Oligo Mixed Tape: Love Songs

Love is in air with Valentine’s day just around the corner. This week Oligoville has been all about kindness and love starting with our great string ring giveaway. There is still time to sign up for that if you havent already. Then we featured a gorgeous red dress with a 50′s flair which inspired our closet remix article spotlighting the beautiful silver screen fashions of Oscar nominated film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. So why stop there? I wanted to finish this week off with some songs that will keep all  of you love birds out there thinking about your special someone. Its also a great time to start planning for Valentine’s Day. *hint *hint      ( I’m talking to all of you forgetful guys out there..dont blow it.)  Enjoy!

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Rayando El Sol by Mana

Fade Into You by Mazzy Star

Oh L’Amour by Erasure

Love by Musiq Soulchild

Love Story by Taylor Swift

Iris by Goo Goo Dolls

Inside of You by Infant Sorrow

Angel Eyes by Roxy Music

I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

Adios Le Pido by Juanes

Closet Remix: Benjamin Button Style

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is nominated for more Oscars than any other film this year—thirteen. The drama, heart-wrenching love story, and perplexing plot are reason enough to go see the film. However, if you’re like me, the real reason to see this film is because of Cate Blanchett’s to die for wardrobe. The movie stars the curiously gorgeous Brad Pitt and equally stunning Cate Blanchett. In this mind-twisting drama Brad Pitt’s character, Benjamin Button, ages backwards. We see him go from being an old man to a tiny infant. Although Brad Pitt’s ageless beauty steals many-a-scenes, Cate Blanchett’s acts as a luminous angelic creature framing each era of his life. Among their thirteen nominations for best direction, film of the year, and visual effects, is one of the most crucial gold men—costume design.

Costume designer Jacqueline West’s stunning forties and fifties inspired wardrobe choices are dazzling. Among my favorite picks was a fabulous pair of high-waisted pants worn by Cate Blanchett’s character Daisy after her ballet performance. I also loved her red plaid pea coat and matching beret. However, the piece du jour, a beautiful red dress, was designed by West herself. Its color was specifically commissioned by Blanchett who further decided to wear it without any accessories. West stated, “There was a discussion of whether or not she should wear jewelry, and I said no, her skin is like pearls. She is luminescent. Let her skin be the jewelry.”

Cate Blanchett in the Curious Case of Benjamin Button – by ShylaB on Polyvore.com

Ten Minutes With Donny Goines

Since early 2006, Donny Goines™ has been relentless in the pursuit of his dreams. Inspired by the movie “Fade to Black” he decided to become a serious Hip Hop artist and hasn’t looked back since. He has appeared on countless websites and blogs, magazines, television and radio shows not to mention tearing down several stages all across New York City. Although his career is just getting started, if the past couple of years are any indication, he has a very bright future ahead of him. Oligoville was fortunate enough to catch Ten Minutes With Donny Goines on his very busy schedule.  Check out his new album, Minute After Midnight, in stores now.  [iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon]

controversy: What influence would you say your role models have on you, and who would those be?

Donny: That’s a good question. I could give you typical answers like a Jay Z or Nas but these days that isn’t the case. I’m more inspired by my peers and the people around me then anything else. When I see someone on my level doing great things I become even more inspired to achieve my goals because I can see its within my reach. Also they motivate me to become a better MC and competitor.

controversy: How much consideration do you give to your image when performing or going to photo shoots, etc.?

Donny: None more then I would give myself on a normal day. That’s one of my biggest problems with artists in this business actually. I feel like many of them put on “costumes” to make appearances in public and that’s just corny to me. It’s one thing to spruce up your look or try some a little different but dudes be wearing outfits and such that they would normally NEVER wear in order to impress others. That I feel is corny.

controversy: What fashion trends and styles have influenced you and why?

Donny: I’m not really influenced by what others wear honestly. Never have been I suppose. I always have had my own sense of style and wore what I wanted to (that’s why I don’t switch wardrobes up every one or two years like my counterparts) but if anything I guess the only influence over me comes from my environment. New York and Harlem especially always has had a sense a style about them (although now I really have no idea whats going on out here)

controversy: What type of legacy do you hope to have outside of the music industry?

Donny: Greatness. Plain and simple. Anything short of that wont cut it. No one remembers people who came in second place or played it safe. I want to be remember for making great thing happen and leaving behind a legacy that will be etched ion minds of generations to come.

controversy: What type of influence do you hope to have on music of the future?

