Boy Band Heartthrob Siva Kaneswaran Is Set to Go Solo

May 6, 2014, 2:30 pm

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Siva wears a top  by Burberry Prorsum and necklaces by Topman.

With a model-perfect smile and good-natured laugh, former boy-band member Siva Kaneswaran says three little words that would bring the Wanted's legions of fans to tears: "This is it." He's talking about the popular UK band's farewell tour -- their last group effort before they all go their separate ways after May 17. Ultimately, he blames the stress of the Wanted's E! reality TV show for causing the band to fall apart. "It kind of showed the true colors of some of the members. Old wounds were reopened. I just hated it," Kaneswaran admits. But the breakup is far from a career setback for the swoon-worthy 25-year-old singer.

After the initial shock of the band's split, Kaneswaran is ready to enjoy the single life -- musically, anyway. (In real life, he's busy planning his upcoming Great Gatsby-themed wedding to designer Nareesha McCaffrey.) "It's like a relationship," he explains. "We were in each other's pockets for like four years. So when [the breakup was announced] I had to sit with it for like a day. Then I was like, 'You know what? This is going to be really exciting.'" He now plans to do what any bachelor would. "I just want to go crazy," he says. "I have to play a role in the band. I have to be 'that guy' and sing and do the usual dance, the air grabs--" He punctuates his sentence by reaching up into the air and pulling down with a fist, a signature boy-band move a la *NSYNC. "Now I can do what I want."

And what does Kaneswaran want to do? "I'll take something like Lionel Richie or Earth Wind & Fire and mix that with something new, like Coldplay," he says of his solo sound. A debut album is expected later this year, but in the meantime he says, "I want to work with everyone. It doesn't matter who it is -- I'll feature on everyone's track."

Stylist: Chris Preston

Makeup: Terry Barber at David Evans Artists using MAC Cosmetics / Hair: Ernesto Montenovo at Phamous Artists using Kerastase.

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More Nat Wolff Photos from Our Gia Coppola Palo Alto Shoot

May 6, 2014, 2:40 pm

≫ Next: Inside the Harlem Home of Beyonce's Makeup Artist, Sir. John

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In celebration of our May issue's big photo spread with the super cute cast of Palo Alto, shot by director Gia Coppola, we're releasing outtakes from the shoot every day. Today, it's all about the talk, dark and handsome Nat Wolff. See Nat's photos below, and check out extra pics of Emma Roberts, James Franco and Keegan Allen as well.


Nat wears a jacket by A.P.C. and sweater by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Nat wears a sweater by Carven.

Inside the Harlem Home of Beyonce's Makeup Artist, Sir. John

May 5, 2014, 12:35 pm

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Sir John wears a shirt by vintage Lee, pants by Gucci, shoes by Grenson of London, bracelets by David Yurman and Cast of Vices and sunglasses by Ray-Ban.

Sir John has been doing other people's makeup -- and tending to his own smooth skin -- since he was 19 years old. After a brief stint in visual merchandising for Bergdorf Goodman and Gucci, he kick-started his career as a fashion and celebrity makeup artist when he became the legendary Pat McGrath's assistant. Now, in addition to regular clients like Harper's Bazaar, Elle and Teen Vogue, Sir John's roster includes A-list beauties like Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé and Karlie Kloss. When he's not traveling around the world for photo shoots and fashion weeks, he calls Harlem home.

Sunglasses by Ray-Ban and ring by David Yurman.

T-shirt by H&M.

In my apartment, every room is a dressing room. I pretty much get ready all over the house. After I get out of the shower, I'm running around the house in my underwear -- it's like Risky Business. My outerwear is in the living room, my trainers and boots are in my office and my skincare is in the bathroom. I have a closet full of skincare products and I rotate what's sitting out with the seasons. My stuff always gets swiped out of my cabinet by my friends. I once heard someone say, "Real guys don't moisturize," but my clients like Bey and Karlie Kloss appreciate a guy who moisturizes. It preserves their sexy for years to come. I'm the guy they come to for their guys.

My apartment's vibe is James Bond's lair meets a boutique hotel in Paris. It's a mix of baroque- and rococo-inspired elements with a traveled and storied sensibility. One of my favorite things in my house is my black baroque chair. I got it in a showroom in Miami. I saw it in the window and it was like when you see a puppy in the window and you have to take it home. I get my best ideas sitting in that chair.

Hats by Bailey of Hollywood and Obey.

Coat by Margiela x H&M.

Shoes by Nike.

I've lived in this apartment for about six months, but I've lived in Harlem for seven years. I love living uptown. I get much more space for the money. I need to have my boots in a room, not my oven, and I don't want to turn around and immediately see every square foot of my apartment. My area of Harlem, which is called Strivers' Row, seems to have been a breeding ground for the greats. Former residents include Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thurgood Marshall, Joe Louis and Babe Ruth, just to name a few. With their spirits floating around these immaculate brownstones, I'm in great company.

Jacket by Diesel Black Gold.

