“I’m a darkened soul.. my streets all pop music and gold.. our lives are on TV.. You switch off and try to sleep…”Blur – Sweet Song
IS IT STILL F*CKING JANUARY!!!?? Unfortunately so. I’m sorry. And yes it really is bitterly cold. And now…..the rain has started too. But there is a way to get through this. We’ve gotta get through this
Firstly something that is going to help your mood is the music on your playlist.
This morning.. I was walking down the road listening to ‘Sweet Song’ by Blur…..
(Photo – Decycle in Dusselldorf - visit streetartutopia.com for more)
And decided.. there had to be a cull in the depressive tunes from my IPod. Well. At this time of year anyway!
So below are some springy…pumping.. *serotonin inducing tunes I’m enjoying!
*serotonin is popularly thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.
Wolfette: Together in Electric Dreams (cover of the electro classic well-known Giorgio Moroder and Phil Oakey track)
This is also a nice positive, imaginative tune from Jack Robert Hardman….
called Famous.. taken from his debut album and released on the 6th February. Yes…YEEEEESSS JACK. We’re all going to get our five minutes of fame. Love it.
Cute video here:
The Cast of Cheers release their debut single on the 20th February. Made up of 5000 photographs this is a quirky upbeat video…
They are currently touring the UK for more details visit their site HERE
And new from Belleruche – Stormbird due for release on the 26th March..
Belleruche have a gig on the 27th May at Scala-London. BookHERE
And finally Camden Crawl have just released their line up – booking for the 4th – 6th May this summer starter have confirmed Death in Vegas headlining.. more info on the Camden Crawl website HERE.
Phew. Feeling better yet? Only six days left of January.
We’re complete opposites. Which is what attracted me to Editor Dawn who was also shortlisted for an award for her blog at the Cosmo Blog Awards 2011. She was once an international athlete for Wales and now runs a popular fashion blog called Dress Me Perfect. Here is an intro to the leggy blonde and her blog..
I recommend that you read this whilst listening to the NEW Vanguard Remix – Hot Chelle Rae – I Like It Like That. Fitting.
You used to be an international athlete. Wow. Tell me more about that? Are you looking forward to the Olympics this year? Who are you backing?
I ran from the age of nine and won cross country and track championships. I was the British Schools Champion 300m holder and British International record holder which still stands. And World Student Games Medalist. I was also British University Champion two years running – indoor and out. Linford Christie coached me and I trained with Olympic and World medalist – Jamie Baulch, Darren Campbell MBE, Katherine Merry and many more. I’m not going to the Olympics, wish I was. Would love to take my kids to inspire them. The 1984 Olympics inspired me and the ’88 even more so. I would wake in the night to watch the events because of the time difference. I would collect every single piece written about them. I missed out on the Sydney olympics by tenth of seconds. It devastated me. I’m supporting a friend whom I raced against in the 800m – runner Jenny Meadows. Go girl!!
You have an amazing figure – do you exercise regularly? If not – how do you stay so trim? Oh thank you, I don’t train any more as I have really bad knees. I would love to run again, and I’m looking to get fit again, I’m thinking of roller skating. It was something I did when I was younger and I love it!! I think I have great muscle memory from the years of training. Guess it paid off for me now. I also run round after my kids. I have three of them so I guess my life is pretty full on. Im also busy with the blog and I think the shopping trips help keep my legs toned!
What is your daily diet?
A few cups of tea at breakfast, a sandwich and coffee for lunch and then an evening meal. I rarely snack but if i do I have crisps. I don’t really eat cakes or chocolate but I have a major downfall with take out food.
Your blog is mainly a fashion blog. Who are you favourite designers? I love Isabel Marant. Wish I could get my hands on a few of her SS12 pieces. I also like Chloe, The Row, Acne and Theyskens Theory. I love a variety for different seasons. It all depends on what mood I’m in that year.. girlie, strong, sexy or edgy.
If you were stuck on a desert island and all you had was a genie in a bottle (in the form of Johnny Depp just to keep you happy).. what three items would you wish for?
Oh moisturiser for sure, a gorgeous man smitten with me and mascara.
You’re based in Wales – what’s going on down there – where’s good to go shopping? Not a lot happening to be honest. we are struggling with the recession and it has hit the country hard. I tend to go to london to get my fashion needs, and that’s where I have to go alot with work for my blog. I have a great response there in comparison to Wales where nothing is happening with regards to that matter. We have one designer store here.. very expensive. We also have department store John Lewis – bit dated though and House of Fraser but nothing amazing.
Who do you dress up for? Me!! I dress how I like, how I feel. I dress to be alluring when I go out of course I like to feel attractive to the opposite sex, but it doesn’t define me.
I’m going to the Brits 2012. What would you dress me in? I’d have you very cool, edgy and wearing something designer and high street. I’d be tempted to put you in an oversized smoking jacket with cropped smart high waisted trousers 50′s style, a simple vest pinned inside to emphasize your bust and waist. Your shoes would be ultra high and elegant and your bag would be an oversized clutch. Would you like that? ME:Yeah.. sounds pretty good – although the high waisted trouser sounds a bit Simon Cowell to me!
And lastly who are your style icons?
Marilyn monroe, Carrie bradshaw, Elle Macpherson. The Olsen Twins. Charlize Theron. Katherine Hepburn. Madonna in the 80′s early 90′s!
New single from The Asteroids Galaxy Tour – ‘Heart Attack’ due for release on Feb 17th!
This has also been remixed by beloved Brazilians CSS
The Asteroids will be playing at Kings Cross Scala on April 10th 2012 in support of their new album, Out Of Frequency, which will be released on the Feb 24th!
One cinema screen, a couple of thousand drunk people.. all trying to dance with 3D glasses on. This would be the latest solo project entitled ‘Holotronica’ from Hexstatics’ Suart Hill. (Hexstatic are Stuart Warren Hill and Robin Brunson and have been together since 1997 but have both set about on solo projects.. Robin’s current solo project at the moment is called Trailer Trax). The musical beats trigger holographic visuals to create a visually stimulating and groundbreaking show.. if you get an opportunity to do so go see it. More futuristic style gigs like this please!
They’ve already supported Ghostpoet – Breton are a relatively new band on the scene. A five piece from South London they are a collaboration of musicians and indie film makers – who are due to release their debut album entitled Other People’s Problems in February 2012 on FatCat. DEFINITELY an innovative band add these to your list of bands to see in 2012… I’m pretty sure I saw Tom Vek in the audience too.
They next perform at Corsica Studios – Weds 28th March 2012 - LINK.
And finally – here is an interview with DJ Krush (real name Hideaki Ishii) a Japanese turntablist and producer that started off as a bedroom DJ in the mid 80′s. He is performing a 20th Anniversary Tour at The Forum in Kentish Town on the 28th January as a celebration of 20 years since his first ever live gig where he will be performing a 3 hour live set. Interview questions by Sophie Lasson.
