That expensive journalism degree from NYU was finally put to good use! Mom- I told you it would all be worth it!
I did a story for VICE’s Electronic Dance Music channel THUMP while I was in Tokyo. The story is about the Fuieho Law: an outdated law that is being used to ban dancing in nightclubs across Japan. Yes, Fuieho is a real thing.
This was a really new experience as I pitched, produced, and hosted the 12 minute segment. I’m really proud of how it came together and the team at VICE and THUMP is nothing short of amazing: supportive, smart, and talented. I’ve been a big fan of VICE News for some years now, binging on hard news stories like the ebola outbreak and ISIS. If you’re wondering what I do in my spare time, this is it. So, to get the opportunity to work with a company that I respect in so many ways was truly a dream come true.
The Ultra Family is headed back to Seoul, Korea this week for Ultra Korea, and what better way to celebrate than to reminisce about all the craziness that went down last year!
The festival was amazing (as always): Avicii, Kaskade, Tiesto, Krewella, Adventure Club, among many others graced the stage.
After the festival wrapped, we all went to Octagon nightclub to party some more. Sense a theme with these Ultra festivals?
I was one of the first ones to leave the club- at 6:30am!- and immediately went to the hotel to jump on a tour to the DMZ, or De-Militarized Zone of Korea. This is the place where North and South Korean soldiers are in a stand-off, separating the two countries. With just a quick nap on the bus ride, you can probably guess that I was probably not in the best shape… and I made a few mistakes.
What NOT To Do at the DMZ is our most viewed video to date on How 2 Travelers, and not surprisingly, our most controversial. While breaking rules that can harm people is extremely irresponsible (and NONE of that was done in this video), I think people are attracted to this piece because it’s relatable. We’re not perfect! And we don’t travel perfectly! We have all been there, trying to capture a photo at a museum or making a Queen’s Guard laugh when we are told to do the opposite. This is how people travel- sometimes following the pack, sometimes going off the beaten path. And that’s the goal of our travel series, to make the travel experience as real as possible so that even if you have never been to the specific place, you can relate to the experience.
So, take this video as an entertainment piece. And be the wiser for when you head off to the DMZ.
This month I started my new job as the LA Correspondent for Japan’s popular entertainment show AXN Avenue. Think of it as a Japanese version of E! or LXTV, where we spotlight the coolest celebrity hotspots in Los Angeles.
My first shoot was at Erewhon Natural Foods Market (pronounced like Air-juan). This place is a natural food gem, with a tea bar and specialty juice selection that puts all the trendy juice cleanse places in LA to shame! For those looking to toxify themselves, they also are the only place in LA that carries the amazing Chateau Miraval rose that is made on Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s property in France. Erewhon is also home to Rita Flora, who puts together the most amazing bouquets. I am lucky enough to be on the receiving end of one of those bouquets. I’m looking forward to when I get another… hopefully in the near future… hint hint
It was a great shoot. And I got to polish up on the few words I know in Japanese, which include Konichiwa, Sayanora, Ouishii, and Kawaii.
I’ll be shooting a few segments each month. Follow me on twitter @AndreaFeczko to get more updates!
ULTRA made its first Invasion of Asia in August of last year… and it was INSANE. Since I’ve been with ULTRA as their live stream host, I have been to some really cool places and even better parties, but Korea was definitely a highlight. A lot of the dj’s agreed, saying the Korean crowd rivaled the one in Miami. They were super enthusiastic, as EDM is just breaking over there. It was incredible to feel the energy fill the Seoul Olympic Stadium- which is kind of massive by the way- when the superstars, specifically Tiesto, made it on stage and they were able to experience the party in person, some for the first time. Add to it the theatrics of the ULTRA mainstage, and it was quite a show.
I have captured this insanity, as well as a behind the scenes of what goes on, in the video below.
Now here we are in 2013, ready for the second UMF Korea. I don’t know how it will get bigger and better, but it definitely will. Those Faibisch brothers are always pushing the envelope. Make sure to catch it as we will be live streaming from http://www.youtube.com/umftv.
Steve Aoki on the main stage at UMF Korea 2012. In Miami it’s hard to get on stage, but at the smaller festivals we get more access to the artists.
Fans at the festival. The audience was primarily composed Koreans and ex-pat Americans, specifically those serving in our armed forces. These pictures show the two main components of our audience, but all coming together as one to party!
Behind the scenes during the UMF TV broadcast: Director Charly Friedrichs, aka Final Kid, and I putting together a package on the festival on the spot. People are surprised when I tell them the broadcast is completely unscripted, as it comes together so well. I think that’s a testament of our relationship; we are both on the same page of what we want and trust each other to do our jobs. Plus, Charly is one of the best directors I’ve ever worked with and the entire UMF TV team is beyond talented.
DJ Jon Rundell wearing my ULTRA ears on stage with Carl Cox.
My favorite fan at UMF Korea. He had on a tail, a fox head scarf and glow sticks galore. In the video below, there is a hilarious exchange where I try to flirt with him, and then he SHUTS me down. I need to step up my game.
