Baloise Session 2014 - Storytellers: Music Lasts Forever

My Sundays usually are the same: it's probably the only day of the whole week where I absolutely do nothing. I'll might cook but that's it. Last Sunday was gig day, the second time in a row, which gave me a great feeling actually, since I had something to look forward to that wasn't the screen of my TV or my pijama.

I was more than honoured to dress up for one of the most famous Fall events here in Switzerland: the 29. edition of  Baloise Session, former AVO Session Basel, Boutique music festival taking place in a very chic venue, located in central Basel. This event has already got on stage several big stars of the music scene, like Miles Davis, P!nk, Eric Clapton or Morcheeba. Every concert is streamed live on Swiss televison and, in Addition, in 140 different countries in the world. The atmosphere is certainly something totally different than any usual concert. Guests and fans are seated by a table, can enjoy the music, sharing a bottle of wine and some candlelight. The average age is also a bit higher even if the musicians are in their 20s, because the whole line up is carefully picked for a crowd that is able to appreciate some good Music.

Photo Credit: Baloise Session

In my case, I couldn't be happier to attend the (sold out) Storytellers night: starring Swiss uprising jazz star James Gruntz and Scottish Songwriter Amy Macdonald.
James Gruntz was a pleasant surprise for my ears, he has a refreshing touch into his lyrics and could become an Evergreen into the Swiss Music Scene. I think jazzy Pop could or should be something in everybody's personal collection at home: there's nothing better than jazz, blues or soul while enjoying an evening home while the first leaves are falling and the air becomes chilly outside. It's all about the mood.

Photo Credit: Baloise Session

It was my first Amy Macdonald concert that I've ever attended as a press member. I actually don't remember how many times I've seen her live already, but I know they were a few. At least five or six, I guess. So it was a quite particular moment for me, to stand pretty close to her with my camera in my hands. I think I can put this amazing lady's music into my personal Top 10, when it comes to songwriters. Since I heard the first song back in 2008, I became a fan instantly. She has a very relaxing and positive way to tell stories, doesen't really matter how slow or guitar riffed her Songs are. And I think I'm not just speaking for myself: Switzerland is famous for loving Scottish artists, and Amy is the living proof, almost every Show is sold out. Her tracks are timeless, not going with any actual trendy Music flow, it's just how Amy sounds. Just take "This is the Life" for example: as I said, it's timeless.

Photo Credit: Baloise Session

The first moments of Amy Macdonald's concert opening were kind of insecure. Not because of her, she came on stage, wearing all black like a rockstar and played amazingly! It was actually because of the crowd: it was too quiet. I mean, I was more singing along than taking photographs, but it was not suprising.
"I played a private gig in here last night, where people are usually supposed to be your fans, but they were actually enjoying themselves more than you guys. You're welcome to stand up and dance.You should have a good time", came out from a smiling Amy, and she was so right! Her irony paid off, than the front of the stage filled up with a dancing crowd within three minutes. From my point of view, that was the instant when the evening was really beginning. So, after I made sure to have one or two useable photographs for this post, I ran back to my table, left my stuff there, grabbed my friend Paulo and got lost into the crowd in the front row.

Her major hits like "Mr. Rock'n'Roll", "L.A." or "Spark" weren't missing. Amy managed to be very entertaining and ironic in between the single tracks, telling some anecdotes about her daily life. How she supports the Scottish Football Team for example, or how passionate she is about her country. You actually could see her love for Scotland also on her microphone: blue and white crystals were forming the Scottish flag on it. Her song about Caledonia, "Pride", couldn't miss on the setlist at this point.

After an unexpected, calm start, the Storytellers' concert turned into a party. Maybe it was Amy's little reproach, maybe it was the wine. I was happy to see the audience giving her a Standing Ovation at the end of the night. The show made mine and everybody else's Sunday ending perfectly. The ride to Basel is totally worth it, even if you're stuck in traffic for more than one hour. Yes, it happened to me, but it was totally forgotten on my way home.

After seeing artists as talented as James Gruntz and Amy Macdonald, giving you this inebriating, light feeling after their gig, I have the confirmation that good music is something that last forever. No matter what Generation you're in.

