New Music: Spector - Celestine

Spector are a five-piece up and coming indie rock band who hail from our fair capital city of London. They were nominated for this year's BBC Sound of 2012 poll and are finally getting the recognition they deserve after being in the shadows of the barrage of talented acts on that bill. This new song by the freshly squeezed ensemble is called 'Celestine', and it's a huge tune to say the least if you can allow us to say! With emotive verses and an engagingly powerful chorus, this tune could be the one that revives indie guitar music from the doldrums once more. We think Spector sound is highly comparative to that of White Lies who had a similar sounding vocal, a band we love here at OBWD. Give this one a spin, we're sure you'll love it...

New Music: Alt-J - Breezeblocks

New tune that's been catching a lot of air on BBC Radio 1, funnily enough Fearne Cotton introduced us to this act who go by the name of Alt-J, and the name of the single is 'Breezeblocks'. There's very little information on this band, but what we do know is that they're a three-piece from Leeds, UK and their debut album entitled An Awesome Wave is set to drop May 28 in the UK. Check the hype...

Bespoke Attire: Polo Ralph Lauren 'Surf'

As soon as the name 'Ralph Lauren' is mentioned people's minds immediately spring to the iconic polo shirt with emblem, however all that is about to change. Reviving an old school surf vibe that screams vintage Americana, they bring us a polo that is more than fit for standing out on the sea front. This is an ideal summer time garment that is casual in appearance, yet still has that classic sophisticated edge. Available from MR. Porter now for only £85 it is an essential item for summer.

Lifestyle: Stussy x retaW Laguna* Fragrance Room Tag

Premium street apparel label Stussy have teamed up with Tokyo based fragrance connoisseurs retaW to bring us an elegant but edgy fragranced room tag for your door handle. Ready for the summer and your upcoming travelling endeavors, this will be a nice touch for you cool young people to let the cleaner of your hotel room know that you're 'busy' when you're on holiday. The tag's got a classy look to it and will produce a nice greeting aroma of patchouli oil on entry to your abode, even if you just want it for your personal room anyway! It's definitely a collectors item all the same and we advise you to keep on the look out for these at all major Stussy retailers and flagship stores as they are available now. Tagged.

Art + Design: Shepard Fairey: Harmony & Discord

Shepard Fairey is currently hard at work producing pieces for his latest exhbition which is set to be titled Harmony & Discord and is due to take place in New York on 5 May right through to 12 May. This    poster by Fairey himself provides us with an interesting insight into what is to be expected from this up coming exhibition by the widely controversial graphic artist, with a grenade, here, representing the fruits of the earth. It is always interesting when an artists covers harmony and discord through art, as they are topics that can arouse great thought and some of the most visually surreal and controversial images. Political issues will be at the forefront of Fairey's agenda here in what is set to be a must see event. Engage.

Conspiracy: Tupac's Death?

Tupac's Shakur's death has always been shrouded in mystery, ever since that faithful day in September, 1996. The American rapper has sold 75 million albums worldwide despite dying in his prime, and is one of the most influential figures of our lifetime. He has changed the lives of many rap enthusiasts and now, shortly after the holographic wonder seen at Coachella, it seems he may not even be 'dead' after all. The founder of his former record label Death Row has spoken out about his passing. Suge Knight has recently come forward in an interview on the actual events that took place that day. The interview defy's everything that we have been told before, is it a hoax? Is it the truth? Decide for yourself.

Bespoke Attire: Play Cloths 2012 Summer Lookbook

Play Cloths introduce to us a frankly stunning modeling campaign for their Summer range of street attire. With a 'wildlife capsule' theme which fits in nicely with the context of the designs of the apparel, Play Cloths appeal to the animal side of the avid fashionista in a range of garments that features Zebra print shorts which are in-keeping with the highly popular at the moment aztec design, and fierce Tiger and Leopard head print tees. Check the hype...

New Music: Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans (feat. Azealia Banks) [SMIMS&BELLE Remix]

In an eccentric vibezy remix of Lana Del Rey's popular single 'Blue Jeans' the all-American breakthrough artist brings us an alternative perspective to the emotionally charged balladesque original. This version does feature Azealia Banks who makes her personal mark on this remix, and this is interesting as it has been known that the two are wanting to work together on a single in the near future, maybe on Azealia's forthcoming album Broke With Expensive Taste, who knows? Anyway see what you make of this one...

Event: Strictly Vintage, Leicester, UK [28/04/2012]

Strictly Vintage is back for its latest retro experience, with it's eclectic view on all aspects of Vintage living. With stalls ranging from bric-a-brac to clothing, there is something for almost everyone and it is held in our very own Leicester market. Although the weather wasn't the finest people still showed up in hoards to come and take a look at the nostalgia, to grab a few bargains and to have some food, that's what it's all about. In comparison to last month there were slightly less stalls, however that does not mean by any circumstances that there was any less quality. With almost every stall overflowing with affordable relics to die for, a visit is essential. Coming back again it was nice to see a few familiar faces around the stalls, as well as some new comers to the fair, all of them just as friendly as the last. It's a great experience and a good day out, the next one is soon to be announced so keep your eyes peeled!