Your sound is very unique. How would you describe your style of music?
My roots are firmly set in hip hop, but I thought it wouldn’t work if I did the same thing as American DJs were doing back then. I was determined to feed my family with my music from the very beginning of my career, and I really strived to be original. Lots of people used to say that what I was doing wasn’t hiphop at all, but I always had faith in my style and still do.
Who or what are your influences?
Everything from everyday life. Not only music but also my family and also the many trivial things of daily life inspire me. Touring abroad always excites me as well.
What made you decide pursue a career in the music industry?
I’ve been into music since I was a kid. I was in a marching band at elementary school, and then I started playing drums at junior high school. There was a time when I lived without having anything to do with music, but the film ‘Wild Style’, which I just happened to watch at a cinema in Shinjyuku in 1983, made me realize…that’s what I should live for.
A mashup video from Hexstatic of the film Wild Style:
Are there any musicians you work closely with on a regular basis?
I usually perform and produce on my own, but I’m also in a band called ‘Method of Defiance’ along with Bill Laswell, Bernie Worrelle and Toshinori Kondo. We released the album in 2010, which featured some guest musicians including Herbie Hancock. A new record is due to be released in spring.
Do you prefer to work within a studio environment or perform live to your fans? Why?
I love both! There are all kinds of exciting things that I experience during touring that makes me feel like producing new material, and when I’m stuck within a studio I’m dying to perform live in front of an audience!
How has Japanese hip-hop changed since you first started out?
Hip hop was far less known in Japan back then, and it wasn’t easy to keep informed about what was happening overseas. Nowadays it’s becoming more familiar to everyone including both overground & underground artists. Although some media just don’t understand its roots and this leads to people misunderstanding what it’s really about. But original and inspiring artists do exist including DJ Kentaro & KIREEK who won DMC 5 years in row. They are role models for the younger generation and there’s a very positive mood about it.
DJ Kentaro:
Who has been your favourite rapper to collaborate with so far?
All the rappers I’ve worked with so far are my favourites! And there are some I’m hoping to work with in the future. I can’t name them yet but hopefully I will be able to show the outcome before long.
What projects have you got coming up in the future?
I’ve been releasing digital singles monthly since last September as a part of my 20th anniversary project, and it’ll continue til this summer. These won’t be included in the next album so check them out. Also the vinyl which include the first 3 releases of the digital single series will be available exclusively at my shows. It won’t be distributed nor re-pressed, so it’ll be quite rare stuff. The next studio album is on its way too of course, and I’m hoping to release it by the summer. And alongside all that, I’m looking forward to going on tour and playing in over 40 cities all over the world until the end of April!
What would be your dream collaboration?
I’m looking forward to jamming with Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix when I’m dead…! Hope it won’t be too soon though as I’m still developing!
Do you have any advice for budding music producers or DJ’s?
Try to find your own style and dedicate yourself to it. It’s not only about being a musician it’s also important for every other area in life I believe.
I pull on my heels…and brace myself for what I envisage to be an exciting evening. As Company magazine winner I am the Brits Girl 2012. This means I get to attend both the nominations night and the actual Brit Awards. The ACTUAL Brit Awards. (Yes. I said that twice. For effect.)
Hesitantly I stand before my wardrobe and nervously pull the doors open. They slowly creak and as they do my old red graduation dress falls at my feet. The spider webs follow and might have been suitably placed if I was indeed still stuck in my Goth phase. Which admittedly only lasted five minutes. A five minutes that I’d rather not repeat I might add. But what my wardrobe seems to be telling me, through its symbolism of desolation is that these are indeed (still) economically tough times. Damn it.
I turn the radio up…. ‘Struggling to pay the rent…stuck in her daydream…been this way since 18…’. Ed Sheeran. Hits the nail on the head every time. And I think to myself. Can reality really compete with my daydreams…? Ok. So the first thing that needs to happen is to be dressed like a Brit Girl. Geri Halliwell in a Union Jack dress fleetingly passes through my mind. Hmmm…. No. Maybe..? No. I sit down at my desk and open my email… deep in fashion querying thought suddenly my ‘heart skips a beat’ and it’s as if the top dogs at Company HQ could read my mind. There would be a dress in my size waiting for me from Topshop and my hair would be styled by a salon called Headmasters. So there was really nothing else I needed to concern myself with. Easy. Peasy. Wow. How did they know?!
And so several hours later I’m dressed, made up and standing in front of the prestigious Savoy hotel, London. Dashing through the front doors the photographers look eagerly up as myself and the Company editorial team swiftly flit past as they hope to catch someone of celebrity status. Ushered into the media room – we join a swarm of photographers, journalists and musicians.
Making the rounds I can make out Jessie J calmly charming the hundreds of microphones fighting for her attention.
Then. Like a ray of light in the distance.. I see him. One of the greatest acts and the man I envisage to be a big winner at The Brits – it’s Mr Ed Sheeran himself. I approach tentatively.
The last time I saw Ed was six months before at Camp Bestival in the summer when I had made him and Fenech Soler fittingly (or so I thought) sing ‘The Cuckoo Song’. It was, after all a medieval themed festival!!!! And The Cuckoo Song IS a traditional English folk song!
“Will you marry me now that you’re rich and famous” I teasingly question Ed towering at least a foot above him.
“I’m not sure my girlfriend will be too happy with that…” Ed replies nonchalantly “Didn’t you like the cuckoo song?” I ask… “Oh God..” he replies, looking at me with sudden recognition.. covering his face with his hands.
“So you’ve done Nandos… who are you going to ask for advertisement from this year?” I grin.. “Robinson’s Fruit and Barley and tell them I’ll dress up like a big peach for the advert!” he sharply whips back at me.
Quick off the mark it is clear to see how Ed’s quick wit, charm and confidence has gotten him in to four categories of The Brits 2012 this year; Best British male solo artist, British breakthrough act, British single and British album of the year.
“Company Magazine weren’t you the one’s who first declared me a batchelor” he say’s and just like that Ed seems to float away on a shiny seabed of recording devices. Every media outlet wants a piece – just one golden line from the ginger haired lyrical genius.
I look behind me and can still see Jessie J interviewing. Her make up still pristeen, she is laughing with a different journalist this time
“What do you think I should wear for the Awards ceremony” she throws his question back in his face and he is struggling to come up with an answer. She’s good. I fight my way through the crowd and manage to snatch a few seconds with Professor Green… “any words for Company Mag and your female fans Mr Green?” I query…
“Behave!” he charmingly quips back “And be a lady… it’s attractive” waggling his finger suggestively into the camera lens. (At YOU not me).
We head in to the arena – the Critics Choice Emeli Sande has taken the stage. Eyes are glued… the floor is quiet…I close my eyes and my mind plays fast forward to 40 days time. We’re at the O2. But I’m not dreaming this time. This is reality. Blur are onstage.
