It’s like a glory hole … for your ears. Our Great White neighbor’s metro system has become the testing grounds for Pepsi’s new musical poster campaign. Agency BBDO has devised an interactive ad on Canadian subway cars (currently 100 cars in Toronto and Vancouver) that allow you to plug in (headphones not included) and get a taste of some brand new music. Ok, so the mariachi guys, conga players, and team of kids who pop n’ lock in the middle of the F train had this idea first, but those b-boy urchins aren’t trying to get you to visit Pepsiaccess.ca and download their artists. Where else can you find a captive audience that are all wearing earbuds?

After Godzilla emerged from the ocean to wreak havoc in the horrible 1998 film bearing his name, New Yorkers have longed to see large creatures duke it out on their shores once again. Even though that radioactive lizard is long gone that chance has finally come again. On August 23rd Kaiju Big Battle emerges from the murky depths of it’s usual home at Manhattan’s Webster Hall to descend upon Brooklyn. The event sponsored by MeanRed and Studio Kaiju, takes place at The Yard in Carrol Gardens and combines an enthusiasm for Japanese comic book monsters with the violently entertaining spectacle that is the wrestling match. For a small fee you’ll be able to see beasty hand-made behemoths locking horns with gruesome movie prop giants on the Bay of Gentrification known as the Gowanus Canal. Attendees will also be able to privy to some premium musical performances from by the likes of Peelander Z, Junk Science, Nick Hook and Team Facelift. Be there or be bodyslammed.

Big poster after the jump.

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If Pedro Lourenco didn’t share the same name as a certain prodigy teen clothing designer in Sao Paulo, I would’ve never had the delight to come across this Portuguese artist’s impressive work. He earns his daily bread through illustration assignments with newspapers, magazines and books, but gets to inject his personal enthusiasm for comic books, music and movies into projects for clubs (Lux/Fragil in Lisbon), record shops (like Flur, “the greatest record shop ever,” he says) and concert posters (The Liars). Next on the production line is a kid’s book and fanzine. Between the two Pedro Lourenco, there should be no mistaken identity here.

There is one sentence in the bio of Stefan Sagmeister that says both nothing and everything: “He has earned practically every important international design award.” The bio does not continue on to list those awards, it just glides into other subject matter — much like a phrase your lawyer might insert to guard you from getting sued.

From a certain perspective, that statement is funny (because what more casual way to say you've kicked ass is there than to glaze over every accolade you've received), but in another way, it is potently telling. Stefan Sagmeister is an incredible designer — that much is clear — but his work and his lifestyle have made it abundantly clear where his heart is. It is in art, in simplicity, in communication and the universal nature of emotion. The last place it lives is a trophy shelf.

Design as religion (which is perhaps the most understandable way to describe Sagmeister's approach) is a far-fetched concept, but if you've stuck your face into his latest book, Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far, it is not as hard to imagine. Read on as we chat with Stefan about his studio, his opinions, and his willingness to depart from both from time to time in pursuit of a higher power.

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If we can trust what Wikipedia has to say on the matter, people born in the Chinese Year of the Monkey have it made. They are smart, quick witted, inventive problem-solvers, and they come with a side of sharp-shooting, horribly unfair skills– like the ability to absorb conversations happening around them, even while they themselves are heavily engaged in another.

Eric Chan, also known as eepmon, is a young, Ontario-based new media artist with enough experience under his belt to make much more seasoned designers quiver. He is also an enthusiastic member of that lucky Zodiac sign– and from what we can tell, should be, as he fills in its outlines to an intimidating degree.

Read up as we talk with Eric about his bright future, his studious (and very recent) past, and the exciting things that have been bridging his path from day to day.

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L.A.-based singer/songwriter Alu is set to drop her sophomore album, “Lobotomy Sessions” August 5. I’ve always said that music nowadays is difficult to pigeonhole, and often it’s an amalgamation of multiple genres. Alu’s music is dark yet whimsical at times. The intros always give you about half a minute to settle in as they invoke memories of everything from Persian music to the circus. With track titles such as “Casket Salesman” and “Martian Rendezvous,” you are not sure what to expect. I’ve been critical of artists’ voices lately and while there were a few instances where I found her’s to be unpleasant, it is mostly very comforting and mature for her age. I have not heard her work previously but I am glad I know about her now. If you are a fan of Bjork, Portishead, Tori Amos, Massive Attack, or Tom Waits, you may want to check her out when the album is released. In the meantime, here is a free downloadable track of the aforementioned “Martian Rendezvous”.

