Just as Janet Jackson has said in her first message since her iconic brother died. And as Leopard Lady cruises the friendly waves of YouTube, she finds more evidence of this inevitable truth. French DJ and Producer, Martin Solveig, delivers us a fantastic Michael Jackson influenced track and a video to match with a Jacksonesque dancer in a glass box. This track is actually from a few years back and his latest offering is a gorgeous collaboration with the very hot Dragonette and again, a video to match… gorgeous, that is.
Tag Archives: Leopard Lady
July 2nd, 2009
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June 8th, 2009
Leopard Lady is a huge fan of the extreme entity that is Peaches and plans on donning her prized Peaches T, brandishing a puffy pen and acquiring a wearable signature from the woman herself…. Peaches will be in Brisbane again around Big Day Out time next year… the anticipation has already begun to grow. Enjoy her latest vid with superb plot and choreography. Simply genius.
April 24th, 2009
From Duffy to The Dø, there was just enough time for me to check out Brisbane boys Drawn From Bees who were Queensland’s winners of Garage 2 V. Congratulations guys!!
Leopard Lady is quite partial to their single ‘Long Tooth Setting Sun’ and the striking shock of hair on their lead singer.
Brisbane folk can catch them around town. To put one of their shows in your diaries, wander over to their myspace for details.
Ok…now onto The Dø!
April 21st, 2009
Leopard Lady didn’t know too much of what to expect of Duffy but was definitely interested to check her out. With a positive outlook, LL asked her V Festival 09 companion, Mr Pirovich, what he thought of Ms Duffy. He had a position of not too keen and very doubtful but still intrigued to see her.
There was quite the crowd ready to be entertained by the blonde bombshell. But one bombshell wasn’t all they got. There were the cute Duffy lookalike back-up singers, too! Just quietly, Leopard Lady had a suspicion that they were just possibly miming… but who really cares. They looked great and that was the main part of their effect. It took us into an era of the classics such as Motown greats and 60s pop like The Supremes and the oft compared Dusty Springfield.
With a full live band jiving up there on the stage with her, there was an energetic vibe which kept the audience very happy. Duffy also used her crowning glory as a bit of a prop, swaying her head gently to get her locks flying. Quite the visual show and a polished act with some almost shy banter which was endearing.
Mr Pirovich was absolutely converted and sold. So too, LL expects, was the happy crowd drawn for the Welsh sensation. Leopard Lady however, although appreciating the entertainment value, was a little distracted…the reminiscence of The Stepford Wives and the crossover in the V timetable of The Dø was playing on her mind.
The Dø called!
Leopard Lady felt she had had a good taste of Duffy and headed off excitedly to see the much anticipated French-Finnish duo.
Oh Yeah! Loving this V Fest Line-up!!
For more visit:
April 9th, 2009
Leopard Lady’s first band of Gold Coast V Festival ‘09 was UK based Australian band, Howling Bells. Through a little research and some vague memories, Leopard Lady has discovered that Howling Bells is pretty much the band formerly known as Waikiki.
Beautiful brother and sister Joel and Juanita Stein on guitars and vocals, their drummer Glenn Moule and guitarist Brendan Picchio fled their Aussie homeland when the opportunity arose to work with Coldplay’s producer Ken Nelson. A certain fresh start from scratch. That was back in 2004 and now they have toured with the likes of Placebo and The Killers (also rocking the V Festival) who are very big fans of Howling Bells. There is a brilliant YouTube interview with the drummer from The Killers, Ronnie Vannucci Jr, and Howling Bells where you can see the impact the Aussies are having… at least on Ronnie.
Seeing Howling Bells live was a bit out of curiosity for Leopard Lady. Not knowing too much about them prior to much googling through the artist line-up of this year’s V Fest, much anticipation built.
Sonically, they create a thick and captivating atmosphere. Tight yet dreamlike. They draw their audience in with lush melodies and then pick them up for a bit of a rush as they get heavy and passionate. Leopard Lady also liked it when Joel picked up a bow on his guitar.
Visually it became all about the gorgeous Steins. Not that they aren’t all a bunch of good looking individuals, there is just something about Joel and particularly Juanita… she oozes a little of that certain sensuality that you want in your pop/rock stars.
