Graeae Theatre Company at the Thames Festival 2012

This is just a little bit of footage from the performance of Graeae Theatre Company at the Thames Festival 2012.. the whole show was incredible, thank you guys!

Graeae was founded in 1980 by Nabil Shaban and Richard Tomlinson. They created productions involving disabled people, their shared vision was to dispel images of defencelessness, together with prejudices and popular myths, around disabled people...through theatre, workshops and training...

Make sure you visit their website to find out when their next performances are! You'll be amazed when you see them live.
Enjoy!
http://www.graeae.org/about-us/

A.

Goldsmiths Big Strings

Hello friends,

Today the post is about the Goldsmiths Big Strings!
This project is a based string ensemble under the direction of amazing jazz violinist Julian Ferraretto in south east London.
All music is learnt and played from memory and cellist Jasmine Scott Neale (of MasQua) is taking part in the ensemble and today gave MasQua a really good insight on how interesting, new and exciting this approach to string music is.

The first GBS gig will take place at Goldsmiths Town Hall on monday 2nd July and then on November 12th at The Barbican alongside the Neil Crowley Trio part of the London Jazz Festival 2012!

Keep an eye on this great project and come along next monday to support these great guys.
We can't wait to see the performance!

Below is the flyer and here is the Facebook link:
http://www.facebook.com/GoldsmithsbigString

H2drOp

Hello beautiful people,

Today our blog is dedicated to an inspiring musical project that MasQua was able to witness live last week at the Jubilee Street Party in Deptford and that we all want you readers to know about: H2drOp!

Founded by extremely talented percussionist Nuno Brito and in collaboration with our digital alchemist Nathan Harmer (from MasQua), H2drOp is a concept of creating music using water as a fundamental medium engaging the audience in a physical, emotional and thoughtful way.

Nuno Brito has been working on his project since 2008 and has been carefully modifying his instruments to create specific sounds and tones when in contact with water. In a live show these organic sounds get transformed by Nathan Harmer through digital manipulation captivating the audience not only with exciting beats raging from chill out trance to more experimental landscapes but also through a very strong stage presence. Nuno seems in fact to be transformed into a Wizard when kneeling over a big  round seethrough bowl that changes colour depending on the mood of the music and stirring the water with his instruments. Nathan, completely in the zone seems hypnotised by the warm sounds that he is able to capture, loop in real-time and process making the whole room step up on their feet and dance!

Well... what more can I say... below is the website, I suggest you to have a look and keep updated so you can go to the next live performance. Do get in contact as people's feedback is very important for Nuno and his team.

http://h2drop.com/

Here are a couple of pictures taken on the night of H2drOp performance  :)
Enjoy the link!
A.



Nuno Brito

                                                       

Nathan Harmer

Bjork - Crystalline

Always a treat to watch this video! One of the most inspirational singer-songwriters of the last 20 years who is still is able to leave you speechless with her performances.. 'slapping you on the face' with her sound! :) 

A.

MASQUA EP OUT NOW!

Hello peeps,

Exciting news for MasQua,
Our EP 'MasQua' is now available on Amazon, here is the link!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/MasQua/dp/B007YQEVVM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1336591484&sr=8-4

Recorded in 2011 MasQua EP contains three tracks:
'My Goodbye'
'Forces'
'Red and Blue'

Lyrics by Angela Luzi
Music by MasQua
Produced by John Atterbury and MasQua
Mixed by John Atterbury
Mastered by Macc at Subvert Central Mastering

If you're feeling rich go follow the link straight away!!

THANK YOU for your support.

A.

Tommaso Luzi - Arte a 360º (Art in 360º)

"I am immersed in art, it inspires me, makes me breath, live. My hands are tools of the mind. The mind word of the heart".

Hello beautiful people,

The day is finally arrived to talk about an amazing artist, costume designer, make-up artist, specialised in stage designing, cinematographic special effects and animatronics: Tommaso Luzi (quote stated on facebook page).

Born in Fano, Italy, Tommaso is the founder of T-FX, a group of several make-up artists, sculptors, masters of stage design, photographers and film directors that he coordinates himself for public events and films. His experience made him an expert of special effects especially in low budget productions, always maintaining the final product high quality.

The artist has recently fulfilled one of his dreams: now based in Wellington, New Zeland, he is working for Weta Workshop, best known for the works of "The Lord of The Rings", "Avatar" (just  to mention a few) and "The  Hobbit" - directed by Peter Jackson, currently in production on soundstages and locations across Wellington and New Zeland.

Tommaso's talent was noticed when he participated to the WOW Competition (World of Wearable Art Competition) based in New Zeland sending from Itlay an incredible creation called Warm Rebirth - a wearable fire-red phoenix with three meters long wings and three thousand feathers glued one by one; a careful and passionate work, full of meaning and sentiment.

As a stage designer and artist Tommaso has collaborated with MasQua once before for a great show at The Albany Theatre, London. He also created the famous three headed mask, symbol of MasQua, so we are really proud to see him go far and develop his career!

