iTunes festival 2013

I was lucky enough to bag tickets for the iTunes festival at the Roundhouse back in September. Sitting in the balcony, I was slightly gutted to find my view obscured by a long vertical banner. I berated myself internally when the banner magically retracted as the band appeared…of course apple would not do something as stupid as to obstruct the view of the stage - duh! This was not amateurville.

The most gorgeous thing about the gig though, was that you could feel Stevie Jobs everywhere. This was his way of doing things. Every show was illuminated by the constant twinkling light of iphones (and even ipads) capturing the moment on his creations, and most probably sharing it instantly.

Not so long ago our parents were lighting gigs with the ambient flame of their lighters (note to self - ask mum whether thumb burns were a hazard of this trend). The light of the generation y’ers is artificial, but no less spectacular. We belong to the ipod generation. And I love it.

This festival was about celebrating music, bringing amazing live acts to an awesome venue and most importantly making it accessible to all. And yeah the ballot was tough, because of course everyone wanted a ticket to this FREE event - over 20 million people applied for crying out loud!! But the coolest thing was, if you didn't get in, you could stream it live! The likes of GAGA, ELTON JOHN, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, KINGS OF LEON, KATY PERRY, ARTIC MONKEYS…to name but a few, delivered straight to your sofa.

And yeah, I saw The Lumineers - they were awesome! Two songs in, I was on iTunes buying their album. Easy peasy. Thanks Steve!

Guts for Garters - Surreal Women

I've been aching to visit this gallery/ truly inspirational space/ gorgeously, wonderful shop for a while now, ever since I spied various musings out in the blogosphere. The brainchild of Rachel Chudley and Cassie Beadle, this eclectic space is filled to the brim with ingenious design and beautiful collectibles. You walk in and think 'where have you been all my life'.

The concept fuses art, fashion, furniture and design in conjunction with a current theme. Filled with old and new treasures from a variety of artists and designers. It’s like a living, breathing wonder emporium with beautiful design at every corner - in every form imaginable. And I can tell you, they have the best sourced vintage i have seen in a lo-o-ng time!

I popped in to see the second of the three 6-week 'Buying Exhibitions' - Surreal Women. Planned in line with the 75th anniversary of the movement, the concept explores the role of women within surrealism, looking to Claude Cahun as their muse. This current exhibit will end on Thursday, so hot foot it there quickly, if you haven't already. 

Not enough notice I hear you cry! Well, fear not fashion maidens, there is more to come. A third exhibition in September promises to tantalise once again. Check out their brilliant site for a little slither of info to stoke the intrigue...Oh and just to get you all excited, they are planning on a 3-month buying exhibition at the end of the year. You are guaranteed to walk away with some real gems, what they like to call 'collectables of the future'. I like. A lot.

 

The ‘Cob Gallery’, 205 Royal College Street, Camden, NW1 0SG. Just a 5 min walk from Camden Town tube...get going!