutch people crammed into a taxi cab. There you go. The point is WE WERE IN TOKYO. This is just your avarage "the party in club NUTS ended" pic. Where's this club Nuts I mentioned? You know where. Hey Naoki, good luck with stashing that 2.10 m dude in the broom closet. Thanks for a great dinner. Next time we'll not do that directly after sweating like an ox in the batting cage.
I bought some overpriced stuff at this museum. It was at the 52nd floor of the Mori tower. Yes I was impressed.

This is how people tend to look after a good night clubbing, not sleeping and having sushi for breakfast (the freshest sushi in the world that is, but it's hard to appreciate that fully when the hangover is about to set it).

And did I mention we had fun? Ow, you got that impression already. Then my work here is done.

Thanks you all!

These were some of the people we hung out with. Add some good music, good food and good booze. Good times is what you'll get.

30 seconds of Tokyo

We had such a good time. I made like 2000 photo's. I should've made more movieclips, because this hardly gives a good impression of Tokyo. But I made and posted the clip anyway, because you can't be at the office spending 2 hours on a clip and NOT post it. So here goes. And by the way, yes something is wrong with the size of the screen. Whatever. I'm not a film maker. I just like to post stuff.

Thank you Michiko!

Jeez. We had a really really really great time in Tokamachi. Really. After we slept off our hangover we visited some amazing artworks of the Echigo Tsumari Art Triennal. We went to a spa where I really relaxed, a long with like 40 other asian brothers from a lot of other mothers. At least people know who MO - RO is now. We had Korean BBQ dinner with the lovely Michiko, who was our guiding light the past couple of days. The energy and time she put in. The amount of patience she mustered. Arigato gosai mas, TANAKA san! And now people are still not asleep. Tomorrow we're off to Tokyo. LET's GO!

Warning

This is a slideshow containing 348 photo's. We had a great time rehearsing, hanging out, jamming, performing and partying. These are just my pics. We made like 1000 that day, because this day killed! I really can't say too much about it, because it was amazing in many different ways. I mean:

- this one guy worked three weeks on the stage
- only to see his creation washed away in the most heavy rain in ages
- the festival was planned on the last day of the rain season, so I guess rain felt like shining one more time
- Caprice, Rianne, Moro, Michael, TooTall, Gina, Kid Sublime, Guitar man, Cuban-Japanese girl jammed till the sun broke through... MAGIC
- twenty very VERY stoked dancers working it
- people crawling over the floor because of that one drink too much
- the traditional tea ceremony and the geisha girls confessing they preferred beer and sake
- and...
- and...

Day Three

Here's a belated peek at our activities for day three. Most of us can't sleep at night due to different time zones, so day three started off kind of slow. I woke up at 2 pm and I was an early bird, if you get what I'm saying. But from then on we did a lot of stuff. We filmed some intro-shots in kimono's (or at least we'd like to think the hotel bath robes we kind of stole are kimono's). We had dinner at a really good Ramen place. Caprice did a workshop with four local artists which was cool. Then we were off to the festival site, where we rehearsed with the dancers. Here goes:

Sweet

So yesterday we met up with the SHISHEI dancers. SHISHEI is actually the name of this group's sensei. The dancers have been working hard on their dances to our songs. This is the first time the two of those came together. This is like the raw basics. In the next couple of days this will be smoothed out for the show. Though it looks pretty cool to me already.

Time zones

It's 03.21 in the morning right now. I feel like we are on a school trip. Which is fun of cours, but you don't sleep on school trips. So as long as I'm awake, I figured I could as well post some stuff about our second day here, which was very interesting. We had a look at the festival terrain which was rural to say the least. Mudsliding is allowed :) We visited our first exhibition of the festival. A work by James Turrell. If you know, you know. And we had our first rehearsal. Without further a due a whole batch of pics:

Rock n Roll

Dan dan domo! There you go: 12 hour flight, 5 hour bus ride, beer, sake and a party in 24 hours without breaking a sweat. No that's a lie. I sweated a lot, especially during the turbulence in the air. But: we made it over Siberia safe and sound. We even had our first party, which was very cool. Traditional dance and song. A lot of cool people. I don't know how rock n rollers live their life, but my guess it feels kind of like today.

Putting in work!

I wanted to keep you guys posted about the progress we're making. Look at these guys. They're putting in work! Sweating even! Keep that up. And for all of you in Amsterdam: Come and see our show sunday 26th at 15.00 in the Vondelpark Openluchttheater. It's gonna be good!

And look, I've discovered all these fancy video-transitions and fades. So corny, but I couldn't resist using them!