Find more out about Baloise session here:

Baloise Session is running until November 12th, 2014 featuring the following artists:

Cee Lo Green & The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

Bryan Ferry & Schiller

Morrisey & Beth Hart

Wyclef Jean & Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires

Foreigner & Krokus

Leona Lewis & Pegasus

Fatoumata Diawara, Roberto Fonseca, Omara Portuondo & Mayra Andrade

Dr. John's "Spirit of Satch" & Monty Alexander's "My Roots to Jazz"

Thank you to the Baloise Session Team for having me

Jungle (UK): the groove is coming soon to Switzerland

There was no other Newcomer band in the UK lately that was able to let several press members speculate around about them. Rumors came up in the internet, talking about an anonymous duo, acclaimed to become the new Daft Punk.

I'm talking about modern soul collective Jungle, a London based band, which released their first Album this year . The record is funky in a total innovative way. The vocals sound like in 70s or early 80s disco tracks, the beats are modern, catchy, including Tropical prercussions, wildlife noises and psychedelic washes. If I should attempt some comparing, I would Switch between a few artists, actually: MGMT (the psychedelic sounds), Daft Punk (part of the guitar riffs) or even Jamroquai (that catchy, funky sound).

Funny thing is, that These two guys, "J" and "T", didn't really want to make a whole secret about their persona at all. The only fault of these two talented young men was to release their first single "Platoon" last year,without picturing themselves, and choosing the 6 year old breakdancer Terra to be the Superstar of their Music Video. That's it. Critics were expecting them to play behind a wall at their tour start. Like Daft Punk showing up with helmets or Gorillaz being cartoons. None of that. The duo just put together a band, mostly composed by their friends and went on stage. The moment came where the names finally popped out: Jungle are Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland, it's no secret anymore. I think they still have a laugh about it, when the whole story is mentioned in interviews.

Have a look and a listen to "Platoon" here:

After a successful festival summer and a totally sold out UK tour, Jungle are ready to hit the rest of Europe. So, if you are in Switzerland, go for it! Jungle will make a stop in Zurich, and play at concert venue Komplex 457. Do you wanna know who they are and move your hips a little bit? Get your ticket here.

Jungle (& Special Guest)

 

Album: Jungle
Release: 2014
Showtime: 20.11.2014 20:00
Venue: Komplex Klub, Hohlstrasse 457, 8048 Zürich

Presented by Mainland Music and Takk

Go Go Berlin (DK): Let's pretend it's 1969 forever.

A few nights ago there was a party. A great one. One of those raw rock 'n' roll parties. My little rocker soul actually couldn't be happier. I'm talking about one of the hottest Scandinavian discoveries, Danish band Go Go Berlin.

By advice of my good friend Paulo I had a listen through their first record, "New Gold", which was released in 2013. Like almost everytime, when I listen to a new artist's release, it's the same: I wonder how the show could be live, how it sounds, if there's gonna be some interaction with the crowd. I literally feel forced to search for a live gig close to town and will go as soon as I can. Fortunately, I didn't really had to wait too long: these guys were playing two shows in Switzerland, one of them at Royal Baden, a little venue, former cinema, 15 minutes away from Zurich City.

The first track of "New Gold", "Raise Your Head", played live, already makes your feet stomp and shows in which direction the gig will go: it's gonna be hot, sweaty, and nobody will be sitting on one of those chairs in the room. That's exactly how it was. And when you look at these guys,  you feel catapulted back in 1969, 'cause they look like they just came out from Woodstock.
Ok, we might had time to catch breath again during their only two down tempo songs. Besides that, everybody was dancing through it felt like Saturday night.

Lead Singer Christian Vium wasn't afraid to jump on furnitures or run into the audience during the performance. The whole album live deserves a 5 star review, it's totally different than listening to it during a train ride with some earphones. I was overwhelmed, happy and really felt blessed to experience such an intimate concert. The last time I felt like this was about seven years ago, when I experienced the Swedish rock export Mando Diao playing in front of 100 people in a small venue by Zurich's lakeside, rocking it unplugged, just with an Ikea lamp on stage.

They will go far, if you ask me. Being on European tour right now, Go Go Berlin already are big names in Denmark, playing on famous festival venues like Roskilde, just to mention one. Their vintage rock couldn't be better in a moment, where music industry sets on manufactured pop dolls and twerking starlets. They are the living proof that rock 'n' roll is healthy, and still there.

The band took some time after the gig to sign shirts and albums, sell its own merch and I had the pleasure to have a brief talk with bassist Emil Rothmann. They seem to have fun on the road, and I mentioned how good they would fit on a festival line-up like the one of Glastonbury in the UK, Emil just answered to me that playing there would be THE thing. And I just can say one thing about that: I'm pretty sure they will.

