About

About Independent Ethos

We seek to celebrate the independent ethos of artists in music and film whose creations push against the grain of corporate-subsidized popular culture, even though interaction with the corporate world of art has grown more and more inevitable in this day and age. Above all, the spirit of independent art is celebrated here, as both critical and important. Though indie artists, labels and studios are of most interest, the existence of commercially successful artists who still get away with being creative while making a fortune will not be ignored. There are also corporate-sponsored artists who the industry takes an honest chance on as originals and pioneers.

We do not pretend that there is no social part in creating art. This cannot be avoided. Even though most of the focus is on the final product, we like to hear from artists about the creative process (there will be interviews on this blog both new and reprinted from the past). Finally, it’s important to point out that the artist’s vision is seldom synonymous with ultimate meaning, which is a highly subjective and personal experience. That said, we tend to favor the psychological implications of art, particularly in film (we like to call the movie screen a mirror).

Speaking of film, when it comes to movies, good old-fashioned film remains the preferred medium, despite its gradual continued disappearance. Likewise, as far as listening to music, nothing rivals the warm sound of a clean slab of vinyl. Expect lots in regards to vinyl reviews, reissues, and even finds during record hunts.

As for digital media shared through this blog, we by no means intend to profit off any artist by sharing mp3s and videos, least of all contribute to the pockets of bootleggers, but we may cover both official and unofficial material, both in regards to music and film, for the sake of thorough representation and historical reasons and also to benefit the artists’ exposure. If anything shared seems an offense to any artist or its sponsor, it will be removed upon request.

Contact us directly via email: indieethos(at)gmail.com with any leads you want to share. Studios, labels, bands, pitches from contributors are welcome (do share any clips with any pitches, but remember, this is not for money). We’d be happy to analyze vinyl records and/or promos. Those can be sent by mail to:

Independent Ethos
10500 SW 108 Ave. #B-306
Miami, FL 33176

Finally, you can also subscribe to alerts of posts here and get lots of bonus news on music and film by subscribing to our Twitter account: @Indieethos. We also have a  Facebook page we hope you will “like” and follow.

Remember, we at Independent Ethos take art seriously and can be critical. Art must move us forward and stimulate the intellect and the primal senses at the same time.

Authors

Hans Morgenstern
Editor & Creative Director

Hans holds a degree in print journalism from Florida International University and a Master’s degree in English with a certificate in Film Studies from the same university with many years of experience in the publishing world. A card-carrying member of the Society of Professional Journalists and a voting member of the Florida Film Critics Circle, Hans has been writing about music in magazines and weeklies since 1992. His work has appeared in the pages of various publications including: The Miami Herald, Pure Honey, The Miami New Times, The Broward/Palm Beach New Times, CMJ Music Monthly, Goldmine Record Collector’s Magazine, among others. On-line, he’s a national film critic for Hollywood.com and covers the Miami art, film and music scenes on Cultist and Crossfade blogs.

On Movies:
Hans’ film experience comes from an academic background. He wrote his Master’s thesis on Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and its subversion of the classical Hollywood cinema form (read an abridged version here: http://bit.ly/ZOh3BF). Hans has taught a class on cinema and American Culture at Barry University for several semesters before completing a Master’s degree. During his studies, he presented a thesis paper on Eyes Wide Shut on an academic panel as part of the university’s involvement with the Miami International Film Festival. Hans has also spent several years working at the MIFF and the Miami Jewish Film Festival working in the programming departments at both festivals.

On Music:
Hans’ interest skews toward the alternative rock world. The figurehead for his musical tastes starts with David Bowie, which makes him a big fan of the early ‘70s progressive/art rock scene, German Krautrock music of that same era, then the later postpunk movement in England, which also spawned Goth rock, industrial and the new romantics in 80s. He also has a keen interest in contemporary scene of alternative music, including post rock, dream pop, shoegaze, twee, noise pop, pastoral chamber pop scene. Current bands of major interest include Deerhunter, MGMT, Grizzly Bear and Arcade Fire, among others.

Ana Morgenstern
Co-founder & Contributor

Originally from Mexico City, Dr. Ana Morgenstern is a researcher based in Miami, FL. An expert in contemporary Latin American Politics, she searches for the intersections between art, politics and the human experience. Her research has been published in academic journals. An avid reader and cinephile, Ana’s favorite films from contemporary film auteurs include: Pedro Almodóvar (Talk To Her), Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank), Noah Baumbach (Greenberg), Andrew Bujalski (Mutual Appreciation), Sofia Coppola (The Virgin Suicides), Wong Kar-wai (In The Mood For Love), Carlos Reygadas (Post Tenebras Lux), Quentin Tarantino (Death Proof). Some of her favorite contemporary albums include: Belle & Sebastian (The Boy With the Arab Strap), Camera Obscura (My Maudlin Career), Carla Morrison (Compartir), Fleet Foxes (Helplessness Blues), Fiona Apple (Extraordinary Machine), Mala Rodriguez (Malamarismo), Of Montreal (False Priest).