MC Hammer

I don't know for sure, but I have the feeling this is the official site of the Green Festival. It mentions "Green Festival" and "Nowhere" an awful lot :) Check it out over here. And look, MC Hammer is over there too :)

Mistakes

This is actually the first time we did the set in full, so a lot of it is experimenting and making mistakes. It's gonna be good though. Look out! See if you can spot Kid Sublime's trademark "fist of passion".

ROOTS open Air

So Moro, Rianne and Kofi performed their songs for the very first time on a nice festival called ROOTS open air. The vibe was good. The show was good. But it was also a good opportunity to critically look at their performance. Over here we say: "het kan altijd beter" which means you can always improve your stuff. So that's what we are working on now. Improving the show.

Konichiwa Bitches!!! (I LIKE!)

Don't know how to upload this you tube video, but check it out! It's quite appropriate for our fabulous trip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0CvysYjubU

Robyn S - Konichiwa Bitches

Japan info

For the Dutch crew:
Since I'm planning to stay a while longer on my own I'm looking into Japan. I'll post some things I find interesting.

here is one
It has all kinds of info from religion, language, travelling etc. Don't know if the festival is mentioned...

Here's another one
japan Reference[dot]com

And another one
Reasonably priced hotel chain

Random rantings: School!

That's the mode that I'm in right now.

I'm preparing tests for the kids, end of the year you know.

Why tell you?

Why not?

Even if it's just express how much I yearn for the end of the year!!!!

Ricardo

1st time for everything...

Well, well, well, ...my first 'Konnichiwa-blogpost' ever!!! Today, also my very first root-canal-treatment...no no, not me in that horrific chair, I am just the assistant, but felt sick for the poor guy who was sitting in that chair, choking on the chlorine treatment to desinfect the area which went terribly wrong. By the way, being a dentist-assistant is also very new for me...

ANYWAYS, ...Japan, also a very new thing for me, never have been to Japan before, so to be invited to perform there is absolutely crazy! I hope it's a start of many more invitations to whatever country... the definition of an international superstar sounds pretty attracting to me,lol!!!No, seriously, I mean it!

So, to be able to actually deserve to act like one, we are now rehearsing our new tracks, according to the setlist which has been made, and trying to create a SUPA DUPA DUPA FLY SHOW...to convince everyone in Japan and hopefully the world. Aaahhh, what the heck, you gotta dream big, cuz when it happens, it's gonna happen real quick!!!

For all,

Gina

Bounce

I've probably told everybody I know who's into making music about watching "Fade to Black", the documentary about Jay-Z making the Black Album. Check out this clip. It features two really really REALLY big artists making fun of eachothers work and eventually making a hit. Also notice that the beats Jay rejects are used by Brandy and Ludacris only AFTER Jay had a peak.

Envy

So during our Springfestival Gina & Ricardo performed this song. If you ask me, this is a nice display of natural talent. Look at how easy they make things look! It makes me want to be a singer. It also makes me realize I haven't a chance to compete. And I don't have the looks either :) Enjoy!

I "glow", you "glew", we "glewed"?

Let's take a minute (off of that mullet-snoring daddy-kanye discussion) to check out this video. This is Michael aka Kofi performing at our Springfestival. He dedicated this song to our lovely intern Natasha who, of course, glowed during the performance. Heck, even I glowed!

A well spend weekend

Good morning World!
I hosted the IJazz festival this weekend with high lights like Kyteman's Hiphop Orchestra, The All Star Jazz Crusaders, het Jazz Orkest van het Concertgebouw ft Oleta Adams, Jose James.
My feet hurt and knees feel numb from walking around the NDSM terrain.

Some randum rantings:

Today is my birthday so I'll make it something special.
I want to extend my stay in Japan for at least ten days. The chance of me ever going East again is nil.
I'll start an Anti Mullet Organization called ROADKILL if this fad doesn't end soon.

Peaches

Mullets

Yes, Ricardo. Kanye is growing a mullet. And that's cool. Matter of fact, mullets are not just the trademarks of rednecks any more. When worn with swagger, mullets are pretty darn fashionable, as illustrated by this feller below :)Yes, this was me couple o years ago. There you have it. Living proof. Matter of fact, I'm growing one right now. No thanks, Kanye.

Good night World

Night night Thomas

Kanye the artist, paint by numbers!!

And especially for all you Kanye fishstick-eating-painting-by-numbers-hit-scoring lovers:

Good day World

Don't get too excited about three posts in a row from yours truly. It usually is like this and then... silence! So enjoy while it is in print.
I went swimming this morning with my daughter (something I can recommend to all young fathers, hint, nudge, hint Thomas!!) And today was a special day cause it was picture day. So we took a picture which I will post when we get them. (here is an old one) Afterwards we stayed in the pool for another half hour and my daughter, to my surprise, was all into swimming under water. Usually she complains that her eyes get teary from this but now she was doin it all by herself.
Afterwards I fixed my bike. I have a little problem that is momentarily fixed but the proper solution is a new fuel tap.
Now I'll have to think of something to buy for my wife cause it's her birthday tomorrow. No clue what to get after so many years together. I always run out of ideas while she steps her game up each year.

