Congratulations to Hotel St. George for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month. I met up with the hilarious lead singer Matt Binder to congratulate him and the rest of the guys on winning and to see what they have going on.

1. How long have you guys been playing together and how did you come up with the name Hotel St. George?
The band started a little over two years ago when I (Matt) met Erik while doing a ride along with a SDPD officer. It was part of a probation program that I was on for when I got busted impersonating a real police officer.  It’s a long story but the short version is that a friend of mine and me had rented some police uniforms and then went out to bust up high school parties for kicks and to take their kegs, pot, whatever else we could find. Anyways, it was a long time ago and we’re much more mature and wiser now.

Anyways, Erik had had a break in at his apartment and we went to investigate. Some of his musical equipment was stolen and that got us talking about music and then boom; we started a band.

We named the band Hotel St. George because that is where Simon lost his virginity.
2. How would you describe your music?

Each member has their own influences and inspirations that are splattered across a canvas.  We put all of those styles into a song and then work collectively to mold a personality for the song.  Garage, punk, shoegaze, pop, rock, electronic, and even metal influences come into various parts of the music to really push ourselves into different and new directions.

Check out the new HSG music video “little childrens bones” below.

3. What’s one interesting fact about each person in the band?

Erik won’t disclose any facts about himself; something to do with government clearance for his job.

Brian is so bad but tastes and smells great.

Matt is missing the pinky toe on his left foot; the result of dropping an antique bathtub on it.

Simon subsides on a strict diet of less than 1000 calories a day.

4. Have anything exciting coming up that people should keep their eye out for?

We are going to be at U-31 for the North Park Music Thing this year.  Since most of us live in North Park we are really excited to not have to go far.   Right after that show we are going back to the studio to record some brand new songs whose desired effect is to end world hunger.

5. What’s your favorite thing about Commune?

We love our girl Jenny!

[haha thanks for the shout out guys =) ]

6. Why do you think it’s important to take a stand against Big Tobacco?

I suppose the biggest bummer about Big Tobacco is that they target teenagers. Teenagers are very stupid and impressionable so it’s not really fair to court their money. I mean if I can trick them into thinking that I’m a cop than I can only imagine how easy it would be to get them to smoke. It would be interesting to devise a policy where Big Tobacco would have to relinquish all the revenue generated from people that started smoking before they reached a legal age to smoke. It would be impossible to enforce but it’s a nice idea, regardless.

Congrats again to all the guys in Hotel St. George for winning Commune Featured Local and thanks to everyone who voted.

For More on Hotel St. George click here to visit their myspace page and here to add them on Facebook.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact us at jointhecommune@gmail.com or www.jointhecommune.com.

Congratulations to Jason Feather for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month. I met up with Jason to congratulate him on winning and also to get the dirt on what he has going on.

1. How would you describe your art?

My work reconciles street art with clean-lined craftsmanship by using a mix of styles, mediums, and techniques.

2. What inspires you?

I rarely draw my material from a single source. My inspiration comes from a multitude of fields, from street art and graphic
design, to modern architecture, technology, music, and magazines and sometimes, my good friend, Jameson.

3. Where can people find your art? Any upcoming shows or cool things you are
working on?

I try to get involved with as many projects as I can around San Diego. Through Art Kills Artists, I am able to expose my work, as well as the work of other artists, in locations such as gallery aka, located inside Disconnected Salon, True North Tavern, U31, The Mission, etc. I am also the resident painter at Voyeur, and I¹ve designed a number of storefronts around town. For upcoming shows, visit Jfeather.com or ArtKillsArtists.com.

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?

I like Commune¹s alternative approach to the fight against big tobacco. Incorporating a combination of music and art allows for an event that is not only creative, but also interactive and informative.

5. Why do you think it¹s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?
I think it’s important to stand behind anything you believe in.

Check out Jason’s limited edition Commune poster design taking a stand against big tobacco here.

For More on Jason Feather check out Jfeather.com and ArtKillsArtists.com.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact us at jointhecommune@gmail.com or www.jointhecommune.com.

Congratulations to The Dead View Project for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month. I met up with Mikey to congratulate him on winning and also to get the dirt on what he has going on.