Donny: If I can change or influence anything here I would definitely press the unity factor more. I like to think that things such as my “Bars” series helped that process a bit. One more thing I would like people to see is that you can be “real” (meaning honest and sincere not that you shoot guns and are in a gang or something haha) with your audience and still win. People don’t know how to be themselves in this industry and that bothers me.

controversy: If you could express any artist’s or historic figure’s work through your music, whose would that be and what would that message be exactly?

Donny: Ghandi said, “You must be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Reason being is then people would take responsibly and work hard to make the world a better place. Not rely on others to do it for them. It all begins with us as individuals.

controversy: What direction do you think music is headed in and where do you see yourself fitting into that?

Donny: Honestly Im not sure. Things evolve and i am no different then anyone else. My first album was something I had to do for myself so if people got it good, if they didn’t thats fine too but my second album wont sound like the first, second wont sound like the third so on and so forth. Wherever I may end up at though musically it will be all me. That I can promise you.

controversy: If it were up to you, would you rather take advantage of the music industry’s trend to build a greater legacy outside of music, or would you rather be less popular but have a greater influence on the future of music?

Donny: Definitely the latter. If I can influence others for the greater good I would be willing to sacrifice many things. I do that now as we speak. It would be easy for me to make “pop” records and make certain move that I know would assure me a certain amount of success in this game but my goals are not the same as everyone else. I want to make history and support my family doing something I love. That’s really the only two things I want out of this. Anything else is a bonus to me.

controversy: Who was the first artist that you saw that left you awe struck?

Donny: What was it in particular that did it for you and why? Biggie. Juicy. I’ll never forget it. Cant explain why he hit me like that, it was just his presence I suppose. When I saw him for the first time I was definitely awe struck and have been a fan ever since.

controversy: What is the thing that you want listeners to understand about you and your music?

Donny: That its a learning process for me. I didn’t grow up wanting to become a rapper. This career feel into my lap so to speak about three years ago and Im learning as I go along. People don’t realize that i am a serious newcomer in every sense of the word and I have along way to go. Im going to make many mistakes along the way and Im not perfect but I am trying hard to be the best artist I can be. You have to grow with me to see what Im trying to accomplish.

controversy: If you could take the work of five artists or historical figures and combine them to make up your career, whose would they be and why?

Donny: Biggie because I think he is the best that ever did it. Ghandi because his principles resonate a lot with me. Malcom X because he had the power to change and influence others very well. Donald Trump because he has a great business mind and Bill Gates because his intelligence is powerful.

controversy: Coming from New York, it’s easy to be a small fish in a big pond or even a big fish in a really really huge pond. What was the most important thing you did to cut through that and create such a huge buzz?

Donny: I can tell you thousands of things I did but to keep it simple, I just focused on my craft and kept persistent. As long as I get better and better and I keep presenting myself in certain ways I will ALWAYS continue to thrive and build a buzz. I NEVER give up and get better and better every single time. Thats how I built my buzz up.

controversy: Looking back, what was your expectation for what you had to accomplish in marketing yourself?

Donny: I’ve pretty much met my expections for the most part. Several Magazines, major blog and websites, MTV/BET, Hot 97/Power 105, so on and so forth. As a unsigned artist I’ve done A LOT, more then some major artists I might add all with pure will and determination. The journey is still just beginning but suffice it to say that Im happy with what Ive achieved thus far.

controversy: Where do you see New York hip-hop going in the next five years and what do you think your place is in that?

Donny: I can see a serious resurgence coming about. People are getting tired of the bs music that’s out there, they want music that contains lyrical substance and dope concepts and NY has always been known for that. Theres no question about it, right now I am one of the artists at the forefront of NY coming up right now and I plan to act accordingly.

controversy: What would you say is the most important lesson you’ve learned to this point about the music industry?

Donny: Stick to your guns. Trends come and go but the artists who usually weather the storm are the ones that always maintain their respect and dignity. Those who jump ship and follow trends usually end up falling by the waist side eventually. Be yourself and you will be just fine.

controversy: How would you say New York differentiates itself style wise, and how has that influenced you?

Donny: We have a different vibe about us altogether just like every other city or town and I think that its evident in our music, clothing, etc. Now its a little different but for the most part we have our own style. Its just something in the water I suppose haha. followup- How would you say that hip-hop outside of New York has influenced you? I love music. Doesnt matter where it comes from, who made it, etc. if its good its good. Dr. Dre, Outkast, Common, etc. all are great examples of dope music and that like anything else influences me to make dope music as well.

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