Employee Profiles: AE Senior Photographer Lauren L.

Do you ever wonder who takes all the amazing photos you see on AE.com? We sat down with Lauren L., AE Senior Photographer last week to find out more about her and the shots she and her team create for AE.

Lauren L., AE Senior Photographer

How did you get your start at AE?
I’m from a small town in Ohio. I got my start at AE about 3 months after I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I started off in a freelance position, but quickly moved into a permanent position as the AE brand photographer.

How did your passion for photography begin?
My mom was actually a model in New York City in her early twenties. She showed me her print book of all the work she did in New York and Paris, and I was obsessed with the photos! I always thought it would be really great to make images like that one day.

What is the coolest place your job has taken you?
Last month I was sent to NYC to shoot at Pier 59 for our Back to School campaign. I got to work with a huge and amazing team of really talented people. We had a lot of fun and made some really cool photos.

Lauren captured this shot at Pier 59 studios last month.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I find a lot of lighting inspiration in somewhat “weird” fashion editorials. I am always inspired/fascinated by clothing, traveling, and people. My biggest inspiration is meeting other photographers, or people who are very passionate or driven toward something.

What is a typical day like for you?
I don’t really think we have typical days at the studio…One day I can be shooting a model in his underwear, and the next I can be shooting a puppy in a Santa hat for a holiday gift card! That’s what I love so much about my job, it’s always evolving.

If you could photograph anyone or anything in the world, who would it be?
I think the answer to this question is always changing for me, but right now I would love to shoot Lindsey Wixson, or Vincent Gallo. I’d also love to do a shoot in Alaska or Thailand.

A few shots Lauren took during the Spring 2012 photo shoot.

What is your favorite place in Pittsburgh?
My favorite place in Pittsburgh is probably Kennywood or The Andy Warhol Museum. I bring people to both all the time.

What is your personal style?
I don’t think there is a specific way to describe my style. Around here, it’s all about comfort because I’m moving around so much. I love black and lately I’ve been mixing things like black jeans with a neon top. I’ve also been trying to wear more collared preppy pieces. It’s also safe to say I have every single AE Chambray Shirt, and then some!

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be doing?
I would possibly be a Veterinarian. As funny as that sounds, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Or I would be very nomadic and not have a job and travel to other countries…meeting new people, trying new foods, and still probably taking lots of photos.

What is the one thing you wear everyday?
I wear these specific three bracelets and my watch everyday. It’s my arm party!

Lauren's arm party.

M83 Debuts “Reunion” Video

Hurry Up We’re Dreaming is the album that just keeps on giving. Reunion is the second single off of M83’s massive sixth album which continues to display M83’s aptitude at writing catchy cosmic-pop soundtracks filled with fantasy and imagination.

The single is released with a stunning and diverse remix package of six re-works of the track, by Mylo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Sei A, The Naked And Famous, Polly Scattergood, and White Sea. Having recently relocated to Los Angeles, the video reflects Anthony's ongoing love affair with the magical escapism of film and the city itself. “Reunion” is part two of the story that commenced with “Midnight City." Together, these two tracks are the soundtrack for a pack of gifted kids with telekinetic powers who escape from an institution and run wild through a desolate cityscape. In the first video we witness their liberation, with “Reunion” we experience their defiance.



SUMMER/FALL 2012 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
Aug 1 – Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory
Aug 2 – Munhall, PA – Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead
Aug 3-5 – Chicago, IL– Lollapalooza-Grant Park
Aug 7 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
Aug. 8 – NYC – SummerStage (Sold Out)
Sept. 1-3 – Seattle, WA – Bumbershoot Festival
Sep. 5 – Edmonton, AB, Canada – Edmonton Event Centre
Sep. 6 – Calgary, AB, Canada – Mac Ewan Ballroom
Sep. 27 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues Orlando
Sep. 30 – Norfolk, VA – NorVa
Oct. 2 –NYC– Hammerstein Ballroom
Oct. 9 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues New Orleans
Oct. 10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Oct. 11 – Dallas, TX – Palladium Ballroom
Oct. 12-14 - Austin, TX - Austin City Limits Music Festival
Nov. 1-3 – Paris, France - Pitchfork Music Festival Paris

POLIÇA Premiere "Wandering Star" Video

Minneapolis continues its golden run of producing quality talent with the first project to arrive out the Gayngs collective, the super slick electronic pop-soul outfit Poliça. Fronted by ice cool vocalist Channy Leanagh who sang with Gayngs, produced by Ryan Olson and featuring Mike Noyce from Bon Iver, it’s a who’s who of the current Twin Cities scene.

