PAPERWATER

We will be donating a portion of the sales to ProjectArts to provide free arts education to all underserved youth who do not have access.

What does Flux mean?

A. Flux means the rate of transfer or fluid, particles, or energy across a given surface or continuous change.

What drew you throw Flux at 1306?

A. 1306 is literally in the perfect location it brings versatility and it always reminded me of Peters street in Atlanta which has like its own cool underground art scene so it felt at home. 

What inspired the bar code logo and stamp?

A. The barcode logo came from trying to find a way to unite everyone who stepped into the venue. I made a stamp because when I've seen people with a barcode tattoo it always looked dope to me. It was like the icing on the cake.

What is your goal for Flux and what can we expect for next flux?

A. I want Flux to become a party where you can be as free as you want and can experience a party with all five of your senses. Shhh... I can't give you the secret sauce. 

What is the musical direction? 

A. I want to be able to bridge the gap between ballroom vogue, baile funk and club music. 

How do you want Flux to change the landscape of partying?

A. Like I kind of said before I want parties to be able to make you use all five of your senses, therefore creating an experience. 

Describe the perfect flux party go?

A. It's 11pm. There's a long line at the door. People are dressed in their flyest outfits ready to get lost in the sauce. Venus X is spinning. Everyone has their X's in the air having the time of their life.

On Friday night, the community came out to 1306 to experience FLUX, a new type of party that merges the worlds of art, music + fashion under one roof. FLUX is curated by SAYE of Wet Paper Records, who after having moved to Miami from Atlanta became tired of waiting on others to book him and decided to start his own wave - a wave that shines the light on the club music culture, as well as on the fashion and art of the city. With the help of many creatives, including hosts DJ Luna + Contraband, SAYE's first ever FLUX revolutionized the party experience by implementing visual installation art, fashion, and a diverse line up of DJs.

With the help of Carol Ann Ardolino and Voila Snow, video installations were found all around the venue. Ardolino's beautiful graphics illuminated the ackdrop of thin white mesh found behind the DJ booth, while Voila Snow + SAYE's collaborative FLUX Matrix roof installation dimly lit up the dancefloor and gave attendees an element of surprise when they decided to look up. Utilizing video installations definitely added an artistic cyber-realistic feel to the venue that was quite futuristic and had attendees constantly looking around to admire the visual aesthetics.  

Something truly special about FLUX was that even the entry stamp was an installation in itself. Every guest who arrived was stamped with a glow-in-the-dark bar code (a la Matrix theme), which glowed underneath the black light in the center of the venue. It was awesome to see the attendees heading over to the black light to snap a picture of their forearm. Because it was such a fan favorite, the bar code has now officially become an iconic symbol for all future FLUX parties to come, and we hope at the next one you will remember to tag @Fluxparty in your picture. 

One of the most beautiful elements of FLUX was the way that it brought out various taste makers, fashionistas and creatives of Miami, as well as the LGBT crowd that was attending the UFO party next door in the inside bar of 1306. This blending of crowds made FLUX an even more special affair because it offered a space where any one could feel comfortable being who they want to be. Whether you want to come dressed up in your high fashion designer clothes, or dressed up in drag, whatever you desire, FLUX offers you a space where you can have fun and be who you are. We saw many beautiful outfits, and some stranger than others, but we loved every single one of them. No matter where you looked, whether it was at the art installations, or at the fashions of the attendees themselves, FLUX was filled with illustriously memorable + tasteful visuals. 

It wasn't just the art or the fashion that made FLUX so revolutionary, but also the blending of sounds, as a diverse blend of DJs offered the crowd both original mixes they never heard intertwined with mainstream fan favorites. With Paperwater, SAYE, Spinelli and CoffinTexts curating the sounds, the entire evening offered a varied selection of music that the audience could not stop dancing to. We did not see one single moment in the night where the dance floor was empty, and this is such an essential thing to have in an event. The diversity in music was a refreshing feel, and truly offered an experience that was innovative + creative. 

Buy your clothes like a chef would buy their groceries, and not like a hungry teenager aimlessly scavenging through the junk food isle whose knees give out at the first sign of a buy-one-get-one promotion. In the same way that one would buy taco shells, ground beef, tomatoes, and avocado for a taco night, you should be thinking about your wardrobe with a theme in mind as well. It should all make sense, it should all say something about you even after you die. Stop playing dress up, stop accumulating this junk food pantry that most people call a wardrobe, and start being serious about the person you set out to be. Now notice how I said chef, and not an amateur making themselves ramen noodles or bowl of cereal. I’m not talking to the people who are still in the experimental stage of their lives (by all means go crazy), I’m targeting the ones who know who they are, what they want to do, and have a firm set of values and beliefs that they put into practice in order to uphold those goals and convictions. 

