Tagged: music
Interview with Violinist: Etienne Bizjak
1. When/how did you discover your ‘love’ of music?
When I (first) heard my father play the violin. I was about 5 years old. That made me feel a real ‘intense’ moment of happiness.
2. Where do you get your inspiration from?
From my emotions and feelings. Life hands me experiences, which I communicate through my music.
3. How long have you been playing the violin?
For 20 years…
4. How did you come by the name ‘Twistin’ the Swing’?
Twistin’ the Swing is the young brother of Fever Swing. A cover band that Mike and I created when we started to play Gyspy swing music. After two years playing together, we needed something fresh to bring our original music to the public. It’s really hard to think of a name! We are really bad at it. I remember that we wanted something ‘original’ which doesn’t sound like a cover band. Swing is the kind of music we (still) play. Twistin’ because we liked the word, and that brings the idea of something distorted.
5. Tell me more about your last gig with WHORE?
I went to see the play three times because my friend is one of the characters. I met all the actors, Melissa and the rest of the team and felt a really good connection with them. So at Lot23, we naturally played music and hope to collaborate again soon.
6. Who would you like in your next or future audience? Universal records?
I don’t expect anyone in particular. I’d like to see anyone (really) who I can entertain, and also make them happy while listening to us.
7. Any influences?
Stephane Grappelli, Django Reinhardt, Alexandre Cavalière and many others!
8. What is the most interesting thing about you?
I am an aerospace engineer.
9. Do you eat breakfast?
Sometimes. I love having breakfast, however it depends of what I have to eat (in the house) and what time I get up!
10. What makes you smile?
A lot of differents things. I try to smile (all the time) because it makes life a little easier. I notice when I busk on the street, people smile which makes me feel really content. Hopefully I brightened their day – this makes my music meaningful.
Hippest Cafe in Auckland: Lot 23
Lot 23 is a place that you may read about in ‘Viva’; then make the (conscious) decision to visit, before it’s everyone’s hang-out.
Located in Minnie Street, Eden Terrace which happens to be where TVNZ ‘Step Dave’s’ (blue) house is situated!
As you enter the space: walls are filled with the latest art curated by Natalie Tozer, concrete floor, wooden old-school chairs, complimented with a super-slick white interior that acts as a great canvas for everything art!
The menu is delectable: ‘Ugly bagels’ topped with lashings of cream cheese, capers and fresh salmon, daily soup choice/s, croissant filled with Camembert, tomato and ham off the bone, ‘Baghdad eggs’ and coconut ice!
Every mouthful is ‘gastronomy’ and flavoursome. I particularly love the ‘Brazilian coffee’ that stimulates the senses – like coffee should.
I can’t get enough of Lot 23.
Amour: What is Love?
After watching this brilliant masterpiece, (film) called ‘Amour’ I had a lot of questions.
When you love a person, for a (long) duration, say 60 years, how is the relationship affected when one party becomes disabled, demented, or institutionalised (for medical reasons)?
Do you continue to love that person – the same way? Or is it too emotional, to see your partner unravel into something unrecognisable?
‘Amour’ is about a French couple called Georges and Anne, who are retired music teachers, both in their eighties. They knew each other inside out, and exposed their vulnerabilities, until suddenly everything changed.
Georges goes through his own journey, about whether he can live with this woman anymore, who he fails to know.
Love is also a great journey of discovery, of uniqueness and growth, and pain.
If you only love once in your life – you are privileged.
Fame
Ten years of silence, and now David Bowie has resurfaced, with his latest single, “Where Are We Now?” released (yesterday) on January 8, which also happens to be his 66th birthday. What an incredibly poignant, thought provoking song. The video is set against an interchangeable Berlin backdrop, apparently reminiscent of his time spent there in the 70’s. ‘Ziggy Stardust’ was a strong influence in my life, along with his androgynous style and unconventional attitudes. He vanished into obscurity for sometime due to (possible) health implications, and focused on his family. This song was tweeted to the world, and the world liked it.
melissafergusson 