I couldn't fall happier in bed on a Sunday night. It will definetly not be the last time for me to see Go Go Berlin live. You can have a listen to their record "New Gold" here.

Thank you to Inox Live for making me be part of this awesome experience.

Fashionhotel - SS15 preview

My first question was: where did they put all those beds? 50 hotel rooms without a bed in it!

I was very pleased to get invited to the press and VIP opening of one of the most  innovative concepts in terms of brand Promotion ever made in town. The 25hours Hotel in the western part of Zurich got transformed into a Fashion marketplace, mall, networking spot and runway at the same time.

Photo Credit: Fashionhotel.ch

Photo Credit: Fashionhotel.ch

Me and my friend Sandra entering the Fashionhotel
Photo Credit: Fashionhotel.ch

After a warm welcome, and a delicious apero, the evening got started with a Fashion Show featuring one Piece of every brand that had its own store (or room) at the Hotel. Mostly Young, Swiss upcoming but also already established labels, showed us what sweet SS15 has to offer. From sexy seethrough, to romantic Dresses, classy leathergoods and outstanding, smashing jewelery. Beauty addicts could get their nails done, have a theeth bleaching or even a massage in three different rooms. Swiss watch Label Swatch surprised with an exibithion in the hotel's Saunas.

The show was a nice warm up before the official opening of the various rooms, all guests were thrilled to go upstairs! In Addition to the Showrooms, every floor had its own bar and a DJ. Besides the young brands of a year or two, there were also well known Labels like Liebeskind or Hallhuber showing their Spring/Summer 2015 collection highlights.
The tour between all those pretty things was long and way cooler as imagined. It was nice to get some summer Inspiration for me, since I'm going to have hot weather soon on my world trip. It was hard to pick some favourites, but I was able to manage that!

JustWhatILike

Ibiza's high life, Bali's traditional look, a little bling, a bit of statement, things that sparkle and look good. Basically what Girls like into fancy Accessoires. JustWhatILike, indeed. Angela Meleti's shop has a good combination between all those things, just better. My favourites: her earpieces! When I entered the room I literally wanted to sit down on the floor, and try every single one on. Earpieces are big in the fashion worlsd since a while, now but hers are true beauties, word!

Carlita's Collezione

A passionate Surfergirl puts her love for Bali into her soft leatherbags. The items of Carlita's Collezione are handcrafted in Indonesia, and every sold piece donates automatically one Swiss franc to SurfAid, a non-Profit humanitarian Organisation. Carla shared her room with jewel designer Olivia (Pourpour). Her self designed jewels have that exotic touch, and the fine golden necklaces are perfect for a romantic spirit. The bag collection has a wide selection of different satchels (for me, one of the best shapes of bags ever designed!) and clutches. "Is there a better Feeling than touching a soft leather, and knowing this bag is yours forever?". There's not. Any Girl should have one classic Piece, to wear all over the seasons.

Selfnation

Finding the perfect Jeans can actually become a Dilemma. These guys seems to have the answer. Selfnation is a Zurich/Berlin based brand, which is able to create a customized jeans by integrating some innovative Technologies, in combination with Italy's best denim and European handcraft only. Selfnation has a Basic and a seasonal collection . It's easy to order the jeans in a couple of clicks, by giving eight different measurements free. The customized item is delivered whithin 14 days from Germany and if it doesen't fit, it can be easily changed by a Partner seamstress until it's perfect. I had a nice talk with the guys, they seem to be down to earth and loving what they do. I love the concept, the different designs avalaible and the colors of their new collection.

Photo Credit: my friend Metropolischt

Photo Credit: my friend Metropolischt

Stand Black Nude

One of the non-Swiss Showrooms was occupied from a - obviously - Swedish brand: Stand Black Nude. Founded in 2013, this Label offers an amazing range of leather clothing. The jackets and Pants don't remind of bikers anymore, they should be a Standard Piece into every modern woman's closet. A pair of black leather Pants, combined with the simplicity of a White tank, can be a proud outstanding Outfit, without any excess. Typical Swedish Fashion, exactly how I love it the most.

Photo Credit: Stand Black Nude

Photo Credit: Stand Black Nude

Savannah Chic

Schruti Patel is the name behind the jewel designs of Savannah Chic. Born in Kenia, with Indian Roots, Schruti offers genuine afro-inspired treasures, handmade in Kenia. The necklaces and bracelets can be worn in every Occasion, are made of recycled materials, and last but not least, give work to amazingly skilled African artisans.

