Name:
Kevin Byrd, Jr.

Aka:
BYRDHOUSE

Website:
http://kevinbyrd.com
http://byrdhouse.com

Where are you from?
Charleston, SC.

Who do you work for?
Armchair Media

What are your Current Project(s)?
We’re working on something top secret with Fusion Brands right now. We just launched the site not too long ago.

I’m working on fabricating a few NOT-A-CLOCKs this month too. It’s a light display for 35mm slides. I’m hoping to do an artist series with them.

There’s also a project Im doing called ”The people I work with, Everyday.” It’s for a group show in Castleberry Hill this month based around the theme of fashion. I’m documenting Farbod’s and Marta’s (and possibly Stefan’s) fashion choices each day at Armchair. I’m then printing those out with that new polaroid printer pogo. It makes 2×3 inch prints. Im adding one each day of the show. The piece is finished once the show ends. It runs Oct 2-Oct. 22nd at the granite room. Sorry for the plug.

Other recent projects include a Chicken and Waffles book, a painting of my dog Gigi, and a halloween costume, rough mock-ups seen here.

Who would you love to work with?
I’m loving who I’m working with at Armchair. I love working with my brothers. I think generally, modern dance choreographers would be really great to work with. I’m really in awe of these people. Their kinetic and spacial intelligence is like WOW, man. I took some modern dance classes for a while. I was like that sweaty 6′4″ guy in the back of the room. I was terrible. Ultimately I knew it was time for me to leave when the instructor wouldn’t help me arrange a solo recital.

If you had to give all your sneakers away to charity except for one pair, which ones would you keep?
I only have one pair of sneakers. This makes me question my quantifications for being an interviewee.  Was I suppose to have as a sneaker obsession? I think if I were to choose I’d have to say those, because it’s my only choice. They are Tretorns.

What’s on your iPod right now?
Oh man. I’m working on a new CHIRP for this coming month, so I’m on a pretty heavy diet of new music. Its funny how quickly you can burn through stuff. The bands I cant get enough of are normally the most recent: Thao, Noze, Panther, TV on the Radio, Annie, Bug, Fujiya & Miyagi, Tussle, Rodriguez, Bon Iver, Epstein y El Conjunto, Takako Minekawa.

What’s your Favorite ATL food?
Chicken and Waffles hell-yo.

What’s your Favorite ATL hangout?
I don’t really hangout. I mostly drive around staring at fixies. I swear Im gonna get into an accident soon if I dont pay better attention to the road. 

Which method would you use if attacked by an alligator on land?
a) cover the alligator’s eyes 
b) get on the alligator’s back and put downward pressure on the neck 
c) bend the alligator’s tail at an upward 45 degree angle 
d) try to keep the mouth clamped shut
I would do d).
 
What are your Pet Peeves?
People who talk to cats and think they really care.

Shout outs?
My wife Florrie and my daughter Annabelle. Also: Aaron and Grayson Byrd, Farbod Kokabi, Stefan K, Marta Czosnowski, Nate Steiner, Drew Dominey, Bernard McCoy, Justin Van Hoy, Gabriel Ricioppo, Will Hays, John Ferguson, Roberto Lange, Mary Stanley, Wade Thompson, Hadi Seyfi, Tak Masuda, Larry and George, Ted Ullrich, Travis Ekmark, Raymond Forbes, Jessica Tillyer, Witt Langstaff, Jorge Menes, Luther Lotz, Matt Hutchinson, John Malone, Lauren Jung, Michelle Haft, Elise Mattingly, Josh Tuminella, Mason Poe. Also, my mamma.

On Oct. 11th, Breather design conference takes place at Agnes Scott College in Decatur. There will be numerous presenters from around the nation such as Tali Krakowsky, Director of Experience Design for Imaginary Forces, and award-winning creative director and designer, Jeff Boortz.

Breather brings together artists, architects, interior designers, graphic designers, landscape architects and other professionals concerned with design and its effects. This multidisciplinary approach to the subject also attracts students from design programs in the area. The unique benefit comes from the interdisciplinary cross-pollination in both the audience and the presenters. Members of the design community are invited to “take a Breather in Decatur,” to be stimulated outside their usual constraints, and to benefit from the ideas and practices of other design disciplines.