Full House Re-Cut as an Ultra Disturbing Horror Movie Will Haunt Your Dreams

May 7, 2014, 7:30 am

≫ Next: Courtney Love Trashes Eloise's Bedroom In "You Know My Name"

≪ Previous: Inside the Harlem Home of Beyonce's Makeup Artist, Sir. John

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Full House re-cut as a deeply disturbing horror movie. Warning: Creepy, creepy Danny Tanner. [Digg]
 
Dave Franco doesn't know what the hell his brother is doing either. [Uproxx]
 

Seth Rogen and Zac Efron made cameos on the Tonight Show's "Ew!" Efron does a very good teenage girl. [Uproxx]

Words to live by from Jared Leto. Oh my god. [JoeMande]

Zip, yay! And/or Zipye. [TheClearlyDope]

Alf live at Giggles. [FYouNoFMe]

Jeopardy being the best. [TastefullyOffensive]

Ooh Wednesday, let's do this. [Mlkshk]

Courtney Love Trashes Eloise's Bedroom In "You Know My Name"

May 7, 2014, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Top 10 Montreal Music Acts You Need to Know Now

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Courtney Love is back and causing just as much chaos as ever. In her brand new video for "You Know My Name," directed by Maximilla Lukacs, Love plays a debutante-turned-rocker chick having an angst-fueled tantrum as she completely wrecks a fancy bedroom that looks like it's straight out of a princess fairytale. She swims through a sea of disco balls, rolls around with long strings of knotted pearls, throws vases of red roses on the floor, and covers everything in pounds upon pounds of glitter. It's totally Eloise gone punk rock.

"You Know My Name" comes from Love's new double a-side, which also features "Wedding Day."

Top 10 Montreal Music Acts You Need to Know Now

May 7, 2014, 10:45 am

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From buzzy electro acts like A-Trak, Chromeo and Adventure Club to homegrown indie rockers Arcade Fire to the ultimate DIY pop sprite Grimes, Montreal's ground-breaking, booty-shaking music scene is as diverse as the city itself. But alongside these better-known acts, there's a ton of emerging talents quickly taking over warehouse parties and airwaves. From dream-trap to synth-heavy hip-hop, get to know ten acts dominating the city's music scene right now.

1. High Klassified
-->LISTEN<--
Whether it's opening for Chromeo or performing at Kanye West's Yeezus tour after-party, the Montrealite beatmaker is not short on swagger. Often draped in designer duds and wacky glasses, High Klassified (a.k.a. Kevin Vincent) first burst on the scene with his hard-hitting track, "Drama Trap," and an atmospheric "trap refix" of Rihanna's "Stay." The self-taught producer, whose musical interests include everything from electro to bossa nova, was recently invited by A-Trak to release an EP on Fool's Gold and the result, Palindroma, is four standout instrumental tracks that are best blasted on repeat.

(Photo by Ash Kingston)

2. Kaytranada
-->LISTEN<--
The Haiti-born, Montreal-based DJ/producer has been rapidly attracting fans in the underground club scene with his bouncy party tracks that incorporate everything from disco and funk to R&B. With wildly popular bedroom-produced remixes of Azealia Banks, Busta Rhymes and Janet Jackson under his belt and forthcoming North American and European tours, the young beatmaker is gearing up to have quite the summer.

3. A K U A
-->LISTEN<--
Before launching her synth-heavy solo act, A K U A spent time singing music covers in a Dubai hotel bar while writing music and trying to overcome a bad case of stage fright. Building up her confidence with some liquid courage and years of experience, the talented artist, who's often likened to early Sade, was tapped by Solange to be one of her back-up singers. Eventually transitioning from back-up act to frontwoman, she graced the stage at last year's Pitchfork Festival and has made waves (literally and figuratively) with her well-received debut EP, One's Company, and her video for "Gravity," which sees the singer appearing as a beautiful mermaid.

4. RYAN Playground 
-->LISTEN<--
A model by day and DJ/producer/singer/rapper by night, RYAN Playground (a.k.a. Ryan Martel) can often be found commanding the decks in sweaty, underground clubs or in the studio working on her debut EP (out late May or early June) that'll feature the artist singing and rapping over her own productions. Keep your eye on this one. 

5. Nick Wisdom
-->LISTEN<--
The sultry, instrumental hip-hop tracks laced with funk from Montreal-by-way-of-Vancouver producer Nick Wisdom are a perfect backdrop for lazy weekends. His house-infused remixes like "Snoopin'" and chill-out tunes like "Things Ya Do To Me" and "Under The Moon," have attracted the attention of super cool Montreal collective-cum-management agency, Saintwoods, who signed him to their roster (they also rep other names on this list like High Klassified, CRi and RYAN Playground, FYI). Locals can catch the producer at the weekly party Melt at Blizzarts while non-Montrealites can see him when he goes on a North American tour this summer in support of his fourth album, Missus Peel.  

6. CTZNSHP
-->LISTEN<--
Dabbling in shoegaze, post punk and indie pop, CTZNSHP (a.k.a. Jesse LeGallais, Scott Delaney and Florent Clavel) have won fans with an acclaimed EP, Swan Dive, and appearances at festivals like Pop Montreal, NXNE and M For Montreal. The haze rock trio also have a knack for making seriously cool videos featuring vintage footage of youthful summer love and sun-kissed skateboarders, as seen in "On A Roll" and their album teaser video "Doom Love." 

