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

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

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

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

BBC LINK

Beautiful…. !

Becki Bx

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.

www.despicabledick.com

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 want this one..

Isn’t it gorgeous? What would you wear. If money was no object? Tweet me… @ohDearyme

Link to Company page

Becki Bx

‘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.

You can book to watch the film here

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.

Paul Gravell Website

Check out work from aspiring cartoonist: Mike Medaglia here

In other news… I have fallen in love with this by Charles Bradley ‘The World (Is Going Up In Flames):

Becki Bx

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..

Other blog contributors include:
A New Band A Day, Dummy, 4Clubbers, Muso’s Guide, Drunken Werewolf & Music Liberation, Strikes Spark Anywhere, Fear of Fiction, Details of My Life, Vainzine, Faded Glamour, Beats and Beyond, Dalston Oxfam Shop, We Are Pop Slags, God is in the TV Zine, Cougar Microbes

Get involved and JOIN THE CONVERSATION with #6music2012 BOOM!

And with that I will leave you with the Buggles.. Video Killed the Radio Star..

or did it…

Also fellow blogger HeadphoneSex is back after a longish break… do go and chk him out for some wicked tunage..

Becki @ohdearyme x

Hollow – Short Film from Rob Sorrenti on Vimeo.

Previous post on ohDearyme about the film here

Comments on the facebook page welcomed – join here

Becki Bx