1. When did you start The Dead View Project and where do you draw inspiration?
First off I would like to thank my friends, family and all the supporters. I started The Dead View Project in ‘07.  The idea came from old horror flicks that I enjoyed, but I could never find a cool shirt with any good designs. So, I started making my own.  For the love of films, art, and music TDVP started.  Most of the ideas come from pop culture and all things dead, I try to bring “Dead life to Real Life.”

2. How did you come up with the name?

It’s kind of funny how I started and got the name.  I was working on another clothing company and just really wasn’t feeling the style.  So, I started on another project just out of boredom.  Dead View clicked in my head.  Dead View just being a different view of the dead and just appreciating horror films and art.  The first design I made was from a Peter Jackson film called Dead Alive, a must see.  After that design I knew what path I wanted to go.  That’s how the Dead View Project came along… trying to be the next dead thing!

3. Where can people find your stuff? Any upcoming shows or cool things you are working on?

If you’re wondering where you can grab some TDVP gear, check out our online store thedeadviewproject.bigcartel.com.  We are working on some shows and trying to get in some local shops, so keep your eyes and ears open.  On a side note, check out Grieves and Budo and Pierce and Veil, two new additions to TDVP family. Great music, good friends!

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?

We think the concept of Commune is pretty rad; bringing music, art and culture together with a meaning is awesome.

For More on The Dead View Project check out thedeadviewproject.bigcartel.com.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact us at jointhecommune@gmail.com or www.jointhecommune.com.

Congratulations to Dion Terry for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month! I met up with Dion to congratulate him on winning and also to get the dirt on what he has going on.

1. How would you describe your art?

My art borders random aspects of what is created during the daily consciousness of human thought that exist when people stare at something for too long. Meaning, when I’m finished with a painting I’m already thinking of projects 2 or 3 series ahead of what I’ve accomplished. As for now, my art consists of giving the bird subject a presence of stature, a simple personality that completes the painting.  But the origin of my undernourished relentlessness to paint was of the advice from two well-established artists named Frank Gonzales from NYC, and Richard Salcido who is from San Diego. They simply told me to just paint birds.

2. What inspires you?

Honestly, my girlfriend Tassia. She gives me ideas and I figure out how I can spin her inspiration and we toss ideas back and forth. She’s my live in muse.

3. Where can people find your art? Any upcoming shows or cool things you are working on?
Yeah, people can find my art hanging at Guru Tattoo in Pacific Beach and at Feelit Boutique in downtown San Diego.  I also attend the Hillcrest farmer’s market and the OB farmer’s market from time to time. As for upcoming shows, I have ideas, but you might find me on the streets or Frankfurt and Amsterdam in the next month slinging shit.

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?
I love how Commune gets so many creative people together to show off their talents. San Diego, as a community lags in the art department. San Diego is sleepy. Who in our demographic likes traditional watercolors and boring art school trained oil paintings of landscapes? The Commune keeps it fresh like Kool N the Gang.

Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?
If you’ve been under an orca-sized hooker for the last decade somewhere near Borrego Springs, and were recently freed from her clutches during the last earthquake… then you have some serious emendations of thought awaiting you. The truth of what exist when it comes to the pandering from tobacco companies is unreal. Tobacco corporations are evil. Don’t smoke.

For More on Dion Terry check out his myspace.

Congrats again to Dion Terry and thanks to everyone who voted.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact us at jointhecommune@gmail.com

Congratulations to Jennie Hinkle, creator of Unstandard Deviations for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month! I met up with Jennie to congratulate her on winning and also to get the dirt on what she has going on.

1. How did you come up with the name Unstandard Deviations and what inspires your pieces?

My jewelry is unique and usually the first thing people say about it is, wow I’ve never seen anything like that. So I actually had a really hard time coming up with a name that I felt worked for my jewelry. I made lists, looked at synonyms, asked friends for opinions, etc. I knew I wanted it to be something that was unique, bold, and different. I wanted it be something that made people think. It needed to portray the nonconformity, and the “against the grain” quality that my jewelry carries along with it. I finally came up with “Unstandard Deviations” and the tag line “jewelry that defies the norm”. It stems from the statistical term “standard deviation” and how it relates to bell curves. Once I came up with the name, I knew there was no turning back.

