Hell Yeah Editor in Chief Tash and her not-so-humble scribe Emma Jane blew shit up during their recent birthday/research trip down south to attend the Carbon Festival.

Here’s how shit played out.

#pullnopunchesmotherfucker #wepaidourwayhereswhatwesay

The omens are good as Tash and I touch down in Melbs, I’m a bit giggly as I’m a Melbourne virgin. Yep, it’s my first trip. So sue me. Anyways, first thing we see when we get off the plane is a massive Olympic sign declaring “Good Luck Emma” - damn straight. Welcome to Melbourne.

We’re picked up in style by the flyest limo driver ever, graffiti and BMX legend Kid Paris C2F DMA, (see more here) and we drive straight to the paint spot, (after a quick, inner-city, grafitti walls tour) where Tash & Paris have secured a wall, and no shit, the laneway is off Emma Street.

Fucking OMENS man! It’s the complete Melbourne immersion experience and I’m falling in love with this city. Totally pumped for the Carbon Festival launch party which promises to be VIP. Our expectations are high, my heels are higher. So stoked cause I get to rock my fake pink fur jacket (a redundant accessory in Brisbane).

We hit the venue, Roxanne Parlour somewhere in the city. We’ve brought our weekend party buddies with us and we’re shocked that they’re slugged $30 entry for a club that is barely bumping let alone jumping.

TASH & FAITH47 at the Carbon Launch Party

Let’s get this out of the way quickly so I can move onto gushing about how much I loved the festival - that party sucked balls. A VIP party suggests that I get at least one free drink. Perhaps a canapé. Nuh. Expensive drinks and a slow dance floor equalled a dull soiree. Where was the awesome multi-media show reel of the upcoming speakers? Where was the art? Carbon guest Neil Armstrong DJed, and he was dope, but I wasn’t too into new Fool’s Gold signing Party Supplies (don’t ever blame the equipment, kid), despite the fact that my editor was having some 80’s Molly Ringwald revival moment as she danced drunkenly like an extra from Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Tash was a big fan of his retro-electro dance thang, so obviously I’m the hacked out loser with bad taste. I dunno. Maybe it was first day at summer camp jitters, everyone was kinda wired and stand-offish and there seemed to be a lot of photographers. But a lot of the Carbon guests did arrive to press the flesh and smoke ciggies with us, so the ice was broken.

The morning after..

Time to pop some cherries, bitches.Saturday dawns brilliant blue and crystalline - a perfect Melbourne morning, so we decide to make a quick detour to Topshop for lace trim ankle socks and gold hot pants before we hit Federation Square for Day One.

First up was the New Media Takeover featuring Joy Yoon (The New Order), Eugene Kan (Hype Beast), Nic Fensom (Sneeze) and Richard Dryden (Mass Appeal) - I was particularly psyched to attend this seminar. I’m a publishing whore from way back, and I’ve worked nearly every side of the fence. Media is changing, dramatically. It’s not just the evolution of social media or the move towards digital consumption, the physical art of printing has been revolutionised in the last decade. Publishers, advertisers and editors are all in the same boat here. I’m just gonna come out and say it - Joy Yoon shits me. And I’m allowed to say that. I’m blogging. I was OK with her clever clogs writer shtick til she started harping on about “the writer losing their voice” - STFU, what voice? When you get paid to write, you can have an opinion, but overall, you are a vessel for the ideology of who you’re writing for. Before the Internet, we used to publish dirty little thoughts and opinions in underground rags and they would always bite us on the ass. I got blacklisted by a major promoter because of something one of my freewheeling freelancers wrote. So no. Advising starry eyed journalism grads to say “fuck you” to their editors and follow their hearts is kinda misleading. Like I care what an ex-model thinks anyway.  Nic Fensom was totes up my alley - guy was crusty and kinda rude but knew his shit and felt authentic. He made the important point that if you wanna be a taste maker, someone who shoulders mass responsibility (like Hype Beast honcho Eugene Kan), then it’s a damn job. And it aint all beer and skittles. The art of balancing advertiser needs and reader driven content is something that can only be learnt by experience and it’s a thin fucking line between being a whore for the advertising dollar and publishing the content that matters. While researching this article, I popped over to the Hype Beast site. I was greeted by a full screen ad from a major video game producer spruiking their latest game. Whoring: you’re doing it right. I still clicked through to look at the latest Givenchy hightop sneakers, so we’re all whores. Game won by the advertisers. There is no new media takeover, cause its all a moot point if you have no money. But try to be authentic.

