#watchthisspace

[manifestopaulo]

❤️ Dot to Dot

There are some parallels between the acts of completing a dot-to-dot drawing, following a pre-defined diagram, and living a conventional life outlined by societal or cultural expectations. 

In a dot-to-dot drawing or when following a diagram, there's a set trajectory. The outcome is pre-determined; all you need to do is follow the given steps to connect the dots or match the diagram. It is a form of structure and guidance which can sometimes lead to a predictable or even an exquisite creation.

Living a conventional life often bears similar hallmarks. Society sets some 'dots' or conventional milestones for us, such as going to school, getting a job, getting married, having children, and then retiring. It provides a safety net of guidelines and societal understandings, fostering a sense of belonging and normalcy.

However, the notion of creativity, individuality, and autonomy can face restrictions in both scenarios. Just as a dot-to-dot drawing leaves little room for one to exercise creativity beyond those dots, living a conventional life may limit a person's ability to explore unique paths or express individuality, particularly when these expressions conflict with societal norms.

Yet, it's essential to remember that life, unlike a dot-to-dot drawing, isn't rigid. One has the freedom to create their own 'dots', to define their unique path, and live their authentically unconventional life. It leverages the unpredictability and chaos of life to create something truly unique and personal.  

Ultimately, the choice of whether to follow the dots or create our path reflects the tension between security and autonomy, conformity and creativity, predictability and uncertainty.

[manifestopaulo]

Post-Punk, Reggae, and the Evolution of East London's Music Scene

Introduction

The British music scene has a vibrant history of embracing and transforming genres from different cultures, particularly black music. From the Beatles' admiration for American rock 'n' roll in the 1960s to the rise of reggae music, the British have taken these influences and added their own innovative touch. However, it was with the emergence of reggae in Britain that an exciting and transformative journey began. This journey eventually paved the way for genres like rave, jungle, garage, and dubstep.

Moreover, East London played a central role in shaping this musical landscape. This essay aims to uncover the deep connection that East London has with dub and reggae music, as well as the influential East London artists who emerged and played a significant part in transforming British music.

Early days of Reggae in East London.

Reggae has been a part of East London's music scene since the 1960s, and we owe a great debt to the generations before us who not only created this music but also embraced it, making it cool to listen to. As a personal example, my father was part of the first-wave of skinheads and frequented reggae or 'Blues beat' clubs like the Four Ace's in Dalston during his formative years. The Four Ace's, established in 1966, the Wikipedia entry for the Four Ace’s states that ‘in the 1960s and 1970s, the club was one of the first venues to play black music in the United Kingdom and was credited with playing a significant "role in the evolution of reggae into dance music, from ska, to rocksteady, to dub, to lovers, to dancehall and the evolution of jungle.’

The experiences my father had during that time left a lasting impact on his musical taste, which included artists like John Holt and Bob Marley, as well as Tamela Motown Records and sophisticated 70s soul. These musical preferences were shared by many East Londoners during that era.

A Confluence of Influences: Post-Punk and Reggae

When punk arrived, my father's generation might have been considered too old for that scene. However, it was during the emergence of the second wave of British reggae enthusiasts that something truly groundbreaking occurred. This generation not only embraced punk music but also incorporated elements of reggae and punk into their own music. These individuals were visionaries who played integral roles in the music industry and the post-punk scene. Artists such as Jerry Dammers and Terry Hall with The Specials, John Lydon and Jah Wobble with Public Image Limited, Pauline Black and The Selector, Neenah Cherry with Rip Rig & Painic, Adrian Sherwood, The Pop Group, The Clash, The Slits, and even Madness, played a vital role in the cultural fusion of post-punk and reggae.

The connection between post-punk and reggae in the British music scene is a testament to the remarkable diversity that emerged during this period. They took reggae as a starting point and created their own unique punk versions or experimented with unconventional, abstract variations of the genre. The intertwining of post-punk and reggae is an undeniable connection that can be viewed as a breeding ground for the unique British diversity that would resurface and continue in genres like jungle and dubstep These genres can be seen as natural progressions of the groundwork laid by the reggae-inspired post-punk musicians.

