Tag Archives: Music

My Anxiety, A Love Story

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Anxiety is the shoe that never drops, the anticipated alarm that never goes off, the gift in the middle of the night that keeps on giving. Here are a few recent times my anxiety reared its ugly head and painted a reality different than the actual one.

 

I thought my beard looked like pubes.

I looked in the mirror one day before work, and was suddenly convinced that my beard looked like it was composed entirely of pubic hair. The entire rest of the day when talking to coworkers or clients, I thought that they thought the exact same thing.

 

I took a bumpy plane ride and got covered in Xanax gravy.

I’ve had a debilitating fear of flying since I had an unusually turbulent flight through the Rockies once. There’s nothing more hilariously disorienting than the adrenaline rush of realizing you left your backpack (containing your keys and wallet) back on your plane, right before your connecting flight, while you’re under the heavy Xanax blanket. Continue reading →

“Sour Times”

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I was happy to direct this 4-minute short for the Shorty Shorts Film Festival in Portland, but I was even more thrilled to work with this talented, generous cast (credited at the end of the short). Thanks much to Gula Delgatto for including my short, and Donovan Edwards, Ace Hotel Portland, and Pepe Le Moko for donating their resources and locations. Hope you like it!

Björk at MÖMA: A (Fake?) Review

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Once in a great while, an artist comes along who pushes boundaries, gives viewers opportunities to rethink their paradigms, and creates bold, brave art that’s sometimes not fully appreciated in its time. Occasionally, that artist is honored with a retrospective, and given a chance to participate, bringing their beautiful creations to a larger, more mainstream audience. That artist was Marina Abramovic.

But now, we have been graced with the Björk retrospective at the Museum Of Modern Art. This quirky singer, originally the lead singer of The Pixies The Treaclies The Sugarcubes, debuted her solo album in 1993. It was called Debut. She’s known for her unconventional style and eclectic production design of her music videos. She’s also known by basics-at-large mostly for wearing a dress that looks like a swan to the Academy Awards in 2001 (seriously, people can’t let that go). I visited New York last month in balmy February, and was given early access to what is by all accounts definitely a retrospective. Continue reading →

Happy Birthday, BLCKSMTH

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Photo by Chase Person (from l to r, Jennie Kay, Michael James Schneider, Nick Mattos, Wayne Bund, Chase Person, Summer Olsson, Logan Lynn) .ig-b- { display: inline-block; } .ig-b- img { visibility: hidden; } .ig-b-:hover { background-position: 0 -60px; } .ig-b-:active { background-position: 0 -120px; } .ig-b-v-24 { width: 137px; height: 24px; background: url(//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-view-sprite-24.png) no-repeat 0 0; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (min--moz-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (-o-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2 / 1), only screen and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and (min-resolution: 2dppx) { .ig-b-v-24 { background-image: url(//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-view-sprite-24@2x.png); background-size: 160px 178px; } }

Photo by Chase Person (from l to r, Jennie Kay, Michael James Schneider, Nick Mattos, Wayne Bund, Chase Person, Summer Olsson, Logan Lynn)
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Two years ago, when I lived in Los Angeles, I left my job to take a year-long “artistic sabbatical”. I felt a creative itch that was brought about by working with my LA family at Sacred Fools Theater Company. A few months into that year, I went through some shit. I came out on the other side more determined than ever to create a life that was artistically fulfilling, and more than anything true and authentic to myself. I visited Portland for the first time in February of 2013, and instantly fell in love with it, thanks to my good friend and tour guide Summer Olsson. And then a funny thing happened: Continue reading →

June: A Soundtrack

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BLCKSMTH first talked to Michelle Lesniak last year for our Princess Mononoke-themed photo shoot. To say she’s a force to be reckoned with is an understatement. This talented Portland-based fashion designer makes bold choices, has clear vision, and is humble about her successes. 2014 looks to be a banner year for her, with her recent engagement and her studio/retail space opening up in SE Portland this month, with a trunk show June 13th and 14th from 2 to 9 both days.

Michelle’s song contributions this month were dark and moody, and inspired me to make similar choices for my picks. We went up to the Pittock Mansion for a Gothic-inspired photo shoot from the masterful Chase Person, with makeup by Jill Greenseth. Michelle is modeling looks from her own current collection. This month’s soundtrack knows what scares you: Continue reading →

May: A Soundtrack

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photo by Chase Person (from l. to r. Michael James Schneider, Nick Mattos) .ig-b- { display: inline-block; } .ig-b- img { visibility: hidden; } .ig-b-:hover { background-position: 0 -60px; } .ig-b-:active { background-position: 0 -120px; } .ig-b-v-24 { width: 137px; height: 24px; background: url(//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-view-sprite-24.png) no-repeat 0 0; } @media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (min--moz-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (-o-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2 / 1), only screen and (min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), only screen and (min-resolution: 192dpi), only screen and (min-resolution: 2dppx) { .ig-b-v-24 { background-image: url(//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-view-sprite-24@2x.png); background-size: 160px 178px; } }

photo by Chase Person (from l. to r. Michael James Schneider, Nick Mattos)
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One thing opening up these soundtracks to guest collaborators has done is allow BLCKSMTH to work with intelligent and inspiring artists. Nick Mattos, a columnist with PQ Monthly, has curated a soundtrack that’s both complex and accessible, and the photography of the talented, skilled Chase Person complemented the music choices perfectly. Nick’s also a co-creator of our upcoming webseries *How To Save Your Own Life. Be sure to check out Nick’s 18-song playlist on Spotify for BLCKSMTH, and check out more of Chase’s photography on Instagram at @chasepersonphotography.