The Market has new and interesting events week in week out. It's a vital part of life in Leicestershire and if you enjoy a bargain and different cultures then it's a must for you. Interested in the Strictly Vintage Fair? Then head on over to Leicester Market's website to find out more about all future events. 

Gig Review: Professor Green, O2 Academy, Leicester [24/04/2012]

Earlier this week (Tuesday 24th) Professor Green made a simply unforgettable visit to Leicester. Although this is the artist's (who's real name is Stephen Manderson) third time in our city, complacency wasn't an issue, putting in just as much effort as his very first gig. We in Leicester have a soft spot for the Hackney rapper as we even asked him to open our O2 Academy and play the inaugural gig, yes that's right he was the first act to play here and we have no regrets. The rap 'Monster' is always full of energy and he is a pleasure to watch.

On this leg of the tour he just so happened to bring along some fore mentioned American friends that go by the name of Chiddy Bang. Warming up for the 'At Your Inconvenience' rapper was none other than Philly's finest and they absolutely smashed it. They got the crowd pumped with a seamless mix of old and new, taking classics from 'The Preview' and fresh tunes from 'Breakfast'.

On a side note to this actual event recently Chiddy Bang have released a video for 'Mind Your Manners' and Professor Green has released the video for Remedy. Featuring a few recognisable faces such as Arabella Drummond, C.O.R.E and Jordan Stephens this video shows the mayhem that unfolds on a daily basis in Green's life. The video also features Millie Mackintosh who is rumoured to be seeing the Professor and has sent the viral world crazy. Besides the celebs and gossip it is genuinely a good video, so have a look and see what you think.

      

Images: OBWD Magazine (photos by Lewis Fairey. Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved)

Speculation: Kanye and Justin Bieber in Studio

For those who this may concern, and we reiterate the word 'concern' here, it may come as a surprise that Kanye West has recently been snapped with Justin Bieber in the studio. Following the world exclusive sampling of Bieber's latest album in a top secret location in central London earlier this week, big name collaborations have been banded about by those close to the 'Boyfriend' singer. This may 'concern' many fans of Yeezy who may be worried that a collaboration may be on the cards here? Or hopefully just production credits? Who knows!

Bespoke Attire: Madlib x Parra Graphic Tee

It seems to be a very healthy and successful year for Parra and their desire to extend their reach within the world of street fashion, and this is evident following their high profile collaboration with Stussy earlier this year. Parra's latest venture here is another collaborative graphic tee with the other party featuring 38-year-old California rapper Madlib. This will come as a welcomed collaboration for hip-hop enthusiasts who have been treated two tones: one in white, one in blue, and the tees are available now on the Stones Throw Records website. Have a look...

Bespoke Attire: Alexander McQueen 2012 Fall / Winter Lookbook

What we have here is the latest collection by world renowned high-fashion label Alexander McQueen, who it appears seem to be getting ready for the up coming 2012 fall / winter fashion season with their stunning catalogue here. Mixing the contemporary with the somewhat vintage McQ here brandishes their image of being the upper echelon of premium fashion delightfully in a riveting display of modeling by this young British model. We love the eccentric shirt styles with gorgeous prints embellished on them, with the jackets being simply to die for. Winter may be a far cry for you guys who are gearing up for the winter, but it's always nice to be prepared hey! Click to zoom.

Source: Fucking Young

New Music: Chiddy Bang - Mind Your Manners (feat. Icona Pop) [Official Video]

A new single by Chiddy Bang that comes straight from the duo's debut album Breakfast which is out now, this latest jam entitled 'Mind Your Manners' is definitely a feel good summertime record. The single has a brilliantly catchy hook that reminds you personally of the fact that everyone is different, but equally amazing in their own way. 'Mind Your Manners' is just a fun pop record with a spontaneously big beat, it's a nice follow-up to their largely successful single 'Ray Charles'. Just to top it off Chidera, the lead vocalist of the ensemble, dons a B-Side by Wale 'Killer B' t-shirt (below), a brand of which we personally love ourselves so top marks for that! Read our post on B-Side here.

If you're interested in getting hold of this t-shirt or any other B-Side apparel then just simply follow this link and head over to their online store. Refreshed.

Art + Design: OFWGKTA Skateboard Deck Prints

It's another Golf Wango Es Updateo as Tyler likes to call it when he drops new material on twitter, and it comes in the form of a fantastic set of skateboard decks with the OFWGKTA trademark designs and concepts splashed across the board underside. With a variety of designs and an eccentric and colourful range of decks, we are treated to tasty productions which naturally include the Odd Future donut and vibrant prints of the OFWGKTA typography right across the board, just to let your friends know what's hot! Check it out...