Breather had a call for artwork this year. Any medium was acceptable, you just had to include a yellow balloon. I created this small illustration for the event. They will have art submissions displayed at the conference.

Register for the conference here.

It’s official, Thór Stefánsson, is a local hero. At eight years old, he already has a resume to be reckoned with. He has been a poster boy for flickr, been featured on our website, debuted a solo art show at Octane Coffee, and now he’s going to be on TV. Check out Thor in Cartoon Network’s new bumps for Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He shows up around 0:38 seconds into the video.

Wow, our blogs have been more political than ever this week. It’s really been weighing on us to take action with whatever skills we have. Apparently this trend isn’t just here in America. UK-based DJ and producer, Adam Freeland, decided to remix Daft Punk’s Aerodynamic into a pro-Obama chant. Not often do you see Presidential candidates being endorsed through electronic dance tracks. Looks like the rest of the world is hoping for some change too. Regardless of who you vote for, I think it’s a good for young people to take ownership of our right to choose our leaders. So don’t forget to come out to El Bar on Thursday for Voter Registration Night.

Download: Daft Punk - Aer OBAMA (vs. Adam Freeland)

Last fall, Jorge and I went to see Tom Morello’s solo project, known as The Nightwatchman, expecting to see face-melting guitar solos as most would expect of Rage Against the Machine’s former axe-murderer. We were caught off guard when he came on stage with an acoustic guitar, did a shot of Jamison, and proceeded to play folk songs.

As you’d expect from Tom Morello, his themes and motivations involve political activism and modern protest. I’m totally cool with that, but sometimes his lyrics are a little over-the-top, similar to those of Rage, but for me the angst-fueled delivery of Zack De La Rocha was more genuine. Morello’s solo project has Dylan, Cash, and Billy Bragg influences and is a perfect soundtrack to a night at the Local or playing Wizard Staff but I wouldn’t take it too seriously. Tom’s already doing that.

Download: The Nightwatchman - Saint Isabelle

First off, I want you to check out this amazing stop-motion video of the Nike Cortez playfully tumbling through the decades. The video shows the Cortez (designed by Bill Bowerman in 1967) evolving in front of our eyes! As you can see there have been hundreds of colorways and materials used throughout the years, but this sneaker’s construction has stayed remarkably the same until now. The current Cortez looks the same as before but it has been designed with comfort in mind. The minor adjustments are simple molding at the ankle and improved cushioning in the footbed.

Secondly, here’s a garment that everyone is familiar with…
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Today, we re-appropriated The Wall to review some logos that Georgios and I have been jamming on for the past few days. Thanks to everyone who has sent in funny, inspiring, and seizure-causing animated GIFs via The Wall. This project has been so fun for us over the past couple months and we’d love you keep it alive by emailing your images to 799priegaizb@tumblr.com.

Ted spent his Saturday night surveying the city’s empty gas stations on his bike. He traveled with his camera in hand and took photos of ten different gas stations from the north, south, east, and west. There was no gas to be found.

When asking him about his photos, he said, “If this situation persists, I want people to consider having a plan for their lives. The solution I’m proposing is for people to find a way to localize their lives. Having an independent transportation method, in turn makes the nation independent from relying on foreign nation oil.”

See the rest of Ted’s photos after the jump.
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Just when you thought this song’s shelf-life was coming to an end, Patrick Stump turns around and records this cover of Kanye’s Love Lockdown in Garage Band because he couldn’t get to sleep. Although this recording isn’t totally polished, Stump’s delivery gives the song some much needed legs and a new perspective.

Download: Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) - Love Lockdown

Congrats to El Bar for winning Critics Pick as Best Dance Club in Creative Loafing! They didn’t have a door guy last night and I was going to be there anyway, so I volunteered to do door duties. As you can see in the photo, they let me arrange the magnetic letters and I kinda geeked out on the letterspacing. Thanks to all the regulars, newbies, and PROCESS crew that came out.

