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Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Meteor Showers by Andy Kong in Music
Jun 26, 2019
Andy Kong is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in San Francisco, California. Not too long ago, he released a charming pop tune, entitled, “Westfalia”.
“‘Westfalia’ is the exhilaration of driving with the windows down on a sunny day. The freedom of letting it all go. Or the simplicity of spending time just relaxing with friends.” – Andy Kong
‘Westfalia’ tells an interesting tale of a young guy who follows the emotions that he is feeling inside.
Therefore, when he envisions visiting a far off town, he immediately departs with his significant other inside a comfortable automobile.
Moments later, they are cruising 55 miles-per-hour in the slow lane down the California coast, where they experience true bliss.
‘Westfalia’ contains a dreamy storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses lush instrumentation scented with a nostalgic indie-pop aroma.
In 2015, Andy Kong broke through with his emotive “Meteor Showers” EP. Since then, the 6-track project has amassed over 10 million streams online via Spotify.
Kong self-produces every song from start to finish, making each true to his vision and voice. Get acquainted with his music by streaming his “Meteor Showers” EP via Spotify.
“‘Westfalia’ is the exhilaration of driving with the windows down on a sunny day. The freedom of letting it all go. Or the simplicity of spending time just relaxing with friends.” – Andy Kong
‘Westfalia’ tells an interesting tale of a young guy who follows the emotions that he is feeling inside.
Therefore, when he envisions visiting a far off town, he immediately departs with his significant other inside a comfortable automobile.
Moments later, they are cruising 55 miles-per-hour in the slow lane down the California coast, where they experience true bliss.
‘Westfalia’ contains a dreamy storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses lush instrumentation scented with a nostalgic indie-pop aroma.
In 2015, Andy Kong broke through with his emotive “Meteor Showers” EP. Since then, the 6-track project has amassed over 10 million streams online via Spotify.
Kong self-produces every song from start to finish, making each true to his vision and voice. Get acquainted with his music by streaming his “Meteor Showers” EP via Spotify.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated I Mean What I Say by Viviana in Music
Jul 10, 2019
Viviana is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Houston, Texas. Not too long ago, she released an adorable indie-pop tune, entitled, “Rain”.
“You’ll be surprised by how little you really know about yourself today or any day at all. Just leave behind all that mess going on in your brain and for now just enjoy the rain.” – Viviana
‘Rain’ tells a wonderful tale of a young woman who wants to have fun and spend some family time with her sister. Apparently, she wants them to chill and watch old movies of when they were teenagers.
Shortly afterward, she suggests that they go out and play in the rain like they used to do when they were young and carefree.
‘Rain’ contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses appealing instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.
“This song was dedicated to my sister in hopes of reminding her, and everyone who hears it, the simpler and sweeter times of our childhood.” – Viviana
Viviana has been singing and playing instruments such as guitar, piano, and ukulele since she was 10-years-old. This fall, she will be attending Berklee College of Music.
Also, “Rain” is featured on her latest EP, entitled, “I Mean What I Say”.
“You’ll be surprised by how little you really know about yourself today or any day at all. Just leave behind all that mess going on in your brain and for now just enjoy the rain.” – Viviana
‘Rain’ tells a wonderful tale of a young woman who wants to have fun and spend some family time with her sister. Apparently, she wants them to chill and watch old movies of when they were teenagers.
Shortly afterward, she suggests that they go out and play in the rain like they used to do when they were young and carefree.
‘Rain’ contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses appealing instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.
“This song was dedicated to my sister in hopes of reminding her, and everyone who hears it, the simpler and sweeter times of our childhood.” – Viviana
Viviana has been singing and playing instruments such as guitar, piano, and ukulele since she was 10-years-old. This fall, she will be attending Berklee College of Music.
Also, “Rain” is featured on her latest EP, entitled, “I Mean What I Say”.
JT (287 KP) rated Easy A (2010) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Flat, dull and lacking in any laughs. Harsh this verdict might be, but I’m afraid it is about the long and the short of it. As Indie films go this does little to highlight those credentials bestowed on other greats such as Clueless or Sixteen Candles. The lovely Emma Stone whose turn in Superbad put her on the road to stardom is short of her best, and at times is cringe worthily bad.
