An old workshop/car garage. The debris, the ladder, the “WE,” the “ERCULES.” Another still moment within a transition process. (Re)build.
Reflection and Response.
V.
the LIFESTYLE
Reflection and Response
Author Archives: the LIFESTYLE
Two Cities
Interpretations differ.
I wrote a song called “The City,” sometime in 2007. I then recorded it with my band at the time, Tuition Well Spent (see below for more info). I rerecorded a version in 2009 with my duo in Argentina, Harold and the Gauchos.
Even though the instrumentation is almost identical on each track, the two versions have different vocalists and display different takes on the song. I think it’s dope to see how each version contrasts.
The Tuition version is more polished. Recorded over two days using Pro Tools in the Digital Audio Workstation at Odegaard Library at the University of Washington, Mike and I took our time with takes and mixing.
The Harold version was done on the fly. Only having practiced the song a few times before pressing record, Claudia and I hadn’t necessarily perfected our arrangement. The “dale,” that I blurt out at the start of the track lends itself to the jam session vibe. However the looser more improvised feel lends itself to a different understanding of the song.
Does anyone else have experience with how changing one part of a piece can lead to new feeling, new reflection?
The City: Tuition Well Spent
The City: Harold and the Gauchos
The City
I was swimming in the River when the river but the river said he don’t mind
Said go on now got my own place to find
So I went on down to the shining deep blue sea
But none of them fishes want to swim with me
And I feel lonely, I feel blue
Get up slowly I got nothin much to do
Ladies ain’t never had too much luck with them
I see an opportunity and all they see is a friend
And 18 odd years that’s how it’s been
I finally met Shirly but shea’s already with Ken
And I feel lonely, I feel blue
Get up slowly I got nothing left to do
Bored in the city in the city it looks so drab
Wanna find a way to get away this strange land
It seems like the sky scrapers they all laugh
In a one man room playing the blues getting pennies in a straw hat
Oh I feel lonely, I feel blue
Get up slowly I got nothing left to do
Bored in the city in the city it looks so drab
Wanna find a way to get away this strange land
It seems like the sky scrapers they all laugh
In a one man room playing the blues getting pennies in a straw hat||
Reflection and Response. In whatever City.
-P
Feature: Danny Kaufman
Here at the LIFESTYLE we aim to serve a community whose common creed is Reflection and Response. Throughout our previous 3 features we have seen various interpretations of this mantra and how artists incorporate R&R into their aesthetic works. Today we are proud to feature friend, mentor, and collective member Danny Kaufman. Danny’s experiences abroad sparked an interest in social justice that has led to a career in the non-profit sector that has taken him to positions in the United States, Latin America, and Europe. Check the dialogue and join the conversation in the comment box!
Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?
DK: I was born and raised in Seattle and currently reside in Madrid, Spain.
What does Reflection and Response mean to you?
DK: For me, reflection and response is the conscious interplay between us and our environments; in so many ways, who we are is a reflection of where we are from, where we are at and where we want to be, so taking the time to reflect on that interplay allows me to be intentional in how I choose to interact with my surroundings.
How do you locate that definition of Reflection and Response in the work you do?
DK: Reflection and response is an integral component of the work I do and also has played an important role in helping me to define my professional and personal interests. The opportunity to study abroad in Havana, Cuba during undergrad, and later work with recent immigrants in the US gave me a first-hand perspective into the systemic inequalities that many underprivileged individuals and groups face, and also forced me to reflect upon my own privilege as a white, upper-middle class male. These experiences solidified my commitment to a career of public service working to address such inequalities in the U.S. and Latin America and inspired me to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in public administration. Since then I have had the opportunity to work for various non-profits in Seattle, Peru, Guatemala and most recently Spain, where I work for Women’s Link Worldwide, a non-profit working to advance gender justice and equality through strategic work with national, regional and international courts. In each of these experiences, taking time to reflect on my surroundings has allowed me to become more aware of the cultural biases I bring with me, helping me to avoid embarrassing cultural faux pas and learn about other cultures and people.
What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?
DK: My most current project is building a touring bike to explore Madrid and — hopefully — go on longer trips around Spain and Europe. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to go on month-long bike trips with my dad, and continue to find cycling to be one of the best ways to travel. I am also trying to step up my skills as a photographer, and would love to publish a photo essay book exploring social justice issues in Latin America. As for future aspirations, my long-term goal is to start my own organization working to address social justice issues in Latin America.
Who or what inspires you?
DK: A true inspiration in my life was Roberto Maestas, Founder and Executive Director of El Centro de la Raza, a community and social service center in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. Maestas’ dedication and passion to address social inequalities, as well as his genuine care for people made him an incredibly charismatic, inspiring and bold leader, and one whose life work continues to make a positive impact on his community. More generally speaking, I am inspired by artists, artisans and activists, vibrant cities, nature, traveling, community, random acts of kindness, whale sharks and pho.
Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?
DK: If you are interested in learning more about some quality organizations doing important work here are a few worth checking out:
– WINGS
Shout out to…?
DK: Definitely have to give a shout out to my mom and dad, for all of their support and love over the years. To my brother, David, for being a good listener, a wise man and an all around great guy. To my partner, Katie, for taking a leap of faith with me and for always landing on her feet. And of course, to big P and V for inviting me to get up on The LIFESTYLE. It’s truly an honor and I’m looking forward to seeing y’all do your thing!