These are a few pictures and the links to follow his amazing journey.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Luzi-Tommaso-Arte-a-360/124606464233874

http://www.nonsologore.it/2012/02/19/tommaso-luzi-t-fx/

http://www.myspace.com/tommyagency/photos/13494158/tagged

A.

'A MASQUArade Show' by Martina Ventura

"Martina Ventura from Prato, Italy, lives in London and studied at the London School of Jounalism. Bi-lingual she has a distinct insight and appreciation for music coming from the more exotic and theatrical areas of inspiration. With a varied and enthused personal music taste Martina offers us another unique and deeply appreciative view on new and upcoming artists". Pete RingMaster


  "A MASQUArade Show" by Martina Ventura

Since they formed in 2009 Masqua have been seeking a unique vibe to be relocated to. Everything took place from the willing of the singer, Angela Luzi to re-create on stage the typical features of theatrical performances linked up with a never-heard-before sound that collide all together  in a compact and harmonious package of hyper-modern electronic riffs, pop and folk elements with the ancient Italian madrigal style as a closing patch.

Masqua members have known each other since they met at the Goldsmith College and set up as a London based six-people ensemble, introducing Angela Luzi on vocals, Devid Dell’Aiera on drums, bassist Riccardo Albini-Trissino, John Atterbury on guitar, Nathan Harmer on the electro keyboard and Jasmine ScottNaele at the cello. Each of them comes from different music backgrounds giving the band a multicultural strong and effective shape:  a bit African, unequivocally British and Irish, and definitely Italian.

The band have recently had 4 gigs in March, the first on the 3^rd the month at the Fox & Firkin, the second on the 14^th at The Workshop, the third one at the Breakout Club-New Cross Inn on the 19^th, and the last one on the 28^th of March at The Regal Rooms and announced that further dates are due to be held in April and May.

Day by day, these guys have be able to bring to life an amazing show, increasing their electronic mood and spreading to the people- come to support them- all the emotions and vibes expressed in their music. The beginning of all their performances is a moment full of drama and pathos in which the singer, Angela Luzi, hits the stage or just turns around with her face to the people, wearing a symbolic colourful 3-faced mask, which gave the guys the idea on the name for the band.

The homonymous EP “MasQua” will be officially released at the end of April and it will consist of three tunes, Forces, Red and Blue and My Goodbye, with the lyrics of Angela Luzi and music from Angela Luzi and MasQua, produced by John Atterbury & MasQua, and mixed by John Atterbury..."

...

To see the rest of the article where Martina writes about  our  EP "MasQua" please follow the link below:

Thank you Martina!

http://ringmasterreviewintroduces.wordpress.com/guest-reviewers/

Izack Morales

Walking around Hackney last friday night I remembered a friend's suggestion to check out some interesting pictures at the Hackney Picture House.

Izack Morales's work was a great surprise hidden between the blocks of Hackney. I feel like MasQua is totally connected with the project: 'From Where The Dreams Come' as MasQua comes from different corners of the globe and is in constant travel.

Izack is a photographer from Puebla, Mexico, who uses his art to discover the world and is able to show it form a different prospective.

This is the link to his website:

http://www.wix.com/izackmr/home#!personal-projects/vstc1=from-where-the-dreams-come

Give your own interpretation and enjoy!

MasQua on NME.com!!!

Hello dear friends!

We thought we would share something exciting with you... MasQua is on NME.com!! Above is a marvellous screenshot and below the link to the website where you can actually see what it says ;) and watch our performance of 'The Circus'.
http://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/rreOPbM8ryE/search/

Thank everyone for supporting MasQua!
A.

FIRST REVIEW ON MASQUA! "A MASQUArade Show" by Martina Ventura

Hello bloggers and MasQua fans :)

It's so nice to wake up on Easter Monday and find out that a young talented writer Martina Ventura has written a great review on MasQua!! After coming down and support us for the last three gigs in March, Martina has beautifully put into words MasQua's spirit. It's really interesting to know her point of view not only as a journalist but also as a sensitive member of the audience.

So below is the link for the review : "A MASQUArade Show" by Martina Ventura

THANK YOU MARTINA!

http://ringmasterreviewintroduces.wordpress.com/guest-reviewers/

Platform-7 Poster

Tapescape starts tomorrow 10th April, make your way down to see local artists of the South East London area, more info can be found n the previous blog.

A.

PLATFORM-7

Hello peeps,

Want to remind you that from 10th to 22nd April 2012 Platform-7 is presenting 'Tapescape', a showcase of artists and performers exploring the politics around the videocassette and recorder.

Nathan Harmer will be putting up an interactive sound installation centred around the nostalgic qualities of magnetic tape. If you go to the link below you'll be able to have a small preview of what he's been up to and a better understanding of the installation.

http://www.platform-7.com/apps/blog/nathan-harmer-ext1

For more info on Nathan you can also visit:
www.facebook.com/nathanharmermusic



A.