Nick’s Pick: Banks, Change  Oh man, Banks is so wonderful. She makes electro-infused R&B that sounds like a seance hosted by Sade, the xx, and Jamie Woon. One of the things I like best about her is the amount of emotional intelligence and insight she brings lyrically; in “Change,” as one example, she transcends the R&B trope of being dedicated to someone who doesn’t treat you well to instead consider the ways that people excuse others’ behavior in difficult relationships. I love her so much, I can’t deal with it:

Continue reading →

February: A Soundtrack

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I just celebrated my first 6 months here in Portland, and (finally) moved into my permanent pad in NE…I can get down to posting more frequently than ONCE A MONTH. I’m finding that there are so many brave, talented artists here it’s scary, and Wayne Bund is no exception. He’s a Portland-based photographer and performance artist who can also host a damn fine party. He braved an 8am call in the freezing cold (I may be losing a toe) to channel his inner Ewok with me in the Forest of Endor Mt. Tabor park, and Tucker Cullinan added a little magic, like he’s expertly done in previous posts.

The force was totally with us.

Mike’s pick: Stepdad, My Leather, My Fur, My Nails  Listening to this is like watching bears at a circus. Nope, the other kind of bears:

(the video is pretty great too) Continue reading →

December: A Soundtrack

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"Brains, It's What's For Dinner" (from l. to r. Logan Lynn, Michael James Schneider)

“Eating Disorder” (from l. to r. Logan Lynn, Michael James Schneider)

For this month’s soundtrack, singer/songwriter Logan Lynn stopped by to help supply a cure for the common holiday tune. You’ll know him recently from his killer cover of Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop” (featured in the October soundtrack)…and then Miley herself performed his arrangement on Saturday Night Live on October 5th! Here’s a video for his follow-up single: “Tramp Stamps And Birthmarks“.

As always, you can find me and the BLCKSMTH playlists on Spotify. Find a few more of Logan’s picks on my “BLCKSMTH in December” playlist, and you can also follow Logan on Twitter and The Facebooks. I’m really loving Logan’s picks, and our pics we took (with the digital magic of Tucker Cullinan). This is a soundtrack that’s all killer, no filler:

Logan’s pick: Brontez Purnell feat. Jason Kendig, He Never Knew What Kissed Him Former Gravy Train!!! member Brontez Purnell is making really cute indie R&B songs these days and he just released this track a few weeks ago.  It makes me feel good.

Continue reading →

November: A Soundtrack

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November: A SoundtrackOctober was a bit of a roller-coaster for me, but here’s a rousing cheer for November. I went to LA and NYC for a couple weeks, and autumn was in full swing when I came back to Portland! I’m loving my first fall in the PNW: leaves changing color, comfort food (butternut squash anything), and the layering, oh! the layering. Summer Olsson is back, with her usual killer contributions to the soundtrack, and she collaborated on a ridiculous photo essay, too. Click through to see the whole story.

As usual, the titles in red are Spotify links (I’m Michael James Schneider on there, you can find the “BLCKSMTH November” playlist there,too), and enjoy autumn, damnit.

Mike’s pick: MS MR, Hurricane  Okay, so you told me that you’re into Lana Del Rey and Lorde, but you haven’t heard of MS MR? Let’s correct that immediately:

Continue reading →

October: A Soundtrack

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"Private Eyes" -photo by Rachel Rosenfeld (from l. to r. Summer Olsson, Michael James Schneider)

“Private Eyes” -photo by Rachel Rosenfeld (from l. to r. Summer Olsson, Michael James Schneider)

This month’s soundtrack is pretty damn great, thanks in no small part to guest music contributor Summer Olsson’s influence. Click any of the song names highlighted in red to listen on Spotify, too!

Summer’s pick: The Boy and Sister Alma- Brightly  This Montana duo makes music that sounds simultaneously retro and futuristic. It’s like an 80s movie about the future. It’s dreamy and feels perfect for gliding along the highway, looking out a rainy car window:

 

Mike’s pick: James Blake- Retrograde  Creepy, soulful, and more than a little “off”. The synth just destroys me, and there isn’t a speaker invented that can reach as loud as I need to listen to this song:

Continue reading →

August: A Soundtrack

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"Metallic Aftertaste", photo by Summer Olsson

“Metallic Aftertaste”, photo by Summer Olsson

Life is weird. Choices often take you in directions you never would have considered before, and lead you to go places and meet people you otherwise might not have. This month’s soundtrack is inspired by the strange serendipity I have experienced recently, and the awesome new friends I made. It’s a little more pop-y and mainstream than my other soundtracks. Deal.

When you wake up the next day and think, “I’m getting too old for this shit”, you’re doing it right. I had a night like that a few weeks ago in Seattle:

Continue reading →

Will The Real Aiden James Please Stand Up?

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photo by Summer Olsson, enhancement by Tucker Cullinan

photo by Summer Olsson, duplication by Tucker Cullinan

Between touring and writing/recording his music, Aiden James probably wishes there was a few more of him to go around! He’s a Philly-based, emerging singer/songwriter who headlined Portland Pride a couple weeks ago. His story kind of inspired me, since I’m a little obsessed with connecting with people who have made the choice to leave their day job for creative pursuits. I got a chance to hang with him a bit after his gig, and he was charming, gregarious, and transparent. The fact that he was down for a fun photo shoot was icing on the cake. Here’s an interview with the guy; expect big things from him coming up:

BLCKSMTH: What did you do before what you do now? AJ: Find a way to do what I’m doing now.

What was the job you hated the most? High school … (pause for seriousness)

I was never trapped behind a desk or a slave to the man. That’s not my story. It’s nothing like Dolly Parton in 9 To 5. I’ve been involved with music, even during the early parts of my life. I was a karate instructor for a large chunk of my adolescence, a barista (while I worked the open mic circuit and small coffee house gigs, taught guitar, and then released my first album). Then later down the line… Continue reading →

Portland In May, A Soundtrack

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I Never Promised You A Rose Garden

I Never Promised You A Rose Garden

Have you ever discovered a secret world that was right under your nose, maybe even right in your neighborhood? It could be a speakeasy that shouldn’t be there, a great band that no one knows about (yet), or a person who creates breathtaking art that very few people have seen. I’m a little obsessed with finding those in Portland lately…one of my favorites in Los Angeles is The Museum of Jurassic Technology, check it out if you’re there.

In the meantime, here’s my soundtrack while sleuthing around Portland, looking for hidden worlds and new experiences. Shoot me an email at mkschndr@gmail.com if you know of any I should check out (or! Use my email to SPAM THE SHIT OUTTA ME).

And if you like these, check out the soundtracks for April and February.

So much right with this it’s scary:

Continue reading →

Let’s Tesselate

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Yeah, yeah, I’m pretty damn late to the party, but this band is my (and Summer’s) personal soundtrack when exploring Portland. The band, an English indie-rock quartet, was formed in 2007, and their debut was released here in the states in September. Most of the tracks on their album, An Awesome Wave, are great soundtracks when you have just vanquished your enemy and you are walking (in slow motion) away from the massive fireball.

Here’s a milder one, set in a modern interpretation of Raphael’s “The School Of Athens” (yes I found this out from the comments).

(Click through for more from Alt-J) Continue reading →

Low Is A Height

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Last night, I was watching a movie. (Okay, it was “Beaches”, a favorite from my high school days. Don’t judge). But all of a sudden, I heard a sweeping, loud, wet noise, and as I paused the movie and jumped up I realized it was a sudden rainstorm. I haven’t experienced a rainstorm that came on that quickly and forcefully since I lived in New Mexico. I went to the porch, reached my hand out, closed my eyes, and grabbed the rain. It was a sacred moment for me. Then I went inside and finished the movie (natch). And then I went to my desk and started on my novel again.

Oh, yeah, I started a novel. I’ve told maybe enough people to count on one hand. And I’ve given some chapters to read, to even fewer. But now you know, too. I stopped writing a couple of weeks ago; I had lost it. But I found it again, and it’s pretty great.

I thought of this song during the rainstorm, and then played it a few times while writing. It’s from 2007, by Great Northern, an LA-based band. You probably know their song “Home”. That’s great, but this one’s better.

Sometimes you can’t force inspiration, you have to be a leaf on the wind of it. Or pull it right out of a rainstorm.

(Lyrics are after the break)

Continue reading →

I Have An Elastic Heart

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And thus ends the strangest, most confusing, alchemical three months of my life. Starting August 27th, the day of the Apartment Therapy spread, and ending this past Sunday, I had a life-changing experience. And yes, I live my life transparently, but this story is just for me, for now.

Woke up this morning in such a great mood, and with breathtaking clarity. I am starting a new chapter of my life with a clear head and tabula rosa. No, recovering from this won’t be easy, or quick. As always, will keep y’all posted on the artistic, creative consequences. In the meantime, here is a fan-made video, set to Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” from their Kid A album. It’s directed by Jay Eckensberger. It’s muddy and low-res, but I love it. I’m feelin’ the lyrics, except for “I think you’re crazy”…I don’t think anyone’s crazy for saying what they need.