Cosmopolitan.com http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za Cosmopolitan.com http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za/images/cosmo_logo_toolbox.gif Money en-us catherined at cosmopolitan dot co dot za Copyright 2009 Live Like a Rockstar http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//celebritygossip/rocks/live-like-a-rockstar

HOW TO ENTER:
Tell us why you think you're rockstar material and share your tips for living life in the excess lane. Include your telephone number and attach two recent photos of yourself (one full-length and one head-and-shoulders snap). E-mail the information to theo@assocmags.co.za to reach us by 20 May 2012.

Our top entrants will appear in the July 2012 issue of COSMOPOLITAN, giving our readers a chance to vote for their favourite and win fabulous Paco Rabanne Black XS L'Excès hampers.



Want to see a few behind-the-scenes shots from the shoot? Simply click on the reel below:


]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00 +0200 One Night Of Pacha http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//celebritygossip/rocks/one-night-of-pacha
1. Easy one, first up… what's the first LP you ever bought, and why?
It's not that easy actually - I can't remember buying my first one! My older brother used to pass his records on to me and my obsession started there…

2. You're a UK lad originally. What made you choose to go to Ibiza when there are huge house brands like Cream and Gatecrasher at home?
I wanted to hone in on the Mecca of dance and electronic music. Here in Ibiza, it's all happening in one small place… with A LOT more sunshine!

3. You've been playing since the vinyl era: what piece of equipment has most changed how you approach deejaying now, in the digital age?
I guess it's been the computer, for storage, labeling and easy access… but I've actually at this point, just gone full circle and started playing a lot of vinyl again. So many DJs have turned to digital, and it just seems to be watering down the talent. With vinyl, the sound is ultimately better and you can showcase your skills as a DJ, plus your own personal collection is always different to everyone else's. I don't mind playing and using new technology, but the bottom line is, it's always about how good the music is that you're playing…

4. Ibiza is known as an island of hedonism… you must have a good story or two?
Sorry - what happens in Ibiza stays in Ibiza!

5. You've travelled to pretty much every continent except Antarctica: where have the most memorable gigs been, and what makes gigs stick in your mind?
I loved touring all over Brazil - the people come to the parties with such a positive attitude, and absolutely no pretentiousness. And of course nothing compares to Ibiza - there's no place like home.

6. You write and produce your own music, as well as playing other people's efforts. What revs you more: hearing the crowd respond to one of your tunes or knowing you have put the right song on in the perfect spot?
I do prefer watching the movement of people on the dance floor, adapting to the build up and then smashing the right song at the right time.

7. Describe Ibiza to a newcomer…
Game changing! Ibiza really is a musical playground for some of the world's most eclectic and amazing producers and DJs, and it attracts the most fun, beautiful and cool people from all over the world. You can dance all night to amazing music - and it's totally acceptable - and then spend your days lazing around on gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, eating incredible food in world class restaurants; the whole time meeting like-minded people… there's nowhere else like it.

8. Has the maelstrom of top international artists through Ibiza influenced your music style at all? Who has left marks?
Yes, many… Jamie Jones for his ability to adapt styles and be a constant game changer; Luciano for finding the middle ground between the underground and accessible party music; Henrik Schwarz for his constant flexibility to cross spectrums and REALLY entertain and The Wolf + Lamb crew for opening the doors to a whole new scene of music, DJs and attitude.

9. You've been a resident at Pacha forever. What is it about the brand that has kept you so loyal?
I class Pacha more as a family than a brand. I still enjoy it as much today as I did in the first year - I like the culture of it, the fact it's been around for such a long time. I like working with the old faces, who have literally been there since day one, and yet I love that the club evolves each and every year (and even every night in the summer!).

10. You must be tempted by the yearly changes in style... how do you keep your own music to a signature style?
The thing is, 'signature sounds' evolve as music evolves and dance music is changing constantly! Every year new styles emerge, but those I like seem to merge well with my sound. It's a process of adaptation.

11. You're known as a bit of a DJ's DJ… what makes a house legend like Danny Tenaglia ask for you, and what drives your love of music?
I think it's a case of musical nerdiness really - I enjoy complementing the sound of the DJs playing after me, without stealing the show. In the case of Danny Tenaglia, we'd met in Ibiza, got to talking about music, he recognised my passion and it all happened from there.