Jon Gomm - Passionflower

Jon Gomm is an extraordinary acoustic singer-songwriter with an incredible virtuoso guitar style, he is so inspiring and fascinating to watch perform. Like Blues and Soul Magazine wrote: "Once you get over the jaw-dropping manoeuvres and technique you will be rewarded with some spectacularly beautiful songs."

Here is the beautiful performance of Passionflower we want to share with you. Enjoy! 

A.

'Little Man' by Little Dragon

Here's a band that has amazing style, the dreamy, rhythmical, shifting moody creature that is Little Dragon.
The four-piece band from the quiet port city of Gothenburg in Sweden blends R&B, new wave, soul, electronica and experimental pop.


Love this band! Enjoy this video :)

The Breakout Club Gig

Hello peeps,

MasQua is performing tomorrow night at The New Cross Inn, 323 New Cross Road, SE14 6AS, at 9:30 pm, FREE ENTRY! The  Breakout Club is a great evening of music organised by The Midi Music Company. MMC is a charity based in Deptford, south ast London that provides a space for all children and young people aged five to thirty to be inspired to get into music and the creative industries. This amazing company has also helped my self and MasQua develop. We are very grateful and would like to invite everyone we know to support the evening and all the acts on. Below is the leaflet! Hope you an make it down!!!! A.
For more info check out: themidimusiccompany.co.uk

A Moonbow Blockbuster

Hello People,


We have something really interesting happening in the South East London area from 10th to 22nd April 2012. Platform-7 is presenting Tapescape: The Catford Intervention. Basically in those days the now empty Blockbuster video store in Catford will become home to a host of artists and performers exploring the politics around the video cassette and recorder. I am proud to say that Nathan Harmer, one of us 'MasQuees', will be presenting his installation right here so i suggest you keeping in mind these dates and checking out the show as it sounds very interesting indeed and it would mean supporting artists in our local area.
Keep checking this space as in the following blogs you will be ale to see Nathan working on his installation. For now I will leave you with the promo video of the show.
Foe more info visit:
facebook.com/nathanharmermusic and www.platform-7.com




Platform 7 promo from Kai Clear on Vimeo.

A.

MASQUA PERFORMING @ THE WORKSHOP THIS WEDN 14TH MAY

Dear Bloggers,

MASQUA IS PERFORMING THIS WEDNESDAY 14TH MARCH  @ The Workshop, 243 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9EY from 8:00 pm. It would be great to have your support and come to this great night of live music. If you decide to swing down  and want to get on the £5 guest list please email masquamusic@gmail.com

Below is the flyer!

                                                                             

 

A.

ESKA + GVE @ THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL ON 7TH MAY

Dear friends,

Today I want to inform you about an amazing event happening on 7th May 2012 that YOU CAN NOT MISS! The super talented artist ESKA Mtungwazi (whose performances of the past decorated the output of Zero 7, Matthew Herbert and The Cinematic Orchestra, to name a few) will be performing her latest body of work 'English Skyes' at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 7th May, she will be supported by the Goldsmiths Vocal Ensemble (GVE), some of us members of MasQua are proudly part of this incredible event and are so excited to be performing alongside of ESKA and her team!
The tickets to this exceptional gig are selling fast so BE QUICK and reserve your seats!!!!
Tickets: www.eskaonline.com
0844 875 0073

A.

'FOREST' by Allison Shulnik

Hello bloggers, 

check out this amazing video. Allison Shulnik is a very talented artist with a fascinating creative mind. She earned her BFA in Experimental animation from the California Institute of the Arts, Valencia (CA). She had had significant solo exhibitions in New York , Los Angeles, Rome and here in London.

  The music in the 'Forest' video is by Grizzly Bear so one more reason to look at it! 

If you want to check out more of her stuff visit www.allisonshulnik.com 

A.

Lucio Dalla

Lucio Dalla, a great Italian musician, sadly left us today. We would like to post this track titled 'Lunedi' Cinema' written in 1986 in tribute to him. Lunedi Cinema was written for Rai Uno to introduce the film that was broadcast on Italian television every Monday evening. Join us in celebration of his music.
A.

MASQUA GIG SAT 3RD MARCH!

Dear friends,

Saturday's gig is getting closer, for you who don't know yet MasQua will be performing at The Fox and Firkin, 316 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6JZ @ 9:30pm, £4 entry.

In the mean time I want to leave you with a link to the trailer of this great film we're enjoying right now: 'Hugo':

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR-kP-olcpM

Amazing cinematography, check it out..

Hopefully see you all Saturday!

A.

Day 2 of MasQua's Blog and there a new bit of news in MasQua's world, we are performing next Saturday 3rd of May MasQua at the Fox and Firkin around 8:00, 316 Lewisham High st,  SE13 6JZ, London (will be confirming the time soon).

The Cinematic Orchestra, enjoy!

First Step

Hello everyone,

I am very excited to say that MasQua finally has a blog! 

MasQua is a musical project that is facing a moment of great enthusiasm. We are inspired by a number of artistic expressions that we feel are making very warm the asphalt we walk upon. We can't wait to share all of this with you and keeping you up to date with MasQua's plans.

I hope to hear your thoughts very soon.

Angie