It is important to acknowledge the pioneers of reggae and those who stayed true to its traditional roots. Reggae itself deserves immense praise, but this piece focuses on the diverse sounds it has inspired. Reggae did not necessarily require diversification, but it played a pivotal role in encouraging white British individuals to embrace diversity and undergo transformative experiences. Reggae was everywhere while I was growing up in Hackney - resonating from tower blocks, playing at parties of friends with West Indian Caribbean backgrounds, and streaming from radios & stereos of guys I worked with. During my early teens, there was a Dancehall reggae boom, with half of my friends into ‘Dancehall Ragga’ and the other half into either rave or Heavy Metal music. It was just the way things were back then.

The East London Connection: Jah Wobble.

The biggest noteworthy figure from East London who played a pivotal role in this transformation is Jah Wobble. Born John Joseph Wardle of Stepney Green, the bass guitarist and singer known as the original bass player in Public Image Ltd (PiL) in the late 1970s. Jah Wobble perfectly embodies the open-minded and diverse music approach ingrained in certain types of East London residents. He went on to pioneer a plethora of diversity in his music.

The Influence of Post-Punkers on Rave

Among the post-punk artists, it was the industrial music musicians who wholeheartedly embraced change. Hackney resident Genesis P.Orridge of Throbbing Gristle made influential contributions to acid house with his project 'Jack the Tab,' just as Richard H Kirk of Cabaret Voltaire did in the Sheffield scene and early Warp Records. They were not interested in remaining loyal to a single genre but instead chose to move with the current and embrace whatever manifested at the time. Artists like Jah Wobble, along with many likeminded individuals, were already exploring the realms of reggae, hip hop, and electronic music. The combination of these factors sparked an optimistic and forward-thinking attitude towards music, and the post-punk era cultivated a remarkably imaginative and inventive environment during the vibrant decades of the 80s and 90s, which proved to be an optimal period for artistic exploration and groundbreaking innovation.

Mutation, diversity and open-mindedness towards music all idea’s that would find home and be carried forward in Rave. Other influences added to the cultural blend, including the energetic beats of hip hop, house, and techno. As a result, the British Reggae-Rave version of this music emerged. Some of it had an electrifying party energy that gleefully crank-up the insanity level, with an emphasis on multiculturalism much similar to the British Ska movement of the late 70s. Then some of it would be dissonant and otherworldly like a mix of techno and more abstracted post-punk like Public Image Ltd. This thrilling evolution proved to be revolutionary, setting the stage for Jungle, Drum & Bass & Dubstep. This emerging genre of dance music would serve as a platform for even more numerous young individuals, many of who had little music training or equipment, to engage with music. Enabling them to flourish, thrive and capture the spotlight, which, in my opinion, truly epitomises the essence of punk. This indomitable spirit, reminiscent of both British Punks and Jamaican rebels, continued to exert its influence within the rave generation, as a real rebel connection.

Furthermore, when artists from East London who had primarily focused on reggae music began experimenting with abstracted reggae elements and rave-inspired tempos, as exemplified by the likes of 'Shut Up & Dance' and their 'Hackney Hardcore' projects, the rapid development of Jungle music was greatly accelerated.

Since then, East London has consistently been at the forefront of underground dance movements, particularly during the ascent of rave music in the UK. This is not by chance, as at that time, East London's vibrant music scene provided the perfect nurturing ground for experimentation and creativity to flourish. This collective effort resulted in a vibrant underground dance movement that East London has continued to lead ever since.

Conclusion

The journey from post-punk to rave exemplifies music's ability to transcend boundaries and spark creativity. The experimentation and melting pot of ideas in the post-punk era have had a lasting influence on future generations. The contributions of reggae-inspired post-punk musicians will remain a source of pride and inspiration, serving as a constant reminder of the limitless possibilities in both music and life.

In conclusion, the most significant impact of rave was its ability to bring people together and overcome differences. Rave culture was about breaking down divisions and embracing unity. The transition from reggae to rave, jungle, garage, and dubstep is a testament to the coming together of people from different cultures within these shores creating genres that celebrate the cultural mix in music. The enduring legacy of East London's music history reminds us of the importance of unity and transcending differences. The influence of these artists and the love for dub and reggae music in East London continues to shape not only the UK music scene, but also that of the world.

