About the Rhythm Natives

In the early '00s, Chatsworth High School became the meeting grounds for the band that is known as the Rhythm Natives. They were founded on a common love for hip hop and live instrumentation, and the integration of the two. Fronted by two emcees - Jon Narboneta, and Glen Techico - they’ve expanded into a six man unit that also includes: bassist Matt Mora, drummer Robert Fabros, keyboardist Chez Guinto, and guitarist Martin Fabros.

Their sound is found between the cracks of genre divisions. The organic mix of hip hop, jazz, R&B, and soul has earned them the respect of various events and venues up and down the California coast. Their lyrics are in tune with everyday experiences and social trends – all resonating with their listeners, who are often found immersed in a Rhythm Natives melody and rhyme.

In 2007, they recorded their live show at the Temple Bar in Los Angeles. Since then, copies have been floating around Southern California and beyond. The musical energy heard on each track is so significant, that it has left fans wanting more. In October 2010, the Rhythm Natives answered with the release of their self titled debut album that is sold in both digital and physical forms. They have proven to be on the rise, bringing a breath of fresh air to the art they love so much.

DESTROY YOUR IMAGE!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

An acclaimed photographer, publisher and film director with a mischievous eye, Rankin established himself internationally by founding the breakthrough magazine Dazed & Confused with his business partner Jefferson Hack in 1991. For Destroy / Rankin, over 70 of the world’s biggest musicians and visual artists have created a new body of artwork based on Rankin’s iconic portraits of musicians.

Asked to “destroy” the photographs, artists including Michael Stipe, U2, The Gossip, Beck, Jarvis Cocker, Debbie Harry, Kylie Minogue, Basement Jaxx, Goldfrapp, and Marianne Faithfull have created a portfolio of deeply personal reflections on their music and images. This unique body of collaborative art ranges from paintings and drawings to collage. While some of the musicians have “destroyed” the artwork themselves, others have worked with visual artists such as Damien Hirst, Mat Collishaw, and Douglas Gordon with whom they have collaborated.

Destroy / Rankin also contains five essays on the relationship between art and music that feature the perspectives of included artists as well as key cultural commentators such as Mike Figgis, Peter Saville, Beth Ditto, Miranda Sawyer and Rankin himself. This limited edition book also includes a 30-minute DVD with behind the scenes shoot footage, providing a rare insight in to Rankin’s work and creative process.

Destroy / Rankin is a reflection on the brilliant music portraiture of one of the world’s leading photographers. The book is published by Youth Music, the UK’s largest music charity for young people, to celebrate its tenth anniversary. The launch accompanies Youth Music Week 2009, which will take place at the renowned auction house Phillips de Pury & Company from November 9 – 14, 2009.