As I am watching the first Presidential debate, I just want to remind everyone to get out there and register to vote. Whether you are Democratic, Republican or Independent, times are hard for everyone and not speaking your mind helps no one. So whether you are going to vote for Obama or McCain, get out there and help influence our future.

Click on the Rock The Vote banner below and register now. I’ve already sent off my form and I’m waiting to receive my card. If you can’t wait and if you live in ATL, go to the address below and register.

Elections Division
Office of the Secretary of State
1104 West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. SE
Atlanta, GA 30334-1505

Katy Perry’s cover of MGMT’s Electric Feel takes the popular dance track in a new direction. The song is stripped of most percussion, giving her a chance to show off her real voice. Thus, proving that she can sing without the help of sound engineers or auto-tune technologies.

Personally, I think her decision-making process to cover the song was better than her execution of the actual song. I’m not trying to hate. I’m actually applauding her for making an informed branding decision here. For instance, my punk rock band in high-school, The Dumpkins, covered the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Theme Song because we were hoping people would realize we were young party dudes who loved peanut butter, jelly bean, and ice cream pizza. I know that’s a stupid example, but it gets my point across. In the end, it doesn’t matter how well Katy Perry covers the song. For her, it’s more about being associated with MGMT who’ve been embraced by hipsters and bloggers worldwide.

At the very least, Ross (completely obsessed w/Katy Perry) will have a new song to play in his aunt’s SUV when I help him move this weekend. But that’s only if he’s able to borrow the gas-guzzler on Sunday and if he doesn’t wait a week to check this blog.

Download: Katy Perry - Electric Feel [MGMT]

Name:
Alfredo Aponte

Aka:
Fredo

Website:
Aumneo.com
AtlantaPechaKucha.com

Where are you from?
Family is Puerto Rican yet I have lived mostly in the states now in cities such as Dallas, Atlanta & Savannah.

Who do you work for?
I am a contract designer with a focus in industrial design. I log many hours at EchoViz and bounce back and forth with Think Interactive. My goal is to bring fluidity into one’s environment through user experience and product development.

What are your Current Project(s)?
Currently, I am about to begin editing the speakers of Atlanta Pecha Kucha for our podcast. Atlanta Pecha Kucha is all about interaction, inspiration and starting conversations. We just wrapped up volume six and who knows even what to expect in our next volume. I find that exciting in itself. There is just something amazing about the energy, conversation and representation of 20.

I am also working with Chicago Calling on multiple projects for there upcoming festival in October. Chicago Calling features Chicago-based artists collaborating in performances and projects with artists living in other locations — both here in the U.S. and abroad.

Additionally, I am in the process of jumpstarting a new project with friends and even people that I haven’t even met yet called the Field Union. The idea behind the Field Union is to create a unity across the land and seas and let us work on simple, short and wonderful projects. I can’t say too much now but I promise more to come.

Who would you love to work with?
First of all, I am an advocate in collaborative design and I have a passion for discovering new things. I love working with people with a variety of talents and interests. As for who… no one name stands out but I can tell you that I would love to focus more of my time collaborating with people on projects locally and globally that return something to the community. 

If you had to give all your sneakers away to charity except for one pair, which ones would you keep?
I will have to say my pair of Puma’s by Miharayasuhiro. I love them, they are simple. Clean. Black with rubber injected laces that is fabricated on top of these hot pink soles. 

What’s on your iPod right now?
I like how this question is directed towards iPods, yet it is amazing how that word has become synonymous with digital music. How powerful is that! I recently, been listening to the new TV on the Radio, Beck, Radiohead, Justice and Dungen. I have also been uploading some Ladytron, Hot Chip, Kraftwerk, CPI, Herbert, Studio, Madredeus, Four Tet, Air France, Beirut, The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa and A Sunny Day in Glasgow.

What’s your Favorite ATL food?
Got to say Ria’s Bluebird, Noni’s on Edgewood, Cafe 101, Carver’s for whenever I wish to go into a coma and just thinking about KoolKorner’s closing still brings a tear to my eye. Additionally, my recent added favorite on my list has been The Porter in Little Five.