12, You're an A&R agent for Simon Dunmore's Defected Label… what's bubbling out there below the surface? Who's going to be making waves going into 2012?
Maya Jane Coles was already one to watch this year, but I think there is so much more to come from her in the new year; Subb-An will be big as his music just gets better and better; Maceo Plex seems to be taking deep house in a much more musical direction, almost symphony-like; PBR Streetgang always do what they do with fun and dancing in mind and finally, The Martinez Brothers are two young boys from the States, who are driven by that old school NY house scene, and it really shows when they produce and DJ. The old school house sound is really big at the moment, so DJs are digging deep again.

13. Where is the future for you? Across genres, and reading the floor, or delving into a genre more intensely? Are you happy in the space you're in right now?
I've never been happier - I'm playing a lot of deep, grooving house, which is really working on the dance floor right now, but I'm always open to new styles. We'll see what happens as the New Year unfolds…

14. Finally, what can South Africans expect from an Andy Baxter set?
I'll definitely be playing some of my standout tracks from this year, plus a few classic surprises here and there - but above all, expect a party, expect good times, expect happy vibes and the true Balearic spirit!

To enter our amazing competition to win tickets to the Pacha New Year's Eve and New Year's Day parties, as well as loads of other awesome prizes related to the event, click here.

Want to know what you can expect? Watch the video below.


 
]]> Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00 +0200 Shout and Scream http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//celebritygossip/rocks/shout-and-scream
1. You all come from diverse musical backgrounds. Do you ever argue about iScreamStix's sound?
Sometimes. But we have such great diversity in our group, which we love. Generally we agree on songs we don't feel are quite 'happening'.

2. What was the inspiration behind your hit song, 'Skitzo'?
Kicking a chicken, LOL! Actually, it's about some insane musical changes that are currently happening.

3. What is a typical day in the life of an iScreamStix band member like?
Struggling to pay the rent, trying not to drink too much, etc. It's never boring!

4. You each have cool, eclectic styles. If you had to give your style a name, what would it be?
Experimental.



5. Tell us: what does it take to write a chart-topping hit?
Staying true to what you want and what you represent. Talent is ultimately the most important.

6. Who in the band:
a) writes most of the lyrics? Luke and Bheki.
b) gets the most love from the girls? Tony: ME, Bheki: ME, Luke: ME.
c) is always late? Bheki. But recently everyone is being more professional.
d) drinks the most? Tony, with Nathan being a close second. 'Basically because he seems to fall over quicker than me.' (Tony).

7. What advice would you give a COSMO girl dating a guy in a band?
Have a lot of confidence and believe that you are the one he wants and no one else. Otherwise things might just go super pear-shaped.

8. Tell us more about the Making It reality show you are a part of.
It's a depiction of four okes coming from very diverse backgrounds and fusing their ideas and them clashing at every turn in the journey of making it.

9. What's happening in the next year for iScreamStix that you can tell us about?
We are going to be on more Top 10 charts and doing our world tour. Hopefully we'll get a big record deal and get paid what we deserve.

Watch the video for 'Skitzo' below.
 

]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:00 +0200 COSMO Rocks http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//celebritygossip/rocks/cosmo-rocks
Don't miss out on our beautiful Cover Star Jessie J, who on page 14, discusses her heart condition, her music and what it means to be representing the Brits.

On page 18, discover our latest group of All Stars, which include the inspirational Lindiwe Suttle, SA dance favourites Liquideep and indie newcomers, Dance, You're On Fire.

And if you're not sure what should be playing on your iPod this summer, make sure you check out page 29 for the top 20 albums you should be listening to.

Want to be part of one of the best New Year's parties ever? Don't forget to enter the Pacha competition where you and a partner could be dancing the night away to one of Pacha's top DJs, Andy Baxter. For more information, click here and enter.

COSMO Rocks has everything you need to rock out these holidays. Buy the December issue and don't miss out.

]]> Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00 +0200 Being Bon Iver http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//celebritygossip/rocks/being-bon-iver For Emma Forever Ago, they released their second album earlier this year, the self-titled Bon Iver. It went to number one on three different charts in the US, selling 104 000 copies in its first week.