Olive (Stone) is a well liked pupil at high school, but when a little white lie about losing her virginity gets the rumour mill going she is singled out as, well, quite simply a slut.
Drawing on comparisons to The Scarlet Letter, which happens to be one of the books she is studying she takes it upon herself to brandish her attire with the letter A, for adulterer, as well as using her new found status to milk a little money from desperate males keen to move a level or two up the social ladder.
As Indie films go this does little to highlight those credentials bestowed on other greats such as Clueless or Sixteen Candles
Some have compared this to the best teen comedy since Clueless, well forget it, Director Will Gluck does little to inject this film with any laughs whatsoever, and any dramatic interludes seem bland. If anything the characters are somewhat annoying, ranging from Amanda Bynes’s devout Christian who is not really a good advert for all things religious to Olive’s best bud Rhiannon (Aly Michalka) by far and away one of the worst acting performances I have seen for some time.
Even the inclusion of Friends star (yes she’ll always have that tag) Lisa Kudrow as the school councillor or Thomas Haden Church as her teacher husband do little to offer the overall outcome of the plot. Perhaps one of the few shinning lights are Olive’s parents Dill and Rosemary (aptly named), Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson respectively, whose care free guide to parenting should be noted for today’s modern age.
If Gluck thinks he can walk in the same footsteps of a John Hughes master class he is going to have to come up with something better than this. Hughes himself was the Godfather of the teenage comedy for the likes of The Breakfast Club and not forgetting for a second Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Easy A tries to hard to follow in the footsteps of the above and even Olive herself references them during the film, with an ending that hardly screams of originality, unless they are paying homage to 80s teen comedies.
Openly, its not good, confused and lost for long periods Stone does her utmost to pull anything back but it ain’t working for her or Gluck here.
Olive (Stone) is a well liked pupil at high school, but when a little white lie about losing her virginity gets the rumour mill going she is singled out as, well, quite simply a slut.
Drawing on comparisons to The Scarlet Letter, which happens to be one of the books she is studying she takes it upon herself to brandish her attire with the letter A, for adulterer, as well as using her new found status to milk a little money from desperate males keen to move a level or two up the social ladder.
As Indie films go this does little to highlight those credentials bestowed on other greats such as Clueless or Sixteen Candles
Some have compared this to the best teen comedy since Clueless, well forget it, Director Will Gluck does little to inject this film with any laughs whatsoever, and any dramatic interludes seem bland. If anything the characters are somewhat annoying, ranging from Amanda Bynes’s devout Christian who is not really a good advert for all things religious to Olive’s best bud Rhiannon (Aly Michalka) by far and away one of the worst acting performances I have seen for some time.
Even the inclusion of Friends star (yes she’ll always have that tag) Lisa Kudrow as the school councillor or Thomas Haden Church as her teacher husband do little to offer the overall outcome of the plot. Perhaps one of the few shinning lights are Olive’s parents Dill and Rosemary (aptly named), Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson respectively, whose care free guide to parenting should be noted for today’s modern age.
If Gluck thinks he can walk in the same footsteps of a John Hughes master class he is going to have to come up with something better than this. Hughes himself was the Godfather of the teenage comedy for the likes of The Breakfast Club and not forgetting for a second Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Easy A tries to hard to follow in the footsteps of the above and even Olive herself references them during the film, with an ending that hardly screams of originality, unless they are paying homage to 80s teen comedies.
Openly, its not good, confused and lost for long periods Stone does her utmost to pull anything back but it ain’t working for her or Gluck here.
Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated The Crow in Books
May 25, 2017
Emotionally written (2 more)
Poetic
Brilliantly drawn
My All Time Favourite
This graphic novel is my all time favourite. I have read it countless times, sometimes in a row. This is where it all began, and the author's tragic backstory, really helps bring forth the emotion from the pages.
This is a story of love and loss, but mostly of vengeance and a sense of mental torment that no one, dead or alive, should suffer.
There's a belief that when someone dies, their soul is carried to heaven, hell or some form of afterlife, and then there's this graphic novel that suggests that if the soul was wronged in their life, they may return as an avenging angel, to seek vengeance on those who wronged them.