7. Iron Galaxy
-->LISTEN<--
Aptly named Iron Galaxy (né Adam Hodgins) takes you on an intergalactic musical journey with experimental sounds fusing the likes of techno, acid-house and bass. His melancholic 2012 debut single "Attention Seeker" received rave reviews, leading to opportunities creating mixes for Mixmag, playing Boiler Room sessions and churning out tracks on renowned UK DJ/Producer James Zabiela's label Born Electric. You can also find Hodgins producing tracks under the alias Sex Life (his duo with fellow producer Dave Shaw).

8. ANDRU
-->LISTEN<--
Though the easiest way to describe the kind of music ANDRU (a.k.a. Simon Rosen) makes might be "dreamy trap," the Montreal producer doesn't really fit into any one particular genre. His music blends lush atmospheric soundscapes (the kind that might seem more appropriate in some sweeping art house flick) with hip-hop, creating songs that are both eerily ambient and joyfully uplifting. (Just listen to "Fun" and "I Cnt Stop" to get a better sense of what we mean.) Busy cranking out remixes and singles, keep your eye for bigger things to come from ANDRU in 2014. 


(Photo by Sabrina G. Jolicoeur)

 
9. CRi
-->LISTEN<--

Upon listening to Cri's debut EP, Eclipse, you can't help but think it's what daydreams are made of. Blending down-tempo electro and hip-hop, it's easy to pick up on influences like Jon Hopkins, James Blake, Mount Kimbie or Lone. The EP's lead single "Chemin" was tapped by Louis Vuitton to accompany images from their Men's AW13 collection on their site. Currently busy composing scores for plays and short films, CRi is also placing the finishing touches on his follow-up, still-untitled EP, out May 19.

10. Lunice
-->LISTEN<--
Many folks might recognize Lunice's face from his cameo in Azealia Banks' career-making video "212" and it's likely many more recognize his music. The young DJ/Producer born Lunice Fermin Pierre II has quickly established himself as a tour de force in the dance music and hip-hop scenes with his stand-out sounds mixing bass, twisted electronica and futuristic hip-hop. His remixes have been released on buzz labels like Mad Decent, XL and Lucky Me, he's produced mixes for BBC Radio 1, and his larger-than-life stage performances at Diplo's annual Mad Decent Block party have proven the Montreal producer can rock dance floors and airwaves all across the globe. 

Inside Socialite DJ Marjorie Gubelmann's Uptown Home

May 7, 2014, 11:15 am

≫ Next: SNL's Aidy Bryant Steals the Spotlight

≪ Previous: Top 10 Montreal Music Acts You Need to Know Now

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Dress by Oscar de la Renta.

Marjorie Gubelmann is the quintessential New Yorker. Part uptown socialite, part downtown DJ sensation, she's also a full-time mom to nine-year-old Cyrus, and in her spare time she runs Vie Luxe, a scented candle brand that she founded 10 years ago and is now sold in 1,500 stores. Her alter ego, DJ Mad Marj, can be found spinning the hits in hip East Village clubs, wearing Carolina Herrera and emeralds, or at VIP fashion shindigs for companies like Clinique, Bvlgari and Versace.

Jewels by David Webb and Van Cleef & Arpels.

My apartment is traditional with a modern twist. It is sophisticated yet lived-in and comfortable, a total sanctuary for my son and me. Some people think it is impossible to have both, but this house will show you that's not the case.

I have always lived uptown -- it is all that I know. Suddenly lots of my friends are moving to uber chic pads downtown and, who knows, maybe that's where I will spend my golden years, but for now I have a ball and chain to my apartment.

Shoes by Jimmy Choo.

Bags by Hermès.

The dining room, with its deep green Gracie wallpaper, has so many memories of fun lunches and dinners with friends; my bedroom is my little piece of heaven; the kitchen is Grand Central Station; my front hall has been a fashion show runway and a bicycle path; and my living room is why I fell in love with this apartment. It has high ceilings and a fireplace. I love to have friends over for lunch or dinner. Sunday lunches have become a tradition where I cook and have friends and family over. Kids run around and we all catch up and laugh and eat... that is really what life is all about. I also give more formal seated dinners during the year, which are a different thing. I love introducing my friends to new people.

Dresses by Oscar de la Renta and shoes by Manolo Blahnik.

I also love being able to DJ in the comfort of my own home. My turntables can move all over my apartment and I always get them going. I usually play Madonna, disco, new wave -- anything with a beat and words that I know. Dance music is constantly playing here. It is not the mellow-music kind of house.

Bracelets by Sidney Garber, clutch by Edie Parker and headphones by Frends.

Jacket by Chanel and bags by Hermès.

Marjorie's cat Mort with sunglasses and clutch by Chanel.

Bag by Chanel.

Hair by Bruce Dean. Makeup: Armani Beauty. Flowers by Lady Fleur.

GO INSIDE THE HOMES OF MORE FABULOUS FOLKS, INCLUDING NICOLE RICHIE AND NASTY GAL'S SOPHIA AMORUSO, WITH THE COVETEUR.

SNL's Aidy Bryant Steals the Spotlight

May 7, 2014, 1:00 pm

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Aidy wears a trench coat by Joe Browns from SimplyBe and shoes by Yes.