In June 2011, they began writing together what would become Poliça’s debut album, Give You The Ghost. The result is 11 perfectly formed auto-tuned songs that re-shape the intersection of pop and digitised R&B. And for all Poliça’s synthetic manipulation, Channy’s soft vocals and Ryan’s electronic soundscapes reveal a tender heart beneath, pulsating with life and raw emotion.

The name Poliça refers to the word ‘policy’, meaning a definite course of action adopted for the sake of expediency, suggesting they were formed out of necessity. Which is exactly how this album feels and sounds; urgent, original and genre defying, Poliça are absolutely essential in 2012.

First sashaying single proper ‘Lay Your Cards Out’ and the dreamy ‘Wandering Star’ both feature Mike Noyce of Bon Iver on vocals and are equally as deliciously funk laden as they are hypnotic.

Check out the video for Wandering Star and let us know what you think

Where Has Your AE Been - Switzerland

Maria D. from Reading, PA moved to Switzerland in July 2011 to Au Pair for a family for four months. Maria packed her AE clothes and we love the photos she sent us.

Maria wore her AE Dress , AE Belt and AE Sandals with her boyfriend who wore an AE polo in Geneva, Switzerland.

Maria wore her AE Dress and AE Belt in Nyon, Switzerland.

We want to see your travel photos where you are wearing AE! Send them to social@ae.com and you could be featured on our blog.

MP3 of the Day: Princeton “Grand Rapids (RAC Remix)”

Princeton

LA's pop minimalists Princeton are thrilled to share a re-working of "Grand Rapids" from renowned remix artists RAC. The original track comes from their recently released Remembrance of Things to Come LP. The remix is a complete head-rushing reversal from the original song, and could alter one's perception of the concept of remixes. "Grand Rapids" originally plays as one of the more electronically-lead songs on the Remembrance of Things to Come-RAC slows it down, and accentuates the Kivel's vocals by turning it into a plucky sing-a-long guitar-pop gem.

 

Live Dates:
05/27 Silverlake Jubillee, Los Angeles CA
06/23 Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA
07/14 Los Angeles, CA at El Rey

Tweets of the Week

We saw some great Tweets this week... check out our favorites.

Want to see your Tweets on our blog? Be sure to mention @american_eagle in your tweets.

Win a Prize Pack from Bahamas

Bahamas

Happy Friday!

To celebrate, we’re giving away a special music package from one of our favorite Toronto-based artists, Bahamas. Enter for your chance to win a prize pack from Bahamas featuring signed copies of the Barchords on both CD and vinyl formats, in addition to a Brushfire Records Greatest Hits compilation.

Enter to win a prize pack from Bahamas.

“I Got You Babe” by Bahamas

Band Obsession: Bear In Heaven

Have you checked out the new record from Bear in Heaven, titled I Love You, It’s Cool yet? We’re obsessed with the outstanding second entry from the Brooklyn-based band. A tug towards the dancefloor, “The Reflection of You” pairs a towering wall of percussion with ’80s-influenced synths, crashing like waves against the shore. Check out the video below; we’re obsessed!

Employee Profiles: Manager of Store Experience Ellen G.

Ever wonder where AE gets the ideas for all of our cool contests and training for our associates? Ellen G., Manager of Store Experience, and her team brainstorm, create and execute training programs to keep our associates in the know of the latest trends and fashion from AE as well as recognition programs for all of the hard work they put in to helping you find the perfect outfit.

