And his name is Rolf Harris. Art school dropout Mr Harris is now 81 years old (looking good Rolf looking good… ) and has been involved in television since it’s debut. He’s seen it all. In 1953 Rolf attended art school. Not loving it he dropped out..  BUT he didn’t give up on his talent! Oh no.. ! He sought out a mentor, someone who inspired him (Hayward Veal) and that paved the way to what would be a very successful painting career.

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity: Louis Pasteur

Lovers on the Seine (The Kiss) by Rolf

If however, you were to ask me how I know of Rolf I first remember being entertained by him on Rolf’s Cartoon Club:

FIVE ROLF FACTS/THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW:

He get’s up to paint at 6.30am every morning.
He’s a trained teacher
He met and worked with… The Beatles..
He created the wobble board
He has played the didgeridoo on two albums for Kate Bush

Here is a recording of Rolf and The Beatles making quite a few mistakes singing ‘Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport’..

Kate Bush – The Dreaming with Rolf on the didgeridoo

The man is a GENIUS!

Go see Rolf perform at Camp Bestival get your tickets HERE

IN OTHER MUSICAL NEWS: First Aid Kit play Scala on the 23rd.. this is their new single ‘Emmylou’ that is due out on the 13th..

FREE DOWNLOAD from Bowerbirds ‘In the Yard’

Ben Howard (my favourite artist right now) November tour tickets are on sale on the 8th Feb. His Feb tour is sold out. Ps he’ll be supported by Willy Mason!

Peace.. Becki Bx

Gabriel & The Hounds aka Gabriel Lavine..  new album ’Kiss Full of Teeth’ is due 5th March and features contributions from some top musical names (Bjork, Sufjan Stevens.. to name a few)…

He’s touring the UK and I get the feeling he’s going to be popular.. so get yourself a ticket now!

Book tickets for his show HERE

23rd Feb – Brighton – The Hope

I’m just a fool to love you I’m such a fool to think you care Thom Hanreich – My One And Only Love (Pina Soundtrack)

It’s cold outside but it’s warm in here. Get the coal on the fire and er power up your IPads kids… cos ohDearyme has some hot new videos for your consumption!!

She’s already sold out shows and now she’s supporting Bombay Bicycle Club it’s 22 year old Lianne La Havas’ new single ‘Forget’ which is due out on the 27th February..

More info on tour dates on her website here: www.liannelahavas.com

This video has just gone live today.. from Stoke on Trent band [All the Young] and is entitled ‘Horizon’. Their sound has a distinct similarity to brit pop era Oasis and they are due to support the Kaiser Chiefs. But the use of the bracket puts them firmly in the good ole textspeak era of 2012 BYKT. This is a well shot video and a wicked return to guitar music.

[All The Young] are Ryan Dooley – vox/guitar, David Cartwright – lead guitar, Jack Dooley – bass/vox and Will Heaney – drums)

Download a copy of their album from a gig at the Kings Hall HERE

More info on their site here: www.alltheyoung.co.uk

Here is the second single from Hoodlums – ‘Dark Horses’ who headline at the Wilmington Arms in London next Thursday, 9th February…

More info

And this has just made me laugh out loud. New video ‘Worms’ from beloved Yunioshi. Taken from their Reykjavik EP which is released on February 18th 2012.

Yunioshi SITE

And lastly… I have fallen head over heels with this… from Thom Hanreich ’My One And Only Love’

It is taken from the film pina which now I must watch..

GIGS GIGS GIGS SECTION

17th February – The Garage, London Andrew Weatherhall has a club night called ‘A Love From Outer Space’ in conjunction with Fred Perry and it is only FIVE QUID. He has remixed some huge names – from Bjork to the Happy Mondays. Learn more HERE 

Supporting DJ Krush at the Forum in Kentish Town, he has his hoody up and his head bowed low. Masaaki Yoshida aka Anchorsong – creates electronic music live using a sampler and a keyboard and supported by a string quartet. Successfully creating a futuristic genre diverse style this artist flicks from classical to drum n bass to techno to funk.  His show is all about the music and less about the visuals – which is a bit of shame. Still worth a watch catch him at the Soundcrash gig on the 22nd March at Cargo.. get early bird tickets now!

Link to site HERE

DAILY REFLECTION: If you go down in the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise. If you go down in the woods today, you’d better go in disguise. You could just end up in a band’s music video.. 

Enjoy… Becki Bx

“I’ll find someone new who I’ll love much more than you – and all the memories will fade and be replaced by other days”.

These are the haunting lyrics from the song entitled ‘Endless Imitation’ from five piece London band Duologue. Duologue are an energetic band with a somber and mysterious edge. They’ve completely managed to catch my attention via the first listen… watch their music video here…

(Duologue are Toby Leeming, Tim Digby-Bell, Seb Dilleyston, Ross Stone and Toby Lee)

This video got me to thinking. Maybe it was the enticing earthy stretches of fields that did it. I have been living in Tottenham, London for just over a year now. And to be honest it’s really starting to grate. It’s so difficult to even make a doctors appointment in this area – the receptionists being constantly off sick. I get the impression they really hate their jobs and I have totally lost count of the number of times I have been curb crawled in the past year.  But… the thing that saddens me about this area the most is that with a bit of imagination it wouldn’t need to be this way.

“Almost 40 per cent of Haringey’s population live in areas that are amongst the most deprived 10 per cent in England.”

Something I enjoy personally about graffiti art is that whatever your personal economic stance in the world…whether you are rich or poor anyone can enjoy it. But I’ve got to wondering lately.. why do all the artists seem to hob nob in the same places? I’m talking Shoreditch/Old St. Etc etc. Yes it all looks great…sure.. I’m not talking about that…but…it’s just not very original is it. I wonder. Just who are you making your ‘graffiti’ art for?

“Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don’t come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they’re having a piss.” Banksy

I’m just thinking out loud really. Maybe feeling a bit.. visually starved. Anyway. Let’s go back to the music… more tunes from Duologue here:

Now.. imagine if memories never faded…and… night y’all.

Becki Bx

http://logbook.duologuemusic.com/

Featuring some of the acts on this years lineup!

Radio on Mixcloud

CAMP BESTIVAL LINK

I am also trying to get a team together to raise money for Greenpeace… entitled the Gold Challenge teams must complete 2012km in a variety of sports.. it is not necessary to train or live in the same area.. here is the link www.goldchallenge.org/2012kmchallenge if you would like to join our team please send me your email address to beckiburrows@gmail.com so that I can add you to the fundraising page!!! In the words of Rihanna.. naaaannananaa COME ON! Plus I need you to motivate me in my getting fit..

“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)

FREE DOWNLOAD HERE

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. Book HERE

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.

I can’t help it. I’m a darkened soul.

Becki Bx

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!

Cooool. Cheers Dawn! Becki Bx

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!

Enjoy!!! Becki Bx

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 20^th 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.

BOOK TICKETS HERE: www.soundcrashmusic.com/

In relation to all that I’ve just been recommended this from @mrtunes on twitter… introducing Amon Tobin ‘ISAM’

Right have a GREAT Sunday… Becki Bx

“Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.” John Lennon

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.

(If you should so wish to you can see that here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4FKJ8qgKLo)

“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

Becki Bx

FULL BRIT AWARD NOMINATIONS HERE