 Now unless you’re already drunk or high, putting marshmallows into your beef taco might not exactly be the best decision—and with that thought in mind, buying a shirt or pair of pants just because it’s cheap and/or trendy is on the same menu of bad ideas as marshmallow tacos. One should be able to reach into his or her closet with their eyes closed and it should unfailingly always go together. This will not only save you valuable time and money from not buying useless shit, but it will also create more of an impact as it relates to who you are as a person. People will have a much easier time taking you seriously when you tell them what your goals and dreams are. That’s why Halloween costumes sell, because it has a less of an impact if you show up to a party wearing khaki shorts and a polo telling everybody that you’re a slutty pirate. So the next time you’re shopping, remember that getting dressed is the first step in becoming who you want to be. 

WE MAKE CLOTHES, NOT CLONES.

If you are what you eat, then how much more important is what you wear? And if four walls are only what they contain, then what are clothes when you’re in it? Are you really uninteresting that you need to hide behind logos like a taped up bag of shit with a Starbucks logo on it? Is this why people feel so naked, misunderstood, and even ordinary if they’re wearing a work uniform and not wearing vlone, off-white, or supreme?

Interestingly enough, it’s the people who didn’t consider themselves fashion savvy individuals who really tend to be the most interesting. They tend to put less emphasis on outward appearance, and just end up being themselves. You ever known someone who probably wasn’t that attractive, but had an amazing personality? Well yes, it’s the same concept. It’s those people who didn’t have their own good looks to hide behind and as a result developed a better sense of character, people skills, and tends to be more honest. It’s those people with the best style. Genuine personal style that through over the years, has become an extension of which they are. Style consistent with who they are on the inside. As if they don’t even realize what they’re even wearing. They have crock-pot style, set-it-and-forget-it. Indifference, being the word I’m looking for, is the greatest aphrodisiac. 

My goal when it comes to designing clothes, for example, is not to interrupt what is already beautiful, but simply to enhance it. Like a flower displayed in a thoughtfully designed vase, as opposed to an empty 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola that would only distract from its intended beauty; or even worse, giving the flower a false sense of identity. 

Who are the Takers and Leavers ?

Alex: The Takers and Leavers are Kevin Blackburn on the Drums, Cairo O’Toole on lead guitar and vocals and Myself, Alex Alston, on Rhythm Guitar and Vocals, we have a couple of touring Bassists but Cairo writes most of the bass parts.

Cairo: Just a few dudes striving to reach the same goal: to melt some faces with glorious indie rock and roll music.

 Why the Takers and Leavers?

Alex: I had been writing songs for a long time and wanted to start a group and I was spitballing some names with my girlfriend, and she’s actually the one who came up with it and I thought it perfectly captured what I wanted to say from a writing perspective. When she actually said it she immediately turned around and said she hated it, but I was sold.

 Do people do drugs at your shows?

Alex: One can only hope.

Cairo: I don’t pay too much attention, as long as they’re vibing I don’t care what they’re on.

 So tell us about life outside music? What does a normal day look like for you guys?

Alex: A normal day for me is either doing obscene amounts of homework or obscene amounts of homework. It’s tough to say what I do outside of music because, I’m always in a writing zone. I’ve got a section of notes in my phone of just random words and lyrical ideas that I’ll write down that I hope aren’t shit when I look at them a second time.

Cairo: My regular schedule consists of going to classes, homework, watching Netflix, or occasionally going to guitar center and messing around with the gear they hav- wait, that involves music doesn’t it...oh well.

 We just finished streaming your most recent EP “PEACHY” tell us about how it came together and the inspiration behind it? “Artificial Thunder” is so fire btw!

Alex : Thanks! I’m really glad you enjoyed that song, it’s my favorite live, the new stuff has been really fun too. It’s funny because how that was our first group of songs that we had written together. I had wrote all the songs, except for Dog, just vocals and rhythm and then we came up with the all of the other instruments together. For Dog, Cairo and I wrote that one together, then brought it to Mr. Kevin Blackburn. Writing for us is a very collaborative process. The inspiration for the lyrics, they are all in one way or another fight songs. They are about external struggles and internal reflection, they are about things that have happened, and thoughts that I’ve had. But, they all have this underlying fight song theme to them. I wanted the songs to be empowering, they’re suppose to tell you to kick some ass.

 Cairo: The EP largely came from the inspiration that struck Alex after he disbanded from version 1.0 of the Takers and Leavers, thankfully heeding some killer tunes. Once he brought them to Kevin and I, we finalized them into the songs you hear now on “Peachy.”

Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating was something you absolutely had to pursue?

Alex : I had to pursue creating music after the first time I had ever played for an audience. Creating music and writing lyrics for me has always been a catharsis and taking those feelings and putting it all into a performance and having a connection with an audience quickly became something I crave. I’m not a religious person but, creating music and writing lyrics is like prayer and performing for people feels like church, I guess is the best way I could put it.

Cairo: I grew up in a very musical household that was encouraging of creativity in general. As a toddler I was literally allowed to draw and paint on our white tile floor. I guess I knew as soon as i started playing music that it would be something that would stick with me and that I would want to pursue.