Eric and his Fiancé where murdered for no good reason, and so his soul is brought back from the dead, with some additional abilities, such as a healing factor, meaning that he cannot be killed (again) by mortals.
This book also contains poetry among its pages. Beautiful poems that really add to the emotion of the book and the story. I love comics, graphic novels etc. Anything Marvel or DC, and of course indie comics, but The Crow will forever remain my favourite one among them all, because it is poetic justice written beautifully and emotionally, unlike anything I have ever read before or after it.
This is a story of love and loss, but mostly of vengeance and a sense of mental torment that no one, dead or alive, should suffer.
There's a belief that when someone dies, their soul is carried to heaven, hell or some form of afterlife, and then there's this graphic novel that suggests that if the soul was wronged in their life, they may return as an avenging angel, to seek vengeance on those who wronged them.
Eric and his Fiancé where murdered for no good reason, and so his soul is brought back from the dead, with some additional abilities, such as a healing factor, meaning that he cannot be killed (again) by mortals.
This book also contains poetry among its pages. Beautiful poems that really add to the emotion of the book and the story. I love comics, graphic novels etc. Anything Marvel or DC, and of course indie comics, but The Crow will forever remain my favourite one among them all, because it is poetic justice written beautifully and emotionally, unlike anything I have ever read before or after it.
John Garrett (27 KP) rated Sing Street (2016) in Movies
Jul 11, 2017
Great music (1 more)
Great acting
The new commitments
This unashamedly small but brilliant movie set in 80s Ireland was the film of 2016 for me. Due to the size and marketing of this movie it sadly didn't receive the audience in cinema it deserved. Thank God for Netflix.
This follows the tale of Connor who's struggling working class parents pull him from private school and into the harsh reality of 80s public school run by a hard nosed priest and bullys. He meets a young beauty Raphina and convinces her he has a band to try and win her over.
This movie does not try and be something it's not and almost having a small budget and unknown cast helps make everything seem real. the acting is fantastic which is something indie films usually lack performances are great especially from Brendon the older brother.
the real star of this film however is the original music used by the titular band. It is 2 parts 80s nostalgia and 1 part genius. I truly belive the song Drive it like you stole it is Oscar worthy and deserves a nod in the least.
I would recommend this film to anyone and suggest people of all ages to watch this film with lots of heart and lots of great music.
This follows the tale of Connor who's struggling working class parents pull him from private school and into the harsh reality of 80s public school run by a hard nosed priest and bullys. He meets a young beauty Raphina and convinces her he has a band to try and win her over.
This movie does not try and be something it's not and almost having a small budget and unknown cast helps make everything seem real. the acting is fantastic which is something indie films usually lack performances are great especially from Brendon the older brother.
the real star of this film however is the original music used by the titular band. It is 2 parts 80s nostalgia and 1 part genius. I truly belive the song Drive it like you stole it is Oscar worthy and deserves a nod in the least.
I would recommend this film to anyone and suggest people of all ages to watch this film with lots of heart and lots of great music.
Andi Lutz (3 KP) rated Welcome to Night Vale in Podcasts
Apr 15, 2018
Voices (2 more)
Writing
Sound effects
Amusing Yarn With Lovecraftean Spin
Night Vale was the first podcast I ever listened to. It had me hooked from the start. I did binge listen to catch up from episode one, but after that, I found it a bit annoying to try to listen to more than 5 or so episodes at a time. They're fairly short, but can start to feel repetitive if you get too far behind and have to catch up that way.
Fans of Lovecraft, Call of Cthluhu RPG, and other classic horror, as well as conspiracy theory fans (I'm sure this will fit, but I'm not one to know for a fact), will love Night Vale. It is aired with a serious tone but still somehow light-hearted. The voice acting is superb and the writing top-notch.
Some of my favorite segments are the music breaks. Some episodes have wonderful indie artists on them for one song and they will give out some information about the bands and songs so you can locate them on the internet and find their music. I think this is a terrific idea, using their listener base to help give exposure to working musicians.
Serial stories involve romance, disappearances, aliens, and anything else you could ever dream up. If you're a writer yourself, it might even spark your imagination!