It’s the Brit Awards 2012 and they’ve won an Outstanding Contribution Award…
‘Churchill got his lucky number… but tomorrow there’s another
Could be me, could be you, no silver spoon
Sticky teeth they rot too soon,
You’ve got to have the best tunes…. or that’s it, you’ve blown it’
TO BE CONTINUED…
I know who I’m voting for… and you? JOIN THE CONVERSATION @ohDearyme @Companymagazine
‘I used to be a Dick.. but I’m trying to be more of a Richard’
An observational documentary by Joshua Neale capturing the life of one charming man Dick Kuchera. Dick is on a path chasing redemption. On his 20-year path to recovery from alcoholism he is stuck at steps eight and nine of a 12-step program – to make amends to everyone he has upset for the last 50 years.
Director Joshua Neale has done an excellent job at capturing on camera the uncomfortable situation of Dick apologising to past ex wives and friends for his previous ego driven actions. This documentary is good at taking the audience on a journey through the good and bad of Dick’s personality traits and capturing not only Dick’s past but his current life too.
The most likable and clued up character in this documentary is the son of the current woman Dick is dating. A total lack of regard for boundaries Dick states to him ‘I’m gonna do something kinky to your mother’. You see Dick is a charming man. But one does have to wonder whether this documentary simply feeds Dick’s self centred behaviour. Whether he really does mean the apologies. I’d have to side with the son… when defeated by Dick’s actions he nonchalantly turns to camera and say’s ’the bastards too good at getting people to do what he wants’. Hmmmm. You can catch this on BBC4 for the Storyville ‘Survivors’ season broadcast – January 9th at 10pm.
On my list of one’s to watch I would highly recommend Oprah’s Lifeclass’ on Oprah.com. These are brilliant self exploratory classes go watch here
I’m currently addicted to this by Gotye ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’. Gotye will celebrate the release of Making Mirrors in the UK with an intimate show at Wilton’s Music Hall on 13th February 2012.
It’s the Brits 2012 this year I will be attending after winning the Brit Girl Competition with Company magazine. I’ve been looking at dresses… and ideally.. I wantthis one..
Isn’t it gorgeous? What would you wear. If money was no object? Tweet me… @ohDearyme
‘I don’t read much of other people’s work. Maybe I should. Maybe I’m missing something. I’m learning so much from this experience, from the way people are responding to my work. It’s teaching me a lot. I feel good that I wasn’t wrong. I’ve been on this track for so long and I haven’t been that successful in Japan. But now some people are getting it. It’s very gratifying.‘ Yoshihiro Tatsumi
Released on the 13th January, Tatsumi is the new animiated drama film from Singaporean Director Eric Khoo. The film interweaves five shorter stories and the better known 800 page manga memoir ‘A Drifting Life’ by now 77 yr old Japanese manga artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi.
TRAILER
The film takes the audience on a dramatic journey of Tatsumi’s life from the 1960′s – 1980′s and is set in post war Japan. It is a dark humourous play on the cruel reality of life, sometimes shocking.. sometimes a little disturbing, this is an incredibly well made, entertaining and beautifully crafted film which I guess is why it has been selected as the Singaporean entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards (which takes place on the February 26, 2012…ohDearyme wishes it the greatest luck!).
Please note: a strong background/interest in manga/animation is not required for the viewing of this film…so do make it a one to watch!
Picture of Director Eric Khoo (left) and me!
FACT: Tatsumi coined the term gekiga in 1957 which means ‘dramatic pictures’. This would be a movement that would launch the alternative comics scene in Japan.
If that has you wanting to know more about the medium of comics here is a mini interview with Paul Gravett editor of 1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die
How/when did you get into comics and what is it about them that you find appealing? It was TV that got me into comics first – Thunderbirds, Tintin and Batman shows led me to discover their original comics and from there I was hooked. I love how comics stimulate both sides of my brain, make me read and look at the same time and fill the gaps between the panels – and then the stories and emotions they create.
What is your favourite comic and why? Impossible to choose just one. All I can give you is my favourite right now, this instance, which is a manga called Saint Oniisan (pictured below) about Jesus and Buddha coming down to present-day Earth and renting a Tokyo apartment for their holidays, it’s hilarious and utterly original.
You’ve just finished editing ’1001 Comics’ tell us more about the content…
The first 500 entries cover more than a century, from 1837 to around 1985, the last 501 entries cover the last 25 years or so. That reflects how many amazing, innovative comics have been produced all over the world in these recent years. This is connected to the rise of women’s role as comics authors and to the medium expanding from traditional genres and tackling every subject you can imagine.
Do you think the traditional medium of the comic can survive the increasing desire for virtual reality… how/why? Comics are already working brilliantly online and as apps, and at the same time we’re also seeing a renewed appreciation of the beauty of books as tactile objects, graphic novels with fantastic production and design, and the return of the hand-crafted. Comics are our oldest storytelling form… right back to cave paintings, so they can survive anything and will evolve as they have always done as technology changes.
What did you enjoy about the Tatsumi film?
I especially enjoyed the chance to get to know the man behind the manga and appreciate what drives someone to devote themselves to their life’s dream of making powerful stories in their own unique way. It proves the secret power of comics – one person, with pen or pixels, can make a reader react emotionally to something as ‘simple’ as motionless, silent drawings and words on a page.
Hello! This is a CALL. A heads up. A tip. Whilst you are getting ready for your Friday night going out/staying in tune in to BBC6 Music for a special show – the first ever Now Playing 2012 Blog Preview where Tom Robinson, the public and a handful of blogging peers have gotten together (digitally) to give an alternative guide to who we predict will be making a big impact on the music scene in 2012.
TUNE IN tomorrow at 7pm GMT (Friday 30th)…on BBC6 Music..
Here is a special preview of the amazing film Hollow by new director Rob Sorrenti…a moving story about addiction this is available to watch online only til the 1st January…currently doing a tour of the film festivals this is a special exclusive not to be missed! In fact… it’s so good I’m going to watch it again..
“We want people to hear music as we do. To Imagine what it looks like”
Last night I went along to ‘see’ the Amadou & Mariam gig in Bethnal Green. And what an extremely unique experience. If you haven’t heard of Amadou & Mariam before – they are a blind couple – who met in the orchestra of The Institute for the Young Blind in Bamako. Married for over 25 years their show entitled ‘Eclipse’ tells the story of Amadou & Mariam’s life and work together and is staged entirely in the dark.
In December 2010 I had the good fortune to crash at a friends shared house on my return from travelling. This would be my first experience of living with somebody who was blind. Admittedly it took me three weeks to muster up the courage to ask if Ken (Ken Bodden is his full name) could see me. Confused by Ken’s ability to live life as someone might if they still had their eyesight my brain could not comprehend how it might be possible to do everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and well..living!
