Dream of Barcelona

Philosophy + Travel


Barcelona is the place to be, though now I'm back at home in London. Tired from the exhausting trip back after less than 2 hours of sleep. Numbness inside, mainly due to the tiredness, and partly from the extremely emotional week behind me. The illusion is broken.

One reason was the fact of reuniting with two very important friends from my past. After the loneliness one feels in massive metropolies such as London, it was somehow a striking contrast to live your live with a days and nights filled with laughter. And those regular bottles of red wine.

It was startling for my drive to get the VJ world organised. I have always enjoyed the silence, to sit beside a lake and just think. However, the energy you get from close collaboration is something amazing that beats the easiness of loneliness. The problem is the creation of the momemtum for the collaboration. Creation of rewards and motivation. In other words, not far from basic project management. That is my next challenge.

Reunion

Travel


I think I have to call the Barcelona week as a Reunion tour. Hanging here and filming with Kaisu, Aapo and Emmi - friends from my past in Finland - has been such a good reminder of the naive and easy going days of teenage. Uh, that sounds really cynical and old, but that the truth. I'm working towards huge responsibilities afterall.

Thanks to Emmi, we can stay in a real Barcelonian home. This enables to have a small peak into the real life in this beautiful city. The spanish way living does not surprise, I'm familiar with it before. All the siestas on the afternoon, fiestas and beautiful chicas.

The most striking feature is the architecture. Not just Gaudi never never land creations, such as Sagrada Familia, but also every single building just radiates a enourmous amount of shapes. Curves reflecting nature. Beside that, we found that there is a Videoart festival "Loop '07" going on. Definetely going to attend various events, especially Matthew Barney's "Crematory Cycle 1-5" films projected on 3 nights. Prepare for a surreal trip of visual storytelling.

Geneva

Travel


This comes from Geneva. I'm having a 6 hours of stopover here before continuing to Barcelona. Well, just don't ask why. In all my brilliant need of "not to do the easy way", I though it might be fun to stop here. How wrong the sometimes interesting plan might go and I'm already regretting. Geneva is most boring fucking city I've been.

Seriously, the central area is filled with posh wifes of billionaire bankers and diblomats, all on their way to buy the next diamond ring. Otherwise there is nothing here but diamond retailers, gold retailers, banks and shops selling you the best machines ticking on your wrist (we are in Switzerland afterall). Ridicilous. I'm already afraid of my returning flight

Well, there is a nice medieval castle on a hill.

Richmond Park Run

London


Today dawned with an early wake up, even before my alarm around 8am (which is stunningly early for me). After a check on weather "sunny, that's nice", quick morning shower and check on emails, I took for a little adventure to run around Richmond Park. Now, for you who do not know, the Richmond Park is the jewel in this congested metropolis, a vast open space famous for its deers and low flying planes landing on the nearby Heathrow Airport. And the park is huge, I mean HUGE!

Its like retreating to a tranquil meditation, where your spirit can actually relax. Your heart is not beating, like it would when you are driving 200km/h on the wrong lane (..hmm...I think I'll start descriping Ministry of Sound as that).

So by now you might get that I really do like Richmond Park. The beauty is that even me, who is living right in middle of the city near London Bridge, can retreat to nature and slow down for a moment. Check it out yourself. Here are some photos around the park....Oh the run? It took 2,5 hours with few rest and then I walked through the park. Next time under 2h. Promise.

Retrospect

Thoughts + Philosophy



This blog has been running since Sept. 2006. However, I've been a global nomad sometime now, living away from my home country. Basically I took the step on 5th September 2003, a day after playing my last ever show in Finland with Velcra. See the photo attached. Tours around Europe followed, but I have not stepped on stage in Finland ever since. Ironic, isn't it?

Yes it is, for the reason that this adventure has completely overhauled my course in life. Most likely I will never play music anymore, not at least with a professional pursuit in mind. The University degree in 2003-2006, which concentrated on Visual Arts, made me realise my strenghts in visual perception, visual composing and visual interpretation.

Although the 2003-2006 were the toughest years in my life, the shit that was unloaded on me carved out the best. Not that I know everything now, but those years washed away the blind spots that I was pursuiting. Like dear Marcella said: Open your eyes and you will see.

So the result of these years was ignited in June 2006 in the form of Moradi Hudson Management. First off with a hellish video production in Las Vegas, which was a good school. I was quite naive with my leadership, and so take some blame on the mistakes (which are too numerous to go through here). These experiences combined with Team leader skills with Ministry of Sound and about 20 business plans in a year, have made me very sure of myself. We see if it is all rewarded soon. At the moment it looks good.

Live Lounge @ Ministry of Sound

Performance




Sometimes life is good, and on this blessed May Sunday in 2007 life really is good. Yesterday morning started off slowly with a delicious english breakfast as my local coffee joint. I needed to load myself with a massive breakfast to take through out the day and night. Afternoon went on chilling and nervously waiting for the evening to set upon London.