Fans of Lovecraft, Call of Cthluhu RPG, and other classic horror, as well as conspiracy theory fans (I'm sure this will fit, but I'm not one to know for a fact), will love Night Vale. It is aired with a serious tone but still somehow light-hearted. The voice acting is superb and the writing top-notch.
Some of my favorite segments are the music breaks. Some episodes have wonderful indie artists on them for one song and they will give out some information about the bands and songs so you can locate them on the internet and find their music. I think this is a terrific idea, using their listener base to help give exposure to working musicians.
Serial stories involve romance, disappearances, aliens, and anything else you could ever dream up. If you're a writer yourself, it might even spark your imagination!
SunnyD (6 KP) rated Lady Bird (2017) in Movies
Jun 19, 2018
Not extraordinary
If you love the starting actress, Saoirse Ronan, and indie films, then this is a fairly good watch. Lady Bird's relationship with her mother is the main theme here. The two continuously butt heads. At first, Lady Bird says that her mother is hard on her because she loves her so much, but it later gets harder for Lady Bird to accept their rough relationship as she questions whether her mother loves her because she has to or if she actually likes Lady Bird as a person. Her mother struggles to maintain their relationship while keeping their household afloat financially, especially after her father is laid off from his job.
I liked that, in addition to the mother-daughter theme, Lady Bird goes through a journey of selfdiscovery that starts when she dates her first crush at her Catholic high school. Lady Bird learns more about herself and those closest to her with every decision that she makes.
The quality of the ending might be up for some debate. If you're looking for real closure here, you won't be getting one. Ultimately, what happens after Lady Bird gets to college is up to your interpretation. The only thing that leaves your mind at some peace is that Lady Bird seems to learn to be grateful for what she has been given in life.
I liked that, in addition to the mother-daughter theme, Lady Bird goes through a journey of selfdiscovery that starts when she dates her first crush at her Catholic high school. Lady Bird learns more about herself and those closest to her with every decision that she makes.
The quality of the ending might be up for some debate. If you're looking for real closure here, you won't be getting one. Ultimately, what happens after Lady Bird gets to college is up to your interpretation. The only thing that leaves your mind at some peace is that Lady Bird seems to learn to be grateful for what she has been given in life.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Runnin' - Single by SHōTA LōDI in Music
Jun 18, 2019
SHōTA LōDI (pronounced Show-Ta Low-Dee) is an LA-based singer-songwriter from Tokyo, Japan. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “Runnin’” single.
“‘Runnin’ is an upbeat tale about the never-ending rat race to be at the top of the charts. The lyrics are inspired by the trials and errors that take place in the music business on the road to success. Since the release of this record, Adidas has reached out to use the song in their ads. The music video was shot over 5 days in NYC and has been well received by agents and labels since the release.” – SHōTA LōDI
‘Runnin’’ contains a relatable narrative, harmonious vocals, and feel-good instrumentation flavored with neo-soul, hip-hop, and indie-pop elements.
An accomplished clarinetist and pianist, SHōTA LōDI is a self-taught singer-songwriter and guitarist. He can sing fluently in Japanese and English and his unique sound has already landed him a record deal with Warner Asia.
2019 is going to be a busy year for him because of Warner’s overseas support and labels in the U.S. calling his phone. Also, the launching of his clothing brand will keep him active and the release of his upcoming Freshman album, entitled, “High School Dropout”.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/shota-lodi-runnin/
“‘Runnin’ is an upbeat tale about the never-ending rat race to be at the top of the charts. The lyrics are inspired by the trials and errors that take place in the music business on the road to success. Since the release of this record, Adidas has reached out to use the song in their ads. The music video was shot over 5 days in NYC and has been well received by agents and labels since the release.” – SHōTA LōDI
‘Runnin’’ contains a relatable narrative, harmonious vocals, and feel-good instrumentation flavored with neo-soul, hip-hop, and indie-pop elements.
An accomplished clarinetist and pianist, SHōTA LōDI is a self-taught singer-songwriter and guitarist. He can sing fluently in Japanese and English and his unique sound has already landed him a record deal with Warner Asia.