To be honest… and I’m going to have to admit it – I do worry about I can say/can’t say sometimes. Living in a society where words with several meanings can be easily misconstrued – I decided that it would be easier to just let Ken introduce himself and talk about his experience with being blind:
Ken also works in North London as an experienced piano tuner. If you should like to contact him/hire him his website is www.northlondonpianotuner.co.uk or email him on ken@northlondonpianotuner.co.uk. Genuine requests only please.
So back to last night. The tickets for the gig were a surprise and very last minute and unfortunately (for me) Ken already had tickets for Friday’s gig. So.. with no one wanting to come out and play with me (yep thanks everyone…sob sob) along I went.. allalone.. to see Amadou & Mariam. Sitting in a pitch black hall with a couple of hundred other people I was surprised at how incredibly relaxed I felt ten minutes in to the show (and when I say pitch black I mean cannot see my hand pitch black).
Listening to the comforting sounds around me – I became incredibly aware of my ability to ‘switch off’ enjoy the sounds and daydream. Ok. I admit it! I can occasionally be a bad listener. When I was ushered out of the hall – I was led by a volunteer who had special goggles on. This was the part in which I felt incredibly vulnerable. But what intrigued me most of all was when I came out of the experience. Being the first night of the show the staff asked me excitedly ‘How was it? What was it like? Was it good? What happened?’. I cannot put into words how amazing this show was. In fact using the word ‘amazing’ pretty much belittles the experience. I do think that sometimes – you need to experience things yourself to fully appreciate them.
And so I will leave you on this quote..
Nature does not deceive us; it is we who deceive ourselves. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile, 1762
UPDATE:
Ken went to the gig last night! This is what he thought:
Well, during the show we were kind of wondering whether it was really live;
but a couple numbers before the end, the stage and some of the floor lights
came up and there they were live as live can be on the stage. Then all of a
sudden, we were all up and rocking away. You then saw the big black curtain
on the stage and realised that the band had been performing behind it and
they would have had lights. Besides the music, I was enthralled by the
sounds travelling around the hall and the quality of the twin-quad stereo
setup! After the show, me and Michael went back in to have a peep at the
speakers, but they were taking down the set so we could not go up on the
stage…typical sounds buffs!
Ken xx
If you would like more information on Amadou and Mariam here is their website:
Tonight was #thecosmos Ultimate Women of the Year Awards. It’s always important to show some sisterly love – so when Cosmo asked me if I would like some exclusive footage I said yes please. It seemed only fair to share this reward with a fellow Cosmo lover Dress Me Perfect – so here are some great photos of some of the ladies of the night.
Feel free to join the conversation using the hashtags #thecosmos #ohDearyme and #dressmeperfect
#ohDearyme would like to say a huge congratulations to Daisy Lowe for winning Ultimate Style Queen of the Year, Jessie J for taking the Ultimate Music Star of the year (@jessiejofficial) prize (LOVE YOUR STYLE GIRL! KEEP IT UP!)..Blondie for the Ultimate Icon of the Year (@BlondieOfficial)award (saw you headline at Camp Bestival this year you wowed the crowds!) and er – well I’m not really a fan of JLS.. but you can’t please everyone boys (it’s all about Johnny Depp)
Here is Caroline Flack talking about the event:
Here are some exclusive pics of just some of the best dressed from the night:
Here is a FULL slideshow of all the ladies pictured on the night:
Picture Shows: Fearne Cotton attending the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2011. Held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday November 03, 2011.
Picture by Pete Mariner. Byline: Pete Mariner/Mirrorpix
Commissioned for Mirror by Alex Mead.
Pictures to be syndicated via Mirrorpix.
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Picture Shows: Jameela Jamil attending the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2011. Held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday November 03, 2011.
Picture by Pete Mariner. Byline: Pete Mariner/Mirrorpix
Commissioned for Mirror by Alex Mead.
Pictures to be syndicated via Mirrorpix.
.
Picture Shows: Abbey Clancy attending the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2011. Held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday November 03, 2011.
Picture by Pete Mariner. Byline: Pete Mariner/Mirrorpix
Commissioned for Mirror by Alex Mead.
Pictures to be syndicated via Mirrorpix.
.
Picture Shows: Debbie Harry attending the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2011. Held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday November 03, 2011.
Picture by Pete Mariner. Byline: Pete Mariner/Mirrorpix
Commissioned for Mirror by Alex Mead.
Pictures to be syndicated via Mirrorpix.
.
Picture Shows: Caroline Flack attending the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2011. Held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday November 03, 2011.
Picture by Pete Mariner. Byline: Pete Mariner/Mirrorpix
Commissioned for Mirror by Alex Mead.
Pictures to be syndicated via Mirrorpix.
.
Picture Shows: Holly Valance attending the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2011. Held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday November 03, 2011.
Picture by Pete Mariner. Byline: Pete Mariner/Mirrorpix
Commissioned for Mirror by Alex Mead.
Pictures to be syndicated via Mirrorpix.
.
Picture Shows: Tulisa Contostavlos attending the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2011. Held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday November 03, 2011.
Picture by Pete Mariner. Byline: Pete Mariner/Mirrorpix
Commissioned for Mirror by Alex Mead.
Pictures to be syndicated via Mirrorpix.
.
Picture Shows: Cher Lloyd attending the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2011. Held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday November 03, 2011.
Picture by Pete Mariner. Byline: Pete Mariner/Mirrorpix
Commissioned for Mirror by Alex Mead.
Pictures to be syndicated via Mirrorpix.
.
Picture Shows: Mylene Klass attending the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2011. Held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday November 03, 2011.
Picture by Pete Mariner. Byline: Pete Mariner/Mirrorpix
Commissioned for Mirror by Alex Mead.
Pictures to be syndicated via Mirrorpix.
.
Picture Shows: Kelly Rowland attending the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards 2011. Held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, London, on Thursday November 03, 2011.
Picture by Pete Mariner. Byline: Pete Mariner/Mirrorpix
Commissioned for Mirror by Alex Mead.
Pictures to be syndicated via Mirrorpix.
.
Who do you think is the best dressed??? Who were you happy about winning?? Please do:
The full list of Cosmo winners are: Ultimate Music Star of the year @jessiejofficial
Ultimate Campaigner of the year @KrisPoB
Ultimate TV Personality of the year @KELLYROWLAND
Ultimate Style Queen of the Year @daisylowe
Ultimate Man of the Year @cajackson1984
Ultimate Survivor of the Year Nicole Campbell
Ultimate Writer of the Year @caitlinmoran
Ultimate US TV Actress of the Year @BLively_
Ultimate Fashion and Beauty Entrepreneur of the Year @daisyknights
Ultimate Family Girl of the Year Gemma Dowler
Ultimate Newcomer of the Year Michelle Dockery
Ultimate Icon of the Year @BlondieOfficial
Ultimate Celeb Men of the Year @JLSofficial
Ultimate Theatre Star of the Year @Amanda_Holden
Ultimate Editor’s choice of the Year Lisa and Louise Hawker
A powerful single from new talent: Giovanna. Sister of Winston from Mumford & Son’s she is signed to the same label as King Charles – Mi7. (Mi7 is the name of the label.. I know I know it can get confusing…I bet King Charles isn’teven a King…).