Howling Bells have their second album, Radio Wars, out now and to add some big names to their ‘have toured with’ list, how about Coldplay. To check out dates and learn even more about these Aussie expats head to their MySpace… NOW!
April 3rd, 2009
Finally they meet. UK V Blogger (and incidentally, the winner of the Global V Pass) Eleanor Conway and Leopard Lady of the Sunshine State (winner of the Gold Coast V Blog challenge of ‘08) crossed paths at the not-muddy-at-all Gold Coast V Festival 2009.
They may have been rivals but ’twas a friendly meet ‘n greet for the two happy bloggers. Leopard Lady congratulated Ms Conway on her awesome and well deserved taking out of the Super Rad Global V Pass.
Eleanor and her lovely Camera Guy were documenting the V Festival, Gold Coast stylee, when Leopard Lady and her handsome pal Mr Pirovich came by for an impromptu meeting of the V Bloggers. You may just catch some of the scoop in the Gold Coast leg of Eleanor’s reflections on her Global V Tour.
For more on Leopard Lady’s V Fest 09, stay tuned. This year LL’s Electric Dreams came to life!
March 27th, 2009
What took Leopard Lady SO long?!! To realise the undeniable importance of icon Neil Young, that is. Headlining Big Day Out 2009 to a massive and responsive crowd, Mr Young, not so young in years now, but definitely ageless in spirit, showed the Gold Coast the raw essence of rock ‘n roll.
Dressed in an eye-catching blazer that could have been designer or possibly the result of a slam dancing session in a messy artist’s studio, Canada’s Neil Young proved his legend status… not like he had anything to prove. Holding nothing back, to the joy of a spongelike audience, he delivered his influential signature sound in songs including Cinnamon Girl, Old Man, Rockin’ In The Free World and a delicious cover of The Beatles’ A Day In The Life.
Leopard Lady has heard these classic songs before, but to see the man perform them himself was nothing short of magic. Making it clear that there is certain genius in Neil Young. Not only in his songwriting but in the freshness of the sounds coming from his guitar and the solid and super-rocking band he lead.
The explosive moment of overwhelming respect and excitement that is now held by Leopard Lady for Mr Neil Young, came when during some serious soloing, he proceeded to unleash Rock Rage as he smashed his guitar to bits and then reversed the ends of the snapped strings onto themselves to create rad distorted sounds out of the wreckage. Mind blowing and rule breaking. Fantastic! Almost 50 Years in the business with no signs of slowing down.
Leopard Lady now knows for herself what all the fuss is about and will humbly go about Googling Mr Young to try to get up to speed… You too can try and keep up with him through his website. He is on tour currently and there is a DIY film comp to get involved in for the extra-keen among you. Good Luck y’all!!
March 13th, 2009
Pop Royalty captured through the video eye of Berlin based, South African born artist, Candice Breitz.
Leopard Lady will carry the experience of King (A Portrait Of Michael Jackson) happily for the rest of her days. It helps in remembering the King of Pop as he should be remembered not, sadly, for most of his post-80s career and personal life moments.
Ms Breitz has assembled the perfect karaoke choir of MJ devotees to sing along to the entire Thriller album… the audience hear only the choir not a sound from the actual all-killer-no-filler masterpiece of Michael Jackson’s. This makes for superb listening and veiwing pleasure. Pure delight as these 16 individuals express their love for each track from the 1982 epic album. Unique and honest performances which struck a cord for Leopard Lady.
From 1982, when Thriller first came out, to 2005, when Candice Breitz compiled her own masterpiece, and on to 2008 when the Queensland Art Gallery purchased and now houses King(A Portrait Of Michael Jackson), this is a work that reflects on popular culture brilliantly.
Check out more from Candice Breitz at her website. You can find the 16 piece choir doing Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ to get the idea.
The site’s in Flash so I can’t send you a direct link, but go to http://www.candicebreitz.net/ then click on ‘work’ then ‘video’ and find ‘King’ in the drop down list.
Still not quite as magical as being in the room with the life-sized screen, full experience.
NB: Also view Like A Prayer from Queen (A Portrait Of Madonna) in her work.