We managed to catch up with guitarist Mike Noyce to chat about music, first kisses and South Africa.

1. From recording in a cabin to commercial success: what's the first thought that crosses your mind when you think about how far you've come?
Probably how much we've grown musically as a band, and how much I've grown, personally, as a result of this experience. It's been one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

2. Many people mistakenly believe that Bon Iver is a one-person affair. Compliment or irritation?
This is definitely an irritation for Justin. But I really don't mind, as I'm a fairly private guy. I definitely wouldn't choose to switch places. That's a bit selfish, but I've seen how tough it can be to live your life with all eyes on you, and it's just not really something I'd wish for myself. It's not something Justin wishes for either, obviously, but he recognises that it's just part of what he does and he's extremely thankful for the support people give. He's good with that stuff.

3. Bon Iver feels as though it plays with different genres in a way For Emma, Forever Ago didn't. What inspired you to mix things up this time around?
I think that Justin approached the writing process completely differently this time around, and that process involved a lot of different musicians, each with their own take on things. Also, from an engineering standpoint, the album is entirely different. It's more of a studio album, and Justin and Brian Joseph (co-engineer of the album) did some remarkable things on the technical end; some really musical things that changed the sound of the album.

5. Like 'Sex On Fire' is for Kings of Leon, is there a particular song that your audiences respond to more than others? Do you find it at all irritating or doesn't it bother you?
Everyone responds to 'Skinny Love', as would be expected. I love that song, and it's nice to have something in your repertoire that you know will get a really strong reaction from people. Sometimes it feels like we have to play it or that a few people in the audience just want to hear that and nothing else, so that can be a bit annoying. But on the whole, people are super-respectful and attentive throughout the shows. They're awesome.

6. Obviously different people interpret your music in their own ways, but do you consider your music to be romantic?
Yup. I think that, ideally, music kind of hyperbolises certain ideas or images in an effort to enable us to see them clearly and gain a bit of understanding. It romanticises those ideas or images. Sometimes people take things too literally, though. I love a lot of music that paints a really black and white picture, but that doesn't mean I reflect that message in my life - more that I see it as a really accurate representation of the way we all feel sometimes, when we're in certain spots and it seems like things just suck, or are perfect, etc. That is a really alive thing, those extremes, and I think that's why people are attracted to them in songs.

7. Describe your music in three words.
So many dudes.

8. What is your favourite song you've ever recorded, and why?
'Beth/Rest, 'cause it rules. That is such a strong, unique and epic song. It's one of the most straight-ahead songs on the album as well, and I love that. It seems like it's a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it thing for a lot of people, which I don't understand, but maybe I'm too close to it.

9. Is there a special someone who inspires your lyrics?
Justin…

10. When was your first kiss? Tell us the story…
Well, we were out on a boat, fishing up in the boundary waters, and it was pretty awesome. A bit awkward. The fish may not have enjoyed it though…

12. What three things do you have to take on tour with you to make you feel at home?
Running shoes, gardening book, and my computer.

13. Regarding tours, we know album sales determine who tours where. But, would you ever come out to play in South Africa?
God, I hope so. I was actually lucky enough to come to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, and it blew my mind. But I don't think I really had the opportunity to experience the real South Africa with all the World Cup craze, and I'm hoping we get the chance to play. Ayoba!

14. What's next for Bon Iver?
A lot of development with the live show. We've got tons of incredible musicians from all realms of the music world, and it's been a great time so far. It's the tightest thing I've been involved in musically - I am so lucky to be playing with these dudes.

The Bon Iver Pop Quiz
Candlelit dinner or fast food? Candlelit dinner fo sho.
Blonde or brunette? Blonde.
One-night stands or relationships? Relationships.
Party or chill? Chill.
Twitter or Facebook? Facebook.
Love or money? Love.
Touring or recording? Touring in small doses, but after that limit is passed, recording.
Vinyl or iPod? Vinyl. Love it.
'Skinny Love' or 'Calgary'? 'Calgary'

Watch the official music video for 'Calgary' below.
 