This is an intense debut from talented 21 year old Giovanna due for release on the 28th November:
If you like that check out the awesome remix of ‘Out in Bold’ by Tru Fix and Twiggy
The EP ‘Shaky Ground’ is scheduled for release in 2012.
What do you think? JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #ohDearyme
Oh and guess what.. next year my birth date will be 12/12/12. WEIRD HUH!!!
NEW MUSIC SOMEONE RECOMMEND ME SOME NEW MUSIC!!! And just like that…a few musical gems appear in my email inbox…wow. It’s magic.
I’m enjoying this from London based Wolfette(aka Dominique Woolf) great, great niece of Virginia Woolf. Virginia Woolf if you don’t know is an author, essayist, publisher also known for saying: For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.Virginia Woolf.
You can catch her live performances on: Tues 8th November: Notting Hill Arts Club (21 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JQ)
Thurs 24th November: AAA London (11 Kensington High Street)
Also on repeat is this Holy Ghost remix from Cosmic Kids.
Catchy. Bouncy. Another word for bouncy? Yes. A surginglyaddictive track… let’s stick with that…healthier than.. sugar. Ok let’s move on..listen to them here:
More tracks from Cosmic Kids and a free download here:
Got this in last minute.. a visual sensation from The Orb. Titled as C Batter C Alex Paterson has teamed up with artist Mike Coles to present a thought provoking video..
Last and certainly not least I would like to recommend community band King Toadfish. London based the band consists of eight musicians playing a mixture of jazz, blues, klezmer & folk:
New video entitled ‘The Fear’ from my favourite artist (I love him) Ben Howard. Released on the 5th December through Island Records it was shot at his recent show in Falmouth, Cornwall.
Apparently his debut album entered the UK album charts at #7. WOW!! I didn’t even know the album charts were still going!!
I think Ben has the potential to be a mute boyfriend. You know.. the type that says nothing…sits in the corner of the room and plays you songs only whenappropriate. Hmmmm….team ohDearyme is a huge fan!!! The boy/man manboy can do no wrong.
Tonight saw the first ever AIM (Association of Independent Music) Independent Music Awards in London. The UK’s independent music sector is home to some of the greatest artists in the world (Adele/Arctic Monkeys to name just two). So. As an independent blogger I was honored to receive an invite to the awards show to celebrate the achievements of some of the top independent music industry players. I caught up with Beardyman and Indie Champion Award winner John Robb for some motivational chat..
The full list of award winners:
Best Difficult Second Album
’21′ – Adele (XL Recordings)
Catalogue Release of the Year (in association with Rovi)
‘Matador at 21′ – Various Artists – Matador Records
Best Small Label (in association with Sound Performance)
Stolen Recordings
Hardest Working Band or Artist (in association with Live Nation)
Frank Turner (Xtra Mile)
Innovative Marketing Campaign of the Year
Ninja Tune – ‘Ninja Tune XX’ campaign
Independent Breakthrough of the Year
SBTRKT (XL Recordings)
Indie Champion
John Robb, Louder Than War
Golden Welly Award for Best Independent Festival (in association with AIF and Virtual Festivals)
Bearded Theory
PPL Award for Most Played Independent Artist
Adele (XL Recordings)
Best Live Act (in association with Sailor Jerry, voted for by readers of The Fly)
Marley’s Mellow Mood has announced a series of free, acoustic sessions taking place over the next three Sunday’s in London, Manchester and Glasgow:
London: Sunday November 13th: Lock Tavern (4pm)
The gigs start off in London with Mystery Jets man Kai Fish, Lucy Rose and DJ set from Foals’ Edwin Congreave
Manchester: Sunday November 20th: venue: Night and Day
Releasing through her own label Goe Music here is a new video from Ruby Goe. Currently writing tracks for a variety of other artists the lady has also been busy collaborating with Stanton Warriors on their upcoming new album..
You can catch Ruby Goe live at the PUMA store, 52-55 Carnaby Street, London on the 17th November at 7pm… but first check her out video here:
Released on 1st January via Polydor Home Again is the new EP from Michael Kiwanuka.
LISTEN HERE:
It’s like listening to the voice of an angel. Aaaaaah…
Michael will join a very special line-up on the 24th November, that includes Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland, Ben Howard, Emile Sande, and Bebe Black at St John-at-Hackney Church in East London. Tickets are on-sale from here now: www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk
British graffiti scape artist Xenz presents his brand new major solo show – Cloud Cuckoo Land on December 1-4 2011 at Blackall Studios, Old St, London. Having painted his first piece in 1987 at the tender age of 14 – by 1993 he had gone on to form what has become one of the UK’s longest standing and most respected graffiti crews known as the TCF crew. It is an honour to welcome him to ohDearyme for an interview!
How long have you been a graffiti artist?! What is it that keeps you at it?
I was about 12 when I really got into breakdancing and electro and rap. This generated a fascination with New York and L.A. I got spray cans to spray my BMX bike and naturally tried to tag my garden wall. I progressed into the alleyway, then into the local park: painting walls at night; sneaking out with spray cans in socks in my bag so they didn’t rattle. Venturing into the dark and climbing fences and then trying to see what colour you were painting was all part of the thrill when I was 14. The morning after, when we would return to see what we had painted, that’s when the real buzz kicked in and the game began. I signed my first pieces with my nickname ‘Graz’, but I soon got caught at school as this was the name everyone called me. I saw a flyer for a club called Sense and I thought, ‘that’s perfect’. I like ‘s’, ‘e’ and ‘n’, and so began the evolution of what I write now — Xenz.
Ending up in an opium den was a childhood dream?! Can you expand on that?
It’s funny how things get misinterpreted. In some way, that’s what has driven my whole art career to date…You start with a block of marble or a blank canvas and you begin making marks or chipping away. Initially, you wanted to make a pyramid, but what you ended up with is an egg. The childhood dream was setting sail to discover these exotic lands; the opium den was a symbolic way to describe the distractions reality puts in front of your dreams. It’s a bit like booking that nice hotel only to find out it’s a building site.
As you grow up, you realise that there’s a thin veneer that masks this vision of paradise that you had as a child. To get from a to b you have to go through c to z. No, I didn’t dream of ending up in an opium den. In fact, I couldn’t think of anything worse, but that’s exactly what I try and play with in my art — the irony of it all. As a human, I can stand and create an image of this beautiful place using paint. It’s like a hallucination or a dream state. It’s imagination. For this particular body of work, I tried to put myself in the shoes of a Victorian botanist exploring the Far East looking for orchids and birds.
Do you have any online blog recommendations for us?!
Twitter.
Are you an undercover graffiti artist or do your parents know?