Though she's only two seasons in, Aidy Bryant has already emerged as Saturday Night Live's secret weapon, with scene-stealing roles that run the gamut from Tonker Bell, Tinker Bell's big-haired, gloriously inappropriate half-sister, to an "International Nasty Girl" in a memorable short titled "Dongs All Over The World."

But it was "Dyke and Fats," a brilliant '70s cop show spoof that aired on a Louis C.K.-hosted SNL episode in March, where Bryant's take-no-shit on-screen essence got to shine brightest. Written by Bryant and Kate McKinnon, the show's first openly gay cast member, the sketch features badass Chicago cops Chubbina Fatzarelli and Les Dykawitz. The sketch ends with their captain, played by C.K., unwisely calling the duo "Dyke and Fats" to their faces. "Only we get to say it," McKinnon and Bryant shout at him. "Those are our words!" The sketch was easily the funniest of the night, having won the exaltation of the Internet by Monday morning. Louis C.K. who?

"We just wanted to embrace what we are and put it in everyone's face," says Bryant. "At the after-party I went up to Lorne and said, 'Thank you for putting something called "Dyke and Fats" on television.' I just couldn't believe that it had happened."

But the Second City alum says it is Morgan, from SNL's uncomfortably relatable "Girlfriends Talk Show," who speaks to her the most. A hormonal jumble of a tween, Morgan still has childish interests but is also coaching her middle-aged neighbor through a divorce. "I just remember myself as a kid feeling like, 'I'm an adult, but I'm also a full-grown baby,'" says Bryant. "She really straddles that -- she has very mature points of view about bigger concepts like relationships and confidence, but then also has a deep affinity for beads and sand art." Bryant pauses. "In some ways, I think she's a voice of reason."

Stylist: Solange Franklin

Hair and makeup: Monae Everett for Hair Room Service using Oribe Hair Care and Make Up For Ever

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Lana Del Rey Smolders In Her New Video "West Coast"

May 7, 2014, 1:30 pm

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Lana Del Rey's newest video for "West Coast," the first single off her forthcoming album Ultraviolence, doesn't disappoint. The black and white clip shows the singer doing what she does best: moodily hanging out with her trademark bad boys. The video features her sauntering along the beach with her boy toy (played by model Bradley Soileau who you'll remember from LDR's "Born to Die" vid), riding around smoking a cigarette with her older beau, and languidly singing while engulfed in flames -- a.k.a. just another day in the life of Lana.

Update: We just learned from Soileau himself that LDR's sugar daddy is none other than famed tattoo artist Mark Mahoney who owns Shamrock Social Club on Sunset.

Watch Anna Wintour and Sarah Jessica Parker Critique Men's Fashion at the Met Gala

May 8, 2014, 7:30 am

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Anna Wintour and Sarah Jessica Parker went on Late Night last night and chatted with Seth Meyers about all the dudes who didn't know how to dress in "white tie and decorations" as per the Met Gala dress code. The dis session starts at 6:44. [via Late Night]

ICYMI: Amy Schumer had a delightful interview with a 106-year-old woman named Downing in which the two talked about boozin' and women wearing pants. [via Gawker]

Here's your first teaser for The Maya Rudolph Show. Cannot. Wait. [via Jezebel]


Didn't see that one coming. [via F You No F Me]

ICYMI: Jimmy Kimmel approached random moms on the street and asked them to admit what the most shocking thing is that their children don't know about them. [via Jimmy Kimmel]

omfg grandma! [via Afternoon Snooze Button]

Here's a clip of a puppy and baby monkey meeting for the first time. It's exactly as cute as it sounds. [via Tastefully Offensive]

Thursday morning motto bitchez. [via Laughter Key]

We have no clue how it's possible we were sleeping on this one but if, like us, you missed this video earlier in the week, stop what you're doing and watch "A Porno" by Wes Anderson immediately. [via HuffPo Comedy]

If the Chainsmokers Didn't Know How to Use a Hashtag Before, They Do Now

May 8, 2014, 9:46 am

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(L-R): Drew Taggart and Alex Pall wear shirts by Marc Jacobs.

"Swedish House Mafia was already taken," says Drew Taggart, one half of DJ/producer duo the Chainsmokers. "We really wanted the name Swedish House Mafia," says Alex Pall, the other half. In person, Pall and Taggart are just as hilarious and sarcastically candid as their hit song "#Selfie." With the inescapable EDM track landing a spot on Billboard's Top 40 chart, plus a viral video featuring obnoxious drunk girls in the bathroom at a club, an influx of "But first let me take a #selfie..." posts on Instagram and a performance at the Ultra Music Festival this past March, the Chainsmokers are making a name for themselves. Swedes be damned.

The two met about a year and a half ago through mutual friends in New York City. Pall was working in sales at an art gallery in Chelsea and Taggart had just graduated with a  music business degree from Syracuse. But it was outside the States where they really became interested in EDM. For Taggart, it was hearing David Guetta's "Walking Away" and Daft Punk's "Around the World" for the first time at a club in Argentina. For Pall, it was after visiting his sister in Bristol, England and exploring the party scene. "The atmosphere and the energy, it was like everyone was having a good time," says Pall. "There was no elitism. Everyone was dancing to the same song; it didn't matter if you knew it or not."