[galaxywatches]

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[hyperfixation-station-dl0v0lb]

First post for the hyperfixation blog but I don't have anything helpful to say

[ton-connect]

From BCH to ETC, we've witnessed incredible growth, but now it's time for TonC to take center stage. 🚀

Get ready for the next big wave in the blockchain space! Watch this space closely – the best is yet to come. 🌐

[begouristore]

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[deanssexplorations]

Catching Up on the Blog (?)

Wow, it's been a while. It's not that I don't enjoy blogging my sex life; I do. It's not that I haven't been having some fabulous adventures; I have.

No.

It's really that I got to the point where I felt I was running out of fresh, interesting things to say.

Especially when it comes to that really amazing threesome, or that sex party I was particularly excited about. I've been finding it harder to write about straight-up sex in a new, interesting way that feels fresher or different than the umpteen times I've written about similar situations.

If you're a regular reader you may have noticed that my more recent blog entries deal more with the setup, the situation, and my observations and less with the sex act specifics. For anyone who does want to read more about that I might suggest some of my earlier entries, like maybe First MFF Threesome, Sister Threesome (yes, a threesome with two sisters), So Many Firsts, Five-Some at a Sex Club, or maybe Six-Some at a Sex Club.

But things have been happening over the past 12 months, many of them blog-worthy, and I'm going to make an effort over the next several weeks to play a little catch up. Partly to get it down, partly to commit so I actually do it, here are a few of the entries I'm hoping to craft:

True MMF Threesome

Man-on-Man

Mutual Masturbation

Throwing Parties at Kink.com

Her First MMF Threesome

Dom/Sub Contract

Oh, I almost forgot:

Birthday MFFFFFFF

Wish me luck, and check this space for some fresh material soon!

[manifestopaulo]

The 2000’s Pt. 1 - London’s live music scene

In the heady days of the early 2000s, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a local band called WRY. Little did I know then, but this band was destined to become the soundtrack of my life and a symbol of hope and optimism in an ever-changing world.

At that time, London's music scene was thriving, brimming with new bands and exhilarating live performances in neighborhoods like Hoxton, Dalston, Holloway, and Camden. It felt as though we were at the epicenter of the musical world, with an abundance of talent right at our doorstep. It was a time of camaraderie, pints of lager, and the intoxicating feeling that we were part of a movement pushing the boundaries musically, culturally, and socially.

Amidst this golden era for live music, WRY's path crossed mine through a series of fortuitous events. Eventually, I became friends with this band, who, to me, shone brightest among the many talented artists of the time.

WRY was definitely a part of this local band movement during that era, and was the band I came to follow and support. During this movement, WRY were definitely shining stars in my eyes. Hailing from Brazil, they had become a massive success in the indie and rock scene of their country.While rock may not be as dominant there as it is in America, given the size of Brazil, it still holds a significant place as a subculture and draws a dedicated following. For me, it was a privilege to have gotten to know these guys and closely follow their journey whilst here. Their music emitted a miraculous sense of optimism that encapsulated the spirit of the time. Each live performance was an unforgettable experience, brimming with the same sense of hope and excitement, a real great live band.

This era was a treasure trove of remarkable bands waiting to be discovered, and WRY stood out among the rest. Despite London's music scene failing to live up to its promise, WRY never let me down. Even today, they still continue to exude that magical aura and creativity, defying the odds and outlasting many of their contemporaries.

These days, when I listen to WRY's music, it brings about a different feeling for me. It reminds me of a mix of emotions - both bitter and sweet, as it takes me back to a time when I felt on the verge of a revolution that never fully materialized. However, it also stirs up a longing inside, a desire to experience that sense of change again. There's something extraordinary about the idea of a grand revolution that can completely transform the world. This music and the times it represents instilled in me a belief in something greater, something beyond myself. While I had my own personal revolution of self-discovery, it led me to forge my own unique journey and follow my own path. But a genuine revolution isn't just about navigating your own independent path; it's about a collective transformation that includes everyone, inviting each person's active participation and changing every aspect of our reality for the better. WRY's music and their sound capture the very essence of keeping the dream alive. It serves as a powerful reminder that despite the challenges we face, we must constantly dream and strive for a brighter future.