2. Without giving away your secrets, what are your pieces made out of?

Most of my pieces are made from a material called polystyrene, a thermoplastic. This material allows me to make pretty much any image into a piece of jewelry (providing I have the legal right to use the image). I also use glass microscope slides on some pieces to encase collage images. All the chains I use are sterling silver and can be shiny or darkened according to personal preference. I want everyone to have something they feel represents them, so I am all about doing custom work as well as making that perfect piece for each and every person! I am also a silversmith, and at some point will be offering some of those creations on my Etsy store as well.

3. Where can people check out your stuff?

There are several places to check out my stuff. My website is: www.unstandarddeviations.com. On the site, you can find links to my Etsy web store, my Facebook page, my MySpace page, as well as info on any upcoming shows where I am showing my jewelry. Two San Diego locations display and sell my work: “My Authentic Self” (416 University Avenue in Hillcrest) and “Lady Luxe Saloon” (1017 10th Avenue in the downtown area). I am now also in a store in New Mexico called “Ancient Road”. It is pretty exciting to now be in two states!

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?

I love Commune for bringing non-judgmental awareness to the community. I also love how Commune supports local artists, designers, bands, and dj’s- I was so super excited to be a part of January’s Commune Wednesday at the Whistlestop. The people that support the events are all open minded, ready to learn and/or educate others, eager to be inspired, there to support the cause and the participants, and ultimately, to feel a part of the community. What could be better than that?

5. Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?

The proof is there- there just is no doubt as to the damage, often lethal, of using tobacco. Addiction was planned. Tobacco companies know exactly what they are doing when they target kids, teenagers, women, – and they are now creating demand for tobacco products in Third World areas. Knowing what they know about their product, their actions are unconscionable. Addiction to a drug, and nicotine is certainly a drug, is not good for the world.

Tobacco corporations are takers. Their product takes our air, our health, our money and our focus. Land used to grow tobacco could be used for a much greater purpose. Tobacco takes away our own personal ability to manage our emotions and perceptions; the ability to learn how to relax naturally is a skill lost by smokers who rush to light up when stress arrives.

There is an all too common attitude among smokers that they are only harming themselves by smoking- but it is clear that is just not the case- just being around smoke causes harm. Tobacco companies kill not just their customers- those customers who believe smoking is a “choice”- but all of us around those customers- 1 in 5 deaths is related to tobacco.

Being aware and informed will give us the best shot at standing up against these corporations. As someone that has fought nicotine addiction (sometimes winning, sometimes losing), it is clear to me that the only benefit to my struggles is to the wallet of the tobacco corporations.

For more on Jennie and Unstandard Deviations click  here

Congrats again to Unstandard Deviations and thanks to everyone who voted.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact Jenny at jointhecommune@gmail.com

Ashley and I first came across Monty’s art when we stopped by, what used to be MESH in North Park. Monty was Commune’s featured artist back in March ’09 and if you have ever seen one of his pieces, you understand why we were so excited when he agreed to be a part of Commune. Monty’s art is colorful, bright, expressive and unquestionably Monty Montgomery. I met up with Monty to congratulate him and see what he has going on.

1. What inspires your art? Where do you draw inspiration?

From the moment I wake up in the morning to the moment I hit the hay every night, everything I take in from people inspires my art! I could be standing in line at the market or sitting under a tree in the park and no matter what mood surrounds me, I am creating my next painting or design with that which I am handed or hear. I am strongly inspired with messages from peoples conversations, or words that might hit me in the moment on a Billboard, a newsstand, someone having an awesome day or that really bad moment we all hate to go through. I am inspired by raw emotion and all of the paths that it might carry a person down. I am open and looking for that everyday and when I feel a dose of it in a situation I take it, I use it, I create from it!

2. Has your inspiration changed at all from moving from VA to CA?

My Inspiration hasn’t really changed since I made the move to San Diego, but the order in which I take these moments in has! It’s pretty cool in the way that at home in VA the weather changes everyday and that controls where I might be and what I might be hearing, seeing, feeling. If it were cold and rainy I would be picking up different vibes at a coffee shop versus being in sunny San Diego, hiking around peeps outside all pumped and happy because of being here enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Since moving, I have noticed in my work patterns that many more moments are focused in on understanding my thoughts and trying to put them on canvas in a way to drive people in a positive direction while still being honest about the original emotion, no matter what that might be.
3. Where can people find your art?  Any upcoming shows or cool things you are working on?

