Series: Matthew Waldman | Vol. 21 "A Diary Without Dates"

A Diary Without Dates

It’s been a while!
After the earthquake and tsunami, it felt as though not just Japan, but the whole world was in a slump. I found myself needing to focus more on my own brand, and months just flew by!! But I’ve been bursting to write for OPENERS every single day, and I finally felt I was going to explode, so I’m writing an article that’s simple, but written with that same explosive energy. Hope you enjoy it!

By Matthew Waldman

Listen for Free!

First, some news from a friend in the music industry. COM TRUISE (real name Seth Haley), an artist on GHOSTLY RECORDS who loves the color orange, visited NOOKA LAB. We talked about design (my main job is still graphic design) and music, and I gave him some orange products as a gift. After that, he released new work, so please give it a listen!

It’s instrumental electro, but his dance mixes are great too.

Download for free here.
http://comtruise.com/kc/

Another day, the duo French Horn Rebellion also showed up at the lab! In May, we did a promotion called “1 band 1 brand.” Unlike typical marketing, this was a buzzworthy project based on the concept of “authenticity,” where we promoted bands and brands that we each liked.

Though they’re much younger than me, our musical tastes align surprisingly well. French Horn Rebellion’s sound is innovative, yet they also create nostalgic 70s dance mixes.

Download for free here.
http://soundcloud.com/french-horn-rebellion/pool-party-mixtape

Second Visit to Mexico City

Changing the subject, in the first half of May, I took a business trip to Mexico City. My second visit to Mexico City. The work schedule was intense, but the environment was so stimulating that I really enjoyed it. Mexico City really suits me!!

On evening walks, I strolled through the ZONA ROSA neighborhood, admiring the Art Deco architecture, enjoying delicious street food, and truly soaking in the essence of Mexico.

I also visited the recently opened Soumaya Museum, but perhaps because it houses the private collection of the world's richest man, the curation felt a bit lacking.

Coincidentally, a party celebrating the Mexican film awards won by Hollywood star Diego Luna was being held at the bar of the hotel where I was staying. I got to meet the star and even took a photo with my iPhone!

I also tried escamoles for the first time. Escamoles are ant larvae. Since it’s a seasonal delicacy, I was glad I got to try it.
It was delicious!

Reference Links
http://comtruise.com/
http://frenchhornrebellion.com/
http://www.npr.org/2011/05/14/136051387/worlds-richest-man-opens-flashy-museum-in-mexico
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Luna
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escamoles