I hope that the younger generation can experience this feeling through their own musical journey. It's a feeling that cannot be bought or fabricated. It's about finding music and bands that make you believe that anything is possible. Music has the power to inspire and ignite that spark within us all, and bands like WRY are a perfect example of the magic that can be created.

[manifestopaulo]

"White Noise," directed by Noah Baumbach, film review and Ballardian Interpretation.

Noah Baumbach's latest film, "White Noise," truly shines in its ability to portray the absurdity of the 70s with great skill. While it may have faced some challenges in gaining the attention it deserved, being released exclusively on Netflix, I strongly believe that it is a must-see for anyone interested in immersing themselves in the cultural atmosphere and quirky charm of that era. Furthermore, if you have a passion for the history of cinema and cult films, then this film will undoubtedly captivate your cinematic senses.

In many ways it reminded me strikingly of Paul Thomas Anderson's "Liquorice Pizza" in numerous ways. Both masterfully transport viewers to the 70s, capturing the zaniness that defined the era. But both offer contrasting perspectives on life during those times. While “Liquorice Pizza" chose to show more lightheartedness and adventure, encapsulating the unpredictable spirit of the time. In stark contrast, "White Noise" presents a more pessimistic view, dipping into darker tones. It portrays characters trapped in the suburban consumer malaise that greatly signified the era.

The film initially introduces us to the characters and their mundane conflicts in everyday life, particularly focusing on the main character, Professor Jack Gladney, played by Adam Driver. Jack tries to break free from the monotony by recounting stories about cult-like leaders such as Hitler and Elvis, shared by his friend Murray, played by Don Cheadle.

"White Noise" almost feels like a parody of a Spielberg disaster movie, complete with a disaster scenario that darkens the tone, reminiscent of Spielberg's work. The film explores the concept of collective events, whether real or imagined, as a means for individuals to feel connected and significant. The characters' obsession with disasters mirrors society's fascination with apocalyptic scenarios depicted in Spielberg's films. By immersing themselves in these narratives, people find purpose and briefly escape the mundane realities of their lives.

This episode leads you to become completely mistaken about the type of film you are watching as an even darker twist in the movie reveals itself, a twist portrayed through Jack's wife, Babette., played brilliantly by Greta Gerwig. Her character spirals out of control, having a more personal disaster which sends her down a path of addiction and self-destruction, fueled by prescription drugs. This situation echoes the extremities of consumerism with compulsive behaviour, addiction and a person lost on consumer products of a stronger verity.

The film concludes with what appears to be a celebratory 'musical' number in a supermarket, once again genre-shifting to bear a resemblance to the Musical genre. Yet beneath the shiny surface of the supermarket and happy singing, it harbors a darker implication. This ending suggests that the characters are completely ingrained and trapped into this suburban consumerism nightmare. They are forever doomed to be stuck in this cycle, oblivious to their predicament, making it nearly impossible to break free. The only relief they discover lies in the next major national, global, or personal catastrophe. Or with the rise of another cult leader, someone akin to Hitler or Elvis, or perhaps a hybrid of both, mirroring figures like Reagan or Trump, who guide them down yet another barmy disaster path.

In comparison, "Liquorice Pizza" offers a more optimistic perspective, showcasing an exotic country filled with random occurrences and never a dull moment. The main character becomes a hot tub salesman, a role that symbolizes the provision of a slice of paradise and purifying baptism until the ultimate gig in the sky. It's a whirlwind of adventures and experiences that keep boredom at bay.