What’s your Favorite ATL hangout?
I have a passion/addiction for coffee. If I am not working… then I can more likely be found at Octane ordering an espresso, cortado or macchiato. It all depends on who is pulling when I show up. 

What are your Pet Peeves?
Half effort! Lack of attention to detail. Pixelated images in presentations and don’t even get me started on the Crappy Georgia Clip Art Peach with Gradient License Plates for example.

Shout outs?
Have to give props to all who have presented at Atlanta Pecha Kucha, the crew at Octane, all my Friends & Family and the artists/designers that seeks to protest, question, and challenge.

Does anyone have extra tickets to the Black Kids / The Virgins show at The Earl tonight? I’ve got a brand new remix to trade!

Download: Black Kids - I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend… (80Kidz Remix)

This morning’s (afternoon) meeting was pleasantly disrupted upon the arrival of a package from our friends at Kidrobot in NYC. What more could you ask for on a busy Monday than some toy-opening fun?

Thanks guys! We look forward to exchanging more presents and ideas with you guys! Holler if/when you’re in ATL!

Today, I want to highlight a very unique article of clothing. This is the AW 77 track hoody that’s been redesigned for the Nike Sportswear line. 1977 was the year the hoody was created, and it gets it’s namesake from Athletics West, Nike’s elite track and field club of a bygone era. This garment has been worn by legendary runners such as Pre Fontaine and Alberto Salazar.

The redesigned/modern-day version of this hoody is a collaboration between Nike and Loopwheeler of Japan, who are known for making the best fleece in the world. They’re one of the only manufacturers in the world that still makes cotton fabric on loopwheel machines. I heard they only make enough fabric to make eight of these hoodies a day. Talk about Limited Edition!

Find out more after the jump.
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This past Thursday, Essential2Life held their first ever PUSH Bowl fundraiser. PUSH is an experimental digital library and epicenter to foster and nurture urban youth creativity. E2L created PUSH after learning that inner-city teens want instruction in creative disciplines more than in any other set of skills or job training. After meeting Vince Hungate of E2L over the summer, Larry and I volunteered some of our time to teach less fortunate youth Photoshop. We hope to do it again this fall. If interested in volunteering your time or making a donation, visit Essential2Life.

It was a great event and I had the best team. On my team, the Beer team (we didn’t get to pick our own team name), was Steven Lambert (also a Push instructor) from Indigo Studios, Dowd Keith, Carrie Allen and Fabian Williams of Occasional Superstar. Check out Fabian’s art, especially the Big Boi portrait. Our friends from Matchstic were also there in their fresh track suits and tees. Thanks to Dowd for the photos.

Check out more photos after the jump.
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One of the most unique brands we discovered at Agenda was MapleXO from Portland, Oregon. The whole concept behind MapleXO is to create jewelry out of recycled skateboards in a completely un-tacky way. It’s very cool to see remnants of old skate graphics from years past and you can count the different layers of wood laminate used in the original board. The brands talented creator (and chocolate chip cookie baker), Lindsay Holmes, makes every piece by hand! Needless to say, no two pieces are alike, so what you get is totally one-of-a-kind. Very cool stuff.

The truth is out! I listen to Vampire Weekend’s self-titled album secretly when no one else is at work. I played the record for a week straight earlier this year and wore-out it’s welcome around the studio in a major way. Did anyone else get sick of this album really quickly? Thankfully, this remix of Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa is one that can be played around the homies without fear of insults or passive-aggressive comments.

The Teenagers have turned a song full of repetitive jingles into something deeper and more distant. The original melodies have been preserved, only The Teenagers have replaced Vampire Weekend’s prep-school/baroque tendencies (ie: tiny Marc Jacobs boy shorts, suspenders, and unrelenting arpeggios) with some much needed edge (ie: tattered jeans, beer-goggles, and snare drum action).

Download: Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (The Teenagers Remix)

A snippet of the new James Bond Theme from this winter’s Quantum of Solace appeared on the web last week in video form as part of a Coke Zero Trailer. Thanks to a disk jockey in Italy, we now have a radio-rip of the full song.

Download: Jack White & Alicia Keys - Another Way To Die