Levi’s continually impresses as a brand that forgoes traditional advertising, to instead creates experiences that their audience wants to take part of.

Their latest tie-in with music is no different, and goes naturally with their Go Forth campaign. The Levi’s Pioneer Session posts two new songs per week, available as free downloads, through July 1st. Popular music groups like Passion Pit, James Mercer of The Shins (see above) and She and Him, are asked to cover songs that influenced their own musical journey. Each song is paired with exclusive photos, behind-the-scenes video and additional content that celebrates the enduring importance of the song and the influence it has across generations.

Head over to Levi’s Pioneer Session to check out all the content currently available.

I’ve posted before about text artist Jenny Holzer, most recently regarding her show at the Whitney.

Above is a video clip from her current installation at the north entrance of the Aria in Las Vegas. Over 200 sayings are programmed into the LED display art such as; “It’s important to stay clean on all levels.” “Overeating should be criminal.” “If you live simply, there is nothing to worry about.” “It’s not good to operate on credit.”

According to the Las Vegas Sun, “Holzer was tapped by Michele Quinn, whom MGM Mirage tasked with overseeing its ambitious public art effort. Quinn describes herself as “kind of a groupie” of Holzer’s, and says she thought such an LED installation could be the best use of such an awkward, dark space as this lower-level valet area. People would be waiting around anyway, so why not give them something to look at — and think about — as they departed?”

Designboom also has a nice overview of projects by Jenny Holzer worth checking out here.

Thanks to NotCot for the heads up on this!

Today marks 30 years since the suicide of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis. I thought it might be fitting to encourage anyone to watch the film Control, if you haven’t yet. It was really really good and flew too far below the radar.

The black and white film follows Curtis’ life from 1973 to 1980, focusing on his marriage, the formation and rise of Joy Division, his struggle with epilepsy, and ends with his untimely death. A very grim story, but if you are a fan of Joy Division and New Order, you’ll find the story enthralling and heartbreaking all at once.

The lead actor in the biopic—Sam Riley—does such an amazing job. Watch the clip above as he transforms himself completely to Curtis, providing pitch perfect vocals and all.

Nicely done video made by PeopleforBikes.org