White Noise delves into the darker side of human existence, drawing inspiration from J.G. Ballard's bleak outlook on society. The characters in the film appear to be trapped in a cycle of emptiness and discontent, leading them to seek out intense, dramatic experiences to feel alive. From surviving disasters to fabricating their own crises, the characters are driven by a desire to be part of a larger myth, seeking purpose in a world that seems devoid of meaning. Baumbach skillfully portrays this Ballardian perspective, highlighting the disillusionment that pervades society and the desperation to find something meaningful amidst the chaos. In conclusion, 

"White Noise" is a film that, on the surface, appears wacky and surreal, more so than something that treats itself with any seriousness. On initial viewing, one might easily dismiss it as merely a goofy spectacle. However, when observed in a certain light, its depth becomes apparent: it thoroughly explores with cynicism the void that underpins suburban consumerism. This piece presents a bleaker perspective of the 70s. Despite not receiving the widespread attention it arguably deserved, it is a great viewing experience for cult cinema aficionados.

[manifestopaulo]

I had a fight with Johnny Rotten Pt. 1  - The Full Story

So, it wasn't exactly a fight, but rather a nonsensical angry exchange over football teams that was just as absurd as it seems. This utterly baffling incident originated from my innocuous request for a photo with the renowned punk artist. The situation abruptly took a sour turn when, unprovoked and out of nowhere, I found myself on the receiving end of a cascade of insults seemingly tied to my supposed football allegiance. It escalated quickly and I narrowly managed to avoid a nasty scene. This puzzling encounter left me completely baffled for a while, but considering the recent developments surrounding Lydon, it likely served as an early indication of what was to come with the with the punk rock legend.

It all started on a chilly evening in Hoxton, where a small, exclusive boiler room gig featuring PIL was taking place. As a die-hard music enthusiast, I had always admired the iconic figure that is John Lydon. Known as Johnny Rotten, he had carved his name in punk rock history as the frontman of the Sex Pistols, and later, with his band Public Image Ltd (PiL). But little did I know that the night I attended one of his gigs would forever change my perception of him.

Before delving into the night's events, it's worth noting the recent developments surrounding Lydon. In the years following our encounter, his actions had taken a peculiar turn, causing confusion amongst fans. His controversial remarks, including support for Donald Trump and dismissive comments about the #MeToo movement, had divided opinion about the once-rebellious figure. These events have led to a shift in how some sections of the music media and the public view Lydon. However, it's essential to note that he remains a significant figure in punk rock history, and still maintains a dedicated fan base..

Going back to the night, after seeing PIL play, I coincidentally found myself at the pub where his press talk was being held.  As the last of the press departed, I mustered up the courage to fulfil a dream and asked my friend to help me take a photo with John. Surprisingly, he readily agreed.

I experienced a brief moment of exhilaration, momentarily interrupted by a couple of awkward minutes during which my friend encountered difficulty operating the camera on my blackberry phone. I tried to smooth things over and apologised for the inconvenience. Just as the picture was finally taken, a member of Lydon's entourage seemed to take an instant disliking to me for no apparent reason. He passed by me, hurling insults and mentioning something about football.

To this day, I wonder if this individual possessed some sort of supernatural foresight, because without me uttering a word about football or displaying any inclination towards it, this guy started accusing me of being a fan of the North London football club Tottenham. It was either an astonishing coincidence or this individual did actually possess some sort of psychic abilities, because his claim that turned out to be 100% correct. I was in fact a Tottenham fan but I struggled to comprehend why he brought up football in that particular moment and how it related to the situation. But then he went beyond that then also accused me of being "Lemon dash," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "flash." when all I was attempting to do was maintain a sense of normalcy and lightheartedness to ease the awkwardness and peculiarity of the situation, which certainly didn’t qualify as being “flashy.”

My brain went into that weird fight or flight mode and time was acting strange. I couldn't help but feel perplexed as my mind raced to make sense of the situation. Giving the guy a moment’s credit and benefit of the doubt, I ask myself did I do something wrong? Did I violate some code, Was it a bit jumped up of me, thinking I could easily approach a living punk legend and strike up a conversation. All this went through my head in an instant.