Still from King (A Portrait of Michael Jackson), 2005
March 9th, 2009
Local legends Quan (also of Regurgitator) and I Heart Hiroshima were highlights from Leopard Lady’s experience at Big Day Out 09.
While Leopard Lady is already a fan of Regurgitator, she had heard that Quan had put together an act all of his own and was keen to catch his set at BDO.
Two sneaker-headed, track-suited people entered the stage. One being Quan and the other his gorgeous German drummer, Catharina. Removing the giant sneakers, they proceeded to deliver an innovative hip hop set which was quite intimate and revealing as a lot of the material had the sense of being personal tales. There was a lot of 80’s flavour threaded through it and some exciting spoken word removed from regular rap which was refreshing. Quan is sleek and strong and slammin’. His album The Amateur is out there now. Keep up to date on Quan and see his videos (they rock)on his Facebook page.
I Heart Hiroshima are punky darlings of Brisbane and before we know it they will be heading off to the UK (April and June ‘09) . Leopard Lady is so glad she saw them and was a little regretful she hadn’t seen them earlier. What a powerhouse they have in drummer/vocalist, Susie Patten (she made mention of her surname being the same as legendary Mike Patton- slight spelling error forgiven- who was at BDO with Fantômas and btw, Leopard Lady loved the freak out of). Susie is so tough and cool with a dash of kooky, like when she was playing the tambourine using her head! Her stage presence and skill on the kit reminded Leopard Lady of the incredible Marylise of French band Vialka (see earlier LL blog). That is a massive compliment. The trio Susie on drums and vocals, Matt, guitar and vocals, and Cameron also on guitar achieve a rockin’ big sound with copious ammounts of energy. Watch out United Kingdom!! Check their MySpace for dates and their soon to be released new album.
Only one more installment from Leopard Lady’s Big Day Out to come… worth the wait… Mr Neil Young!
Stay tuned x
February 16th, 2009
At festivals such as The Big Day Out, Leopard Lady often finds herself stage hopping to be able to catch the acts she desires to see. This often results in the making of sacrifices like being just a wee bit far away from the stage in question…
While this can lead to awkward photographic records of the event, in the case of Sneaky Sound System there is no shortage of party vibe which is passed through the crowds and felt powerfully by Leopard Lady.
Their brilliant pop grooves have the whole paddock dancing. They have such a friendly connection with the audience. Gorgeous lead singer, Connie Mitchell banters about the multitudes of beach balls bouncing above the mosh pit like UFOs… a perfect segue. And DJ Double D (Daimon Downey) commandeers a seriously lensed camera during Pictures. They are real fun live and respectably down to earth.
They are heading abroad to the UK in March and even a festival in Florida. Keep track of these Aussie Jetsetters through their MySpace.
February 10th, 2009
Black Kids are so much fun to see live! Leopard Lady was keen to see them at Gold Coast’s Big Day Out festival and their set was a definite highlight. The Converse Essential Stage held a decent crowd with a very happy atmosphere. And as Reggie Youngblood, the band’s vibrant and friendly frontman delighted, practically the entire audience was singing along to their songs. It was refreshing to hear him say how amazing it was to him, hearing the singalong. There was a real down to earth vibe coming from Reggie and the rest of the Black Kids.
Not only are the Black Kids so very cool, their songs are extremely danceable and created a party mode with everyone smiling and excitedly jumping around. So much fun!
Black Kids are BUSY! If you visit their MySpace you can see what part of the world they will be playing next. Maybe they are in your town?! Leopard Lady recommends these fresh pop characters without hesitation. If you are nowhere near them for a live fix, you can start getting a taste for them via their YouTube channel.
The debut album, Partie Traumatic, is out there and contains such rad songs as Hurricane Jane, I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (both songs also appearing on their EP, Wizard of Ahhhs) and Look At Me(When I Rock Wichoo).
Next up on Leopard Lady’s Hot Spots: Sneaky Sound System!
February 3rd, 2009
Mr Laneous (& The Family Yah) hail from Leopard Lady’s own hometown of Brisbane. They have an early slot on the Boiler Room stage at Australia’s Big Day Out festival and have drawn a nice crowd who are soon jumping and getting down.
