MUSIC CONNECTION - JULY 2009

[Disclaimer: The following is an archive of content that was originally on another website/printed magazine. Originally in the July 2009 issue of MUSIC CONNECTION - see www.musicconnection.com for the original archive.]


"The Mojdeh Project: Boundary-pushing players that appeal to a young crowd weary of the alt-pop scene."

by Rob Putnam

The Mojdeh Project
Elbo Room
Chicago, IL


Material: The Mojdeh Project’s stock in trade is folkcore, although it sometimes verges on avant-garde and channels small measures of Björk and art rock. In short, lyrics are what drive this band. Standouts include “The Gateway,” poetically,the band’s strongest song, the percussion-fronted “Poetry,” and “Life Is,” a song that asserts that life is hard when you’re human.

Musicianship: All members of the trio like to push the boundaries and get fairly experimental in their choice of instruments –– found objects, some of them –– and how they’re mic’d. Mojdeh Stoakley shows versatility by playing bass, guitar and improvised instruments such as a propane tank. Drummer Brian Brennan sometimes plays using his hands and at other times employs a djembe, to interesting effect.

Performance: Stoakley joked and engaged in light banter between songs, which was a sharp contrast to the Mojdeh Project’s typically serious, more contemplative lyrics. During the song “Poetry” she battered a propane tank with drumsticks, making her musical points so strongly that she broke one of the sticks. Her vocals were often throaty and somber. Sakhnovski also tapped a thick spring that lent the song a haunting quality. The band’s 10-song set flowed smoothly and the song order was well chosen.

Summary: This ensemble represents a different kind of sound. Their genre and lyrics will likely appeal to a younger crowd that is perhaps weary of pop or alternative. They’re all competent musicians and the band is working hard to get its name out. These artists have done their homework and are headed in their own direction. Fans of folkcore, or anyone just looking for something new, might do well to check them out.

[see original image archive of the article below]



www.themojdehproject.com
www.lethalpoetry.com

VOCALO.ORG LIVE RADIO INTERVIEW - FEB 2009

The following is an archive of the radio interview with Fyodor & Mojdeh of THE MOJDEH PROJECT. The two perform a duet live & Mojdeh performs "E-Motion" live as well. The band has the joy of being interviewed by Vocalo's very own Luis!




www.lethalpoetry.com

VENUS ZINE - August 2008

[Disclaimer: The following is an archive of content that was originally on another website. Originally posted August 29, 2008 - This is an excerpt of a feature spotlight of Art On Track 2009. - to visit the original post click here. Please be aware that some press/posts do expire.]


photo by Liz Gadhela

All aboard Art on Track: Interactive art exhibition takes over Chicago train

By Aynsley Karps
Published: September 4th, 2008 | 2:20pm

“This train is not in service," the Chicago Transit Authority announcer declared over the intercom. "At the Randolph and Wabash stop, you may get out and change cars." The excited chatter inside the crowded train heightened, and people began inching closer toward the doors. Soon it was like a game of musical chairs, with people dashing out and scrambling to one of the other seven cars before the doors closed.

Photo by Leonard Moody III

Art on Track was responsible for CTA riders’ unusually high spirits on Saturday, August 30. The interactive display, which its Web site claims is the world’s largest mobile arts exhibition, transformed an eight-car Orange line train from 6 to 10 p.m. that night. More than 900 people paid the $5 fee to circle the Loop in the art train. The event was put on by Salvo, a group of young Chicago artists, and Lethal Poetry, an arts and entertainment promotions label.

photo by Leonard Moody III

Each car showcased local galleries and independent artists. Some cars were themed, like one that covered the seating area with plywood to create a raised grassy construction with flowers wrapped around poles and drawings of bulldozers on the windows. A couple of other cars featured a collection of hanging prints for viewers to admire. But for the most part, cars incorporated both the still and interactive aspects of art. From performing musical ensembles to a puppet show to punching bags with photos of Obama and McCain on them, each car was fun, engaging, and conversational — let alone completely different from the next.

Mojdeh Stoakley, CEO and curator of Lethal Poetry, was happy with the exhibition’s outcome. “It was excellent,” she said. “I ended up being like the mom of a 4-year-old instead of my 21-year-old self. I was just so proud of everyone involved. I’ve never seen a bunch of young people work so hard. We really pulled it off.”

photo by Aynsley Karps

Salvo founder Tristan Hummel first came up with the idea of converting an El train into an art gallery when reading an article on ways to spend money in Chicago. The article suggested renting out a CTA train for a party.

Stoakley says the exhibition served a dual purpose. “We want to get the message across that youth can get something like this off the ground,” she said. “A train is so accessible and such a part of our everyday lives, so we wanted to make art accessible too.”

In fact, anyone interested in buying a piece of featured artwork was given the contact information for the artist or gallery. “There were no price tags on the train,” Stoakley said. “We didn’t want to perpetuate what happens in a regular gallery.”

photo by Aynsley Karps

Stoakley and fellow co-workers set up a promotional campaign that included media partner WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. While they were successful at appealing to the targeted college-aged, “alternative-thinking” crowd by arranging various digital and event promotions, people of all ages still turned up Saturday night.

As for the possible return of Art on Track, Stoakley says they’re hoping to make it an annual event, perhaps moving the date to October next year as a part of Chicago Artists Month.

In the meantime, El patrons may find the Orange line a little less colorful.

—

To learn more about Art on Track and its featured artists and galleries, check out chicagoartontrack.com. To learn more about Lethal Poetry, check out lethalpoetry.com.

[see original screen shot archive below]


www.lethalpoetry.com

The Chicago Traveler - August 2008

[Disclaimer: The following is an archive of content that was originally on another website. Originally posted August 29, 2008 - This is an excerpt of the Labor Day Weekend Highlights Feature in anticipation of Art On Track 2009.]


"...You've never had a train ride like this. An eight-car Orange Line train is transformed into a mobile art exhibit for Art on Track. View Works by Local Artists as the train circles around the loop. (Aug 30)..."

original screen shot below:



www.lethalpoetry.com