What struck me as particularly odd was the assumption this guy had made about me. Despite not looking like a football supporter at all, he had weirdly pigeonholed me. Undeniably, he was some sort of fervent football enthusiast, and perhaps sensing that I was a fellow Londoner, he considered me suitable for such engagement. Nevertheless, it was rather presumptuous, bordering on narcissism, to assume that I would share his profound passion for the sport. Without any prior introduction to the subject of football, or even the slightest interaction with the man, I was unexpectedly bombarded with all this football talk of which I still had no idea why he was talking about this or why he suddenly had this bee in his bonnet.

To be honest, I kinda had a feeling about what this all was about. It reminded me of childhood when some kids would try to instigate a fight by questioning your favorite football team. Then there were those truly insane football fans who were deeply entrenched in the culture of football hooliganism who still wanted to act like kids or teenagers. I enjoyed watching the occasional football match and had friends who loved the game but not on that level.

Football, over the years, has managed to broaden its appeal and following, which is great. Most people now enjoy or have experienced the excitement of watching a game and getting caught up in the madness. It has been compared to a punk gig or a rave by many writers on the subject. It probably is the biggest sub-culture we still have left. However, there is a point where it can become a bit silly.

For some individuals, this goes beyond simply enjoying the game. It becomes a way of proving their loyalty to their club, showing that they are more involved than the average person. Unfortunately, this is where some of the most ridiculous behavior is still permitted to exist. Football has a dark past that was partly built on the these loyal paying supporters. Some people still want to act as if we are still stuck in that era, with the most ugly and unacceptable behavior being tolerated.

This toxic environment not only revels in the unacceptable behavior but also embraces violence and even has links to the far right. Racism still rears its ugly head in football, which is deeply unfortunate. For those who are into this kind of extreme behavior, they try to convince themselves that it is something that us "normies" don't understand. However, for the average person or casual fan like me, it just looks like sheer stupidity and something I have always wanted to steered clear of. But as I say, I enjoyed watching the occasional match.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, this was typically confined to the football terrace or particular bars that die-hard fans frequent. But this happening here in this cool pub at this niche music event was also an odd place to start bothering people with that kind of nonsense, The unbelivible opportunity to get a picture with punk rock legend Johnny Rotten was surreal enough as it was. But now, going sour as the situation had spiraled into something completely and utterly fucking mental.

I’ve always tended to not discriminate against anyone and I’ve always given older people respect, but In that moment, it became clear to me that here was a full grown, middle-aged man acting and talking like a kid. An absolute nutter who, for some unknown reason, had taken a disliking to me and decided to stir up trouble by springing this nonsense and his assumptions on me.

Again with my mind racing it clicked again, I recalled this obscure fact about Lydon’s history and realised he was affiliated with an old Arsenal-supporting crowd from his Finsbury Park days and having been a loyal member of this crowd before his time with the Sex Pistols. Over recent years, there has been a noticeable resurgence in football culture, overshadowing other cultural institutions. Even men of middle age, seeming to relive their glory days, have gravitated not just towards football but also to the turbulent hooligan culture that comes with it. It was clear that Lydon found himself back in this trend. He had reoriented himself, diving back into the fray, even going to the extent of attending games at Highbury.. NowI found myself face to face with these Arsenal fanatics and hooligans that comprised his entourage and security. It really did seem there was nothing more to it than if anyone they decided they disliked they would suspect of them of supporting Tottenham and try to start some shit with them. The entire spectacle bordered on the absurd. More than anything, it was surreal, with a group of older men men who might've been my father's age, some even your granddads age acting like they was in one of these football hooligan films like ‘Green Street’ or ‘Football Factory.’

But I myself got so fuelled by the perceived rudeness directed towards me, I then decided to join in the childishness and I retaliated by insulting their beloved football team. A decision I instantly regretted as the situation escalated, and It nearly kicked-off like “Football Factory Pt. 2 The Elderly Years.’ I narrowly avoided a potentially ugly incident and my head kicked in by reasoning that it was all a bit unnecessary and I hadn’t really gone out for that,. I’d only gone out to watch a band. It was supposedly a night PIL was celebrating a new release and us celebrating their music but indicative of the time we was in football had come back to take centre stage instead.