Superstar frontman, Lachlan Mitchell has united a band comprised of some of the funkiest that said River City has to offer and Leopard Lady has seen them display high levels of funkiness in other live outfits as well. The band gives off a raw energy together with very tight grooves and infectious beats.
Besides a set of golden vocal chords, Lachlan posseses rad rhymes and keen style. He happens to be quite handsome also, which doesn’t hurt anyone.
This is a seriously happening project that Leopard Lady suggests you keep your eyes on starting with this YouTube clip of their song Bubblegum to get a taste of the fun hip-hop side of Mr Laneous. But be assured there is even much more to them… there’s funk, jazz, reggae, soul and heart melting croon… and there’s a promised LP to come - St. Ill Regal.
Keep yourself posted as Leopard Lady surely will, through their MySpace.
More of Leopard Lady’s Big Day Out highlights to come, including Sneaky Sound System, Black Kids, Quan The Amateur, and Neil Young! But, just wait, there’s more…
January 20th, 2009
Leopard Lady embarked on one of the most memorable road trips ever - to see the much anticipated show of Grace Jones… and show she DID!
It is mostly reported that Ms Jones is 60 years of age with some vague contention of a 2 year blurring of the lines…58 or 60, she looks brilliant in her g-string and fishnets! And she wanted us to feast our already focused eyes on her glory. Grace Jones owned The Enmore and her willingly captive audience, even as she bantered backstage during her costume changes. With every song came a new look based around the genius headpieces of celebrated Irish milliner, Philip Treacy.
Appearing exclusively in Sydney as a part of The Sydney Festival, after almost 20 years between visits to Australia (apart from a private Function in Cairns last year… lucky corporate cannibals…) Grace Jones brought her new and solid album, Hurricane, to a very hungry and devoted following. Including, incidentally, The Presets, Paul Mac, Cate Blanchet, Andrew Denton and of course, Leopard Lady and her handsome entourage.
Leopard Lady was prepared to have her mind exploded by the outrageous diva and every expectation was amazingly surpassed. From her relatively on time (!!!… she’s noted for being ridiculously late) entrance on a slowly decending hydraulic lift, to her spanking of a stage crew guy. From her rightly flaunted ass-ets, to her spur-of-the-moment open invitation to the crowd to pull up to her bumper on stage alongside her for a fantastic impromtu Dance Party. Close to one hundred diverse devotees must have thrown the security folk, but only fun ensued.. .a fortunate few even got their hands on the freaky goddess. She wiggled her said assets amidst the frenzy before dismissing the groovers from the stage and out of her limelight… there was now only room enough for Ms Jones and her parachute cape.
Her animalistic ferocity is strong as ever but with songs like I’m Crying (Mother’s Tears) and Williams’ Blood - both from the new album Hurricane, we see a deeply vulnerable side to Grace…. Leopard Lady fell hard for this inspirational woman. The highest highlight being when Grace donned a diamante encrusted bowler hat which shattered a massive crossfire of laser streams, splintering every surface of the Enmore Theatre during her hit cover of Love Is The Drug… spectacular.
Leopard Lady can see that the iconic Ms Grace Jones has had a massive impact on pop culture and is grateful that she continues to do so. Good luck keeping up with this Jones!
January 6th, 2009
On the strength of a YouTube gem from Melbourne band, Miami Horror, Leopard Lady ventured down to the Gold Coast, rife with Schoolies, one rainy night in the last days of 2008 (Lightning strikes and thunder cracks!)
People really should check out said YouTube clip of their song Don’t Be On With Her. They have managed to create an authentic 80s video complete with distortion at the intro which makes it appear to have been taped off a TV program. Leopard Lady found an affinity with this project and was instantly intrigued to see Miami Horror live.
The guy behind Miami Horror is 22 yo Benjamin Vanguarde who has been remixing and DJing under the Miami Horror moniker before running with the full band version. Perhaps too young to have really lived through the 80s, he certainly digs and gets the era. Citing Prince, ABBA and Supertramp as influences on his songwriting, Miami Horror has an edgy, post-millenium electro style of production down the path of Daft Punk or Cut Copy. The EP Bravado is out now but Leopard Lady is very keen for the promised album that is proposed to be a complete concept album.
