Pepe Nunez el Pepelini

  Born in Watsonville California on Feb 15th 1983, Pepe Nunez developed an interest in drawing at an early age. Influenced by pin up art and Japanese anime in high shcool, Pepe became incredibly good at bringing out the beauty in anything he saw or drew.  
  A few years after high shcool, he started working as a caricature artist at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. In 2009, Pepe strived to start his carreer as a tattoo artist. He is currently working at Strong Tattoo in San Jose.
  

 Death Viper Mafia girl #1

  Q- What is your biggest struggle in art?

 P- My biggest struggle is being consistent and coming up with my next idea. I want to make each piece better than the ones before, so it could be discouraging at times if I'm not in the zone. 

   Q-  What do you do to get resolve that problem?

P- I just make myself do it. If i'm feeling lazy, I'll force myself to start drawing and eventually an idea will pop up.

   Q- Do you have any drawing tips for artist that are starting out?


 P- I would say to look at other artist styles who you admire, or research new artist. It is very helpful looking at other peoples art because that's how we learn new techniques, and we borrow ideas from all different styles. 
  Speed is also very important in drawing to me because the faster you can execute an idea  with the same feel as something that takes  long to draw, the more ideas you will be able to get out there. 

Q- Who are your influences?


P-  "James Jean, Adam Barton (Orieles Tattoo), Alfonse Mucha, McGinnis, and William Waterhouse." 

Tattoo I got by Pepe

Pepe Nunez is having some of his art displayed tonight in Salinas at "Somos media and gallery"

It's from 7pm to 10 and the adress is  262 mains old town Salinas. For more info on Pepe you can contact him here.

La Vida Boheme

  Out of the streets of Venezuela, La Vida Boheme formed in 2007.  Although at first they didn't have and album to distribute, they kept playing shows at dive bars to raise money for their first album. After winning a local band contest, a few doors opened up for La Vida Boheme. They now have their album out called Nuestra. For more information on La Vida Boheme, go to http://www.lavidaboheme.com/

Caricature time

  I drew these last week. Enjoy!

Mahalia Jackson queen of gospel

   I was in Oakland this past weekend with my girlfriend and a couple of friends checking out art boutiques, when I came across the rich gospel voice of Mahalia Jackson. Then again last night while watching the 1959 version of "Imitation of Life" starring Lana Turner and Juanita Moore, I hear Mahalia voice again in one of the scenes. 
  Mahalia Jackson is viewed by many as the pinnicle of gospel music.  She was born on Oct 26, 1911 and was the third child of a Barber and Preacher who died at age 25 when she was only 4.  At age 16  she found plenty of work singing as a soloist at churches and funerals. In 1937, she began recording with Decca records but her albums didn't sell as they expected.  From 1946 to 1954 she was with Apollo records, but it wasn't until 1954 to 1967 when she joined Colombia records, that she gained broad recognition as a spiritual singer. 

  For more information on Mahalia Jackson visit http://www.mahaliajackson.us/

Mayer Hawethorne

     Multi instrumentalist Mayer Hawethorne grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan listening to classic soul and jazz tunes with his father. His sound makes me reminisce back to the low rider/motown jams I would hear during my early childhood, but with a modern twist. For more info on Mayer Hawthorne visit http://mayerhawthorne.com/

Audrey Kawasaki

  Influenced by both Manga Comics and Art Nouveau, Audrey Kawasaki's work is seductive and innocent at the same time. Her art is painted on wooden panels giving it a natural texture. With her fluid lines and soft warm colors, Audreys paintings give me a feeling of being awake in a dream. If you are interested in Audrey Kawasaki's art work go to http://www.audrey-kawasaki.com/sale/

  

The Trims

   San Jose Californias indie rock band (The Trims,) formed in 2009 when Gabriel (vox/guitar) and Eric (bass) decided to collaborate on a project that would bring a new sound to the bay area music scene. Bryan (lead guitar)soon joined to add his own cutting edge guitar sound and songwriting talents to the mix. The trio continued to write and practice, but were still in need of a permanent drummer. Finally Billy (drums) joined the group bringing the creativite dynamic the band sought.

  In Feb 2011 "The Trims" released their debut album "We Cried For Fun." This was quickly followed with a music video for the song “The Breeze” and a 6 song E.P. “Cut To Fit”.

For over a year, The Trims have played dozens of shows in venues all over northern California including: Bottom of the Hill, Avalon, and The Blank Club. In May 2011, from over 150 entries, The Trims were selected and then voted to play Live 105’s BFD Festival at the Shoreline Amphitheater. In October, they were invited to play San Jose’s Left Coast Live festival. The band is currently touring and working on new material.

The Trims have received press and radio support from KITS Live 105, KNCL 104.9, SaveAlternative.com, KSJS, FCC Free Radio, San Jose Metro, BAYFashion Magazine, and Cabo Wabo Tequila.

For more info on The Trims, visit: www.TheTrims.net

Starfucker

  Portland Oregon based band Starfucker was founded by Joshua Hodges in 2006. Starting as a solo project, the band now includes Shawn Glassford and Keil Corcoran. As the band grew in popularity, they recieved touring help from Partick Morris and Ian Luxton. 

  Starfucker plays a well blended mix of electronic, pop, and dance music. The thing I enjoy about thier tunes is that it's dance music you can actually listen to, or go out and have a dance revolution.

  Starfucker released their first album self titled "Starfucker" in 2008. In 2011 they came out with the albums "Reptilians", and "Jupiter."  For more information about Starfucker click strfkr site or myspace

That sketch/ Messer Chupps

  These are some drawings I've been working on.

Work in progress

 I did this one about 1 year ago.

  My girlfriend Nico is a big fan of zombie films. She has a passion for cooking, so I drew her as a zombie cook. Nico has so many amazing food recipes that if i'm craving something but don't know what, I go to her blog for ideas on what to make to eat. You can view her blog at www.satinandsalt.com

  I would also like to share some surf spacey horror music for today. I would like to introduce Messer Chupps. They are a 2 piece band from Russia. The came out with their first album Monster and Monster in 1999. Have a taste of their bloody killer sound. For more info on Messer Chupps click Messer.

   

Koop

 Swedish band Koop was formed in 1997 by Magnuss Zingmark and Oscar Simonson. Inspired by hip hop, jazz and house dance, Koops sound is laced with sensual rhythm that will keep you wanting more. 

  Collaborating with a series of talented artist, the pair released their debut album Sons of Koop in 1997. Their music is created through a series of sample and overlays, thousands of short clips of sound and music reworked to create the unique Koop sound. The final piece that brings the composition together are the guest vocalist which include Yukimi Nagano, Rob Gallagher, Mickael Sundin, Ane Burn and Hilede Louise Asbjornsen.

  For more info about Koop go here or there.