You won’t find many musicals on our site, but with Spring Awakening’s national tour coming soon to a city near you a few of us in the New York office saw fit to join the Broadway cast (from the comfort of a theater seat) and see what all the fuss is about. For those of you that aren’t theatrically inclined, the show is an adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s controversial 19-century play about teens and their awakening sexuality (among other salacious topics and scenes). It features a Duncan Sheik score, and lyrics from Steven Sater, which combine to create a strikingly modern and melancholy sound, particularly for the world of musical theater. But what really got our attention (and continues to hold it) is the sensational young talent the producers continue to bring to the stage. From the original cast which featured breakout performances from some of the youngest stars in Broadway history, to the recent addition of actors like Blake Bashoff (of LOST fame), the pipes on these kids are simply incredible (here come the record contracts). Now the producers are even holding open “video” auditions on the site, where you and your youngest ridiculously talented friends can submit a sample of your skills to be considered. The original cast is starting to roll over here in New York, so we recommend getting out there soon to sample the original vintage as well as some of the new talent.

You probably already know and love Sia from her two solo albums, our consistent gushing, the Six Feet Under death montage, or if you’re like me, from her vocals work with with Zero 7. Her latest full-length CD, titled “Some People Have Real Problems,” is a joint venture with Monkey Puzzle Records and Hear Music (Starbucks; expect lots of store promotion). The album is filled with upbeat and quirkly songs, and incredible ballads that really allow her distinct style and voice shine. The songs are mellow but not depressing and surprisingly easy to sing along to. Preceding the release of the album, the video for the hidden track “Buttons” has taken off virally on youTube since we last mentioned it; she also released a 4-song digital EP on November 6 previewing tracks from the CD. You can pick up your copy in stores January 8.

Josh thought it imperative that he call and tell me that he saw Sia’s new video just now which — in addition to accompanying the standard incredibleness that is anything she creates — is flat-out WEIRD in that “OMG, this girl is wicked awesome, I’m glad she didnt suffocate while she was singing with that condom over her head,” kind of way. But seriously: Clothespins? Plastic cling wrap? Sticky tape? WTF is going on here? Check it out for yourself, and keep and eye out for her forthcoming album, Some People Have Real Problems. You can even take a stab at designing her new album artwork, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Related: Breathe Me

I say this with no shame: I want my MTV. In the ’80s, people used to mean it when they uttered those four words, but when the ’90s came roaring in with demands to rake in more viewers, MTV changed their format to include more generic, mass-appeal programming. But redemption has come in their QOOB TV; an experimental channel, QOOB’s main medium is through Italian cable TV but it’s been streaming live through its Italian Web site — and now with an American incarnation — for ages, allowing those in the know to watch new music videos, uninterrupted, one after another for 24 hours a day from wherever they have an Internet connection (sorry, Josh, you’ll need a fast one). The vids from indie and alternative artists like Bloc Party and UNKLE are mixed in with really stellar short films and digital animations submitted from viewers through the site, a place for social networking that works as a breeding ground for digital-shorts filmmakers. QOOB puts up the ones they like most in between music videos, essentially launching unknowns to their broad audience of viewers, and they’ll even go so far as to give you money for your submissions. In other words, it’s a totally revolutionary take on programming, giving MTV back the reputation for progressive TV that got us all joining their church in the first place. I’m eternally grateful for QOOB, because I’m still with it and can maintain my side of the discussion over the crappy Mark Ronson “Stop Me” cover (I beg to differ, darlin’. That song is the JAM. –ed.) with friends over IM from here in Sao Paulo.

After reading an email from a reader a few weeks ago that strongly urged us to see Mute Math play live, I went to the Fox Theater in Boulder on Monday night to see what all the hype was about. Lets just say Mute Math had me at keytar– which so happens to be the lead singer Paul Meany’s instrument. When I saw Darren King, the drummer, wrap gaffing tape frantically and securely around his head 10 times before the band even started to play– to hold his headphones to his head– I had a feeling the audience was in for a treat. The show was at times smooth and rhythmic, and at times raucous and frantic– a combination of sounds fitting of Paul Meany’s Sting-like voice and the percussive storm booming from Darren King’s drum set. I’ve never seen a drummer take it out on a set like Darren– it was passion bordering on rage. Paul even put the keytar down towards the end of the show to hit the keyboard– literally; he was jumping over the thing like a poma horse. Mute Math are true showmen as well as gifted and passionate musicians. They have that big sound and likable songs that would work well in an arena. I’ve decided my nickname for the band is “The Police 2.0.” Who knows, maybe The Police will soon hand over their arena touring duties to these lads from Louisiana. Go download their self-titled album from iTunes, and then go see them live. You won’t be disappointed. I also want to give big thanks to Fred Heigold who came to my rescue and supplied these photos after I realized I had run out of batteries. There’s more after the jump…