This first edition of Fashionhotel was a huge success! About 7000 overwhelmed visitors took Advantage of the 50 pop-up stores, to get the best inspirations for the upcoming season. The concept of trading Event, Fashion Show and party all together, just caused positive reactions.I have to admit, most of my heartbeats went to accessories Designers, with a couple of exeptions. I wasn't surprised after all my years spent into the leathergoods industry.


I am looking Forward to Fashionhotel's AW15 Edition, taking place again at 25hours Hotel Zurich West, from April 24th to April 26th, 2015.

A Special Thank You to Barbara Haueter, from Zenhäusern & Partner AG, and 25hours Hotel Zurich West for having me.

Zürich Film Festival 2014: Spanish Heat and Golden Icons

Once a year the city of Zurich gets transformed into a little hotspot for international filmmakers and actors. The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) takes place this year from September 25th to October 5th, for the tenth time, also a reason to celebrate with a special Programme.

Logo: ZFF.com

The opening night was the most crowded one, with photographers pushing each other to the side, to get the best picture of the star guests, Swiss celebrities and the founders of the festival: Karl Spoerri, Nadja Schildknecht.

These autumn days are pretty warm for a city like Zurich: most days were mild and sunny, perfect also in the evenings to show a wardrobe without wearing any coat or scarf. Our carpet here is green and not red, and it gets crowded almost every night with fans trying to take a selfie with their beloved idols.

Photo: ZFF.com

Antonio Banderas - "Autómata"

One of the most acclaimed stars in the past days was Spanish shooting star Antonio Banderas, which was promoting his latest movie "Autómata", directed by Gabe Ibáñez.
The sci-fi-film was co-produced by Banderas, on a mini-budget, and it took a couple of years to get it done. According to the Malaga born superstar, they were using different requisites of past movies, like those from "Expendables 3", to hold the budget.
Set in 2044, "Autómata" shows our world pretty dusky and desolate, with machines and robots taking control. Clear message to humanity: if we keep on going like this, it might end pretty bad. It should make us think more about our social media and gadget consumption. As I could hear from the interview, Antonio Banderas is still trying to get how an Ipad works from his daughter. And he's not pretty interested in modern technology gadgets Another thing that makes this actor unique is how is able to manage personal questions. It was pretty clear that one should have been coming, since his ex-wife, Melanie Griffith, is playing a little role in the film.

"She was, is and will always be a great actress. This movie was the definitive conclusion of a 20-years relationship" - Antonio Banderas, Zurich 2014

I think there's nothing else to say on that.

He showed up on the green carpet wearing classic black, and wasn't rushing to get into the theatre. He posed for the photographers and had some long conversations with the reporters. His fans were obviously overwhelmed, and the Spanish flags couldn't miss.
Antonio Banderas' showing up at the Zurich Film Festival was exactly how I imagined it: the Spanish heat himself, down to earth, serious and laid back attitude.

Karl Spoerri, Gabe Ibáñez, Antonio Banderas and Nadja Schildknecht

Diane Keaton - "And So It Goes" - Golden Icon Award 2014

After Antonio's appearence, it was the time of a Hollywood legend: the one and only Diane Keaton, The romantic comedy star honoured our little city last night, to get, as the first female in 10 editions, the Golden Icon Award (and she was so proud of it!).

She was delightly in a very good mood, posing with fans and running around on the carpet like a little sweet hurricane. Mrs, Keaton was rocking a pair of black Louboutins, a leather pencil skirt, completing the style with her legendary masculine touch: a gentleman's hat. She always had the faible to set trends without being afraid, and last night she prooved that she still isn't! I was a big fan, but now I am one of the biggest groupies, I guess...

She didn't stop smiling and joking inside at the award ceremony, the whole theatre was laughing at every sentence. Having a singing role in her latest movie "And So It Goes", she took advantage of the situation and also sang for the audience. The film is a romantic comedy, with co-star Michael Douglas, who's playing an egoistic estate agent, that doesen't really care about the people he's surrounded by. This changes after his son shows up with his granddaughter, and he meets the widow Leah, which hasn't dropped her dream of singing despite her advanced age.
I have to say, it's not my favourite DK comedy, there are plenty of better ones, but watching her acting is one of the best thing of the film.

Before Diane Keaton received the Golden Icon Award, there was a screening with her best movie scenes, including the "Godfather" trilogy, that helped her to get a golden globe status. Two words: well deserved!

"Oh, I love Zurich so much!" - Diane Keaton, Zurich 2014