We saw on your Instagram that you were taking that first step and it’s ok that the next step is uncertain. How is it creating in an uncertain moment in your life?

Alex : When I find something I'm passionate about I go into laser vision only thing I can think about and that is music. Pursuing music and creating music in an uncertain time, gives me a foundation that I can always put my thoughts down. Creating music to me has never been to answer some unsolved question or to play to a big crowd but to have a constant chase in front of me. 

Why did  you guys name your project Peachy?

Alex : The title Peachy simply means, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It came from the underlying fight song theme of the songs and basically after all is said and done you come feeling Peachy (for lack of better terms haha).

What type of rituals or routines do you have when going about a project or show?

Alex: To prepare for shows we rehearse a lot, we should have a routine though, maybe we should have something we usually feel nervous until that first song starts and then all of that sheds and it’s just a whole lot of fun. Going into a new project is different every time, for the making of Peachy we just started working with songs that I had written and bringing them into the band they morphed into what they are now. As for the next project the songs are done they just have to be recorded. After that, I have no idea, it scares and excites me.

Cairo: Rehearsing has always been a constant before gigs. And food. We always need food before we play. The band restaurant is definitely chipotle.

If you were to pursue a new medium of art, which would it be?

Alex: It would probably be stand up comedy. There’s a stage, an audience, and story telling. Not saying I’d be good though haha, maybe acting I’ve never tried it but I have a lot of respect for actors.

Cairo: Writing has always been my best subject, so I’d like to think that I could pursue something regarding literature. Hopefully I’d develop the patience.

What’s the true reason @artificialthunder decided to wear all red? Love the color way in this pic btw.

Alex : Haha there was no planned colors or you wear this or you wear that, but I guess Cairo and Kev coordinated because I didn’t get the wear blue memo from the other guys.

Cairo : Alex is lying, the red symbolizes his constant self-conflicted agonizing state of mind.

Is there anything you all are working on and would like to speak into existence ?

 Alex: More shows, more songs, we’re always working on something.

Cairo: We always have shows coming up, and we’re constantly trying to develop our musical chemistry as a group.

VVV LISTEN TO THE TAKERS AND LEAVERS BELOW VVV  

LOOKING IN ON THE HALF/FULL SIDE OF LIFE

Sitting here thinking about the amount of balloons it will take to fill a room to the brim just so I can pop them all again for the camera. Like, this isn’t an ordinary job and we aren’t an ordinary group of friends…or even business partners. Half Full and Wet Paper is comprised of a group of unique individuals from all backgrounds of life. Living in Miami, Florida we all have our own influences and passions that make our team one of the most dynamic in the world. In my humble opinion, that is. My name is Morgan, aka Voila Snow. I’m going to be the narrator of this blog which will be our day to day lifestyle account. What we’ve been doing, what is influencing us, how we are feeling, and what we are creating. I want to bring to the world a memoir, a blueprint of what it is like to be a part of the Half/Full team.

At Half/Full we believe that everything is interconnected. Everything from the arts, business, science, and relationships all weave in and out of each other to create our collective experiences. So, we use that. We use that to its highest potential, because we are all capable.

I’m in my tiny one bedroom efficiency in Coral Gables writing and drinking my cafe cubano while I know my team members are in their respective offices working on their own tasks and duties for the day. Since this is the very first blog post I am going to tell you a little bit about our team. The people who make up this creative collective. And mind you, I swear I’m not here to brag. I just really love these people. So, for this very first post I am going to be extremely biased and tell you just how incredible each individual is….and of course why.

Starting with our fearless leaders, Eddy and Daygee…or as they are more commonly known Paperwater. Daygee and Eddy have been friends since high school, working together for over 10 years on music and collaborative efforts within the community. Once both guys graduated from university they rejoined back in Miami to start up their own brand what would become a full blown company.

Eddy is a producer, dj, artist, graphic designer, mentor, my personal life coach, a brother, son, friend, all in no particular order. Hailing from the great country of Haiti he moved to the U.S. at a relatively young age and has been making his mark on the city of Miami ever since. An athlete in high school, class clown, loyal friend, and smart as a whip. This dude just started producing music seriously in 2014 and he is one of the best I know. He constantly impresses me with his discipline and work ethic. Like, if he seriously became a motivational speaker later on in life I wouldn’t doubt it at all. He has guts and a whole lot of moxie. You can probably tell I look up to the dude a lot but if you knew him like I do I feel like you would feel the same way.

Daygee is a first generation Liberian American raised in Miami, Fl. A dj, architect, producer, artist, brother, son, friend, and literally the most masterful networker I have ever seen in action. He has been actively producing music for over 10 years and is actually a genius. I’m not even being fluffy about it because he is my best friend. He just legit knows what he is doing. I’ve never met anyone like him, he’s got his own language and quirks that would make you do that Nick Young ???? Meme but like also you get it because it’s just Daygee. I hope everyone gets to meet him one day, but thats why Im here. To write about him, them, us. So, the world can get to know how special this really is.