Ellen G., Manager of Store Experience

What exactly is in store experience?
Store experience is basically any of the interaction that a customer has with one of our Associates or anything an associate experiences as an employee of AEO – all of our training programs and AEO TV. AEO TV is a weekly television episode that features fashion trends; we interview designers, merchants, and other people that play a role in creating the AEO brand and product. It’s a really cool way to give our associates info. I also manage incentive programs and associate contests. We are always running some sort of associate contest. My team designs and manages all the recognition programs within stores. We have a program we call the Wall of Awesome that allows our associates to be recognized by their managers. I also manage conferences and meetings in the field. Anything the manager or associate experiences in the store, we’ve touched.

How did you get your start with in-store experience?
I was a store manager my senior year of college [at another retailer] and my regional manager knew I had an interest in working in training and moving to corporate, so they asked me to move to the home office in Chicago and I started as a training coordinator and I worked my way up. You go through executing the training to managing the whole department.

What are some of the cool projects you have worked on?
I would say the Cruise Through Holiday contest was pretty cool. We sent our top performing managers and District Managers during the holiday season on cruises.

I get to throw a party for the Field Management when we hit big milestones. When we sold a record number of jeans last fall we threw a huge celebration and it was a lot of fun recognizing the people who are out in the field making it happen.

Where is the coolest place your job has taken you?
I love going to Manhattan. It’s always my favorite place to go, no matter what. It’s just full of so much life and it’s where you see trends start. One thing I love about the Manhattan stores is that associates love fashion and they love what they do, so it is inspirational to be there. I also did a really cool conference in Miami.

What are your inspirations?
In terms of work, I get a lot of personal satisfaction. I love working. It’s really important to me that my job is 50% business and 50% creative, I love that. I love business and I love being creative. I get a lot of inspiration from my team. They’re all really vibrant and all really excited to come up with something new. Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to training. You always have to be updating and changing things.


If you weren’t working at AE, what would you want to be doing?
I would own a lifestyle boutique and sell rehabbed furniture, jewelry, local artists work and other bright stuff. I would just sell all the things that I love.

One of Ellen's newly rehabbed chairs.

What is your personal style?
I would say I possibly over-accessorize sometimes. My personal style is ‘more is more.’ I also appreciate fabulous fitting denim, that’s why I love American Eagle. I would say I love good staples and loud accessories. All you need is either one or two bold pieces or enough understated pieces to make a statement. I’m super into stacking bracelets, rings and wearing multiple necklaces.

What are some of your other hobbies and passions?
I make jewelry. My mom is an artist and she loved jewelry so we always made it together. I don’t sell it anymore because I don’t have time but I love to make it for my family and friends! I also love crafting (only cool stuff) and decorating my house. I also spend way too much time on my iPhone.

I  LOVE  music: I listen to house music and electronic music.  I’ve loved house music since I was in high school. A lot of my friends back home and in Chicago DJ so there’s always a show to go to. Going to see live music is one of my favorite hobbies, my friends and I plan all of our trips around that. 

Ellen (far left) and her friends at a show

You aren’t a Pittsburgh native… what Pittsburgh spots do you love?
I like Verde, it has a Mexican/Pacifico flair with great fish tacos. I love Tamari, its Argentinean and Asian fusion. I love going to the Strip District (a street full of Italian markets & vendors). I’m Italian and I love a good cured meat and cheese, so my boyfriend and I go every weekend to get fresh meat and cheese. My fave fabric store, Loom, is also in the Strip District. Of all the places I’ve lived Pittsburgh definitely has the prettiest landscape and architecture.

Video Of The Day: Sleigh Bells “Demon”

Sleigh Bells - Demons

Sleigh Bells’ newest video for the song “Demons” just hit web.  Directed by Derek Miller and Gregory Kohn, “Demons” is a Pantera-inspired “live” video using footage from Sleigh Bells’ recent Omaha, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Houston shows. 