Saludos,
Danny
Reflection and Response.
Argentina Thursdays: What She’ll Miss
I used to be in a band during my first few years of college called Tuition Well Spent. Before I left to Argentina I recorded a melody I had written with Mike, the vocalist from Tuition. When I was in Argentina and learning how to use Logic Express 8 I found the vocal parts and decided to see what I could do with them. I can be heard using drum sticks to tap a rhythm out in the background during the vocal track. I also let Mike know that I felt the take by the grunts at the end.
Full Track
Vocal Track
So she doesn’t want to see me I can tell
Why she takes me so high that I fell
Maybe I over-think it all but I’m not sure
I got these blues baby I need a cure
So she doesn’t want to see me I can tell
Why she takes me so high that I fell
Maybe I over-think it all but I’m not sure
I got these blues baby I need a cure
Such a princess perfect every way
Find myself losing yet still I chase
One day she’ll know what she missed
Until then I swallow this bitterness
Reflection and Response
-P
BLA-DAOWW
Graphite on newsprint.
BLA-DAOWW!!
Reflection and Response.
V.
Coffee Shop Sketches
These are three separate sketches of individual folks on their coffee shop grind. I positioned them all on the same page, where they come into closer contact with each other, but stay distant at the same time.
Reflection and Response.
V.
This Job
Who’s worked in a restaurant before? Quick cash but a pretty fucked up working environment. This Job is loosely based on experiences working at a certain seafood joint in Seattle during the summer of 2011. I was thankful for the work, but I couldn’t help but write down what it was like to work there.
Full Track
Acapella
Job this job this job it robs us/ Go all damn day for 40 in the pocket/ Hours wasted feel played like basketball/ Lame like a masseuse who lost the touch we gracefully fall/ Late for it all this life it drives past us/ Fight to drive faster this check’s a knife through our life it slashes/ As time flashes past/ 10 years later the past is ashes cuz so fast it happens
This mall this mall maybe she’ll be mine if I buy it all/ Flat we fall/ God damn it I crawl/ Back into this Cave like Mumford and Sons/ And hungry back to work to earn enough we’redrunk on the funds/ Hungover as bums’ peddling change has never been fun/ I peddle my way through these tables I’m done/ But these tips come now this wallets expanding/ And the mind’s eyes can only see as far as I’m standing
This job is wild please take it back from me/ I break my back this actually can’t be happening/ What happened to these dreams and this college degree?/ No wonder these alcoholics staff the industry
Night this night this night this night it wears on/ Know I should sleep but the time to care is gone/ Just pound that redbull find stamina in caffine/ And we hit the damn wall tomorrow right around 3/ And these feet feel wasted withering away/ Use the same shows I graduated in 8th grade/ They pinch toes together haven’t played a show in forever/ But we stand strong to the storm, brave the weather
Take so much shit out humility snaps/ Here mind its blank and creativity sapped/ Stuck in the trap, used to write everyday raps/ Now it’s occasion andI’m fading into the trap/ So break away move back home that’s an option/ That became a choice cuz this place is haunted/ By quarter life crisis career problems/ Let’s follow that voice that tells us we don’t need this stop it
This job is wild take it back from me/ I break my back this actually can’t be happening/ What happened to these dreams and this college degree/ No wonder these alcoholics staff the industry
Reflection and Response
-P
the Cove
the Cove. Study of a funky tree at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, CA.
This is a section of one of the many trees there that are all gnarled and twisted up. I think all the unusual forms and shapes are really interesting because they don’t look like “regular” trees. Taking it out of context, like the section here, moves it even further from what “regular” trees are “supposed” to look like. A different outlook, complicating the categories.
Reflection and Response.
V.
Argentina Thursdays: Two Soundtracks
Writing music for imaginary films has always been super fun. I’m constantly inspired by artists and composers such as AR Rahman who do so much with music to accompany film. In Argentina I recorded a few instrumental tracks with the idea that they would stay instrumental. Peep!
Soundtrack I
Soundtrack II
Here I add a little Argentine flavor with a sample of Pablo Martinez’s voice saying “Aqui Estoy.”
Reflection and Response
-P
Lonesome Road Goodnight
I started this track in Argentina. A choir at the school I was studying abroad at sang this haunting tune about a lonesome road and I immediately thought it needed to be sampled. I found the original James Taylor version. Then I forgot about the idea for two years. Last week here in Madrid I found the half finished beat and remembered how fun it was to make. I feel like the song is about redemption and has a sense of teaching, so I wrote lyrics based on those ideas.
Full Track
Instrumental
Acapella
Lonesome Road Goodnight.
Please jettison stress/ this is what is waiting up ahead/ And just reflect / And work even harder on success/The fuck I used to give I now use to live/ Walking that lonesome road a little kid hope andsin / stoked on the stoogie that we smoked with a fifth in that glass bottle outside the doors we slipped/ Andthese roll models dip and throw strikes/ Before those open mics/ way before we know whats tight/ The brain evolves slowly right/
Yea fuck it/ You know what you need to do/ I believe in me so you should believe in you/ Believe in peace/ please believe that it’s true/ And stay in your feet and never use those knees to stoop/ Take that grease from your grandparents stereotyped/ He’s Italian which means their not marrying right/ Mediterranean not enough white but they prefer a lovely life/ Say goodbye to the lonesome road with a daily kiss goodnight/
Reflection and Response
-P
the LIFESTYLE 