While "#Selfie" has become quite an anomaly, simultaneously flooding dance floors and Instagram feeds, Pall and Taggart don't claim to be social media experts (although they both admit to taking a lot more selfies now--with fans). The duo first came up with the line "But first..." and thought it would be hilarious to add a drunken girl ranting. From there the lyrics just poured out.

Although the hit, which they recorded for Steve Aoki's Dim Mak label, led to a full deal with Republic Records, the Chainsmokers don't want to be known as the "#Selfie" guys forever. "The '#Selfie' thing is just something that happened, but all of our other music sounds completely different and that's the stuff that we're really going to be pushing out," says Taggart. On YouTube, fans can find their lower-key remixes of songs by indie acts like Foxes and Two Door Cinema Club, but their aspirations are definitely more mainstream.

"We'd love to work with Adam Levine or Chris Martin, even though he's going through a little something right now," says Taggart. "Which is perfect timing. Let's get Chris on a track," adds Pall. "We should throw him on all of our songs from now on."

Now that the Chainsmokers have our attention, more music and something bigger (and less ironic) than "#Selfie" is in the works for this summer. As for advice on how to take the perfect #Selfie: "Don't be ugly," says Pall, "and have good lighting, I don't know."

 


Styled by George AlvinGrooming by Ronnie Peterson for Makeup Forever at Artists at Wilhelmina / Shot at Central Studio 36.
 

13 Must-See Art Shows Opening This Week

May 8, 2014, 1:30 pm

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With the "fair use" lawsuit over Rasta photos by Patrick Cariou settled for now, Gagosian Gallery (980 Madison Avenue) is set to open a show called "Canal Zone," featuring several of Richard Prince's "transformative" works that precipitated the legal action, on May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.  Prince describes the process: "I thought the Rasta and the oversized collaged guitar looked like it belonged. It looked as if I knew what I was doing. The two images fused and 'married' into one new image and made up a whole new story."  The show is up until June 14.

Creem Magazine is hosting a silent auction to benefit Rivington House on Thursday, May 8, 7 to 10 p.m. at Gallery Sensei (278 Grand Street).  The one-night only auction and exhibition features photos by Brian Boulos that were "inspired by" the late Keith Haring; the artist would have celebrated his 56th birthday this week.  There are also several collaborative pieces with Angel Ortiz (LA II) and DJ sets from Alexandra Richards and Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes.

There's a big group show featuring over 40 artists called "Hot House" opening on May 8th in a townhouse at 418 East 115th Street.  Look for performance art, music and "art as ritual."  The whole thing was curated by BlackRock/WhiteRock, the Brooklyn project space NOMOREGAMES and L.A.'s Night Gallery. It's only up for four days so be sure to head over before Monday.

The art-duo know as Assume Vivid Astro Focus (ne' Eli Sudbrack and Christophe Hamaide-Pierson) are having their first major solo exhibition in New York since 2008 at the Suzanne Geiss Company (76 Grand Street).  The works include paintings with "geometric abstraction and transgender imagery" hung on top of an original mural.  The opening is May 8, 6 to 9 p.m. and it's on view until June 21.

Skarstedt Gallery presents their inaugural show in Chelsea at 550 West 21st Street with Yves Klein's "fire paintings" (pictured above) and Andy Warhol's "oxidation paintings."  The new 6,000 sq/ft space was the former home of Haunch of Venison gallery.  The opening reception is May 8, 6 to 8 p.m., and it's up until June 21.

The "private workspace collective," Neuehouse" (110 East 25th Street), is this year's host for the official FRIEZE VIP Lounge and they are presenting a series of conversations out on Randall's Island and in their Manhattan headquarters. IE: Dan Colen will be on 26th Street on Friday, May 9th at 6:30 p.m. and Walton Ford is at FRIEZE on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. HERE's a list of all the regular FRIEZE Talks that are open to all daily ticket holders.

On May 9, 6 to 8 p.m., the downtown Hauser & Wirth Gallery (511 West 18th Street) ( in the former Roxy roller-disco) opens a show of new works by the L.A.-based artist Sterling Ruby.  The exhibit, "Sunrise Sunset," includes paintings, cardboard collages, tapestries, ceramics, sculptures and a mobile; all on view until July 25th.


This week, Andrea Rosen Gallery (525 West 24th Street) premieres a new video and sculture installation, "Bowls Balls Souls Holes," by Mika Rottenberg,  The exhibit "spins around the production of luck" and it's on view now thru June 14.

Saturday and Sunday afternoon, May 10 and 11, from 2 to 6 p.m., the Clocktower hosts a sculpture exhibition by Joel Shapiro and Richard Nonas, curated by Joe Ahearn and Alanna Heiss at Knockdown Center (52-19 Flushing Avenue, Queens).  The gigantic warehouse space/arts center in Maspeth, Queens, was just denied permission from the SLA to serve alcohol at its events, including this weeks upcoming M.I.A. concert and the Red Bull Music Academy party next Friday. Boo.

Brooklyn's Greenpoint Gallery Night is Friday, May 9th, 7 to 10 p.m. and Chelsea's Gallery Night is on Saturday, but call your fave gallery to see if they are participating.