Dig the song? Check out the Diplo remix:
Sleigh Bells on Tour:
06-01 Barcelona, Spain - Primavera Sound
06-02 London, England - Field Day Festival
07-02 Burlington, VT - Higher Ground *%
07-03 Boston, MA - House of Blues *%
07-05 Montreal, Quebec - Corona %
07-06 Ottawa, Ontario - Lebreton Flats Park (Ottawa Blues Festival)
07-07 Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom *%
07-09 Cleveland, OH - House of Blues *%
07-10 Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection * %
07-12 Kansas City, MO - Beaumont Club %
07-13 Louisville, KY - Forecastle Fest
07-14 Chicago, IL - Pitchfork Music Festival
07-16 Atlanta, GA - Center Stage %
07-17 Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theater *%
07-18 Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Smalls *%
07-20 Philadelphia, PA - Penn’s Landing, Making Time 12th Anniversary HYPER-RAGER !
07-22 Washington, DC - Merriweather Post Pavilion #@

* with Class Actress
% with Jel
! with Dave P & Sammy Slice, Making Time DJs
# with Hot Chip
@ with James Murphy (DJ set)

Where Has Your AE Been - Australia, California and Italy

 Today's Where Has Your AE Been features a guest post from the Women's Fleece Assistant Buyer Teammate, Elizabeth N.

My name is Elizabeth and I am the new Women’s Fleece Assistant Buyer Teammate at American Eagle Outfitters. Although I just graduated from the University of Southern California this year, I still found time to travel throughout college.

Last year I studied abroad in Melbourne, Australia.  Australia is an amazing country and I loved seeing the kangaroos!  Below I am wearing Aerie Slim Gyms at the Sydney Opera House.  They are so comfy and perfect for walking and sightseeing.

Elizabeth wearing her Aerie Slim Gym Skinnies at the Sydney Opera House

For my senior trip I traveled through Italy for two weeks.   I explored the breathtaking streets of Florence, Rome, Bologna and Pisa.  In the photo below, I am at the Vatican Museum wearing an Aerie Floral Tank and AE Skinny Jeans.

Elizabeth is wearing an Aerie Tank and AE Skinny Jeans in Vatican City, Italy

Football games are a huge aspect of college life at USC.  During games I rocked my AE Red Skinny Jeggings to show my school spirit!  The perfect accessory to complete my outfit, especially in the Southern California sun, were my AE sunglasses. Fight on!

Elizabeth wearing her AE Red Skinny Jeggings and AE Sunglasses at USC

Does your AE have as many passport stamps as you do? Keep sending us your photos traveling around the world in AE to social@ae.com!

MP3 of the Day: Fang Island “Asunder”

Fang Island

Fang Island return with some good ol’ indie rock with their new tune, "Asunder."

This is the first official track from the trio's forthcoming new album, Major, and it’s almost four and a half minutes of rolling drums, overdriven guitars and anthematic vocals. You can download the rocker track, guitar solos and all.

Download “Asunder”

Major arrives July 24 via Sargent House.

Charli XCX Lends Us Her Ear

Charli XCX

Four years ago a British singer named Charli XCX began releasing hilarious and sometimes absurd electro-pop songs. Today, she’s 19 and gearing up for the release of her EP in the states via IAMSOUND Records.

Charli was kind enough to put together an exclusive playlist for AE fans featuring her favorite tunes. Take a listen and check out the interview below.




AE: What are you currently up to as far as touring, recording, projects this summer?
Charli: I've got so much stuff going on at the moment. I've just finished putting together a mix tape of a load of demos and covers and things, which I've always wanted to do but just never got round to... so yeah I've used tracks from people I admire like Jai Paul and Blood Diamonds and stuff... I'm gonna put that out around the middle of May and then I've got my E.P out on June 12th which is cool. I'm also going on tour with Santigold and doing some shows with Coldplay over June and July, so yeah I'm pretty busy. I wanted to go on holiday to Japan - but I don't think I have time. Hopefully I'll get some shows out there soon and then I can go.