When you get to the far side of 30, keeping secrets about what you do in your spare time is a bit hardcore. I’m not that kind of guy. I don’t really think of myself as a hooligan or terrorist; I’m an artist. I paint walls and canvases. I make things. I design things. I create things. I’m using the tag I’ve signed walls with for the past 20 years simply because my real name isn’t as exciting — but what does that matter in the grand scheme of things. I suppose there is a rebellious sound to the term ‘graffiti artist’ that works in comparison to an oil painter, as it gives people a mental image of what type of pictures you create. But I feel it distracts from the reality of what it actually is. It makes it a fashionable thing, but to me, it’s just my art. People call it graffiti because I use spray cans and have developed my skills as a painter through graffiti and combined these with my training as a designer of applied arts.
What other graffiti artists work do you enjoy?
Banksy, Paris, Busk, Blu, Smug, 3dom, Eco, Insa , Dicy Feek , Sat One, Joys, Loomit, Can Two, Mode 2 — there are loads…
I don’t think David Cameron should be allowed art in number ten. Are you political?! Any views on this?
I really prefer to think about the wonderful side of life more than the wolves in sheep’s clothing who are part of a secret handshake society that want to keep us all scared and ultimately have a bigger plan that will benefit from the whole banking system collapsing. No, I’m not political. I think everyone should enjoy the arts — it’s good for the soul.
When you were young what did you want to be when you grew up?
I loved adventure and map reading. I wanted to navigate and draw maps. I loved maps and tried to go into the navy, but they wouldn’t let me in as I have high frequency deafness. Quite important if you’re listening to radar. So I realised I was an artist and that’s what I focused on.
Do you think anything is possible?!
Yes, if you know how and have the right equipment.
Do you have any inspirational quotes?
“All the lights that lead the way are blinding” – ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis.
I didn’t mention banksy yet. Does his fame as a graffiti artist please or annoy youn
It pleases me. I went to his very first show in a block of flats in Easton and have shared a few pints with him. He’s a very inspiring guy and a very nice person.
ohDearyme would like to introduce raw talent Misty Miller easily one of the best (if not THE best) acts I’ve seen in the past year – having witnessed Misty perform onstage I find it hard to believe she is only 17..
What’s your name and where do you come from?! (in a Cilla voice) Blind Date! My name is Misty Miller and I come from Wimbledon, Soowfff London.
Have you heard of Cilla Black?! (yes/no) Answer accordingly Of course, anyone who had a heart, would look at me, and know that I loved you!
Tell me about your musical inspirations. When did you become aware that you have a talent?! I have always sung. It has always been a big passion. It wasnt until I got the ukulele that I started writing my own songs and then at Bestival, found my manager. Then, I began making a career of it.
What instruments do you play?! Have you had singing lessons? I play the ukulele and the guitar. I see the ukulele as a tool to write on. When I got it, it just worked so perfectly for what I was writing, I never set out to play it though. It was a gift. Oh and I had singing lessons for 2 months when I was 11.
You’re 17 right now…are you studying?! Going to university?! What is Misty Miller hoping to become? I left college back in Feb. It was the right decision. After I left I went on my first headlining tour with my brother Rufus on guitar. Now I have my full band with me, the next step is recording the album in the new year and touring some more!
What would you tell your 30 year old self!? Where do you hope to be at that point of your life?! I hope to have a lot of wild and wonderful stories to tell…. (note to self… check!)
Fashion/music icons do you have any?! Fashion and music are very intertwined for me. So Patti Smith, The White Stripes, Nancy Sinatra, Nirvana, Natural Born Killers (the movie), The Velvet Underground.. the list goes on.
Do you have any inspirational quotes for us?! Just listen to Im So Free by Lou Reed.
This week I also had the pleasure of witnessing Friendly Fires perform at Brixton – where classics such as ‘Paris’ and ‘Jump in the Pool’ combined with lead singer Ed’s sexy hip movements didn’t fail to excite both the male and female audience. Is a *swoon* here appropriate? I’m never sure. Leaving the audience on recent crowd pleaser Hawaiian Air – I am looking forward to the next album which I hear work will be started on in Dec/January. No pressure guys but we’re all waiting!
Here is an dancetastic (too much?) Podcast the guys created whilst on tour: RESIDENT ADVISOR MIX
And just in my inbox right this second from the Bands In Transit crew is a new video from ‘Maverick Sabre’ (nice name) entitled ‘I Need’.
Wow.. what a voice… but what do you think? Do tweet me @ohDearyme and #jointheconversation..
Have a great Friday!! I’m watching ‘Drive’ tonight.. I’ve heard it’s amazing – but I’m wondering if it can top my film of 2011 – the superb ‘We Need To Talk About Kevin’. Watch it and let me know what you think!! Becki B x
ALSO remember Dead Kids? No? Well they may have been before your time. Mike Title is now fronting a new band called I.R.O.K. I haven’t seen them live yet but I imagine they will be a bit scary. To see them perform come to this..
‘Life doesn’t imitate art, it imitates bad television…’(Woody Allen)
Once upon a time.. a few years ago… back when reality TV was... still good.. there was a band. And this band had a name. And that name was…The Ordinary Boys. Ok ok.. enough with the once upon a time crap – here’s an interview with indie vocalist Preston of The Ordinary Boys fame!
Hi Preston how are you?
I’m doing rather well thank you.
So…you… and I quote, “need something loud and fast in my life and I want to
do it before I turn 30 next year”. On that note what’s the best thing that happened to you in your 20’s?
I spent 2 years in Philadelphia after the band broke up, essentially just hanging out. My family is from Philadelphia and I have citizenship so I have these occasional crises when I attempt to relocate to Philadelphia but invariably get dragged home to England by work and real-life. This last time was just the best. My friends over there are all artists and musicians and generally lovely people and it was all utterly inspiring. I wait eagerly for my next quarter-life crisis so I can see them all again!
Worst thing?
I suck at love and most of the really crushingly awful experiences are girl-centric. I think I historically am too eager for things to go right… paradoxically that usually assures failure.
Do you have a message to your future 40 self?
Is the planet run by damn dirty apes? Does everyone get everywhere by segway? I guess just never grow up please.
If you had a message to your 20 year old self what would it be? I’d probably just turn myself on to some bands and writers that I wish I knew about back then. Maybe give myself a heads up about songwriting cos i wish I had gotten into that as a career a long time ago.
You’re set to do a tour across 13 venues of the UK as The Ordinary Boys.. is this a comeback? All this is is a fun way to fill two weeks and a self indulgent nostalgia trip but I like the idea that we can put ourselves into a kind of semi-retirement and fit tours and releases around work. It’s not a comeback in the sense that I have no plans to try to make any profit out of it but we did come back and I’m really enjoying it!
Which songs are you most excited to play?