As I've learned so many times in the past, (especially with Velcra) no production is without its last minute hassle. And Live Lounge is no exception to this rule. On 6pm I got a call from MoS technician that we would need one extra S-video cable, and issue that was too small to notice during the set up. An obviously by now it was Saturday evening with no electrical stores open. So I quickly took my keys and run to the Tube, in order to go the West End. Surely there is some stores open still. Well, there wasn't. Luckily one small side street store was just about to close its doors when I knock at them to "please, can I still buy one cable?". All good at the end.

There I was standing with the cable in West End. Its almost 9pm and I should already be at the Ministry. After a eventful run to the club, I get there to start making sure all is set up. Finally, the night is about to start, I give away my promoter speech at the staff meeting and all look really exciting.

Overall I was really nervous at the beginning, and the night was kinda numb because I have been managing the room for a year now (reminder for myself: need to go to other clubs as well!). Some technical problems were encountered, doors opened and I saw people actually preferring my room over such stars as Gilles Peterson. That made me relaxed. Throughout the night all went really well, we received praising from the management and staff. The best part was though the clubbers response. We must have done something right.

As a summary, from 200 audience two months ago to 2000. I can't complain, even though I saw some small issues to attend for the next one. Massive thanks to Ibz, Ed, Gary, Andy, MoS Staff and all the rest who came to MoS that night. The next one is on 16th June. We are aiming to make it even better.

Live Lounge Set-Up

Visuals




We spend the whole Thursday setting up the Live Lounge projectors and screens. I was planning for 6 projectors, with two of them covering the upper mezzazine windows of MoS Lounge Bar. At the end, we had to settle for 5 projectors, with one that will only half way cover the windows. In addition, one big setback was the size of the screens the projectors were able to conjure. Not exactly my vision, but overall I'm really happy and honestly believe that on Sat, it will blow the clubbers minds. Its that good afterall.

As a side note, major success came with the mosquito net used on a glass wall looking down at the MoS main bar area. Through out the last week we were wondering for a solution to get image projected on the glass wall. The glass itself won't catch light, and I was againt a screen because it's not transparent. A lucky idea turned out to work really well. Mosquito net is cheap, very transparent and does catch light nicely. Result is a almost magical hovering of the image in middle air, invinting the customers for the Lounge Bar. Cool.

Party time

Log




Damn, went to have some proper party. Dancing until the sunrise. Jason, MoS trusted aussie staff member left to continue his travels to the White Island of Ibiza, Spain. So he did throw a nice leaving party, which continued until the morning in the Fabric. Haven't had that much fiun for a long time. Though it did take a while to get back to this hectic rhythm with work.

Live Lounge

business

Live Lounge will have a major debut at Ministry of Sound on 19th May 2007. The night will feature VJ Movement from highly anticipated new visual label Ne1co. The sounds are provided by a DJ group Adrenaline Junkiez.

I'm very excited, because this is a start of something I've been working on the last 8 months, researching, developing ideas and trying to twist the concept into something that evolves the clubbing scene. It started last summer with some VJ nights seen in MoS, but those poor things had to be on small flatscreens. Well, the screens were 40", but on a massive space they just did not do justice.

So after realising that this is a great way to take a major step towards my goal of merging music and visuals, I created treatments after treatments for the club management. Now, hopefully it will take off and have an impact on the clubbing scene.

So come on down, because I bet you look good on the dancefloor.

The Greatest Day Of Your Life

Philosophy



Lets face it, some days are more meaningful than others. Or at least more memorable. We all have personal meaningful days, ones that meant more to us than any other one. I do something that most people don't do, I keep a top 5 best days of my life list. Lately it's been filling up, and spots are harder to come by, but it's awesome to keep the list and I suggest you all do the same.

1. Velcra gig at Provinssirock festival 2003, playing in front of thousands of people, followed by Massiva Attack's VJ gig in the middle of the beautiful northern nightless summer. The magic of the night was far beyond this world. My first touch on VJing. (see the attached photo).

2. Food poisoning myself and Partyboy the Cat, June 2006. Three days of hallucinations, no food and near death experiences. Result: my heart literally nearly stopped (at a ripe age of 27), and I will always check the 'best before' date from now on. Thanks to Shara for taking care of me.

3. Second night in New York on January 2007 partying with completely ramdom people from my guesthouse Chelsea Star. We went around lower east side, ending up in this smallish bar. The spontanious was awesome, with a total guys night out. At the I danced the night away with a Texas girl, who was very fascinated by my MoS "tattoo"...hmmm.

4. Deep Dish night at Ministry of Sound in July 2005. 'nuff said. Just memorable.

5. 12 hrs drive from Wasington D.C. to Portland, Maine in June 2000, while my friend was high on all kinda substances, constantly talking and trying to keep me awake. Hilarious I say. Car breaking down evetually and Kym came to rescue us.

--- --- ---

You would be surprised with the things you remember when you start to put everything together, between shady unmoral actions you pull off to moments of magic when everything is perfect and you can give back the love for your fellow human beings. Like Kym said, it is those people who remember your name that counts. So, what's my name again?