www.hypebeast.com www.sneezemag.com www.massappeal.com

A few quick beers and we’re back for Seminar 2 - misleadingly titled Commerce of Creativity as few panelists wanted to stay on topic for this one. The otherworldly tone was set by Faith47 and her husband/partner-in-crime Daleast sporting some burqa meets ninja inspired facial camouflage. They do some hardcore shit and I was completely mesmerized and inspired by the haunting, poignant and surreal presentation of their art.

As artists, their work is both ferocious and evocative, but it was their commitment to capturing emerging street poetry and social dialogue scribbled on walls that floored me. I finally understand tagging. Which is good, as Chaz Bojorquez is like THE original tagger.

TASH & CHAZ

What an amazing man, what an amazing life in art. Described as a tagger, a graffiti artist and a calligrapher, Bojorquez made a huge amount of sense, describing how he makes commercial decisions without sacrificing his soul. And his attention to detail, the absolute concentration he summons to perfectly craft every single letter he creates was a breathtaking lesson in what any creative soul must learn: the art of discipline. Total font porn.

I was also blown away by Jasper Wong - I completely love his pop bright cartoon kitsch creations. I love his recurring motifs: Mr T, the baby doll dress, the severed hands, the penises, all rendered in candy pink and electric blue.

Wong also made sense, he does a lot in community art education and supports emerging artists through his gallery, making the point that an artist should always do more and give back. This seminar ended with exhibitions from Wong and Bojorquez plus a rather weird but endearing boozy encounter with Ricky Powell - another recurring motif of our weekend which earnt us boss rep’s as Ricky wranglers.

www.faith47.com www.daleast.com www.chazbojorquez.com www.jasperwong.com

Saturday night was the VIP Puma Party for the launch of their new Bunyip footwear designed exclusively for PUMA by Sneaker Freaker - open bar, gorgeous people, cool venue, free food, that’s how you throw a fucking party.

The legend of Bunyip  is deeply embedded within the Australian psyche. Clouded in mystery and intrigue, this ‘Evil Spirit” lurks in muddy swamps and billabongs, creeping out under cover of darkness to cause all manner of rowdy trouble.

Whatever the truth, the original source of the legend is credited to ancient Aboriginal mythology.

At the party we were delighted to meet the Acclaim Magazine crew, they’re a passionate bunch and all their hard work behind the scenes has paid off. Kudos Acclaim! Lots of other Carbon folk were in attendance (including the Funky Uncle) and conversation flowed thick and fast, like the booze in the last hour before the free bar closed.

Photo of TASH & CHEECH SANCHEZ by RICKY POWELL

www.sneakerfreaker.com www.puma.com.au www.acclaimmag.com

Sunday morning was a little seedier then expected, but we Brisbane bitches know how to handle our scandal. We did some shopping at the Sneaker Freaker convention, hooked up with some Instagram buddies (Cheers 1line! Crime does indeed pay in mad ways!) and downed coffee before the morning session.

SNEAKER FREAKER SWAP MEET

This session focussed on the Evolution of an Idea featuring Neil Armstrong (DJ/Adidas), Huw Bennett (Vanishing Elephant) and Michael Yabut aka Mega (Black Scale).The message here was work, work and when you think you can’t take any more, bitch, you better keep working. All four panellists share single minded determination and served to remind the creative optimists in the room that cash is nice, and an idea is nice, but success comes from working your ass off and making bold, illogical decisions regularly. For the kids in attendance who are just starting out, this was probably a really important message for them to understand – no-one gives a fuck about your degree, you are only as good as your current idea. So make it happen.

www.djneilarmstrong.com www.vanishingelephant.com www.black-scale.com

More beer and the Rickster for lunch and laughs before back to the final session of the day…..