Well, I suppose everything has its rightful place. If you feel inclined to meet and have a confrontation with a bunch of other guys who like fighting over their preferred sports teams, then go ahead, However, but don’t bring that to a music event, particularly for those who are completely not interested in this type of stuff. It's really troubling and this kind of toxic behaviour shouldn't be brought anywhere near people who haven't shown the slightest scintilla of indication that they want any part of it..

In punk history, there are accounts of when John Lydon, was assaulted by thugs incited by right-wing tabloids whilst in the Sex Pistols. Lydon had absolutely hated this kind of aggression and made sure to keep his distance from it for a long time. It's pretty surprising then that someone like him, who has gone through attacks himself, wouldn't understand what it feels like to be in a situation that revolves around being targeted by bullies for something like your music preferences, again especially having gone through that himself and having this supposedly strong opposition to it. However, I now find myself entangled in a similar situation, subjected to the identical mistreatment, with it unfolding right in front of him. I suppose we've come full circle, the abused turning into abuser themselves.

But during the fracas, I caught sight of Lydon's face, he was actually looking quite gleeful and seemed to be enjoying it. Meanwhile, I was trying my best to defend myself against a bunch of big burly blokes who were about to knock the fuck out of me.

The lyrics "they made you a moron" from the Sex Pistols' song "Anarchy in the U.K." seem quite fitting in this era of tribalism. It appears that even someone like Lydon, who had experienced being attacked for his music choices, can now be influenced and turned to follow the herd towards right-wing ideologies and thuggish behaviour. Unfortunately, it seems like not even the once professed anarchist punk legend could be totally exempt from being made into a product of this right-wing media and their prevailing tendency towards embracing ignorance.

I recently read Bobby Gillespie's amazing book 'Tenement Kid' and came across a fascinating passage where Gillespie describes Punk and the Pistols. He mentions how under Malcolm McLarens guidance, Punk was expanding the cultural and political political frame of reference of curious teenagers. But hey, who needs to concern themselves about that when you can just worry about whether someone supports Tottenham or Arsenal, right?

This night I encountered Mr. Lydon it definitely confirmed the old saying of 'never meet your heroes. However, looking back about that night, it not only hints at the insular, tribal, and paranoid mindset that Lydon had adopted, but also foreshadows a similar state that the rest of the world was on the brink of entering. 

In the next part of this article to follow, I will take a closer look at some of the cultural factors that my have contributed to this unfortunate event and what has occurred around Lydon in the years following.

[manifestopaulo]

Satire - What it can achieve Pt. 1

With the careful curation of images, the ultimate goal is for the recipient to readily connect with the overall signifiers and cultural context of the visuals, thus fostering an immediate sense of inclusion. Because in visual media, this all comes together because images are processed quickly and can tap into the cultural zeitgeist with immediacy that text or other forms might not have. Thus, images combined with satire can be a timely, resonating form of commentary that is both participatory and communal.

The aim is to create a swift and powerful connection between the content and the recipient, drawing them into an invaluable exchange of ideas. The reader is likely to identify more closely with the images initially and subsequently engage more deeply with the underlying issue being addressed. 

Satire often relies on a shared understanding of societal, political, or cultural events or figures. By turning news into satire, it creates a shared knowledge of world events that can be disseminated to a broad spectrum of the public in a digestible and entertaining way. This facilitates a sense of belonging and community as people can be laughing at the same things together. This aim is to help create a Cultural unity. Satire can be a cultural reference point in any society, bringing audiences together around universal themes and concerns, thus helping to create a stronger cultural commons and unity.

Click below and explore my creative universe on Instagram!

https://instagram.com/electropaulodj?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

[manifestopaulo]

Slave to the Rhythm

Is there a parallel between the hypnotising effect of rhythm, and the hypnotic effect of consumerism and capitalism?

Absolutely, these concepts can be parallel in terms of their hypnotic effects though they manifest differently:

Rhythm is universal and innate, it resonates within us, drawing on our primal instinct to recognise patterns and synchronicities. It creates a kind of hypnosis, leading us to lose ourselves in a pulsating collective experience. Dance, music, and other rhythm-based expressions exploit this to bring people together, promoting unity and shared emotion.

