musical robots

Lesson 1. when it comes to doing commission work: get paid up front. At least a portion of the price. Like a fool I jumped at the opportunity when a web dealer selling art for kids asked me to design some work for them. I would get paid a certain amount per print sold. Awesome! Except that after I had drawn all the designs, they backed out, saying they were under new direction and now selling work only by artists who have gallery representation. Lame.

But anyway, here are the music-themed robots they requested. I'll make prints of them myself eventually.


I did actually get paid to do this drummerbot, but thought it fit in with the theme and should be included.

flora fauna

Mr. Paul Gardner knows how to make one snazzy gig poster- check out the entire collection (most available for purchase) at the flora fauna site. The designs are imaginative and uncluttered, with organic, naturalistic subject matter and color schemes. Not only can you show off your excellent taste in music and brag about the the live concerts you've attended, you can also obtain an actual piece of fine, handcrafted artwork. Maybe I'm a little biased as a friend, but I can't wait to hang some on my wall.

My top 10 albums of 2008

10. Fleet Foxes - Self titled

9. Okkervil River - The Stand-Ins

8. Conor Oberst - Self titled

7. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals

6. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

5. The Black Keys - Attack & Release

4. DeVotchka - A Mad & Faithful Telling

3. Noah & the Whale - Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down

2. The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

1. Mates of State - Re-arrange Us

This is based mostly on my itunes playcount. Honorable mentions go to Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Dr. Dog, Black Kids and Vampire Weekend.

Mates of State T-T-Tonight!

Mates of State is playing tonight at the Fine Line, touring for their most recent album, Re-arrange Us, probably my favorite record this year. Come wearing a mildly creepy animal costume and be ready to sing and dance your heart out. Doors at 7:00.