The little Blog that could

2008-09-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

Live and Tmes,

A lot has happened recently,
Back to college.

Getting myself mad into the whole techie-style type designs.
So for example, at the moment i'm working on a A1 project where ill use a calculator as a timer. Involved in this will be a self portrait of myself ( how vain). The whole meaning behind this will to overcome my hatred of being photographed. Always a photographer never a model. And the calculator will be used a counter. So basically ever time someone gives me a high five the counter will go up. Sort of an approval of sorts, but in a fun way.

Where the timer is going to be positioned is up for debate. Was thinking of rigging up an LED heart on picture and having the timer within, bit cheesy but could be effective.

Also started working with Canon, demonstrating cameras and the likes so thats deadly.

Yea.

regards,
-Ian

Post title

2008-04-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

Add to my blog

2007-10-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Hello,

well i actually havent updated this in a while even though i said i would.

Currently im listening to Justice and as usual Daft Punk.

Been so busy with college, iv had time for not a lot cept drinking etc.
In the middle of shooting/directing my short film "Marry Me", which when done, and if half decent ill throw up.

Also, meant to mention bout Castlepalooza, excellent festival, nice people and some great shots im proud of.

GOnna start using this more often for photos and the likes.
But untill then have an oul browse at my myspace

untill next time, actually i might rant tomorrow or something.
OH and i need a job.

yea..
anyway

Regards,
-Ian

2007-05-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Well hello hello.. How's everyone!

Havnet really been getting around to updating this blog as such recently but that will sooon change, since its come to my attention that people are reading it.

Been up to my eyes getting my photography on and finishing of my college year.

New things
New website Ian Takes Photos.com

I got a new job, with Venture photography which is cool.

And the band is going in recording on the 26th (The Skanks for those who dont know)

One of the most shocking revalations in Irish Music has to be the break up of one of my favourite bands The Immediate. They announced it yesterday on their website. They are such an amazing band that had such a fantastic launch.

I hope they go onto big things in the future.
Check out their tunes:
Here

oki dok..
I shall be updating this again very very soon.

Cheers,
-Ian

2007-03-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

New Irish band of the week:

Heritage Centre

Came across these a while back, many friends kept suggesting them to me and that so i decided i may aswell have a listen to a few of the songs and see if they live up to the (in such words) "Hype". And i was suprised by the general quailty of the recordings, but more importantly the band. Admittly they sound like a young Maroon 5 with an indie flare, but it does work and sound very very well. There are some great piano riffs blended nicely with light guitar at times, but after that there are some amazingly put togther thumping riffs too, and some well worded unforgettable lyrics. These are a young and upcoming band with potential to make it far, and would be worth pottering along to some of their shows. And enjoyable listen altogether, so give them a go at:

Heritage Centre
Reagrds,
-Ian

2007-03-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

The Horrors

Now these have been floating around for a while and seem to have got pretty big, one of those bands to come out of Camden, london with an already booming fanbase of the hopelessly alternative music crowd. Personnally i have always been too transfixed on there frankly huge hair to see past to the music, today i did. Listening to a few of the tracks, the impression i get is punk/ old fashion electro as such, and basically to me it sounds like a load of noise just thrown together, although saying this i am a strong believer in the "Music Has no boundaries" hypothesy, but this band to me seems to be falling into the catogory of trying to be so alternative that it shows, if you know what i mean. Now dont get me wrong, they have some good things going for them, im sure they'd be a great band to see live and to photograph, but this is mostly because of there very very unique image which is clever on there part because it seems to have done a lot for them in my opinion. Anyway, give them a listen and get some of your opinions:
The Horrors