Saturday night, May 10th, is MoMA/PS1's annual "Night at the Museum" with hosts including James Franco, Alan Cumming, Ryan Trecartin and Mickalene Thomas, plus DJ sets by Spencer Sweeney and Matthew Higgs in the Print Shop and performances out back in the dome.  Check out the museum's current shows and stay (almost) all night...actually it's open until midnight.   Advance tickets are $10 and $12 at the door.

Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld (5A East 78th Street) hosts a private opening for the first NYC solo exhibit by Hugo McCloud on Sunday, May 11th.  The show, "Put In Place," features work from the artist's block-printing series, using non-traditional media.  On view thru June 5th.
Also on Sunday, May 11th, Luxembourg & Dayan (64 East 77th Street) opens a big group show called "The Shaped Canvas, Revisited" with works by Lynda Benglis, Nate Lowman, Frank Stella, Tom Wesselmann and many more; and the Brant Foundation (http://www.brantfoundation.org/) in Connecticut opens their big Dan Colen retrospective, "HELP!".

If you've made it through FRIEZE, the satellite fairs and all the gallery openings this week -- on Monday night, May 12th from 8 to 9:30, Gagosian's storefront space at 821 Park Avenue has a show called "Shooters" with recent paintings by Harmony Korine, director of films including Kids and Spring Breakers.  On view until June 21.

Also on Monday, Hauser & Wirth (511 West 18th Street) hosts a private reception and book-signing for Murray Moss' new book, Tertium Quid: Pictorial Narratives Created from Vintage Press Photos. A one-day exhibition of photos from the book, published in a limited edition by August Editions, is open to the public at H&W the following day, May 12th, 4 to 7 p.m.

Whitney Museum Gets Relevant

May 8, 2014, 2:30 pm

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Image courtesy of Renzo Piano Building Workshop in collaboration with Cooper, Robertson & Partners

Tucked away on the Upper East Side in Marcel Breuer's bunker-like building built in 1966, the Whitney Museum of American Art has drifted off into irrelevance. Sure it has a Biennial every two years that gets the art world talking for a few days, but it has lost its feel for the zeitgeist, lost perhaps to the trade shows -- a.k.a. art fairs -- proliferating faster than mushrooms after a rain storm. It's location off Fifth Avenue's Museum Mile, nowhere near Midtown á la MoMa or downtown where the New Museum has planted its expansionist flag, has something to do with the sense that it has lost its pulse and is in need of resuscitation.

On a hard hat tour of the new building, it becomes clear that all this and more is about to be addressed with the opening in the Spring of Renzo Piano's anti-Breuer structure in the Meatpacking District abutting the High Line. A vastly bigger edifice with roughly three times the space, it will for the first time be able to showcase the Whitney's massive permanent collection of 20th-21st Century art.

With every detail considered and incorporated into the design of the building, the Whitney curators are anxious to get started, lovingly describing the wooden spring floor, the pillar-free galleries and the only artwork commissioned for the new building, four elevator interiors by Richard Artschwagger, completed before he died earlier this year.

Cindy Sherman, Untitled, 2008. Chromogenic print.

Built in 1966, Breuer's Whitney is an upside-down ziggurat, growing in dimension with each additional floor, removed from the street, and lacking windows. While it is a brilliant adaptation to a small footprint and hailed in its day by architecture critic Joseph Giovannini as "perhaps the most obvious piece in the Whitney's collection of 20th century art," it is too small for a world where bigger is better. Designed in the '60s -- perhaps as a haven from the turmoil found in the demonstrations and riots on the streets -- it's time, nearly fifty years later, for the Whitney to grow. A Michael Graves addition was proposed in 1985 but was defeated as an affront to the Breuer.

Glenn Ligon, Rückenfigur, 2009. Neon.

Piano's Whitney takes the opposite approach. As he did with the Centre Pompidou in Paris, Piano's Whitney wants to engage with the city. It faces south toward the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, east into the city, and west across the Hudson. Though it faces the Hudson River on its West side, Piano wants us to look East to the urbanscape with its unobstructed, protected views. Placing terraces and staircases outside the building on its east side, the new Whitney nudges the viewer to connect with the cityscape -- not the River view or New Jersey, which lies on its other bank. Piano's Whitney is smaller on top and gets bigger at its base. Breuer's Whitney was closed in, Piano's is expansive and includes an outdoor plaza, restaurants by Danny Meyer, a café, curatorial offices, a theater and extensive flood mitigation plans.

For now the walls and fixtures are in place with lots of finishing up to do before it opens with the largest and most comprehensive display to date of the Whitney's unparalleled permanent collection of 20th and 21st century American art. This ambitious display will offer new perspectives on art in the United States since 1900. The opening presentation will fill over 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibition space, utilizing all galleries in the building.

As for me, I can't wait for the opening party.

How to Dress Well's "Repeat Pleasure" Video Will Make You Feel all the Feels

May 8, 2014, 4:06 pm

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≪ Previous: Whitney Museum Gets Relevant

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Here's a super-sad short film by young, Norwegian director Johannes Greve Muskat to accompany "Repeat Pleasure" by Spice Girls fan How To Dress Well (ne' Tom Krell). The clip is apparently part of a video trilogy that will be released prior to Krell's new LP, What Is This Heart?, coming out on June 23rd. Having just finished Roz Chast's latest (and highly recommended) book, "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?," I've been thinking a lot about aging parents, nursing homes etc., so this video fits right in.  We'll see where Part II of the trilogy takes the narrative.

