SHOKU NEWS: Remember the reason you started

by

in

“Always remember the reason that you initially started working was that there was something inside yourself that you felt if you can manifest it in some way, you would understand more about yourself and how you co-exist with the rest of society.”

Bowie

Came across this Bowie quote recently and I found it quite apt for the Shokunin mindset, how artisans have a “social responsibility to work their best”. Social… society. While we often create art in isolation, the art itself doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The art, much like ourselves, exists as part of a larger whole.

Bowie continues to say, “I think it’s terribly dangerous for an artist to fulfill other people’s expectations. If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being. Go a little bit out of your depth and when you don’t feel your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.”

I thought it was a nice reminder when you might feel lost during isolation, figuratively in the creative process and literally during the pandemic.

Brisbane city has been blessed in that we’ve kept this place relatively lock-down free. Since then, some of our Shokunins have kept their blades sharp. Let’s see what they’ve been up to!

Contents:

  1. Beat Retreat Recap
  2. Spare Time’s Movin House
  3. May Lyn x Kraznov collab
  4. Rahms festival gigs
  5. LXXX new residencies
  6. May Lyn supports Hauskey

Beat Retreat Recap

We actually did it. The first Beat Retreat held Oct 3rd last year was a success. We wanted to start off small with a crew of seven and gradually build it up as we learn how best to offer the experience.

Currently planning the next retreat, thinking of expanding to ten artists and to larger venue. We’ll see how we go. At this stage its by invitation only, until we polish all the details enough to open it to the wider community.

If you didn’t get the memo, Beat Retreat is designed to be a more thorough version of the popular Beat Sessions, which we are actually also in the middle of planning. We’re just locking down a venue!

beat retreat group photo

EPs around the corner:

Spare Time Collective ‘Movin House’ compilation

Out 5th April:

Last release from Spare Time was ‘beats’, now its House… a few of us threw down and got our boogie on. Make sure you follow to cop the stream as soon as it comes out! Spare Time are doing wonders for AU/NZ producer community with a range of showcase nights they’ve been hosting. Be sure to keep an ear out for the next one.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Spare Time ? (@sparetimecollective)

May Lyn x Kraznov collab

Release date: really soon…

These two have teamed up and made an EP. While May Lyn also produces, I’m pretty sure her vocals are going to be all over this. They’ve told us all tunes have been made – its now getting mixed and mastered. Check out May Lyn’s Soldiers remixed by Kraz below to get an idea of what we could expect:

Gigs:

Rahms @ Submerged and two festivals

26th March

Rahms’ live performances has earned him a sweet array of bookings starting with Submerged, presented by Trail Mix Studios and Superordinary. 26th March. Ticketed event.

From the event page, “Showcasing experimental audiovisual artworks and performances in quadraphonic surround sound”. Honestly sounds a hectic. We’ll be there, if you see us around say hi.

Rabbits Eat Lettuce & Jungle Love festivals

Then shortly after he’ll be at Rabbits Eat Lettuce and Jungle Love possibly melting more faces in front of a larger audience and a bigger sound system. Follow the links for dates and tickets… its been a while since we’ve been able to dance like this.

LXXX two new residencies

SHOKU’s resident DJ has two new venues he’s vibe setting. Next time you’re out, have these two venues in mind since you know Lex is on. Guaranteed tunes to impress your mates or a date when its time to pick a spot 😉

First one’s called Kazba (part of Za Za Ta at Emporium, Valley) 10th, April from 7pm till late. All vinyl funk & soul vibes – a nice dimly lit spot.

Second one is at Archive in West End, playing as ‘Brokelads‘. That will be an eclectic mix of genres from the collection. First set is Easter Sunday 4th from 3pm-8pm

May supports Hauskey

This ones going to be fun. At Blackbear lodge on 9th April. May Lyn will be providing reinforcements. Keep tabs on Hauskey’s tour here.

may lyn gigs

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *