Popmuiluism

Miscellaneous notes on everyday inspirations. Glimpses into the life of a Finn. Headed by a painting by Jackson Pollock.

[popmuiluism]

That time St. Vincent crashed a gay disco.

[popmuiluism]

What is it that draws me to the Paper Kites’ music again and again?

Almost by accident, they have become one of my favourite groups. They operate on a beautiful range of nurturing folk sounds to more mid-tempo guitar-driven bittersweet pop-rock with an 80′s warmth to it. Perhaps it’s the honesty, the soothing effect their music has on me, or maybe the music just resonates with me in a way hard to articulate - like the best kind of music does.

For me, their music has a huge replay value. When I listen to it, it kind of brings me out of my mundane tasks and worries and adds a certain focus and serenity to almost any moment. 

So far it’s been a pretty private relationship, but should perhaps be shared with someone.

[popmuiluism]

100 % sold on this (and him).

[popmuiluism]

On the joy of directness

For quite some time now, Tom Krell, performing under the alias How to Dress Well, has been one of my favourite acts. I find it somewhat hard to describe his sound. The music definitely has an R&B undertone to it, but I feel it’s so much more than that - and constantly evolving. At times lo-fi, mostly electronic, often experimental in instrumentation and usually emotionally charged. 

His background is in philosophy and academia, which means Krell is usually pretty apt in voicing his thoughts on music and life eloquently. Recently he was interviewed by the New York Times and discussed his latest work, stating how “art is able to produce affects of joy, which energize people against the forces of domination, energize people against cynicism and depression”. 

This got me thinking about my everyday relationship with music (and art in general). In my day-to-day life I find art in all its forms (very often in the form of music) the perfect solution against cynicism and depression. One of the purposes of art is to bring meaning to our lives and inspire us to think about our relationship with the reality around us. And let’s face it - contemporary society sometimes offers nothing more than just that, cynicism and depression.

Another theme Krell discussed in the article was directness. “I’ve moved more and more, as an artist, toward directness, because I’m just surrounded by the indirectness and amorphousness and impressionistic character of whatever 21st-century life is”, Krell describes the recent developments in his artistry. 

I love the idea of an accessible and direct work not being somehow less. Often we equate these qualities to something that is considered perhaps less profound or substantial. It might be rewarding to finally get one’s head around a piece of art that is impressionistic, inaccessible or indirect in many ways, but sometimes it’s even better to enjoy the direct side of life and art.

His comment on the indirectness and amorphousness of 21st-centrury life reflects well the sometimes confusing contemporary life of mediated realities and relationships.

Tom Krell’s photograph by Eric Sanchez.

[popmuiluism]

It’s often the case that art is able to produce affects of joy, which energize people against the forces of domination, energize people against cynicism and depression.

Tom Krell in the NYT on Sept 14, 2016

[popmuiluism]

A definite inspiration from the past couple of weeks, Wrabel. Very much into his music & style right now. He’s producing just the right kind of catchy, honest and thoughtful pop music I love. And he seems like a really genuine guy.

[popmuiluism]

Eagerly anticipating the new Bear’s Den album, Red Earth & Pouring Rain. Their debut album is one of my favorites from the past couple of years and the sophomore one seems just as beautiful.

[reoryegrblinvi]

[popmuiluism]

 The Outs is so good. An honest, unaffected and appealing portrayal of modern gay (and straight) life in Brooklyn. Plus it’s pretty witty, too. Much better than most of the stuff on TV.

[popmuiluism]

Bought these black beauties recently. I sense the start of a beautiful relationship. Practical with the rubber sole, yet smart and stylish with a contemporary edge! 

[popmuiluism]

Lately I have been inspired by vegetarian food, since you can do so much with it if you put some effort into it. That being sad, a nice (lean) meat dish is sometimes the thing that hits the spot. 

This mustard and lemon roasted chicken on a bed of lentils, celery, kale, carrots and butternut squash was a perfect combination for a Sunday dinner. And all the lovely autumnal flavours!

The veggie “stew” was based on this recipe: http://www.eatliverun.com/spicy-lentils-with-sweet-potatoes-and-kale/

The chicken was prepared using a recipe provided the Finnish food & wine magazine Glorian ruoka & viini. Basically you cook the chicken fairly quickly on a frying pan before seasoning it with Dijon mustard, lemon halves and juice, mustard seeds, salt and pepper. Mix some Dijon mustard to single/cooking cream, pour on top and cook in the oven (200 degrees) for approx. 40 minutes. Top with parsley (my addition, since leafy greens and herbs make everything better)!

[popmuiluism]

Current favourite! A few years ago, the idea of R&B took me back to the early noughties, lying somewhere between Ashanti and Usher. 

Somehow however the emergence of alternative R&B across continents, made by both white and black artists has really drawn me in with its lush textures and smooth vocals set to a semi-electronic background. Wait, do I have to call myself an R&B fan now?

Based on this song I definitely would.

[popmuiluism]

Not even going to deny it. Super into this song. Troye Sivan’s new songs are proving to be hard to resist. Just me and millions of teenage girls, screaming inside.

[popmuiluism]

When thesis seminar resumes...

#rupaul #lifeadvice #busyautumn #thesisseminar #youbettawork

[popmuiluism]

Recently discovered this band and am currently very into their sound. Familiar elements, yet they manage to sound fresh. This song invokes a calm feeling inside of me. And what a beautiful video accompanies the song!

[graduttaa]

Kun työt kasaantuu

[popmuiluism]

Current feeling.

[popmuiluism]

Pop music has greater power to change people and to affect people because it’s a universal language. You don’t have to understand music to understand the power of a pop song.

Paul Epworth

[popmuiluism]

I want to see something I've never seen before.

Robert Mapplethorpe