James Franco Explains HIs Instagram Weirdness on Letterman

May 9, 2014, 6:50 am

≫ Next: Get Some Hi-NRG Nonsense With Urban Cookie Collective's "The Key, The Secret"

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James Franco kind of explained with the F his weird Instagramming has been about to David Letterman last night. [Gawker]
 The 5 stages of a cat getting stuck in a t-shirt. [Reddit]



Jon Hamm wast on Late Night last night talking about his big, giant....head.
 
Pls mister wasted man teach me to dance like u.


Americans get asked questions form the U.S. Citizenship test. Oh BOY. [TastefullyOffensive]
 

Top dogs listen to Terry Gross, MOM! [Durbikins]



Sara Schaefer's new web series "Day Job" debuted all eight of its episodes yesterday and it is DOPE.

A nine-minute loop of the breakdown from Spin Doctors' "Two Princes," or, as this video refers to it, "the best part." That's fine, but I think we all know that the true best part of this song is the scatting. [Uproxx]

Let's do this, weekend! [Pizzzatime]

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Get Some Hi-NRG Nonsense With Urban Cookie Collective's "The Key, The Secret"

May 9, 2014, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: "People Look at Us Like We're the Singing Kardashians": Talking to R&B Singer Mila J

≪ Previous: James Franco Explains HIs Instagram Weirdness on Letterman

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A little slice of repetitive -- but very catchy -- Hi-NRG nonsense from 1993 to send you off for the weekend. The UK band Urban Cookie Collective went on to record hundreds of follow-up hits after "The Key"...just kidding. But anyway, what's so bad about a one-hit-wonder? Actually, they did manage another dance hit with "Feels Like Heaven" that same year, and released two studio albums and even a "Best Of" album. Don't expect to find out the "the key" or "the secret" by listening to the minimal lyrics, but there's a lot of sexy dancing in a greenhouse and look, there's a crystal ball!

"People Look at Us Like We're the Singing Kardashians": Talking to R&B Singer Mila J

May 9, 2014, 1:30 pm

≫ Next: Scope Red Bull Music Academy's Cool Video About the Peech Boys

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She might not be on your radar yet, but Mila J should be. With a velvety voice, effortlessly good dancing and striking looks (she's of Japanese, African American and Native American descent), the L.A. singer is poised to break out of the pack of artists leading a new R&B wave. After getting her start singing in two different girl groups and then taking a hiatus from music altogether, Mila J re-signed with Motown Records just last year and is set to release her debut album, M.I.L.A., in August. While she's gearing up to re-launch her career, she's already got an avid fanbase at the ready: 60,000 people follow her on Twitter, her self-released 2012 mixtape, Battlefield America Soundtrack Vol.1, has racked up over 600,000 downloads and her current single, "Smoke, Drink, Break-Up," released in March, is #33 on Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop charts. We caught up with Mila J over the phone to chat about her album, growing up in a musical family in L.A. (her sister is Drake protégée Jhené Aiko btw), and getting ready for her first tour with L.A. rapper and close friend, Ty Dolla $ign.

How does it feel to be back writing and making music?

It feels great. I took a pretty lengthy break, so it feels like it's the first time all over again.

Why did you take such a long break?

Well, two things. I had been in music since I was like 5 or 6 years old. I had a couple of setbacks with groups not working out. I took a second to refresh and regroup and develop myself as a solo artist and to take a break from it all, honestly. Growing up, I was never a solo artist. In groups, you have to compromise and for me, it was like "what is my voice?" and "what am I singing about?" [With a solo career] I had more control over everything from the subject matter to how I dress. I was able to find out who I was on my own.

What was your inspiration for "Smoke, Drink, Break Up"?

It was unfortunately inspired by some real stories. My friends and I were talking about having to be out of your mind just to be with a particular person -- it's kind of a play on words.

Ty Dolla $ign plays your love interest in "Smoke, Drink, Break-Up" and you guys are going on tour together this summer. How did you two meet and become friends?

What's funny is we actually go way back to when I was first in the industry as a kid. We had mutual friends. I actually didn't realize he was the same person, because he looks different now. It just made sense to work together -- we already knew each other. It's kind of cool seeing everything come full circle with people you came into the game with.

Who sound and vibes can we expect from your new album, M.I.L.A?

There's a '90s vibe. My records tend to take it back, and I dance, too, so I'm really trying to bring back that ['90s R&B] element.

What are the songs about?

A lot of them are about relationships. They're aggressive -- not in a bashing men way but keeping it 100 with them. A lot of my songs are about being that girl who's down, about being there in the good times and the bad times.

And M.I.L.A stands for Made In Los Angeles. What was it like growing up in L.A.? How has the city influenced your music?

It was great growing up in L.A. It's such a melting pot. I wanted to make the city go with my name because I feel like there aren't too many people that are actually born and raised in L.A. Everyone is from somewhere else. People have the whole image of what an L.A. girl is but you have to give L.A. people a chance. They are just as normal and real as people from everywhere else. Let me rep for my city the way that the rappers do.  