We have a new one, Run This Town. I have my own studio now and it makes it easy for me to record songs for free and just stick them up into the ether that is the internet. That song is great to play. And we are mainly doing the first album just because that is the time that I am trying to reminisce about. I like the song Over The Counter Culture a lot.
Do you have any inspirational quotes for us? I love my inspirational quotes. ‘Life doesn’t imitate art, it imitates bad television…’ by Woody Allen
I’m sorry. But I have to mention it. I can’t help it.. your ex is splashed all over Closer magazine.. she’s now married to someone else… do you regret doing all that reality stuff/celeb stuff?
Yes and no. I had a ball but i feel like it was so massively out of character. It still seems totally wild to imagine doing it at all. I am naturally shy but it is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all. It was the weirdest year of my life and I have definitely learned a lot from it all. I think that is why I have ended up working in a studio. I’m happiest behind the scenes.
I’m lucky I’ve never dated anyone famous and haven’t had to see them splashed in the papers papped with someone else. How do you deal with that stuff?
I just read books instead.
Who was/is your favourite band of 2011? I love Toro Y Moi a lot. Dirty Beaches put a great record out this year. Also the production nerd in me loves the Com Truise record.
What do you want for Xmas? I really love Roberto Bolano. 2666 was one of the most impressive/bizarre books i have ever read and i tend to obsess over writers. I made a list of some of his other books that I haven’t read yet.
I notice you have a day off touring on the 12th December – want to come to my birthday party? *Cheeky smile I have work on my days off! I have a showcase thing on the 12th and a writing session on the 13th.
Gutted. What are the secrets of staying youthful? Stay hydrated.
Words of wisdom for those seeking musical careers? Don’t follow scenes. Just make the music you enjoy making and you will never have to feel like you even have to try. And if you love it so will others.
Thanks Preston…and look forward to seeing you perform… Becki B x
There are a lot of different ways to discover music these days (if you hadn’t noticed). Sometimes I miss the linearity and the simplicity of receiving a singular music magazine on a Saturday morning. When I was a determined indie chick with an avid crush on Blur no other band would have got a look in. Now I have a deep thirst for culture and there are an abundant queue of suppliers on this worldwideweb thing. One of them is Bands In Transit who have kept their site fresh with quality videos from new talent and proved themselves worthy of following. They’ve just hooked me in yet again by sending me this performance by Spector entitled ‘What You Wanted’. With an album on the way next year this is a band to keep on your radar. Don’t you think? JOIN THE CONVERSATION @ohDearyme
I am also now following Xenz on Issuu – if you can’t make it down to his exhibition take a look at some of his art on here… it’s delicious and won’t fatten you up: http://issuu.com/xenz/docs/cuckoo_book_xenz/1
Now sitdown.. sit down and relax.. cos here is SONOIO, the experimental project of Alessandro Cortini, former keyboard player of Nine Inch Nails.
I don’t want a lot for Xmas. There is just one thing I need. I don’t care about the presents, Underneath the Xmas tree.
Oh fuck rightoffMariah. I mean like how many times has she been married anyway? Not that I’m here to judge. Hell – marry as many times as you want. But please let’s give the guys a break. Christmas is a very stressful time for relationships… and apparently many break down because they are ‘under pressure’.
I mean we’ve all been there. Haven’t we? You’re at the point where your boyfriend asks you want you want for Xmas. You blush.. smile sweetly and say ‘oh nothing you dont have to get me anything..’…peering at him and secretly hoping he can read your mind.
I believe it’s good to (occasionally) have low expectations. But I’ve never understood those relationships where the girl shrugs her shoulders and says ‘oh that’s just the way he is..’ when she gets another present of ‘sweet fuck all’ on Xmas Day. Like a good friend I’m consistently trying to advise my male friends …steering them haphazardly through the dating process.. ‘she did that but she meant this.. she said no but she meant yes..’.
So here’s some advice: it really is all very simple. She does want a lot for Xmas. There is more than one thing she needs. She does care about the presents, And she’d prefer it if it was eco-friendly.
Cos we are living in a material world. And she… is a material girl. Unfortunately.
I.R.O.K. IS OUR RITUAL WHERE WE COMMUNE TO RAISE OUR SPIRIT AND WHERE WE CONNECT WITH YOURS.
Many people reading this blog will not have heard of your previous band Dead Kids.. or I.R.O.K can you introduce yourself to the public and tell us what you are doing here? What are any of us doing here online? I noticed that the word ONLINE is at the core of LONELINESS the other day. As for my music, you may never have seen Dead Kids and now you never will but I.R.O.K. Is out there and it’s a tangible experience to behold.
Lets go back.. back in time before Dead Kids.. before skinny jeans.. back when Mike was… 14 what was going on and what were you listening to?
Probably the same that I listen today. Suicidal Tendencies, Prince, David Bowie.
I.R.O.K. or The Intergalactic Republic of Kongo an outer space colony? A play on the Congo? Why the Congo…? It could be an outerspace colony, precisely that but we should not get bogged down in the literal. Instead we should open up to the forceful desire to exist simultaneously in other dimensions. We already do but it’s for us to be aware of that. Prayer is another dimension for example. Charging your atoms positively. I’m not talking about religious doctrine here or aliens what I’m talking about is people ridding themselves of the cynicism that eats away at them. That controls their desires. We exist within very narrow perameters.
I.R.O.K seems to have a voodoo potency with a religious edge.. I’m confused. Whats going on – are you religious….? Do you believe in a ‘God’?
Do I believe in a God? Do I practice Voodoo? There was voodoo long before anyone started writing down laws and statutes. Of course you are confused. Whoisn’t? We live in a time where it’s increasingly difficult to have blind faith in anything. Our belief systems are a business. Everything feels like it’s falling apart. This is no boom time. Are things going to get worse? What happens when financial systems really crash. If John from Ilford who’s been travelling to work every day crushed up and murderous on the train and hates his boss at HSBC puts his card in the wall and there’s nothing there. What then? Will he turn to God? What kind of God? I don’t know yet what God is but he’s not to me what He is to others. These things will become clearer. I.R.O.K. allows me to commune spiritually on a next level.
I read in an interview that some major labels ripped off some of your Dead Kids songs? How did you get around that and how are you protecting yourself with I.R.O.K.
When a major label conglomerate takes you on, takes the piss as it were it always behaves in the same way. Like some ancient leviathan. They flex their muscles and bear their nasty teeth but you know what moves they are going to pull before they’ve pulled them. I own a percentage of a song an artist stole from us. They tried to use it for an advert and I excercised my right to say no. They couldn’t understand that. They were like ‘you can earn money here’. They couldn’t understand that I got more pleasure from not allowing it it’s airtime. I recently got contacted by a lawyer telling me they just realised they’d been using it in a massive German movie and ‘mistakenly’ didnt get my permission. That’s what I’m dealing with. At the end of the day: keep writing.