What was the greatest day of your life?

Barcelona in Motion

Travel

More Philosophy...no actually just an update. My works for Ministry of Sound has been a double sided sword. In one sense I honestly love it, the people there and the whole "fucking superstar" mentality. It has teached me a lot. One the other hand, I have been trying to push my ideas to the club, but they never listen. I think mainly because I had problems with delivery, i.e. because I had to improve my english.

However, finally they gave me an opportunity. Will tell you more about it soon, when all is confirmed. Meanwhile, I decided to have a small vacation at the first week of June, just because I've worked hard last 5 months. And you know, when thinking where to go and what to do, I just fancied that good old beach bum holiday. Though must say, that the culture is still important part of vacations for me. So perfect place was found quickly. Barcelone, here I come.

I'll suck part of that surrealism from Dali and Gaudi, and the second objective is to sit on a beach soaking the sun. And I go there with my good old childhood friend, whom haven't seen for ages. Maybe staying in an little B&B getting to know other travellers. Beside these plans, I've been enjoying the spring in London. Its been really nice month this April.

Poetry in Motion

Philosophy

I thought to wrote down some lines again. Its been a while since the last update. Lately I have been thinking about my live here in London. I always somehow though that I have to call this city a home. But after four years, I just can't. It is a great city and does give me so much. However, I think I will never call it a home, more as a long overstreched stopover until the next leg on my travels.

That takes me to the point: I am on a long trip, covering ground, learning about myself and hopefully one day able to make it into my art. Yeah, there is the company and long term plans of building a career. But career in what? Not that 9-5 office one, no! Life is journey, so there is no point getting stucked. Keep your options alive.

However, I bet it is a real crack to arrive home oneday and see the familiar faces in scandinavia. It praises the old wisdom that my goold old friend Mikko mentioned: All travelling is meaningless if you have no place to return. As these years roll by I starting to believe more and more that the journey is the destination. The art of movement is like poetry in motion. Try to see thing in a new light and appreciate the little details.

Crossover of Senses @ Roxy

Performance

Thank you all for coming to Crossover of Senses! The venue looked awesome, the music and visuals were excellent and, even though we aimed to get a bit more people, the atmosphere was magical. Look out for some photos later.
We think the greatest success was the magical illusion in which this London Bar turned into a New York Jazz club.

I think we will definetely continue, next time bringing even more music styles from hip hop to dance. See you at the next Crossover of Senses.

Crossover of Senses Photos

Visuals

Photos from Crossover of Senses:

Secrets to Prosperity

Philosophy

1. Contentment; not a bank account.
2. Happiness; for a determination simply to be happy attracts prosperity. Happiness is, at the same time, the best definition of prosperity.
3. Generosity; for by sharing with others the good that life gives us we can open up the well-springs of abundance.
4. Including the good of all in your own quest for abundance.
5. Recognition of the part you play in the great Symphony of Life. For Life will sustain you, if you attune yourself to its harmonics.
6. Working with, not against, life's changing rhythms.
7. Looking behind the obstacles you face in life, to the opportunities they represent.
8. Seeing failure as a corrective, not as a misfortune.
9. To diversify, not your financial investments merely, as monetary counsellors recommend, but more importantly - your investments of energy. Cultivate fresh ideas, fresh interests, fresh relationships, fresh reasons for enjoying your life.
10. Faith; in yourself, in others, in Life's abundance.
11. To break the hypnosis of self-limitation. The heights that any person has attained can be attained again by others - by anyone, each in his or her own way - given enough time, dedication and focused energy.
12. Not to fritter energy away with trivial desires. A leaking tap, drop by drop, wastes many litres.
13. Finding pleasure in simplicity.
14. Holding positive expectations, supported by a dynamic will.
15. Recognising that people can be your best investment. Be a true friend to all.
16. Realising that what you own is held by you in trust. Treat it responsibly. If you squander it, the trust will pass to another.
17. Finding strength in yourself. Don't wait for passing waves to propel you forward.
18. Realising that one cannot truly prosper by the diminshment of others. Bless everyone. An expansion of self-identity is a mark of prosperity, and also a condition for its attainment.
19. Extending a willing hand to the needy, helping them, above all, to help themselves.
20. Common sense; don't depend on luck, but on a realistic assessment of whatever situation you face. Only in practical stages can you transform 'improbables' into realities.
21. To remember - the higher the mountain, the harder the effort needed to conquer it. Success is not for the weak-hearted, It is for those who never rest until they attain their ideals.
22. The willingness to sacrifice non-essentials for essentials.
23. To live in the present - not in past attainment, nor in future victories.
24. The patience to adjust action to reality. In every setback, try to understand what life is trying to teach you.
25. Envying no-one. View others' successes and failures empathically, as your own.
26. Inventiveness; success in any field demands the creative outlook of an artist.
27. To feed it daily with fresh, new ideas - lest, like a still pond, it stagnates.


by J Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda)
from the book : Secrets Of Prosperity
published by Crystal Clarity Publishers