How do you feel about the current state of R&B?

I think R&B is in a good place right now. I love Frank Ocean. It's different than it was in the '90s. I think it's dope, it's progressing and evolving, you can respect a lot of the artists coming out right now. It doesn't seem manufactured.

Let's talk about your dancing. You've got some moves. How long have you been dancing and how does that influence you musically?

I started off as a dancer and was dancing in a company when I was about 5 or 6. I ended up booking Prince's "Diamonds and Pearls" video and that was my first taste of music. My dad was a musician, we had a studio in our garage, and it just kind of progressed.

Is it ever frustrating to get remarks about comparison and competition between you and your sister? How do you deal with that?

No, it's not frustrating because that is my sister. And then on top of that she's the baby and I'm proud of everything she's doing. People aren't really comparing us. People are looking at us like the singing Kardashians. Before reality TV, people were more about pitting people against each other. Now it's more of a positive reaction.

What was it like for you and Jhené to grow up in such a musical family?

My older sister sings, too, and my older brother raps so people think when we're together we sing all the time, but we're really like a normal family. We do love to harmonize. [Growing up] was pretty normal unless it was time to go into my studio. We weren't like sitting around the piano all the time. If someone came over they probably wouldn't know we were artists. When it's family time, it's family time. 

Will there be any Jhené and Mila J songs in the future?

I definitely see that happening in the future.

If you weren't a musician, what would you be doing?

I got into skincare really heavy, so probably something in beauty. I ended up getting my esthetician license. Or, I would be a photographer. I love taking pictures of people.

Scope Red Bull Music Academy's Cool Video About the Peech Boys

May 9, 2014, 1:30 pm

≫ Next: The Best, Worst and Weirdest of the Week

≪ Previous: "People Look at Us Like We're the Singing Kardashians": Talking to R&B Singer Mila J

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If you can't make it to all of the on-going Red Bull Music Academy events, no problem. They've also created a cool video series called "beat:repeat" that celebrates the sounds and people of our little town: New York City. The first of eight clips looks at the Peech Boys' and their 1982 club anthem "Don't Make Me Wait," via an interview with Peech Boy Michael de Benedictus who reminisces about the song and also about legendary Paradise Garage DJ Larry Levan. Other episodes will focus on everything from disco to dance punk to thrash metal and hip hop; there's also interviews with Arthur Baker, Blondie's Chris Stein, Le Tigre's Johanna Fateman and more. Don't forget that the big FREE Larry Levan Street Party is this Sunday, May 11, noon to 6 p.m. on King Street between Varick and Houston. And again, if you can't make it in person, the whole thing will be streamed HERE.

The Best, Worst and Weirdest of the Week

May 9, 2014, 3:30 pm

≫ Next: Mother's Day Goes Really, Adorably Wrong

≪ Previous: Scope Red Bull Music Academy's Cool Video About the Peech Boys

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Best Drunk Bitches in an Elevator Video: This one of Reese Witherspoon gettin' all Southern Miss on Cara Delevingne, whose last name is hard to pronounce, y'all! Zoe Deschanel is like 'wut.' -- Elizabeth Thompson

Most Hilarious Dark-Comedy Short Film of the Week: Johnny Express -- the deliveryman 140 years in the future. -- Tucker Chet Markus

Biggest Hip-Hop News of the Week: Dr. Dre is about to become rap's first billionaire.  Beats by Dre is likely to get bought by Apple for 3.2 billion. Boom. Jay Z, your move. -- Abby Schreiber

Tonight Show Clip of the Week: This one. B Cranst doesn't know what a "badonkadonk" is but god damnit is he charming. -- T.C.M.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO of the Week: NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. CLICK IF YOU DARE. (We warned you.) -- T.C.M.

Best Reason to Spend $5: Donate 5 bucks to Logo series Eastisiders' Kickstarter and submit a drag name for Willem Belll's character, Douglas. May we submit our favorite drag name, Panty Rose? -- E.T.

Most Exciting Art Opening of the Week (Sorry, Frieze): Red Hot, a show dedicated to sexy gingers. More where this came from HERE. -- Abby Schreiber

Best Holiday Commercial Edited with One Extra Shot of the Week: EVERYBODY NOW -- ♫♫The best part of wakin' up, is Folgers in your cup♫♫ -- T.C.M.

Best Dog GIF of the Week: This one. If I was a dog, I'd be this dog. GOOD BOY. -- T.C.M.

Best New Summer Dance Jam: Priyanka Chopra's "I Can't Make You Love Me." The song is insanely catchy and Priyanka gets bonus points for envy-inducing hair game in the video, above. -- A.S.

Mother's Day Goes Really, Adorably Wrong

May 12, 2014, 6:45 am

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Mother's Day goes horribly, adorably wrong. Not again, sawee! [Uproxx]
 
Mother's Day: An under-20 minutes kind of thing. :(  [TasefullyOffensive]

Just a baby raccoon who loves to jump and play. [TastefullyOffensive]

 
SNL (and Charlize Theron in a fat suit) do their best impressions of deeply confused NYC tourists.
  Who doesn't. [Mlkshk]
  It's hard out there for a pug. [Reddit]
 

Battle the Monday doldrums with a kitty hug! [Uproxx]