‘You will bleed for the things you believe in’. Strong words.. You should be careful God doesn’t give you a period… or maybe he already has? What do you believe in – there is a lot going on right now – with Cameron in power and Occupy. What are your thoughts politically?
Politically the only thoughts I have is that this country is stuck in this system where we swing left to right from one Etonian to another. People, and let’s be honest here, 9 out of 10 times it’s a man, who choose to govern, are self interested pricks. Nothing will change whilst people can afford to go on holiday with a credit card and a new car and a flat screen telly. That’s the fabric of society that is bound to implode in a way we have never seen before. You might as well throw out these things you save up for.
Your video ‘OO AA OO’ is brilliant. Who/how did you make that? The video for OO AA OO was shot in Hackney and Morocco. It’s a simple horror concept limited to the zero budget we had to make it. A friend of mine is a top notch editor and we sat down for days putting it together. It symbolizes a rebirth. There’s nothing like that feeling of a new chapter. New Years Eve doesn’t cut it for me. In fact, I avoid it. I go up a mountain or something
I’m looking forward to your gig on Thursday.. I’m expecting a raw energy.. how should I protect myself from passionate giggers. Im scared.
You should not be fearful for Thursday but you should be excited. You will experience a collision of atoms and the tremors of something you have always known to be true. There will be lots of smoke.
I’m enjoying your vision Mike.. thanks for the interview…
“This was meant to be a one off tour but fuck that this is too fun!” Preston, 2011
Last night saw The Ordinary Boys ‘Maybe Someday Tour’ at the O2 in Angel. I think it’s fair to say that the boys put on a blinding set that makes one wonder why they ever went away in the first place. Front man Preston oozed confidence as he introduced old favourites such as ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ and the thrilled crowd lapped it up. A few new tracks were promised to be released via bandcamp and whether this is the beginning of a come back or truly just a one off tour only the band know. The fans have shown their support. And from the looks of it – they were hungry for more. So @samuelpreston and The Ordinary Boys this song is dedicated to you:
Follow Preston’s blogspot or tweet him some support @samuelpreston
Bring back me CD collection…. bring back me senses… anyway moving on it was my birthday at the weekend (Happy Birthday to me!) and I made the terrible mistake of making my friends go and see the new film ‘New Years Eve’. I would like to publicly apologise for putting them through the pain. It seems that a strong cast does not guarantee a good movie. It was AWFUL and the storyline was weak. Even the chance to perv at Ashton Kutcher was not enough to rescue this film.
Madonna has a new movie entitled W.E. which promises to be a ‘beautifully crafted, passionate tale about the search for true love in the modern world’. But what have we learnt today? Famous names attached to a movie does not guarantee a good film…apparently this film was recut after not such great reviews. Not released until Feb 2012 – there is plenty of time for some fine tuning. View the trailer here:
Looking forward to viewing that…?! JOIN THE CONVERSATION @ohdearyme
I’m struggling on putting down Cupcake Brown’s book ‘A Piece of Cake’. It really is a brilliant read. And so I will leave you on an inspirational quote from Ms Brown herself:
“Always remember the acronym for “FEAR” can mean one of two things: Fuck Everything And Run or Face Everything And Recover.”Cupcake Brown, A Piece of Cake
Don’t forget I.R.O.K perform tonight in Dalston. It’s only 3 quid and they will be on stage at midnight. See the article below for the flyer!
Christmas can be a stressful time of year. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Stick your headphones on and forget about the sellotape for a minute because I have to introduce you to a young, talented four piece who call themselves the Bear Cavalry. Formed on the south coast in a small town called Gosport they’ve just recently released their EP Maple Trails through Hot Wax Records. And I think it’s brilliant…! Listen to it here:
So Dan tell me about your Maple Trails EP that you’ve just released… We recorded Maple Trails a while back at Giant Wafer Studios with Tom Woodhead. It’s the first thing we’ve ever recorded ‘properly’, before that we just recorded demos in our own place which we still do when we write something new. The four tracks all bring out a different element of what we’re kind of about, we don’t like to stick too closely to one genre or sound, mainly because we have very short attention spans.
Does anything good happen in Gosport? Tell me a fact about it. I know nothing about the place. There’s Gosport Festival every year, Michael Jackson played last year. A little known fact is that it’s the largest town in Britain without an operational railway station. It does have a ferry though.
Who else are you listening to? Nirvana at the moment. I’ve never really tried them but reading about them, especially Nevermind, has grabbed my interest lately. I do find that knowing about an artist and what their influences and inspirations are, really adds to my enjoyment of their music.
What are your inspirations? People who have done what we want to do from the same beginnings.
Do you have any inspirational quotes for me? My mother said to me, ‘If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the Pope.’ Instead, I was a painter, and became Picasso.
Love interests. Is this just a way of pulling the ladies? (Or men dependent on which way you swing).
I have a girlfriend, you’d have to ask her if you want to know whether the band thing helped me reel her in. To be honest though no, it’s a wonder any of us has ever even managed to engage a woman in conversation. We’re pretty awkward.
Describe your creative process how do you get from A to Z in the production process? We have a pretty mixed up way of doing things which might be why we end up steering clear of any kind of popular structure a lot of the time. Usually there will be a bunch of ideas floating around and we just do our best to organise them into some sort of song form, adding things as we go. Sometimes it takes absolutely ages, sometimes hardly any time at all, we don’t really have a consistent process that we always find ourselves sticking to. The end is often finished before the start though, that’s definitely a pattern that’s emerged.
What do you want for xmas? There aren’t really any items I’m particularly keen on getting my hands on at the moment so I’m going to say loads and loads of money to burn a hole in my pocket with.
Check out Bear Cavalry at:
6th Jan, Barfly, Camden, London
22nd Feb Death Disco, Notting Hill Arts Club, London
This week I went to see The Horrors perform at The Garage in Islington as part of the Fred Perry Sub-Sonic Live show. It was my second time seeing this band live. The first was at Wireless Festival in the summer. A festival where everywhere you glance you are hit by an advertisement. Standing in the middle I could listen to The Horrors on my right and Cut Copy on my left. I believe it’s fair to say that the festival doesn’t really do the art of music any justice. Unless you’re headlining (I suppose..). It was great to experience the band perform at what one might call a ‘proper gig’. Or a more ‘intimate affair’. To experience what it is about The Horrors the critics love so much. On stage Faris Badwan emanates a chilly disposition…the epitome of ‘cool’ his icy exterior simply ignites an excitable (and seemingly dedicated) audience. An excellent venue sporting some great bands make sure you keep up with Subsonic Live here to experience a diverse and eclectic range of new music from around the world with some subtle marketing from Fred Perry. (Wireless Festival take note!).
In other news I’ve just WON a prize with Company magazine to attend….. THE BRITS 2012!!!!!!! I am so excited… mainly because my favourite band Blur are also there performing. The best Christmas present ever!!!
Firstly something that is going to help your mood is the music on your playlist.
(it’s all about Johnny Depp)