A few places people can roll in and check things out.  My websites are http://www.montymontgomeryart.com and http://www.cillidesigns.com. The Cilli Original Designs site is where it all started about 11 years ago when I launched the logo and ideas for my Art.  Since being here in San Diego, I launched the new Monty Montgomery Art website which is very simple and to the point with my career as a painter/poet.  I have a show set for Tuesday, April 6th 2010 at Basic in the East Village and peeps can check out 4 paintings hanging in Sportie L.A.(sneaker boutique) on  5th ave. in the Gaslamp. I’m pumped as well about an upcoming exhibit in Philly PA. at “G” Gallery that my boy “G Love & Special Sauce “ has put together for me, the info on that Exhibit will come to life soon and hit the websites!

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?

Commune is “SOLID”. I was super stoked to be in contact with Jenny almost a year ago now.  I had just moved to the San Diego area and from the beginning of our first conversation I was totally into everything that COMMUNE and the individuals involved within the group were all about. Being able to believe in a goal to bring individuals to a better, healthier way of living and also bring so many cool people together with all different types of ART and energy is awesome.  COMMUNE stands out in so many ways as a very talented, cool group of Artists and individuals that look towards positive ways to bring everyone to a stronger way of living.

5. Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?

It’s important to make a stand against these corporations because if we don’t through groups like COMMUNE, no one will! Every single person against this movement of massive corporations helps to bring individuals away from harming their body with Tobacco! Art Exhibits, Concerts, Etc. Getting people involved is what it’s all about. COMMUNE is making it Happen!!!

For More on Monty check out the links below:

Monty Montgomery Art
Website: http://www.montymontgomeryart.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/montymontgomeryart
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/montymontgomery
Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/montyart

Cilli Original Designs
Website: http://www.cillidesigns.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cillidesigns
E-mail: monty@cillidesigns.com

Congrats again to Monty and thanks to everyone who voted!

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact Jenny at jointhecommune@gmail.com

Dan Merino, also known as Sex Mannequin is no stranger to the neighborhood.   I first met Dan a couple years ago at the Casbah and instantly knew he was a fun person to be around, but it wasn’t until I saw him dance to Maneater on vinyl in his living room, that I knew we would be friends. I was stoked to have Dan be a part of Commune last March and even more so that he won Commune Featured Local.  It was a close race between all three nominees, but Dan pulled ahead in the last couple of days of December and finished the month with 487 votes! I met up with Dan to congratulate him and see what he has going on.

1. So, we have to know. Where did the name Sex Mannequin come from?

At the time I came up with Sex Mannequin I wanted to make a name that reflected my own social commentary on the act of promiscuity and that looked good on an iPod. I had just turned 21 and immersed myself into a hedonistic lifestyle.

2. What’s it like being in a one-man band?

Lonely… Very lonely

3. What inspires your music and do you have any other projects you are currently working on?

Gaux Nu Vaux. So far our direction is a mix of electro/ pop/ disco/ new wave. It picks up where Sex Mannequin leaves off by adding the beauty of having a female lead vocalist paired with my own musical creations.

4. Do you have any upcoming shows people can catch you at?

I am currently writing new Sex Mannequin material to follow up my last 2 e.p.’s. As far as shows I am more focused on my new project to get it out there. But I definitely will continue performing with both.

5. Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?

In all honesty I find myself pretty disgusted with cigarettes at this point in my life. I’ve tried to justify my own reasons for smoking in the past but cigarettes seem to make my sinuses irritated and my lungs weaker. Plus they make you impotent and Im pretty sure my girlfriend has emphysema.

For more on Sex Mannequinn check out his myspace at http://www.myspace.com/sexmannequin and for some demos and more on Gaux Nu Vaux check out www.myspace.com/gauxnuvaux.

Jesus De Jesus aka DJ J Peso is a good friend of mine and one of my favorite local DJs.  With the most votes in Commune featured local history, I was excited to congratulate him on winning Commune’s featured local for December and find out what he has going on.

The name is a nickname my best friend Norm gave me when we lived in NY together.  I’m Dominican and our currency is pesos. When we would go out and pay for something I would say that’s x amount of pesos, even though they were dollars. So, that’s how the name came about.  When it came time to to pick a DJ name that was the default. Not a very exiting story, I know.