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Trying to describe this conference would be like me trying to cut your hair over the phone (Thanks Jonah for the analogy). The energy, enthusiasm and mass of talented and remarkable people in one place at one time is hard to fathom. I’ve met or passed people from all walks of life, from Oscar Award winning actor Forest Whittaker to designer Phillipe Starck, and even musical legends like Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel. While they’re definitely fascinating to meet, what has been most interesting socially is the countless other interesting talented individuals from around the world doing their absolute best to innovate and contribute towards the greater good in their industry. As far as the normal programming, there were a couple of technical glitches off the bat but here’s a quick recap of what stood out to me most: Carolyn Porco– The planetary scientist was absolutely amazing, compelling and changed the way I thought about space exploration. I hope I get a chance to see her again this week. Phillippe Starck was a hoot– no preparation and no slides, he spoke essentially about how he felt, in the state of our world. The world is going to shit and he was busy designing toothbrushes and toilet bowl cleaners. He actually said “I believe in general that my job is absolutely useless; but now, after Carolyn and these guys, I feel like shit.” Hans Rosling was delightful and his presentation was beautiful. If you haven’t seen his presentation from last year, go watch it now! Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was moving– he’s incredibly prolific and his speech made me want to read his book. He said one thing I’ll share– so many people refer to, or comment about him regarding his height (7ft 2 inches). He said he’d like to be known not as 7 feet 2 inches tall, but as 7 feet 2 inches deep. I played with Jeff Han’s new multi-touch screen and it was a blast (more on that later). Finally, musician Raul Midon who I wrote about more than two years ago absolutely killed it on stage, he is one gifted guy– go buy his CD right now! More tomorrow…

We started quite the debate last June when we blogged about Alice Wang’s Audio Sticks– her personal vision of what the future for sellable-audio might hold, in this case she experimented with USB flash memory keys decorated in album art. Her latest project addresses another big phenomena that comes up in everybody’s life: Peer Pressure. She says not everyone has the potential or enthusiasm to act through life just to impress others. Can products be designed to create these similarities for you? She created a line of products with this in mind, like double sided headphones for when you’re worried about other people hearing music you’re listening to, you can play your music inwards, and something else (popular songs) outwards. She also designed a mobile phone application that makes you look popular in public by sending you text messages, a keyboard that makes it ’sound like’ you’re typing fast, and my favorite– a printer that only prints out positive emails for your co-workers to accidently find. Her concepts always bring up life issues in neat and digestible ways– nice work Alice!

Having met during the recording of her 2005 album All Rise, Inara George and Greg Kurstin have labored away in the last three years in Southern California. Greg’s multi-instrument abilities as a musician as well as songwriting and production abilities have helped The Flaming Lips, Beck, and Lilly Allen with their own efforts. Inara, the daughter of a 70’s rock band frontman, has moved from band to band until starting her solo career. Together they for the bird and the bee (yes, lower case) and what they have produced is ten tracks on a self-titled album that makes ample use of samplers, drum machines, and loops, all of which are a perfect canvas for Inara’s beautiful voice. I can’t help by draw comparisons to Zero 7 and Sia, though much mellower and drawn out. Ironically, you can catch the bird and the bee on tour with Sia (and a few dates sans) October 6 through November 20. Look for their albums in stores early 2007 on Metro Blue Records.

We here at JoshSpear.com are all about environmental responsibility, and when it comes to protecting our planet via recycling, there is no such thing as too much awareness. TRASHed – The Art of Recycling, is one of the most innovative and undeniably cool campaigns that we’ve ever come across. The program is designed to redefine the way people and businesses view trash collection and recycling through a medium that we can all understand – art. For example, at this year’s Coachella music festival, TRASHed had 35 stations placed in various locations across the festival grounds that each had a separate trash and recycle bin. The recycling bins were designed by West Coast artists whose styles range from graffiti to pop art, while the trash bins were left blank, thereby creating a visual impact for anyone throwing something away. Recycle bin artists included Downtimer, Erik Siador, and Jeremiah Garcia. Visit GetTrashed.org for more info on how to get TRASHed in your neighborhood.