Giant Robot Store and GR2 News

Last time I corresponded with Jason Chung a.k.a. Nosaj Thing was right before 2011′s FYF. I thought I’d get back in touch with the Los Angeles-based experimental electronic musician before he plays this weekend’s show alongside heavyweights like TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and My Bloody Valentine… Yes, he’s as cool as his music is heavy. MW: You mentioned to me that you moved from Pasadena to Downtown L.A. Has the different environment, architecture, and energy affected your outlook or approach to music? JC: I’ve always been sensitive to my environment. Downtown has brought out some of my old self somehow–I think in a good way. MW: I haven’t seen you since the Octopus/Drift days. Will I even recognize you or your music at FYF this time around? JC: Probably. I just got older and depressed! MW: How was your recent trip to Asia? JC: I actually just got back. Feeling inspired. I don’t know what it is but Tokyo woke me up. I need to move there sometime. Vibes… MW: I was stoked to find the Mary Anne Hobbes session on your site. I know that’s ancient history to you, but can you tell me about it? JC: She’s been a longtime supporter and I just thought I’d do a special mix to play some unreleased music from friends and myself. I’m working on a new mix now. MW: The recent Chance the Rapper project was really interesting. How did it happen and unfold? JC: The guys from Yours Truly reached out and thought it would be a good fit. I was already feeling Chance’s style and everything came together naturally… It’s a special track. MW: It’s rad that you’ve worked with members of Blonde Redhead and M83, as well. I love those bands. Anyone else on your wish list? Maybe someone at this weekend’s shows? JC: Karen O, please. Find out more about Jason and his music at nosajthing.com and then dig his set at FYF on Saturday, August 24. Shockingly, there are still some weekend passes available for the fest in beautiful Downtown Los Angeles.
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Last time I corresponded with Jason Chung a.k.a. Nosaj Thing was right before 2011′s FYF. I thought I’d get back in touch with the Los Angeles-based experimental electronic musician before he plays this weekend’s show alongside heavyweights like TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and My Bloody Valentine… Yes, he’s as cool as his music is heavy. MW: You mentioned to me that you moved from Pasadena to Downtown L.A. Has the different environment, architecture, and energy affected your outlook or approach to music? JC: I’ve always been sensitive to my environment. Downtown has brought out some of my old self somehow–I think in a good way. MW: I haven’t seen you since the Octopus/Drift days. Will I even recognize you or your music at FYF this time around? JC: Probably. I just got older and depressed! MW: How was your recent trip to Asia? JC: I actually just got back. Feeling inspired. I don’t know what it is but Tokyo woke me up. I need to move there sometime. Vibes… MW: I was stoked to find the Mary Anne Hobbes session on your site. I know that’s ancient history to you, but can you tell me about it? JC: She’s been a longtime supporter and I just thought I’d do a special mix to play some unreleased music from friends and myself. I’m working on a new mix now. MW: The recent Chance the Rapper project was really interesting. How did it happen and unfold? JC: The guys from Yours Truly reached out and thought it would be a good fit. I was already feeling Chance’s style and everything came together naturally… It’s a special track. MW: It’s rad that you’ve worked with members of Blonde Redhead and M83, as well. I love those bands. Anyone else on your wish list? Maybe someone at this weekend’s shows? JC: Karen O, please. Find out more about Jason and his music at nosajthing.com and then dig his set at FYF on Saturday, August 24. Shockingly, there are still some weekend passes available for the fest in beautiful Downtown Los Angeles.
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A new challenger is entering the smartphone marketplace. Get ready for North Korea’s Arirang! The latest innovation from the hermit nation is its very own smartphone. No need to rely on foreign technology (well, except from countries that still export to NK and presumably provided all the parts and possibly the technology) and apps to help you negotiate life in Pyongyang. What are your friends up to on Foursquare? Where’s the nearest coffee sho- oh wait, nevermind, still no internet unless you’re a high ranking government official. No Foursquare badges for you. Maybe they’ll at least be able to get Candy Crush on their phones and tablets. Because everyone likes Candy Crush. Could be the perfect remedy for chasing the blues away when your husband is wasting away in a gulag. I hope they aren’t just stuck with Angry Birds, cause that’s so five years ago… According to nknews.org’s story, North Korea has been taking careful notes on what the US government has been doing, but with considerably more transparency about their activities: “North Koreans now have  more opportunities to talk between themselves than ever. In the long run, this is likely to have political consequences. But the North Korean authorities understand the risks and they work hard to cushion the politically negative impact of the ongoing changes. Aside from the censorship and eavesdropping, the North Korean authorities use numerous technical and administrative measures to make it difficult to use the new IT network to spread politically suspicious content.”  
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A new challenger is entering the smartphone marketplace. Get ready for North Korea’s Arirang! The latest innovation from the hermit nation is its very own smartphone. No need to rely on foreign technology (well, except from countries that still export to NK and presumably provided all the parts and possibly the technology) and apps to help you negotiate life in Pyongyang. What are your friends up to on Foursquare? Where’s the nearest coffee sho- oh wait, nevermind, still no internet unless you’re a high ranking government official. No Foursquare badges for you. Maybe they’ll at least be able to get Candy Crush on their phones and tablets. Because everyone likes Candy Crush. Could be the perfect remedy for chasing the blues away when your husband is wasting away in a gulag. I hope they aren’t just stuck with Angry Birds, cause that’s so five years ago… According to nknews.org’s story, North Korea has been taking careful notes on what the US government has been doing, but with considerably more transparency about their activities: “North Koreans now have  more opportunities to talk between themselves than ever. In the long run, this is likely to have political consequences. But the North Korean authorities understand the risks and they work hard to cushion the politically negative impact of the ongoing changes. Aside from the censorship and eavesdropping, the North Korean authorities use numerous technical and administrative measures to make it difficult to use the new IT network to spread politically suspicious content.”  
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