Damn Selene

    I remember in high school I never quite fit in with various groups. I wasn't interested in typical machismo activities like sports or fixing cars. I was an outcast who preferred waxing the philosophic and finding thought provoking music with my peers. When I listen to Damn Selene's amazing music, it evokes this same sensibility from years ago. Selene's music is reminiscent of industrial acts like Nine Inch Nails or Prick with the occasional unexpected digital sound effect lifted directly from a chip tune library. Selene is an incredible talent who can compose complex intricate beats that they use to serve their urgent yet hypnotic raps. Their bars are drenched in clever wordplay and rhythmic rhyming to such a degree that the listener has to re-listen to the song to get every little nuance that they are presenting vocally. I managed to see them preform, albeit not in person. It was a stream from MAGFEST, in which I could see exactly how fast and meticulous they were with not just their rhymes but the production of the sound as they played. I was absolutely transfixed at the synchronicity which Selene pulls off so effortlessly. Some of their songs are devastatingly personal, some are a commentary on issues they find fault in, or they're about sleeping with your dad. Regardless of the topic, Selene manages to present these subjects with sincerity and urgency. 

    While I have not yet worked with Selene in person, I had the joy of making a music video for them. The song, while presented with a catchy beat and infectious lyrics, depicts an excruciating element of their existence. This element is chronic pain, which they lampooned by calling the song The other chronic, in reference to a hip hop classic. However, by juxtaposing Dr. Dre's album to their own chronic pain, Selene paints a picture to the listener. A picture of an outcast,  which is something I can relate to.For those of you who never quite fit in, much like myself I highly recommend Damn Selene's music!  You can listen to all of their amazing albums on Bandcamp or all streaming sites! 

https://damnselene.bandcamp.com

Album Review: Those who survived

About a year ago, I was sitting in a coffee shop in Ocala with Jeremy. He was telling me that he was on a spiritual journey of sorts dedicated to his late friend. He told me his heart wrenching story about his friend and I listened to every word with familiarity. His story evoked a similar tale of a friend that I lost, we exchanged stories a bit more before Jeremy smiled and sat back. "We survived", Jeremy said. He went on to tell me that was what his new album was going to be about, survival. Anticipation grew to hear this new album, unfortunately the album was met with setback after set back. Jeremy gave me brief, but curious updates about the album. Finally after long last I got an opportunity to listen to the album. Jeremy who's previous albums were more on the acoustic side decided to abandon that style partly for a slightly new wave sound. While it has synth, it's not a full on dance album. It's upbeat, somber, and it feels like a lost album from the 80s while still feeling completely fresh. The album starts off with echoes of past albums from Jeremy and clips of music which I believe may have influenced Jeremy. The first track feels as though Jeremy is bringing the listener into his world, once inside he begins to meditate on the concepts of love, loss, life, and essentially happiness. What starts as individualized concepts that  Jeremy reflects upon with somber attention, becomes universal as the tracks progress. Tracks such as "Facebook Pictures" and "Running Infinitely" depict humanity's yearning for more and simply at it's base a struggle with loneliness in modern times. The album concludes with a collage of voices to represent the listeners, to state that the listeners are in fact "Those Who Survived." Life in general is very difficult and takes many casualties, but Jeremy wants you to know that we're all in this together and he understands. If you like good music, don't hesitate to pick up a copy of Those Who Survived!

Marc With a C

Diy artists have almost become a bit of a genre in of itself recently, one artist who seems to take that genre to the next level is Marc with a C. Marc has been making music independently for quite a while and has become a mainstay of the Orlando music scene, his following isn't merely due to his longevity, it's also attributed to his artistry. Even though his lyrical content may venture into the juvenile at times, it's always accompanied with a stunning display of Marc's musical prowess. Armed simply with an acoustic guitar, he manages to create a wall of sound whenever he preforms. His albums are no less incredible. Marc is vinyl aficionado carefully crafting each album in secrecy, mastered specifically for the medium. When he releases an album it becomes an event, each one topping the last one in style and creativity. With the numerous album that Marc releases, he is still incredibly humble. All of his albums are available for free on his band camp page, but with all of the effort that he puts into his albums, his merch becomes a must own for anyone who knows his music. If you love music and you haven't checked out Marc with a C, you are doing a great disservice e to yourself by not knowing this talented gentleman. I suggest that you check him out, you won't be disappointed. 

Create My Story Photography

Photographers are a dime a dozen these days, as the volume increases it seems as though the quality decreases. Create My Story Photography is turning that around with their professionalism and value which is so difficult to come across currently. Create My Story is the project of photographer, Lisa Anderson, who does her utmost best to make her subjects feel special. A session with Lisa isn't rushed, and it's extremely comfortable. She gives you an entire memorable experience which is part of the story that she is creating for each subject. Create My Story is currently generating momentum with their exquisite photography, if you're looking for a photographer, let Lisa create you're story. 

COREY VOLENCE

Today's Flart feature is an artist who is no stranger to the world of theater. Corey Volence is the mastermind behind the wildly successful, Songs in the Key of E. Not only was this show preformed in the Central Florida area within the Fringe festival, he took the show along with the cast to New York to wow audiences there as well. Key of E is a wildly original production about the end of the world, and paranoia. Not only is he an extremely talented playwright, he is also a fantastic actor. He was recently featured in a production of True West. If you loved Key of E, or you didn't get the chance to see it, you  can get the soundtrack on iTunes. He's just getting warmed up, his newest production opens soon, titled Realms of the Untold which is bound to be just as original as Key of E. Make sure you keep an eye on Corey's Productions, you won't be disappointed in the least.

Brandon Wane

I met Brandon several years ago while working at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. He was an extremely eager and imaginative individual and let me know about his experiences with film making. I told him that I had an idea for a script and before I knew it he was gathering a team together to shoot it. He was one of the few people who actually took my kooky ideas seriously and not only that but he's an extremely hard worker.  His body of work is the by product of an hard working film maker who doesn't take no for an answer. He manages to accomplish what he sets his mind on with a smile and a soft voice, without making any one feel badly. Brandon is extremely inclusive and resourceful. He's like a one man army who pushes through a production until it's finished. He might recruit some assistance here or there, however if the production is short staffed, he is not afraid to get his hands dirty. If you haven't seen any thing from Lo Pictures I highly suggest that you check them out. You won't be disappointed! 

FRANKEXIT

FRANKEXIT, formally known by his classical piano stage name Frank Beauchamp, is a techno producer and DJ based in Orlando, FL. FRANKEXIT is most closely affiliated with Scribbleland Entertainment, a label that values everything from South Californian "white-boy" rap to chiptunes and experimental music using outdated Reason Redrum patches, and he has also showcased much of the music of his beloved Ellum Audio friends (Maceo Plex) into recent audio/visual installations for events promoting the LSP for NASAFRANKEXIT, formally known by his classical piano stage name Frank Beauchamp, is a techno producer and DJ based in Orlando, FL. FRANKEXIT is most closely affiliated with Scribbleland Entertainment, a label that values everything from South Californian "white-boy" rap to chiptunes and experimental music using outdated Reason Redrum patches, and he has also showcased much of the music of his beloved Ellum Audio friends (Maceo Plex) into recent audio/visual installations for events promoting the LSP for NASA.