I'm audi 5000

Too Tall

Quickly before I go to sleep

I was tripping on an old song by Kirk Franklin live. Dude got some crazy vocal arrangements.
peep


Good Night World

Too Tall

And so it begins...

Thomas is making a fool out of me... But that's ok, he's a father now so I'll give him some room for his rantings since he's coping with being a father. (have you tasted the breast milk yet?)
What have we been up to you ask? Preparing for the festival ofcourse and as it seems it comes with its hurdles. But that's all in the game right?
"I've been around the world and ai ai ai..." It will be my first trip to the East so I'm very excited. I've got friends who have been several times so they'll fill me in for as far as possible. I'm full of expectations but ready to board with an open mind.
Maybe if I tell you a little bit about myself: I'm one of those people that work at Nowhere and before that I worked for the radio doing a hiphop show, performing live with some other acts, acting as a workshop master and helping young talent in the studio. I still have my beat set up in the attic and once in a while I'll bang out some rhythms. Don't ask me for no myspace or whatever cause there ain't one [period]
I'll try to make my messages interesting by adding some thing things like this
One of my favorites, goosebump vocal production.

So far I guess,

To all my people all around the world hold tight, we're coming through!!

Too Tall signing off

Song from kanye

Ehhhmmm about that song Too Tall didn't know from Kanye....i didn't know that one either!!Does that make me old??? ;)

Things I like

I like: Ryan Leslie. I've watched these video's over 100 times. They still inspire. Check this out.

I Know What You Like! from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

We were talking about this song yesterday. TooTall reminded us our delegation consists of 3 (musical) generations. He kind of meant that he was too old to know about this one. Doesn't matter daddy. Check this one:


I like this song. And I know people are hating on this. But I like it. And I'm wondering how Lady Gaga does in Japan?


So ok. TooTall. Take a minute out to post some stuff. Whatever you like.

Let us introduce to you:

Rianne. The last singer to complete our group of most talented Nowhere singers. We actually organised auditions to find the right singer. Around 20 people signed up for it and 19 didn't cut it. So props to you Rianne. And welcome to the team!

The Green Festival

will feature acts like:

Rappa Gariya




Rabi Rabi
Akakura Kagura



Very diverse acts. I'm very curious about how we will fit in :)

Putting in work

Okay, so yesterday was our third meeting and we put in WORK. I've got a feeling the performance will be pretty pretty cool. The songs are anyhow. Also, on the far right in this picture: our fourth band member Rianne!

Summertime

So our small country endured some severe thunder and rain yesterday. Michael aka Kofi keeps on the summervibe with a raggae-version of his song "Nowhere". Click on the image below for the instrumental. Believe you me, the vocal version is "off the heezay" (over the top? hmyeah :)). We'll keep you posted for that one!

Fourth!

Yes! A little status update about the group. Caprice has finally found his fourth singer. Tomorrow she'll introduce herself to the group. After that I'll post some stuff about her.

Another go

Ok, so someting obviously went wrong last time with uploading the songs. Apologies for that. So I'm gonna have another go at it. Just click on the images below for the tracks!

Moro actually writes songs on the spot. This is the first instrumental wrote a song to.

... and this is the second one. We'll be recording the lyrics tomorrow so a vocal version will be posted soon. Together with the other songs!
Ok, so this one did function on the player. "I don't want this" by Gina.
And this is the second track by Gina we are all very excited about.

Listen up!

MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Wow. Who knew getting your audio files hosted, uploaded, put into a flashplayer and embed it on your blog would be such a hassle. Well believe, it is. Either way. Here are the first four tracks/instrumentals which will be used in the show in Echigo Tsumari. Big up Gina and Moro!

And we're off!

Yesterday we had our first meeting. Everybody is very excited! We talked about what music to perform and how a collaboration with dancers would be awesome. So, we're off!

Konnichiwa!

Ok. I've worked on a couple of projects recently, but none of those deserved their own blog. The project we are working on now does! Let me explain:

Caprice, Kid Sublime, TooTall and four of our finest performing artists - Gina, Michael, Moro and ... - are going to Japan for a show at the Green Festival during the Echigo Tsumari Triennal. The show will be a collaboration with an exciting local dance crew.

This blog is the main platform for our communication. We will be posting foto's, video's and music clips about and relating to the preperations for the show. This is not for our eyes only. Feel free to join us on our journey to Echigo Tsumari. Konnichiwa!