Likewise, consumerism and capitalism can also create a kind of pervasive, societal 'rhythm' that we instinctively follow. Just as a beat can mold our physical movements, consumer society sets a tempo and pattern to our desires and behavior. Marketing efforts play the melody that guides our hunger for the new, the better, the premium, creating a trance-like state of continuous consumption. 

White, middle class normative ideas, often portrayed as a standard in mainstream media, serve as the 'metronome' of this societal rhythm. They set the pace, dictating what to aspire to and how one should live, much like a tempo guides a song. It can be argued that this 'music of consumerism' often serves to preserve the status quo – ensuring that systems of capitalism can keep functioning without disruption.

Like the trance induced by rhythm, the rhythm of consumerism can be hypnotic and hard to break free from. The imagery and narratives projected onto us can be so compelling that we may stop questioning if they are what we truly desire or if we're simply following the societal beat - similar to how we might get lost in the rhythm of a song, forgetting everything else. 

In both scenarios, the struggle exists to maintain individuality and not lose oneself entirely within the rhythm while also understanding that the rhythm connects us to others. 

But I would argue that losing yourself to the rhythm is an essential part of life, I truly believe. It has the power to transform you, revealing hidden facets of your identity that you never knew existed. It can bring fulfillment and unity, and even being immersed in it like a "slave" can be incredibly pleasurable.

I also strongly believe that capitalism holds remarkable transformative potential. When we become more engaged, healthier, stronger, and better versions of ourselves, because striving, being driven and grinding away is actually quite sexy. This transformation can be achieved through various means such as embracing consumerism, traveling, exploring new experiences, and even falling in love, because these are the things dreams are made of right?

However, a blind allegiance to systemic norms, becoming a mere cog in the machinery, is a path one should be wary of. It's important to question whether what we're pursuing aligns with our true desires. I hold steadfastly to the doctrine of rejecting a system's dogma, with capitalism being no exception. There is a point where it just becomes about being pushed to chase the pervasive modes of expression propagated by the middle-class establishment. This is a constant game of seeking 'exclusiveness' and contentment through consumerism, which is akin to being always-in-pursuit of elusive dreams. Like chasing a carrot on a stick that guides you towards a destination that you never quite reach.

This makes me recall a passage from the incredible Steve Jones biography 'Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol'. The former Sex Pistols member hilariously recalls his brief experience working food manufacturers ‘Walls’ in a processed meat sausage making factory, where witnessing the cruel treatment of animals he warns of how following the herd can lead to our ultimate demise.

“I was never going to be one of those people who just go along with what everyone else thinks you should do, cos that’s how you end up getting your guts ripped out and your arse wrapped in plastic.”

It’s all a dance whether it's the rhythm of a beat or the rhythm of consumer society.

[craftyjuju]

It's time to start sketching out my ideas for my first ever kickstarter 💜

I know what I want to do and make, and I hope you all will like it too... watch this space for more soon 💜 🐱

I'm so excited for this, I have been planning to do this since January 😆 but life and other shop updates came first....now it's time 💜

Photo description: my orange sketch book with its Alice in Wonderland book cover that I made. On top of those is my pink Kenji cat pencil case.

[craftyjuju]

After I have reorganised my craft studio space, I will be having a massive craft destash sale. I will be going through all my boxes of fabric, aiming to be selling 1/2 meters and 1 meter off. I will be selling at the price I paid, so bargins to be had 😉

Keep an eye out for more details in the next couple of weeks 💜

[diogenesprintco]

Does anyone ever think about "So Mr Segundus did the magic." and start crying? Me neither.

Still sorting through the archives and uploading old work - I can't believe I didn't post this Restoration and Rectification print before (or indeed my Belasis's Scopus print... #watchthisspace). I'd love to do more Strange & Norrell/Ladies of Grace Adieu fanart and have been meaning to attempt a Piranesi illustration for years, and I would like to invite any interested parties to hold me accountable by leaving nagging and/or encouraging messages in my askbox.

[johnnycrass]

i can always become an evil german guy instead of just a sexually weird german guy #watchthisspace