]]> Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00 +0200 On The Right Track http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//celebritygossip/rocks/on-the-right-track-pg1
'One of my favourite commentaries about the process is a song by one of the masters, Neil Finn of Crowded House. In 'Don't Stop Now' he sings about a day out with his family that goes wrong, blaming sat nav and misunderstanding for the argument that ensues. The song is at once a poignant story about that sad day and an essay on his life as a songwriter. He describes the point when his wife takes a wrong turn and they are arguing. For most people it would be a moment to endure, to keep your head down and to think about getting past it. But not a songwriter. "Don't stop now, no don't stop now," sings Neil, "give me something I can write about, give me something I can cry about," - and it's a line so naked, I can only imagine what his wife feels about having this moment recorded so openly. But still I wish I'd written it.

'Of all the songs we've released as Above & Beyond, none has the chequered history of 'Sun & Moon'. Full of twists and turns. And maybe the song knew it, for the line "you can never know the odds; if you don't play you'll never win," seems full of self-awareness. That's the key line in the song for me. That sense of hope, blind faith and optimism to pick yourself up when things go wrong and start again.

1. WORDS IN PROCESS 'Usually when we write a song, Jono (Grant) or Paavo (Siljamäki) come up with the music and then either I or Zoë Johnston (previously with Faithless and Bent) or Justine Suissa (Chicane) write the words and melody on top, either on our own or collaborating. The source of 'Sun & Moon' was a beautiful piece of music we originally called 'Mist', comprising a simple synth arpeggio and an even simpler piano part. But it was so emotional it was begging for some words on top. This was in January 2003 and I decided to try. 'I try to channel Michael Stipe, Neil Finn and other great poets when I get into lyric mode but the first line that popped into my head was inspired by a nursery rhyme: "It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring, it's cold tonight." The next line was an echo of another one of our songs, 'Alone Tonight', but there's no harm in copying yourself, is there?

'So for a verse we had an opening line stolen from a nursery rhyme and a second phrase borrowed from another single. That's okay. The first verse sets the scene and the characters so it can be simple. The bridge, the bit that sets up the chorus, tends to be the point where the characters spring to life. I wanted a bridge with a unique character to give the song personality after a few lines of scene-building using borrowed imagery. I replaced the silly "snoring" line with, "and danger is falling", but still my magpie brain wouldn't give up. I stole some words from another old song of mine about fishing for love that included the line, "when the big reel starts to spin". Change "reel" to "wheel" (as in roulette wheel, I was thinking, not the fairground ride) and the heart and soul of the song just popped out there.

'The job of the chorus is to nail the character's colours to the mast, to make his case as involvingly as possible. The first thing I wanted him to do was apologise so we could set up a hopeful outcome. "I'm sorry baby", repeated four times, was the first chorus I had. A start, but a bit of a cliché. One of the things I always try to do to offset tired and overused phrases elsewhere in the song is make up a new and hopefully illuminating metaphor or simile to add some pictures to the words. On either side of my fireplace are two papier-mâché sculptures from South America that I bought at an art fair years ago. When I sit on my sofa and look at the wall opposite, looking back at me are an orange smiling sun and a pale-green smiling moon. They've been in my life for over 10 years and so it was no surprise when they finally spoke: "I'm sorry baby, you were the sun and moon to me."
2. IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING
3. AN END TO START WITH…

Watch the video for Above & Beyond's 'Sun & Moon' below.
 


 
]]> Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00 +0200 Stay Smart With Samsung http://www.cosmopolitan.co.za//celebritygossip/rocks/stay-smart-with-samsung *ADVERTORIAL*
 
Maybe it's time to upgrade to a Samsung Galaxy Y smartphone. So much more than a phone, it's a PA, camera, GPS, games console, MP3 player, video recorder, social-networking partner, movie player and digital-book reader. You can even work on it and view Excel, Word, PowerPoint and PDF documents. Personalise your Galaxy Y smartphone with a selection of apps from the huge range available at Samsung's app store.

For example, the new ChatON app allows you to connect to your friends and includes enhanced group-chat and a hand-drawing function. All this is housed in an ergonomic design, with a comprehensive list of Social Networking Services and a 832MHz processor.

]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00 +0200