Yes The Maccabees!

This morning The Maccabees announced both the title and the release date of their forthcoming third album as well as track titles. I must say that I am more than excited.

After being overwhelmingly disappointed that I was unable to make it to either of the record stores that were selling tickets for the London dates of their October/November tour, I would say that this may ease off my resentment towards them slightly.

They've put together an eerie teaser trailer for the album (titled, 'Given to the Wild). I'm probably going to love it regardless but I'm really banking on there being some romance and maybe even a tiny bit of whimsy on this album. The teaser is similar to the weird videos that they usually put on Tumblr, so it hasn't really thrown me, at least it does what it says.

'Given to the Wild' is set for release on 9th January 2012, with more details on pre-orders to come in the next few weeks. 'Given to the Wild' is the follow up to the 2009 album, 'Wall of Arms'.

To view the full track list, head over to The Maccabees Tumblr, don't forget to follow, like I said, they post some nice weird videos.

The Maccabees updated website.

The Maccabees official website
Like The Maccabees
Follow The Maccabees on Twitter
The Maccabees on Tumblr

Trash Arts: Wasters

A few months before I finished Uni I had the pleasure of meeting Sam Mason Bell. One of the first things Sam told me when I met him was that he was an aspiring filmmaker. Bringing us up to present day and Sam has just released the teaser trailer for his upcoming feature-length film, 'Wasters'.

The film is set in March 2010, and follows three nameless characters on a long weekend of decadence, ignorance and hedonistic pleasures. The idea of the film stems from Sam's personal observations of party lifestyles and drug culture while he was out and about last year. However, the aim of the film is not to preach that this culture is right or wrong, but to tell the story and allow the audience to observe. So stop thinking in 'glamourous' 'Skins' terms.

The casting process for 'Wasters' was very straight-forward. Having made films around the Portsmouth area previously as well as having a lot of friends, Sam wasn't short of people to help. However, something that I think quite admirable of Sam is his utilisation of the University. The main 'Wasters' cast comprised of drama students from the University of Portsmouth, all good friend's of Sam's. In addition to using the University, he also found two actresses on StarNow, an online talent agency.

The film uses various locations in Portsmouth including Envy's popular alternative club-night, the aptly named, 'Waster'. The production process was mainly a smooth one, with any issues coming to light earlier in pre-production with writing and cast members dropping out.
Luckily, he pulled it all off, so expect a premier around Portsmouth some time in the New Year.

Sam is part of Trash Arts, a Portsmouth-based production company which has had minor success with both various short and feature films, come 2012, they will be entering their fourth year. This is Sam's first attempt at going it alone under Trash Arts, and it's bloody good stuff, so expect to see more in the future.

Related links:
Take a look at the Trash Arts blog
Like Trash Arts on Facebook.
Follow Sam on Twitter.

Trash Art's next project is called 'Our Last Summer' and casting begins on 9th October at the Groundlings Theatre in Portsmouth; if you think you have what it takes, have a look at the Facebook event and head over to audition.

Oh yeah!

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

In 3D as well, 3D is awesome(!)

HIMYM, season 2 is awesome too(!)