Architecture in Helsinki

Now this wonderful band goes right back to the 90's where it all started down-under, but by god do they make great music. I was introduced to these by a mixed cd i was given and have been hooked ever since.Immensely popular amoung so many audiences, there orginality and style of music making has been a breath of fresh air, these are one of those bands that if your ever looking for a muse you listen to some of their albums, which many bands have done and attempted to recreate there sound with not as fruitful results. I love The Avalanches and they just reminded me of them straight away by just listening to the one track. It really is so hard to sum up this music, its laid back at times and not at others, has so many different sounds and samples, both new and old but it has been remarably well put togther. If you are living under some sort of musical shell, and all that seems to be getting across to you these days are endless amounts of pop drivel, i must urge you not to only visit and listen to the songs provided by the link below but go out and actually get yourself one of their remarkable albums.
Architecture in Helsinki

Regards,
-Ian

2007-03-20T04:15:00.000-07:00

Chiptune-Electro underground.

Well this is a new(ish) style of music that i have come across recently. It brings me back to the days of playing them old bulky gameboys and awfully slow and basic graphic consoles. The idea behind it is to use the chip they used in the gameboy for making new types of music. The idea kind of started when the old gameboy cameras you used to be able to get, they had a build in basic dj tool which alowd you to create your own soundtracks that sounded along the lines of game soundtracks. People started to develope and sell there own software and burn it onto gameboy carts, the most popular of which seem to be Nanoloop and Little sound DJ

There a just so so many artists that use gameboys in there live and recording sets for djing etc but i picked out 2 for you to have a gander at.

8-bit operators
They are a group of djs worldwide that do a number of various tunes, using modern hits and sampling to achieve interesting results.

8 bit Operators

Crystal Castles
Crystal Castles

These are up and coming electro bit-pop djs i persume you could call them. Have a weird way of approaching music and djing but some of it turns out sounding pretty good indeed.
Have a listen.

Regards,
Ian

2007-03-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Pigeon Detectives

Just saw that this lot are playing Whelans 13th May. Heard them quite some time ago and i must say i do enjoy there music. It has some sort of a Babyshambles/Dirty pretty things vibe coming from, and if thats the sort of thing your into i would advise scampering along to whelans. Cheap enough, under 20bills, and you never know, you could be seeing one of them bands that are tipped to make it big in the soming years, then again if they don't do it right you never know. I like them, so give them a listen and see you what you think.
The Pigeon Detectives

Keeping it Short and sweet,
-Ian.

2007-03-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

Gossip
Well i decided when these first came that i didnt like them. They just sounded and looked like another one of these new wave electro indie bands that are about the flood the music charts following the recent success of other artists. BUT today i decided i would actually give them a chance, Standing in the way of control is just fantastic. Anyone can appreciate the orginality and pure talent of the lead singer Beth Ditto (who recently in my opinion stole teh show at the NME awards), and if there other songs are anywhere to go by i think they'll be sticking around for quite some time. Bringing music back to some kind of simple purity, good catchy lyrics and riffs, uncomplicated and fantasic. I recomend you go have a listen to them, or if you are heading to oxegen catch them there.
Gossip's Myspace

Regina Spektor
Now, if you haven't heard this fine talented lady by now i honestly don't know what your problem is. 2007 seems to be her big year as such with the release of her latest album Begin to Hope and forthcoming single Fidelity on march second. It just sounds amazing in my opinion, the way she creates music combined with her musical talent leaves you with these wonderfully uplifting and catchy songs. Theres just something to original about this beautiful woman, i remember seeing her last year at Oxegen on stage in one of the tents that i happened to stumble across because i wanted to get out of the pouring rain, and what a gem i found. All i could hear was this amazing music, full of energy and all i could see was this woman on stage on her own passionatly banging away at the keys of her piano. If there is any justice in this world, this year will see the general worldwide appreciation of her music even more than before. Would be amazing to see her come back to ireland yet again.
For those still "Not in the Know", give her a listen, here's her link:
Regina Spektor's Myspace