AE: What was your first foray into London’s music scene like?
Charli: Ha it was pretty weird. I was 14 and I had been putting up all my demos on Myspace and then this guy contacted me online. He ran loads of raves and warehouse parties in East London and asked me if I wanted to come up and play them - so I went. It was crazy. I came from the countryside outside of London so I'd never really seen anything like it. There were people dressed up in amazing costumes and weird music. I was completely taken by it and I wanted to keep playing those parties so I kept going and became a regular in that scene. I used to just jump around and sing kiddie raps over my backing tracks. I think it's moved on a bit from there now... but I still loved it!

AE: You recently paid a visit to Austin’s SXSW.  Could you say a few words on your experience there?
Charli: It was MADNESS. I've never been to a festival like that. There was just so much music everywhere. I really enjoyed it and was so grateful to be asked to play the Pitchfork show. I'm really happy and a bit surprised that they've been so supportive of me, and I'm totally grateful. It was so cool to play on the same bill as Fiona Apple!

AE: Any favorite performers from the weekend?
Charli: I didn't get to see much but one of my favorites was probably Purity Ring - their lights are so DOPE!

AE: How would you describe your personal style and who inspires your fashion choices?
Charli: I guess it's like Britney Spears meets Wednesday Addams. Kind of spice girls/goth/grunge/pop. I dunno - I'm really flakey when it comes to fashion because I like a lot of things. I think that's why London's so great - you can switch it up whenever you like. I like dressing up. It's really fun. I like people who go somewhere different with their style. Yolandi Visser is good with that, and so were the Spice Girls. I get loads of my fashion inspiration from movies - I like to pick up the aesthetic of certain films and mix it in with the way I dress - like The Virgin Suicides and the Drop Dead Gorgeous... I like that vibe. Kirsten Dunst is a babe.

AE: Summer style - What are some of the styles you enjoy? Any essentials that we should consider?
Charli: I don't know. I'm not good with trends to be honest but I guess my thing for the past few months has been Buffalo shoes. And if you wanna get your toes out I'd go for a geeky platform sandal. I love that.


Like Charli XCX on Facebook

Tweets of the Week

We've seen a lot of love on Twitter this week... check out some of our favorite Tweets.

Want to see your Tweets on our blog? Mention @american_eagle in your tweets and check back here every Friday!

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour Unveil New Video

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

Copenhagen’s The Asteroids Galaxy Tour released their sophomore record, Out Of Frequency, earlier this year. Brandishing a signature sound that infuses pop with psychedelia, funk, soul, and jazz, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour never fail to produce addictive tunes full of imagination. Having won over audiences globally, the band is now blasting into space with their new video for retro-funkadelic album track “Major,” a song which will seduce you with its 70s blaxploitation-esque horn stabs and edgy vocals that are the perfect balance of commanding and sweet.



Out Of Frequency is available for purchase on iTunes and all digital and mortar retail outlets.

Band Of The Day: King Tuff

King Tuff

A more charismatic, enigmatic nomad of a furioso frontman/artist/guitar legend could not be imagined.
On May 29 Sub Pop will release the fantastic self-titled second album from garage-rock stomper King Tuff on CD, LP and all DSPs. The 12-track album features the lead single “Bad Thing", along with standout tracks “Keep On Movin’,” and “Baby Just Break.”

Young Liars Release First Music Video for “Colours” From ‘Homesick Future’ Debut EP

Young Liars

We’ve been playing Young Liars in-stores for some time now and we’re excited that Nettwerk Records have given the band a proper release. Check out the new video for Colours and take a listen to the Homesick Future in it’s entirety below.

The real story behind Young Liars is a simple one. Ty works manual labor at a warehouse, Wesley is an electrician, Angelo works demolition, Jordan is a web developer and Andrew sells mobile phones at the mall. They are a band - like many - that has sacrificed to make their vision into reality. It’s the sacrifice musicians have to make, that paradox that so many bands live in those days before they break. Revered as an integral part of the local soundscape, it's the band's compelling style - driving, layered and thoughtful arrangements - that sets them apart from indie rockers of the same flavor.

Where Has Your AE Been - Malaysia

Wei-Yoo H. is originally from Malaysia but is currently living in New Jersey. She traveled to Malaysia in June 2011 to visit her hometown and packed AE clothes for her trip.