As for the live experience: The venue offered a very small stage which was strangely blocking the band from the dancefloor, more suited to a DJ set. Benjamin seemed a little introverted but lead singer Josh Moriarty got warmed up and turned on the rockstar antics to Leopard Lady’s delight. Also noted was the style and pathos of keyboard player Daniel Whitechurch. Over all, Leopard Lady was left still wanting as far as the band connecting with the crowd. They also performed a number of covers, while they put their own spin on those songs (Praise You - Fatboy Slim, Electric Feel - MGMT, Music Sounds Better With You - Stardust… to name a few) Leopard Lady would like to hear more of their originals. Don’t Be On With Her rocked live.
This is still early days and these kids are still young-uns, so Leopard Lady has no doubt that after a bunch of shows and with the anticipated release of their full length album, Miami Horror are going to blossom and are one of LL’s picks to watch for in 2009.
Check out their MySpace and you can catch them at Good Vibrations Festivals (Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth) in February.
December 17th, 2008
Rhys Bobridge was Leopard Lady’s favourite dancer on the Aussie version of So You Think You Can Dance. His look is always striking and he certainly can move! Coming second place isn’t too bad and now he has a single out called Hot Summer which is being seeped into Australian homes via the Ten Network ad spots.
The video for Hot Summer, with it’s gorgeous tribal, feathery costumes that inspire images of the cast of Mad Max having a dance party in the jungle after a long day of paint ball skirmish. Check it out on Vimeo on his MySpace.
Leopard Lady found this Hundreds & Thousands remix on YouTube which will give you a taste of his awesome talents as a Make Up Artist. He is a colourful stunner!
We can forgive his past career stint as the Elf on a lame children’s program called The Fairies… if you are curious though, follow this link.
Leopard Lady can indeed confirm that here in Australia it is gonna be a Hot Summer!
December 4th, 2008
A very Merry Christmas from Leopard Lady!! As a special yuletide treat, LL has dug up a Golden Oldie with a Capital G!
Kenny G (!!) and his superhealing sax playing. With a spirited appearance by the late great Dudley Moore, this video has it all. Drama, suspense, gorgeous women, miracles, romance and pure joy as Kenny G leads the entire hospital dancing through the corridors like a holy pied piper. Meanwhile, Scott Baio has to deal with the bad news on his chest X-Ray…
May you enjoy the season a little more with this jolly video thanks to the wonders of YouTube!
LL x
December 1st, 2008
While Leopard Lady realised that Bloc Party was a pretty big deal (the sold out show at Brisbane’s Riverstage - 9000 Capacity - was quite telling of that as well) she didn’t really know much of their music or story. Leopard Lady found out what the fuss was all about.
Their sound was pumping. A very tight band with great melodic hooks, unreal beats and strong vocals that morph in and out of spitting words to singing soulfully or with a gritty rock edge.
It was more prevalent to Leopard Lady when she ventured into the thick of the crowd that Bloc Party’s live vibe has a magnetic pull that draws the audience in and jolts them with a fresh electricity.
Lead singer, Kele Okereke, has fantastic wild eyes when he sings. He is an exciting performer who comes over as being down to earth and a lot of fun. “I actually feel like a Rockstar today,” Kele said after a roaring response to ‘Positive Tension’. The crowd surrounding Leopard Lady are often singing along to his lyrics, hooting with joy and exclaiming how cute he is when he cuddled up to his guitar at one point.
There is a constant vibration of the audience which pulses to the grooves of the music with high energy and lots of jumping and punching fists in the air or clapping. A very positive vibe, however.
A highlight was when the Bass/Keyboard player Gordon Moakes got on a second drum kit alongside the stunner drummer Matt Tong for a sonically and visually awesome moment.
Visiting their myspace you can read numerous comments which gush with good stuff about the Brisbane Bloc Party extravaganza. Go there for yourselves and find out where they are playing next as they go hell for leather across the globe. http://www.myspace.com/blocparty
Interesting tid-bit: Apparently these guys got their break in 2003 when Kele Okereke went to a Franz Ferdinand gig and gave a copy of their song, She’s Hearing Voices, to lead singer of FF, Alex Kapranos, and Radio One DJ, Steve Lamacq. The rest is making history.