Regards,
-Ian

2007-03-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

The View - Scraping the Music barrel

Well there has been a lot of hype surrounding this band recently, and i really can't see why. To me they look like a band in there early stages that are like an ecletic mix of everything that has been done, and that really doesnt need to be done again. That Same jeans song stinks of ripped of indie riffs and a "grim of full asha" type sound. I don't see this lot making it to a second album, they have a bit of that Kooksesque popularity that NME seems to soak up these days and then rince out within the year.
As always you can give them a look yourself at The view's myspace

Ah now, on to my good sugesstion of the week.
LCD Soundsystem and the new album Sound of silver. Well i must say i have only actually got into this lot strong recently, but by god i'm glad. Well for those who dont know, the basics of "The Band" is a man called James Murphy, producer, mixer etcetc. But this new album is just excellent, its like that album you've always wanted to just be there when you want to chill out a bit or i fyou have a creativity block, i feel, this is the kind of music that can help lift it. One of the recognisable tracks is North American Scum, which im sure will be followed soon by the likes of 'Get Innocuous'. Ha this chap, possibly the coolest man of the last while, even produced the justin timberlake album. Kind of dance music that normal people can appreciate. Check them out at, as usual..
The Myspace

Back soon,
-Ian.

2007-03-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

Result of the national student music arwards
Well.. a great night was had by all, even though i did spend most of my time during the Kinetiks set acting as there roadie.
Two bands went threw to the finals.

The Kinetiks came in first, after a very good display of young promise and a crowd inticing live show.

And

Albyno Rhino came in second, after a great set, which showed a lot of musical nohow and great live energy.

They will be joined in the finals on the 23rd April in the Village with the winners of the other regionals.
The galway heat will be March 22nd in Cuba.
The Cork heat will be held March 29th in Cypres Avenue.

2007-03-07T06:05:00.000-08:00

The national irish student music awards

Well i completly forgot that i shall be attending this tonight.
Should be interesting, four bands battle it out for the chance at winning a record deal and following in the footsteps of last years winner Delorentos, who went on to win the uk heats. Its on in UCD tonight and has a headlining act of The blizzards.
The Bands competing will be:

The Kinetiks
Dummy Run
Reemo
Albyno Rhino

I may have a slightly biast opinion on who should win, since im quite good friends with The Kinetiks, who more than deserve to go far with the amount of work they have been putting in.
Saying this, all 4 bands have a great chance of winning. I have seen a few of them live, and it should be a good fair battle. Just have a listen to some of their demos in the links above and you can see what im on about.

Right,
Untill nexttime,
-Ian.
(*wondering if anyone has ever read his blog)

2007-03-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

Heineken Green Energy Festival
Well its that time of year again for the heineken green energy festival, but unlike other years i really dont find myself getting in anyway excited about the lineup announced. Kasabian, The Blizzards and The Future Kings of Spain shall all be playing Malahide Castle on May 5th. Really don't like Kasabian, don't get me wrong they write some catchy tunes and that its just not for me, as for The Blizzards, in my opinion a really decent recording band, but there only problem is that they really cant present the same qualitys on stage as they do in recording as i learnt when i saw them at the ammbassader supporting the kooks who were equally awful but lets not get into that, and the Future Kings of Spain, probably the only band i would actaully like to see, but im afraid.. just not at this.

Personnally if i was going to head out and but tickets to a gig, its would be to Amusement Parks on Fire who are playing Whelans on the 13th of April, quite a good band in a decent enough venue.

APOF's Myspace

Regards,
-Ian

2007-03-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Bought this today, unfortunatly didnt get tickets to there gig tonight or tomorrow night, but still ill see them at oxegen. Always loved Arcade Fire and this album has just made my love grow more, brilliantly put together and musically amazing. I advise you run out and buy it, its one of those rare albums that you don't download, you buy. Never stop reminding me of..Depeche Mode and Talking Heads, so while your out you may aswell pick up some of there albums too, saw The best of depeche mode for cheap enough in hmv today aswell as best of Talking Heads.
Thats me done for today.