TASH scored a mad print of SEEN & ZEPHYR by RICKY for her bday

Visual Saturation with power bloggers 13th Witness, Yimmy Yayo and the enfant terrible himself Ricky Powell. Straight up, it’s obvious that shit is pretty loose for not only the panellists but for attendees. Giggles are catching and the Rickster is a force that cannot be contained by man or hype beast alone.

RICKY POWELL, 13TH WITNESS & YIMMY YAYO

13th Witness has a famous dad. He may or may not be an asshole depending on who you speak to, but boy does he understand Instagram and societies visual addiction.

Personally, I like his whole Emperor wearing no clothes in-joke, and yeah, I know he does other important artistic stuff,  I just dig his whole iPhone only aesthetic - that we are all photographers now and ‘art‘ as a concept is relative. It‘s amazing he got a word in edgewise, with the Rickster in fine primary school form.

To say I was excited to listen to Yimmy Yayo would be an understatement. Try full-fledged damp-on. He has a cult following, and I like being in cults. A visual blogger with a background in advertising, he’s a sought after photographer, popular with the fashion set and my new geek crush. I am so into this guy that I don’t even hate myself for just writing the words “visual blogger”. After copping shit from my BF about my addiction to Instagram and my assertion that I was not only engaged with popular culture, but actively participating, it was so validating to hear a smart, cute boy say it. He has stripped away all commentary from his blog Visual Crack for the Ocular Fiend to give people all they need - a 1.8 second freak-out before moving onto the next visual. Read my lips: #iwillmakeyayoloveme

YIMMY YAYO back in the day-o

The star attraction of course was Ricky Powell - the original social commentator who has a right place, right time knack for snapping celebs and artists in their natural habitat (New York, lol). Honestly, there’s not much I can say about Powell apart from this - he is a true eccentric artist. A genuine visionary who manages the job of being Ricky Powell exceedingly well. I’ve been around celebrities before, way bigger stars then Powell, but he has that rare quality where you feel sucked into his vortex. His photos are amazing but his speech was  fucking hilarious, I was laughing so hard I had to leave the room because I started choking and was afraid I might pee my pants.  I was almost pimped out to him, but that’s a completely different story. We have mad love for you Uncle Ricky!

www.13thwitness.com www.blog.yimmyyayo.com www.rickypowell.com

The weekend ended with a live exhibition presented by Ironlak AKA spray paint love-in, featuring Chaz Bojorquez, Jasper Wong and Aussie boys Vans the omega and Sirum – as the fumes filled the Atrium, new Instagram friends were added and we sadly said goodbye to a filthy, dirty,  awesome birthday research weekend in Melbourne.

I lost my voice and left most of my knickers in Spotswood, but gained some much needed inspiration and motivation. And some killer hot pink Sharpie markers.

Carbon Festival Approval Rating? 9/10 - cause nothing in life is perfect.

Emma Jane DirtyLove13

(follow me on Instagram: @divajane76)

Still available in the Married To The Mob online store, it’s like a scrapbook for adults, with sick collages, colorful doodles, lustful notes, and short stories that we’ve all loved from her Mob Living blog and work for numerous magazines.

We gotta say Tab, that since becoming ‘legal’, homegirl you’ve blossomed into a honey dip. We reckon you should get a guest spot on the next season of “Gossip Girl” pronto!

Made in collaboration with MTTM & New York Art Department, this 100 page (8 ½ x 6 inch) art book is composed of Tabatha’s colorful photos, illustrations, text, and numerous collages - one which is printed on sticker paper to peel out completely.

“Tabatha is modest about her talents, I don’t even know if she is aware of them, which is why I pushed her to make her work public in this book” said Leah McSweeney, owner of MTTM.

Here’s some more of Tabatha’s collages….

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Here’s some flicks from the day….

He even treated us by bringing some of his old black books showing us why he was and is one of Australia’s style kings and homeboy got stories from the 80s for dayssssss….

Kid Paris AKA Bank AKA Mr. Nice Guy AKA our chauffeur for the weekend, we salute your style!!!

* Read about his BMX addiction in Issue 3 of Hell Yeah Magazine here.

Style is all about letters and how you can freak the funk. Sure we’ve seen this awesome old 70s Blade-esque renaissance done by a few funk gods around the planet from Reas in NYC to Rencs in MELB but this is understated to the max. No pretty fills, crazy techniques or shitloads of paint needed. Just ultimate scrawlin’. One line baby.

Pure bliss…..Once again SOAP, we salute you!!

The students behind No Name Style are still that – students so it’s what you’d call ‘young feeding the young’.The crew began with taking photographs of their muses, students at campuses across the south east, constantly updating their  No Name Style blog and fb page with real street fashion images like these…

The NNS crew also put on and support allot of underground, local events which is all good coz we need to still show the world we know what time it is!

Like next Friday they’re are hosting the Old Scholar fashion night in the Valley. We’re going for the free drinks plus to check out the raw, new designers from our city. Maybe something inspiring or crazy for an editorial will be spotted. Tickets are still available and we’ll see you there!

[See who our wanker new mayor is cutting the arts funds on. Fuck you Campbell Newman...and your clingy, paranoid wife that acts like she on heat around you. ]

On the night, one of the designers will be crowned- ‘Emerging Designer’ of 2012 and get free work from a PR agency for their label.

NNS crew

3 things that make No Name Style go Hell Yeah……

1. An over the top outfit walking through a uni campus - its almost commendable the unrecognised efforts some uni students go to.

2. Seeing a crazy outfit is great, but also seeing something really simple and classic - very NNS

3. Looking good, feeling good [with the help of champagne] at a fashion show - fabulous

]]> http://www.hellyeahmag.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=11109 http://www.hellyeahmag.com/blog/?p=11100 http://www.hellyeahmag.com/blog/?p=11100#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:52:57 +0000 TASH http://www.hellyeahmag.com/blog/?p=11100 Got some dope shirts in the mail recently from underground clothing label 1line, a independent clothing label from Melbourne that’s been around a couple of years…

These boys are actually active in the the arts and are into Hip Hop, graf, skating and tatts.

The tees and jumpers are super soft cotton and graphics crisp and rockin’ hella slogans like Crime Pays In Mad Ways and MAD IZM, inspired by RUN DMC & the 1994 classic banger MAD IZM by Channel Live featuring KRS ONE…killer combo.

There’d be a few people wearing that tonight at the Sydney KRS gig…. Ah Yeah!

We’re always keen to support writer owned businesses.

mm1line@gmail.com

Well this old Hip Hop head/ photographer Adisa I met recently was traveling across Amerikkka going to and documenting all the early 90s so-called ‘golden era’ rappers back in the day. Homeboy got mad flicks so I asked him to share a few with us, and fond memories he had back in that funky and filthy as fuck era. Remember when MTV used to play good shit?

Where else can we see your photos apart from following you on Instagram?

I’ve been published in various collections (Festival at the Lake, Oakland, CA) and small magazines, and I’ve made my way into some notable private collections. E.g., Oakland Museum, KRS-One, Wyclef Jean, Shabba Ranks, etc. I’ve also recently made contact with Freddie Foxxx, via Twitter, and have shown him some of the shots I did of him in the 90s. I’ve moved far away from professional photography so my work is pretty much only shown upon request these days.

So, what are your top 5 hip hop records of all time?

I’ll go pure 80s/90s for this because I think these albums were pivotal and continue to resonate in the music we hear today. And also connects to the photos that I’m providing.

1. X-Clan “To The East, Blackwards”

2. NWA “Straight Outta Compton”

3. Public Enemy “…Nation of Millions…”

4. Eric B & Rakim “Paid In Full”

5. Kool G. Rap “Live & Let Die”

What books are in your shelf?

“Brainwashed” by Tom Burrell

“Mad at miles” by Pearl Cleage

“Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler

“Two Thousand Seasons” by Ayi Kwei Armah

Bell Hooks (anything)

“Upside Down”  by Eduardo Galeano

3 things that make you go Hell Yeah…?

1. Finding deep, unexpected similarities between distant cultures.

2. Getting to travel outside the United States.

3. Being welcomed into the homes of real people.

For more info on Adisa’s photography you can email him: jabariadisa@gmail.com

Spending her formative years in Sydney in the early 90s, she was introduced to graffiti and rave cultures as a young teen. These two cultures continue to influence her life and work every day, and form the basis for her personal goal to spend each day doing what she loves. Recently crowned Miss Illustrated Pinup VIctoria 2011 and completing a Bachelor of Design (Interior/Industrial Design), Cheech’s relentless pursuit of her next big creative thing is seemingly never-ending.

Plus she’s a cool, humble, chick to boot!

So Cheech, what did you do for the book?

I was a guest photographer for the female sneaker book, Girls Got Kicks. It was a amazing opportunity to showcase Australian women who are interested in sneakers.

Tell us about the book…

The book is the brain-child of Lori Lobenstine (www.femalesneakerfiend.com) and Hell Yeah/ M.I.S.S fashion photographer Amanda Lopez. Add a few very talented guest photographers, a whole bunch of female sneakerheads from across the globe, more kicks than a centipede could wear in a lifetime and BAM! The end result is a colourful look into the world of female sneaker enthusiasts.

Cheech Sanchez photographed by M.A.F.I.A

Who are the Australian girls photographed for the book and why did you pick them?

Obviously they were photographed for their love of sneakers, but they are so much more than that. They are women of all shapes and sizes, and everyone of them has a special story. From break dancers to hip hop MCs and everything in between, these ladies radiate the kind of beauty and confidence you can’t get from reading a fashion magazine or buying an outfit from the High St - these ladies are shine from the inside.

You are a woman of many talents. How important is photography amongst all these things you do?

I like to use the medium that suits whatever I’m working on at the time. Sometimes it’s words, or pictures, or a pencil, or a spray can, or a mig welder, or my computer, or a camera.

Why do you think there was a need to bring out a sneaker book just with women in it? Do you think women in subcultures segregating themselves with fem only books and mags and crews is a step backwards for post feminism?

Women are considered to be a pretty small and somewhat forgotten sub-genre within the sneaker community, and Girls Got Kicks proves that there are lots of women out there that are passionate about their trainers! I can’t say for sure if female only books are a step forward or backwards for post-feminism, but I will say that women are their own harshest critics, and much like the multimillion dollar fashion magazine industry, it’s mostly photos of women I look for when I’m trawling for sneaker fashion (but I must admit I love a good perv on a hot dude wearing sneaks!). I like learning about women who are interested in the same things as I am!

What do you think of all the page 3 / titty bar/ FHM style pics of chicks in kicks getting around when it’s obvious the girl doesn’t usually rock sneakers?

Done right it can be brilliant - like Playboy’s Jordan Ranking for example. But then, I’m quite a pinup fan (done tastefully of course!).

There are actually a few saucy photos in the exhibition (but I can assure you that clothes stay on!).

You get off on sneaker porn then?

Please send links to info@cheechsanchez.com

What’s your top 3 pairs?

That’s a tough question. Classic or modern styles? It really depends. I’ll give you my classics. 1. Nike Structures (Triax) in Infrared 2. Nike Huarache 3. Jordan 3

Where can we buy the book?

Check out www.girlsgotkicks.com for more info, or if you’re coming to the exhibition we’ll have some copies available to buy.

What’s happening for the launch party next week?

What isn’t happening at the launch?! M.A.F.I.A. and I are throwing one hell of a party at the Vic Bar in Melbourne. We’ve got MZRIZK djing (she’s also in the exhibition), we’ve got giveaways from Nike, G-Shock and Well Dress Vandals, we’ve got BBQ, booze and the hottest ladies in Melbourne. It’s going to be bananas!

Female wise who’s got the best sneaker collection you know of in Australia or the world?

M.A.F.I.A. Need I say more?!

Do you buy men’s or women’s sneakers?

Both. If I like it and it comes in my size, I’ll wear it.

Blondes or brunettes?

Brunettes

If a guy had on wak sneakers for example K-Swiss but was really hot would you still fuck him?

Hell no. It’s the first thing I look at when I meet a dude. I suppose I’m a bit of a snob - I’d be reluctant to look twice if a dude was wearing fresh 90s, let alone wacked-as K-Swizzles. And don’t get me started on men who only have one or two pairs of shoes - that’s my worst nightmare. If a dude has more pairs than I do, it’s an instant turn on.

Have you ever been chatted up just coz you were wearing fresh sneakers?

Everyday!

How do you keep your sneakers fresh?

I actually don’t wear them that much. Melbourne is a funny place, you often get 4 seasons in a day, so if I’m not absolutely sure it’s not going to rain, I usually just stick to Vans. I save my precious sneaks for special occasions.

Do you wear yours with long football / gym socks? (we think that looks hot)

I love tube socks. And those über-long socks you get from American Apparel. But mostly I wear ankle socks or tiny tiny hidden socks because I think they look better with sports styles (which is generally what I wear). Another no-no for dudes is wearing no socks. Or worse - business socks with sneakers. SHAME!

I agree….or anklets lookin’ like they’re off to play a fuckin’ game of netball! Or working on their tan…

Heyyyyyy is Cheech Sanchez your birth name?

As surprising as it might be, Cheech Sanchez is not my birth name <insert sarcasm here>. Nor is it homage Cheech and Chong. Infact, the name Cheech Sanchez was born almost as naturally as I was. My double-barrel given name is particularly difficult to say and spell, and as a result I have always struggled with my identity (a reoccurring theme in my work, if you look closely). Teachers couldn’t say it, friends couldn’t say it and introducing myself in a nightclub was pointless. I have also changed my surname a few times (step-parents, marriage, divorce etc).

Cheech was born out of a work colleague nicknaming me “Chi” (the first 3 letters of my given name, probably used because it was easier than saying the whole thing). That soon became “Chi Chi”, which soon became “Cheech” (us Aussie’s can’t help but shorten names) and now it’s “Cheechy” to my close friends. The “Sanchez” was added shortly after I got an oh-so-hipster mustache tattooed on my left index finger. Now I’m quite attached to my nom de plume. I thought about killing Cheech off for a while, but I’m glad I didn’t. Cheech represents everything I was ever too afraid to be - and now I’m not afraid to be anything!

What kinda camera do you use?

I have a Nikon D90 (I probably need a new one), but I’m also a keen iPhoneographer (I love my Instagram) and use my iPhone camera way more than anything else!

Where can we follow your work?

www.cheechsanchez.com or search for Cheech Sanchez on Facebook and Instagram.

Finally tell us 3 things that make you go hell yeah!

1. Simple pleasures - like the sound of skateboard wheels on Chapel Street (which sometimes means you’re about to cop a massive perv - and other times, means you cop an eye full of old lady pushing a trolley).

2. Breakfast - there’s nothing I like more that starting the day with a brilliant breakfast. I’m thinking poached eggs, salmon tatare, french toast, breakfast burritos.

3. My friends - because without them, I wouldn’t be half the person I am. HELL YEAH!

Girls Got Kicks Melbourne

GIRLS GOT KICKS BOOK LAUNCH & OPENING NIGHT 5PM THIS THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2012

EXHIBITION CONTINUES UNTIL 29 FEBRUARY 2012

@ THE VIC BAR - 281 VICTORIA ST ABBOTSFORD MELBOURNE

Our girl Alexa realized that and moved to Melbourne. She always traveled to and pushed fashion boundaries...and changes her boyish crop more times than bloody Linda Evangelista in the 90s.

[ Reeeeow is really her catch phrase....♥]

Lex loves Bowie so it only seemed natural that she named her newish, online, vintage boutique  Major Toms. New stuff weekly from there and bargains too! Keep up to date on fb.

She also loves a mad dude in the Australian streetwear scene so it’s all love love…..

Homegirl has talent and brings her other style injections to interior design on clubs like Brisbane’s Cloudland an ‘Alexa special’- eclectic, opulent, tropical Versace, resort stylee megaclub.

She knows how we like to have fun in it and she creates it…

Love ya style Kitty Nice!

To see more of homegirls work go here.