Wei-Yoo is wearing an AE Tank Top and an AE Cami underneath at Kellie Castle in Malaysia.

Where has your AE been? Let us know by sending your photos to social@ae.com!

Fidlar Releases 'Dont Try' EP

FIDLAR is back! Mom+Pop have released the bands’ latest, their Don't Try EP.

Fidlar

The band shot this really great video series from the road. Check out the "Black Out Stout" MP3 and the video which shows them at Noisepop, shooting their Daytrotter session, and generally hanging out and being crazy. We love this band!

St. Lucia Premieres "Before The Dive"

Even in the urban wilds of Brooklyn, there may be no one else like Jean-Philip Grobler, otherwise known as St. Lucia.

Originally from Johannesberg, South Africa, Jean grew up performing with the Drakensberg Boys Choir School. When the choir wasn’t traveling—St. Lucia toured Japan, Australia, Europe, the US and more—they stayed in an enclave tucked in the South African mountains, learning everything from Bach and minimalist opera to African War Songs and Celine Dion.

A young musician could hardly find better training, but as a young teenager, he started to feel that he’d had his fill of classical music, and it felt like an epiphany when he discovered the music of Radiohead. St. Lucia’s journey thus far ended—as many do—in New York City, where he started working on the tracks that would turn into his debut EP, to be released in the spring. The St. Lucia EP will mark the first full-length release on Neon Gold Records, the formerly singles-only label that first released Passion Pit, Ellie Goulding and The Naked & Famous.

The atmospheric quality of St. Lucia’s electronic pop is powerful, with the musician’s global travels and history of exotic hideaways effortlessly passed onto the audience through his dreamy, shimmering synths, and multi-layered arrangements. The listener is transfixed and transported into some collective memory of childhood summer.

Check out the video for “Before The Dive” and let us know what you think. We expect big things from St. Lucia in the months to come.

St. Lucia On Myspace
St. Lucia On Facebook
Follow St. Lucia On Twitter
St. Lucia Bandcamp

Nature Inspires – and So Do Conservation Volunteers

This guest blog post was written by Claire W., Associate Design Director at American Eagle Outfitters. Claire participated in SCA's Alternative Spring Break this March with college students from across the country.

Claire makes the drive to Joshua Tree National Park

As I navigated the winding dirt roads of the Mojave in my totally impractical rented white sports car, my stomach was in knots.  The directions read “pass a cluster of rocks and turn right at the first unmarked gate.”  I’m used to Hopstop telling me which subway exit to take – how on earth would I find my fellow conservation volunteers in the middle of a desert?

Some quick background: I’m a CAD designer by trade, based in New York City.  I work for American Eagle Outfitters, which annually sponsors the Student Conservation Association’s Alternative Spring Break.  I am also an avid volunteer, and my company decided to recognize my community service by sending me to Joshua Tree National Park where I joined a group of college students who chose to restore a fire-damaged section of Joshua Tree National Park rather than burn themselves in the Mexican sun. 

Just after dawn and a few tours of the wrong unmarked roads, I finally stumbled across base camp and quickly joined a huddle of young women and men planning the day’s activities.  Next thing I knew, we were doing yoga poses to limber up for our work day.  Doing a sun salutation was an entirely different experience at Joshua Tree.  Standing below stunning rock formations, my face was warmed by the actual sun, and although it wasn’t easy twisting into a human pretzel in long johns and jeans, it was refreshing not to be crammed into a sweaty studio with high-strung New Yorkers adjusting their yoga mats to accommodate inconsiderate latecomers.

I’d prepped for weeks with my personal trainer—flipping tractor tires, swinging sledgehammers, running with a sandbag on my shoulders – but nothing could have prepared me for carrying pick axes and a backpack loaded with water up a steep hill in eighty degree heat.  Hiking for me means ascending the subway escalators in heels, and I was too embarrassed to admit that I didn’t really know what to do.  So I swiftly donned my fresh-out-of-the-box boots (green suede, sweater-lined, very chic) and followed my crew mates up the trail. 