Regards,
-Ian

2007-03-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Today was a big day for me.

Well it came to that point of the year, the thing i only ever really do once a year..I got my haircut, after people telling me to, i finally did and happy that i did. Looking well and doenst get in my face while driving.

Oh and on my car issue, i washed it today, as i do every week, and threw to tradition it rained straight afterwards.

As a final not i have my Music suggestion for today. Been listening to a lot of Ok Go recently, brilliant band who just keep to what they believe is great music and dont exactly follow trends. Powerful and popesque indie rock, well worth a listen so check them out..
By clicking here.

Regards,
-Ian

2007-03-02T03:30:00.000-08:00

Oxegen sells out

Jesus, well knew it was gonna happen, pretty shit on the people who didnt get tickets and the touts that did. Wonder how much over the odds they'll be this year.

Oh for gods sake.. Look at this.

Thats just sad.. only an hour and a half after its sold out..

2007-03-01T02:16:00.000-08:00

My Music suggestions for this week.

Right well i have been listening to a few bands recently, and i have just choose these two for this week.

The first band i have been listening to for ages threw the wonders of myspace, which in itself made me give in and get there album, and i'm really enjoying.
Their name is Get Cape, Wear cape , fly, a fun and creative name that fits very well with there music. I love the blend of acoustic and modern music so i advice you check em out if you already haven't.
An easy way would be to go here:
Get Cape, Wear cape, fly's myspace

My next band of this week are another quirky myspace bred one, they use a blend of everything electronic to form this sort of new orginal sound. Apparently fantastic live, they do fit into the new wave "scene" genre but i try not to let that put me of they're music. This is bedroom bound recording at its best in my opinion.
Their name is Colonopenbracket or to keep is short :(. Another one of these brilliantly named artists that seem to be popping up all over the place, i would certainly advise you check them out.
Once again i have a myspace link for you..
:('s myspace

More of my brilliant music taste soon,
Regards,
Ian.

2007-02-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

Oxegen here i come.

Well it was really a given that i would be camping at oxegen this year, some people have very mixed apinions about the whole experiece but personnally i think its one that just cant be missed.

The line up excites me a tad, but not a lot as it would other people, this is where my music snobbery comes into play. Two bands that are sticking out at me that are playing are Daft punk and Arcade Fire.

Two wonderful life acts, Daft punk with there lights and just general brilliance and atmosphere live and Arcade Fire, when you see them live they make you feel almost like your on a higher plain with them, its a strange uplifting yet beautifully and excitingly strctured feeling that i would say to you not to miss.

Also, for thos who are going to oxegen this year, B11 is where ill be more than likely if everythings goes to plan and you should be able to find me by..

This is my flag, yes thats right MY flag. I got a lot of odd looks last year for making it and bring but everyone loved it in the end, more of a guideline for finding out tent when youv had a few.

I made last years one out of some oul tent poles and a pillow cushion. And it was class. I plan on going bigger and better this year.

And, its syas FLAG nothing else, original or wha? so no copying.

Fun times,
Ian

2007-02-27T14:49:00.000-08:00

I love colour. This page is lacking colour.Some of these photo's are in colour.

I did the math.

2007-02-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

Well here it is, my blog.

In case you don't know me, my name is Ian Downes.
A creative multimedia student at dkit, but wait.. theres more.. I am not only a student, as my life does not solely revolve around my college course, i have many interests, ones which i try to expand on when and where i can.

I am an avid music photographer,
love it.. Illl post up some of my work later.
Im also i suppose some sort of a musician/critic.
I know what i like and know what i dont.

I play drums for a band called The Skanks, i also mess around with a synthesiezer and other componants from time to time which brings onto my new found love of electronic music.

Ah well.. all will be revealed in due time.
For now,
I must depart.. as i just heard people walking up the stairs to my bedroom(i live in the attic), which either can be the lads coming to practise or some sort of burgular.

Best Regards,
-Ian.