Author: urbangraffito

I am a writer, editor, publisher, philosopher, and foole (not necessarily in that order). Cultural activist and self-described anarchist.

Culture Jamming 101: ShopDropping

Shopdropping is a tactic used by artists and activists to clandestinely place altered or recreated objects into retail stores. Handmade labels were printed out for students to color, cut, and paste. The project featured real people who make the products, their name, and sometimes even a story. The intent is to reconnect the labor with the product.

Though their aim seems noble, I can’t help but think these people could be doing something somewhat more constructive towards actually changing the corporate environment for the better.

You be the judge.

Loggins and Messina @ Wolfgang’s Vault

For those of us who remember the unique vocal harmony of Loggins and Messina from their string of highly successful albums in the 1970s — in particular, their quintessential 1974 live album, On Stage — we will surely welcome this musical stroll at San Francisco’s Cow Palace on April 4th, 1976, during their Farewell Tour. It explains why they were such FM radio staples in the 1970s and beyond (they don’t make music like this anymore, do they?).

Go on, try it, Be Free.

Up From The Deep

For as long as I can remember I have always been a proponent of the D.I.Y philosophy, never more so than when I founded my own micro-press in the mid 80s. At that time, in Canada at least, publishing was largely controlled by two groups: large corporate publishing houses, and government funded, University based presses. They did not welcome my small, independent publications then, and still do not welcome them now. This, of course, has never stopped me from publishing. As I have witnessed media being concentrated in the hands of the corporate few (and manipulated by their agendas), never has the need for an independent, vibrant media been more important than it is right now.

Perhaps this is what attracted me to Kill Ugly Radio in the first place. While so much media was taking a hard turn to the right, KUR drove straight through all perceived hypocrisy with irreverence and humor.

As my chosen links attest, it’s my aim to bring a new and vibrant view of counter culture to the new KUR — not only through music but zines and micro-press publications in all their myriad manifestations (even a particular favorite composer will make appearances where relevant).

Of course, I’m open to any and all suggestions. KUR is a community best served when it drops the KUR Crew a comment about what it likes and dislikes.

This is going to be fun.