I can go about this for hours. Music is my outlet and the soundtrack of my life. I get inspired by all types of music like Jay-Z, CCR, Stevie, Dio, Cash, Chromeo, Black Keys, and the list keeps going, but, i’m a huge hip hop nerd. It’s my go to genre of music. It all started when I was about 11.  I walked into an HMV and I went straight to the hip hop section. I picked up A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders on cassette and put that tape in my walkman and was hooked.  I like DJing because I like seeing people have fun.  A couple of weeks ago I had this big crowd of people dancing. Every one looked like they were having so much fun.  I looked at the crowd and out of nowhere some dude pulled his pants down. No one even noticed! Now, that’s crowd control. For those few hours i’m up in the booth I’m having fun and so are they. That’s enough inspiration for me to DJ.

You can find me every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month @ the Bluefoot for my North Park Saturday Nights. Starting next year I’ll be DJing some other local spots, so I’ll keep every one posted.

Plain and simple the shit kills! To me it is a little more personal, my uncle died of emphysema when I was 9, but it goes beyond disease.  The tobacco industry is one of the world largest mafias. We live in a world full of information and instead of those 5 mins you spend looking @ funny shit on youtube, you should look up how tobacco affects the world in negative ways worldwide.   You’ll be surprise to see what you can find out.

For more on DJ J Peso and where you can find him around town, check out his Myspace page @ www.myspace.com/djjpeso

Brian is no stranger to Commune and has been to almost every Commune Wednesday event. You would probably recognize his contagious smile or maybe even his Commune tees scattered among beautiful people in the neighborhood, but if you haven’t, Brian is definitely a talent to be seen.   I met up with Brian to congratulate him and see what he has going on.

1.Where are you from? What made you move to San Diego?

I am from a small town in Virginia called Abingdon.  I was going to school in Virginia and needed a change of pace.  Skateboarding is a big part of my life and I knew California was the place to be for skateboarding.  All of the artists I was following at the time were artists and designers in California so it just made sense to be here.  I love California.

2. How would you describe your art and what inspires you?

I guess the term for my art would be mixed media.  Using different mediums like spray paint, acrylic, oil sticks, collage, pen and ink.  Most of the themes are about commercialism.  How we look at things in culture.  The images I create have multiple layers so from afar it might look like just one image, but when you get up close you see more of what is going on.  What inspires me is just the people around me the most.

3. Any upcoming art shows or places that people can check out your stuff?

Right now working more on the graphic design side of things.  Doing some work for Pacific Drive Skateshop, Vans Apparel and Paul Burlingame Photography.  I would say in early 2010 I should be setting up a show to present my new paintings.  My myspace page and website are the best places to stay updated on what I am working on.

4. Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?

They advertise to be cool, but in the long run coughing up your lung is not that fun.

For more on Brian and more examples of his work check out his website at http://www.brianclinebell.com or his myspace at http://www.myspace.com/theclinebellexpress.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact me at jointhecommune@gmail.com,

Congratulations to MESH for being voted by you as Commune’s Featured Local of the Month.

MESH is definitely a Commune favorite and I couldn’t wait to meet up with owner, Michael Delgado, to congratulate him on being voted Featured Local and to get the inside scoop on what MESH has got going on.

1.How would you describe MESH?

Mesh is a contemporary and street wear boutique located in North Park, catering to both men and women. The store also features both international and local brands as well as a diverse mix of urban art.

2. How long has MESH been open and how did you come up with the name?

Mesh has been open for a little over 3 years and the name comes from the idea that fashion, art, and music are all connected and feeding off of each other and we hope that the apparel and art represents that certain lifestyle.

3. Any upcoming MESH news/events that people should know about?

We have a HUGE sale coming up next month! 25-40% off the entire store for a whole month…and we’re located right next to the Costume Shop so you can get your Halloween costume and some new gear in one stop!

4. Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?

Tobacco corporations represent the notion that the benefits of commercialism outweigh the value of human health and life. Smoking is ultimately an individual choice but it’s definitely not the smartest thing to do.

For the newest trends in street wear and contemporary clothing be sure to check out MESH at

2980 North Park Way

San Diego, Ca 92104

Or, online at www.shopmeshsd.com

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact Jenny at jointhecommune@gmail.com.