2019 is going to be a busy year for him because of Warner’s overseas support and labels in the U.S. calling his phone. Also, the launching of his clothing brand will keep him active and the release of his upcoming Freshman album, entitled, “High School Dropout”.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/shota-lodi-runnin/
Kayleigh (12 KP) rated The Clock Of Life in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Firstly, thank you to Nancy Klann-Moren for approaching me to read and review this book. Congratulations are also in order, as The Clock of Life was nominated for the general fiction/novel section of the Indie Book Awards.
This book gets a middling 3 stars from me. I found the character development to be really detailed, and I felt as though I knew the characters by the end. As the blurb already mentions, the main focus of the book is on Jason Lee. Starting from when he began school and ending with a relationship and career choice as a teenager, this book is Jason's journey through childhood.
The reason it didn't rate any higher for me though is that I found it to be fairly slow paced, and at times weighed down with politics that as an English woman, I didn't completely connect with. Plotwise, while things did happen, it didn't become exciting until right at the end.
The message about race is a good one, and the book highlights how far attitudes towards race have come. I did enjoy it, although maybe not in the way I enjoyed a book like The Hunger Games, where I felt a sense of satisfaction and couldn't wait to read more. If you like bildungsromans/coming-of-age stories, I'd definitely recommend it.
This book gets a middling 3 stars from me. I found the character development to be really detailed, and I felt as though I knew the characters by the end. As the blurb already mentions, the main focus of the book is on Jason Lee. Starting from when he began school and ending with a relationship and career choice as a teenager, this book is Jason's journey through childhood.
The reason it didn't rate any higher for me though is that I found it to be fairly slow paced, and at times weighed down with politics that as an English woman, I didn't completely connect with. Plotwise, while things did happen, it didn't become exciting until right at the end.
The message about race is a good one, and the book highlights how far attitudes towards race have come. I did enjoy it, although maybe not in the way I enjoyed a book like The Hunger Games, where I felt a sense of satisfaction and couldn't wait to read more. If you like bildungsromans/coming-of-age stories, I'd definitely recommend it.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated I Can See The Future - Single by Gold Spectacles in Music
Jun 21, 2019
Gold Spectacles is a baroque pop duo from London, England. Not too long ago, they released an indie-alternative tune, entitled, “I Can See The Future”.
‘I Can See The Future’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who shares a terminal relationship with her significant other.
Apparently, she sees the future, therefore, she knows that their relationship is over because her partner doesn’t love her like he used to love her.
‘I Can See The Future’ contains a bittersweet storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with Spanish guitars, stabbing bass line, and synthesizers.
“We were drawing on the idea of being too caught up in the future to appreciate the present. The singer sees glimpses of imperfections in their relationship forming and jumps to the conclusion that everything is falling apart. The track developed from a chord pattern played on a beaten up 1952 Hammond organ which we rescued and restored from a local school. A new addition to our home studio.” – Gold Spectacles
Gold Spectacles is the collaborative output of two British songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalists. Their musical influences include Paul Simon, Local Natives, Bombay Bicycle Club, Phoenix, and Lykke Li.
Since October 2018, they have released a track a month which coincides with the lunar calendar. Also, these tracks will one day come together to form their upcoming debut album.
‘I Can See The Future’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who shares a terminal relationship with her significant other.
Apparently, she sees the future, therefore, she knows that their relationship is over because her partner doesn’t love her like he used to love her.
‘I Can See The Future’ contains a bittersweet storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with Spanish guitars, stabbing bass line, and synthesizers.
“We were drawing on the idea of being too caught up in the future to appreciate the present. The singer sees glimpses of imperfections in their relationship forming and jumps to the conclusion that everything is falling apart. The track developed from a chord pattern played on a beaten up 1952 Hammond organ which we rescued and restored from a local school. A new addition to our home studio.” – Gold Spectacles
Gold Spectacles is the collaborative output of two British songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalists. Their musical influences include Paul Simon, Local Natives, Bombay Bicycle Club, Phoenix, and Lykke Li.
Since October 2018, they have released a track a month which coincides with the lunar calendar. Also, these tracks will one day come together to form their upcoming debut album.