Claire models her Joshua tree planting gear

Conquering my fear of heights and deadly weapons, I grabbed a pick and set about digging holes – not as easy as one might imagine on a steep slope where the arid soil is more like solid rock.  We’d plant baby Joshua Trees between two plastic tubes that houses gelatinous, sticky “dry water” that would feed the seedlings for up to two years.  We then encircled each plant in a chicken wire cage, or “manicure killers” as I like to call them, and numbered them for the Park Service to track in future years.

Thirty of us planted 200 trees in just two days.  We were covered in dirt and dust, and while the sun was relentless, so were our spirits.  We had been part of something really worthwhile, as in 20 years’ time the scorched terrain will look just as verdant as the surrounding hills.  I ate lunch on a huge rock instead of in front of my PC, and for the first time in my life I nibbled on trail mix in an appropriate surrounding.

In subsequent days, we removed invasive weeds from a basin (I can now pick the evil Sahara mustard plant from a police line-up) and wandered the landscape in search of desert tortoises as part of a wildlife survey. I also pulled a cactus spike from a student’s leg, watch giant-eared rabbits race every which way, and successfully avoided the wrong end of numerous scorpions.  Never again will I complain about the lack of bathrooms in New York when, for a week, it was just me and some bushes…and the occasional rattlesnake.

Claire admires the newly planted Joshua Trees

As my only prior knowledge of this region came from Road Runner cartoons and Saturday afternoon westerns, I was amazed by the desert’s diversity.  I had no idea so many plants could flourish in this unique ecosystem.  I was also surprised by the variety of backgrounds among the student volunteers; I expected to be the only textile designer, but sort of thought everyone else would be a geology major or environmental scientist.  In fact, most weren’t there to pursue their studies.  The majority of my new-found friends just wanted to give back.  It was inspiring to be surrounded by a group of people who, despite looming finals, had chosen a different path.  We are known as a generation of materialistic consumers, and purveyors of instant gratification, but my team’s selfless and painstaking efforts on behalf of this all-but-alien place left a deep and lasting impression.

Gazing up each night at constellations undimmed by city lights and waking up each morning with only the sunrise as my alarm clock was truly magical.  No Facebook updates boasting of my travels, no gift shops in which to consume – just sheer, hard work in the pursuit of positive change.

I am extremely grateful to my employers for allowing me the freedom and opportunity to walk the walk.  It would have been much easier for them to donate a few tee shirts or make an additional contribution. However, I would never have been exposed to the fantastic work that the National Park Service and SCA undertake every day.  I came away with a renewed commitment to get back to nature, and even though I’m back to wearing dresses and heels to work, my hiking boots are waiting by the front door, facing a special place that’s 3,000 miles away yet never far from my heart.

Meet Vacationer

Vacationer

Just like an untouched getaway spot, Vacationer is a little bit of a secret – one that’s in the process of being discovered. Describing their sound is like a journey in itself; starting in the band’s melodic hometown of Philly, stopping off for a few days in Canada for a dose of epic pop, swinging by Malibu to soak up those gauzy ‘60s harmonies then jetting to Tahiti to settle in with some island-tinged rhythms. In this overloaded music climate, Vacationer requests that you, the listener think of the album as an audio postcard. What you hear is a fresh new sound filled with rich sonic arrangements, mesmerizing beats and smart, daydream-inducing songs. You’ll definitely sing along. It’ll take you away from your day for awhile, and that’s precisely the point

Download “Trip” by Vacationer

Video Of The Day: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED for short) is a UK electronic producer and singer who makes unique, hummable dance music that has already generated a lot of excitement amongst the tastemaker set here in the U.S.  Originally signed to Joe Goddard of Hot Chip's Greco-Roman label (for his first EP), the debut album 'Trouble' will be released on Casablanca in June TEED is back with a new single (out April 4 on Casablanca in the US) and a beautifully shot performance video. Can't stop watching...

New Single from Liars: “No.1 Against The Rush”

Liars

Liars – Angus Andrew, Aaron Hemphill and Julian Gross – have announced further details of their eagerly awaited new album. Titled WIXIW (pronounced “wish you”); finally we get a taste for the 11-track album with the single “No.1 Against The Rush” coming out on May 29th.