November 26th, 2008
Maybe it’s a Lady thing, but Leopard Lady can get behind everything Lady GaGa stands for and stems from!
Starting with her name taken in honour of Queen and their song Radio Ga Ga. Worthy.
Her style and it’s pivotal role in her performance and image. She actually wears the same designer as Roisin Murphy has been wearing, Martin Margiela. Striking creations that both women wear well in their own unique ways. Lady GaGa also makes some of her own ouchfits. Again, worthy.
Her performance inspired by great Glam Rock and in particular David Bowie. Hugely worthy.
She likes to dazzle her audience with strange new technology and fun props. She is into performance art. She loves glitter. All very worthy traits.
This is a woman who loves to dress up and has a killer voice with dance moves to match. What’s not to like?! She is touring the Globe as you read this. Check to see if you are in her vicinity by visiting her myspace http://www.myspace.com/ladygaga
Please Note: The youtube is an earlier film from Lady GaGa but it is a sensational introduction to her and her Haus of GaGa. Enjoy!
November 26th, 2008
Dot.AY is a Brisbane Electro act who plays Gameboys. Leopard Lady loves Tetris on the Gameboy and is mighty good at it too, but Dot.AY, aka Alex Yabsley, is playing more than just the Nintendo games on his Gameboys. He creates tracks, live, using the music on the Gameboys.
This is a whole movement called Chiptune, that has been going strong and growing worldwide. Not massive in Australia (yet) but there is a 4 Day Festival dedicated to this retro electro music and art genre, called Blip Festival which takes place at The Bell House in New York, December 4 - 7. It is predicted that this artform is about to become a known known on a global scale and Leopard Lady is excited that she brings a little awareness through this here V Blog by sharing her experience of seeing Dot.AY live at The Press Club in Brisbane.
What a RAD set! Complete with super grooving by Dot.AY as he pounded out the familiar yet freshly twisted tunes from his Gameboys (One of which is the exact Gameboy he played as a kid) even adding vocals which was oh so rock’n'roll in the coolest of nerdy senses. He wielded a Guitar Hero (Wii) which just looked fantastic and he wore a pair of Reebok Hightops. Brilliant. Leopard Lady was inspired to capture a segment of his show for posterity via youtube.
If you hadn’t already heard of the Chiptune Community, you can be sure that there is a wave of super-cool geeks bubbling away in a town near you. If you want to get your own Education on chiptune, here’s a link to start you on your way: http://dot-ay.com/
November 24th, 2008
Leopard Lady knew she had to see Goldfrapp even at the expence of the delights of Peaches (some seriously messed up programming there…). Luckily LL had seen Peaches before and is already a fan. Goldfrapp however beckoned and without knowing too much of what to expect, except that Alison Goldfrapp has one of the most divine voices in the Universe and there was likely to be a healthy element of visual art to the show, Leopard Lady had high anticipation for their set.
Visually, the entire stage was gorgeously stimulating with flowing ribbons in maypole fashion, eerie taxidermy, harlequin projections, flowers and flags. The band appeared in white. Ethereal and blank screens for the changing projections. There were many and varied instruments from Harp to Electric Violin, from Keytar to Theremin. Then the Voice of Ms Goldfrapp which lived up to all expectations and tantalised Parklife patrons. Her costume of even more flowing ribbons and her wild, gold curls added to the atmosphere of the mystical folklore of their new material from current album, Seventh Tree.
To the delight of the entranced crowd, they played some tracks from previous albums including a pounding Train, a sensual Ooh La La, a melodic and vibrating No. 1, and the operatic ecstasy of Utopia.
The show was sensational but seemed to be too short… maybe Leopard Lady just wanted more… and Alison Goldfrapp kept to herself as far as speaking to her audience apart from sharing her angelic singing voice… perhaps a ploy to create a mystery that will keep her followers on their toes.
Leopard Lady certainly desires to know more about what makes the Goldfrapp mythical and supernatural strict machine tick. Thank heavens for youtube and the wonderous Google to catch me up on past Goldfrapp moments . There is also their myspace to follow their next artistic curve.