Listen to "No. 1 Against the Rush".

WIXIW, set for release on Mute on June 5th 2012, is the band’s sixth studio album and the follow up to 2010’s critically lauded Sisterworld. Known for their live performances, Liars are confirmed for two highly anticipated shows this June for what will be the first shows since the winter of 2010.  The live dates include Webster Hall on June 20th in New York City and a show at the Music Box in Los Angeles on June 22nd. 

Recorded in LA, self-produced by the band with additional production from Daniel Miller and mixed by Tom Biller, the album is hard to shake, tough to pin down, and impossible to get out of one’s head even after an initial listen. Simultaneously the most accessible and most challenging release from these iconoclasts, it is both a summation of Liars’ work up to now, and a complete break from anything you’d ever heard the band do previously.

Watch a series of video teasers created by the band on their Tumblr, which have given rise to much speculation on where this ever evolving, ever influential band are headed:.
  
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Where Has Your AE Been - Europe

Annie R., a student at Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, Missouri, spent Fall 2011 studying abroad at her University's Madrid Campus. Annie didn't take her AE to just one or two countries during her stay - she took her AE all over the continent and even on a visit to Africa!

Annie wore her AE Cropped Skinny Jeans in Ireland

Annie wore her AE Cropped Skinny Jeans in London, England

Annie wore her AE Deep Indigo Jeggings while riding a camel in Tangiers, Morocco

Annie (far right) wore her AE Cropped Jeggings in Lisbon, Portugal.

Annie wore her AE T and AE Midi Shorts in Ibizia, Spain.

Show us where you've been in your AE clothes - submit your photos to social@ae.com and you could be featured on our blog.

MP3 Of The Day: Beach House

Beach House

\Beach House’s 4th studio album Bloom, will be available in the US and Canada May 15th on CD, double-LP, and digital formats via Sub Pop Records. Bloom, led by the single, “Myth,” was recorded in late 2011 at Sonic Ranch Studios and co-produced by Beach House and Chris Coady.

The landscape of Bloom was largely designed on the road, between the countless sound checks and myriad experiences during two years of tour. Throughout this period, melodies, chords, rhythms, words, and textures surfaced in moments of their own choosing. These spontaneous ideas were later gathered and developed in Baltimore, where the band lives and works.
Like previous Beach House releases (Beach House in 2006, Devotion in 2008, Teen Dream in 2010), Bloom further develops their distinctive sound yet stands apart as a new piece of work.

MP3 Download: “Myth”

Tour Dates
May 08 — Miami Beach, FL — The Fillmore Miami Beach
May 09 — Orlando, FL — Beacham Theater
May 10 — Jacksonville, FL — Freebird Live
May 11 — Birmingham, AL — The Bottletree
May 12 — Athens, GA — The Georgia Theatre
May 13 — Asheville, NC — The Orange Peel
May 23 — Brighton, UK — The Haunt
May 24 — London, UK — Village Underground
May 25 — Belgium, BE — De Kreun
May 26 — Amsterdam, NL — Melkweg
May 27 — Berlin, DE – Volksbuhne
May 29 — Paris, FR — Maronguinerie
May 31 — Duedingen, CH — Bad Bonn Kilbi Festival
Jun. 02 — Barcelona, ES — Primavera Festival
Jun. 03 — Montpellier, FR — Le Rockstore
Jun. 04 — Bordeaux, FR — Theatre Barbey
Jun. 05 — Nantes, FR – Stereolux
Jun. 06 — Lyon, FR — Epicrerie Moderne
Jun. 07 — Blarritz, FR — L’Atabal
Jun. 08/09 — Porto, PT — Primavera Festival (evening)
Jul. 23 — New York, NY — Central Park SummerStage

Tweets of the Week

Are you as obsessed with Twitter as we are? See our favorite fan tweets from this week.

 

 

Want to see your Tweets on our blog? Mention @american_eagle in your tweets and you could be featured here.