UPCOMING EVENT: SONENI & THE SOUL EP LAUNCH

They've finally gone and done it...Well at least they will have, a week today, anyway!

Long-time friends of ESP Soneni & The Soul release their début EP 'Million Miles Away' next Thursday; which they plan to celebrate with a mahoosive launch performance, supported by a few friends...

If you recall, the super-talented acoustic group graced the 'ES in the P' blog with a #FindOutFriday feature back in March (...that long ago? Really?) When we discussed their EP plans and also their amazing 'Love My London' collaboration inspired by last Summer's horrific riots. The track is going to be performed with the full, 6-name strong line up for the first time ever, so that's double the incentive for you to catch the show!

The first thing you should absolutely do is have a read of the article with some great underground talent and the second, is head straight over to their Facebook event page and pick yourself up all the details that you'll need to make it down to the show.

It's £5 otd and the line up on the night promise to over deliver for your money - so what you waiting for?

I might just see you there...

ES ;o)

#ESPspotlight Review: Alex Mills - 'No Artificial Colours' EP and Launch Party

It's funny that one of the tracks on Alex Mills' 'No Artificial Colours' EP is entitled 'Big Bad Wolf', because this lady folks, has a set of chops that devour you.

If you're a long-time reader, then you might just remember her valiant efforts for 'Team X' as part of February's 'Valentine's Special Part 1 - Battle of the Sexes'. Her second EP of 2012, this 6-track mixtape dubbed on her Bandcamp page as: 'A mix of Highlife and 80s Groove with some Alex Mills stink on it' - is a fresh body of work that shows her original versatility and progression since March's 'The Blue Bird Refix'.

From the first strains of opening track 'Forever Young', there's absolutely no doubt that this real vocalist is built for live acoustics - no studio assistance required. There's an energy to the beat that grabs your attention and wakes your tired mind before she utters a sound. I felt sure that she was going to open the set with this one but, closing with it instead all made sense once she announced that it is to be the release's first single.

Even better and more enthusiastic live, the 'I don't wanna grow up' anthem is a testament to the carefree mindset of youth and holding the seriousness of 'grown up life' at bay, for the sake of the little girl inside who just wants to have all kinds of Cyndi Lauper-esque, jumping on beds, pillow-fighting FUN. That 80s influence whisks you back there in a flash. It adds pep to your walk, makes you yearn for RugRats and give serious thought to revisiting neon and oversized prints, a là that West Philadelphian Fresh Prince...

The message behind 'Only Human' will ring a little truer with your average female than male I think - it's one that all us girls can relate to. It doesn't matter where you are in life, or what you have achieved; we all battle our own inner turmoils that can seem like too much to handle sometimes and this track is the perfect testament to that. My second favourite performance of the night; don't make the mistake of thinking it's a sad sap mellow ode designed to fit the mode of thought though - quite the opposite! Instead the exotic Calypso feel forces your mind to admit it's a mess, while wanting to dance (in costume) through Notting Hill in November, with a steel drum accompaniment that only you can hear...

With all that confusion, you cannot help but realise Mills is quite right when she sings: "I just need a word with myself..."

Ahhh, '9 to 5'...This one is the protest song for every creative talent out there trying to make it, irrespective of your field. This is not a Country that takes kindly to 'Artsy' types. Those who don't 'fit' a pre-defined box that can be ticked really aren't welcome - and that, is the essence of the tale being related here. It was actually quite funny that as I listened to the mixtape pre-live set, I thought how much the message reminded me of the Nile Rodgers' produced track, 'Lost In Music' by Sister Sledge, as Ms. Mills sneaked 'Thinking of You' - only one of my all-time favourite songs from the same, 1979 'We Are Family' album, into her set - and did a smashing rendition I might add. I discovered post-set that both she, project co-writer Alex Patten and Yours Truly, all worship at the Temple of Nile (Rodgers, that is. Y'know, in that NYC part of Egypt...). Bottom line, '9 to 5' is a two fingers up to the cheerily supportive bunch at the Jobcentre Plus. Please and Thank You.

'Big Bad Wolf' is a follow-on that talks about the pretence of trying to fit into those aforementioned definitions of a 'grown up'. Mills clarifies that having dreams and aspirations is not the same as daydreaming of fairytales in her book - but if it turns out to be so, she'll find out by having the courage to actually go after hers, unimpeded by the fears and shortcomings that anyone else may feel she should have. With her strong, determined delivery, she proves a formidable opponent with just her voice and Alex Patten's guitar on the night. Personally, I think it's the wolf who should be scared...

'54321' is the theme song for The Unaffected in today's Entertainment Industry. Opening line: "Excuse me Sir, I believe you just dropped something. Oh never mind, it's just a name..." sets the whole thing up perfectly, as line after line follow about one of the most annoying misconceptions of too many in this business - thinking that stature appeals most to those who just want to create. Another great performance on launch night.

'Reverse & Rewind' ties the EP up in a slick bundle and is truly infectious. Something about the arrangement throwsback to Immature's 'When It's Love' for me; 90s RnB yes, but with that undeniable 'Alex Mills stink'! A break up song with a difference, the sheer energy could fool you into forgetting to read between the lines. Don't make that mistake.

Kammerling reminded me I really MUST
invest in more waterproof mascara...

Support acts at The Waterline Cafe Wednesday night kicked off with the absolutely hilarious poet and comedian Adam Kammerling. His disturbingly deadpan set consisted of three compositions ('Ode to Co-Dependence', 'Woof, Quack, Miaow...something very tongue-twisterish with many more animal noises' an eerie offering to the Abney Park squirrels) and a text from his Mum, delivered in the 'head voice' of every child with a 'hip' parent new to technology - of which I am a relatable one. Crying with laughter from start to finish, the only problem with his set was that it was far too short for someone I had just discovered for the first time and now want to see more of...

Very gracious and appreciative of the opportunity to
perform, Huw (left) is yet to turn 18!

Next were Huw Olesker and The Barebackers, a duo from Portsmouth whose acoustic poetry was a refreshing enjoyment in keeping with the night's headliner. Extremely talented both lyrically and in their atypical choice of instruments; their mature outlook displayed in their 7-piece set, was in stark contrast to what you would expect based solely on their youthful appearance.

A must-have addition to your music library, the natural instruments combined with stripped, raw vocals only add transparent authenticity to this EP. The live performances served as proof positive that in an age increasingly tainted by manufactured talent and auto tune - No Artificial Colours can disguise the honest talent that is Alex Mills.

'No Artificial Colours' by Alex Mills
Out Now

Download 

'No Artificial Colours'

now from Bandcamp (£2.99)

Then click to connect with Alex via her Social Media Catalogue:

Twitter / Facebook 

Why not Download 

'The Blue Bird Refix EP'

while you're at it? It's FREE!

View more photos from the night via the ESP Ltd. Facebook Page - don't forget to 'LIKE' that very same page while you're there!

Until next time...

ES ;o)

#FindOutFriday in the #ESPspotlight with...Yukiko Takahashi (HYPER JAPAN 2012 Christmas Special)!

Well the day has finally arrived and I don't know about you, but I'm excited! The HYPER JAPAN 2012 Christmas doors open this afternoon and I for one, cannot wait!

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner; but if you're anything like me a year ago, you had never heard of this extravaganza and had not one iota of a clue that it was taking place on your doorstep. If you are unfamiliar with the show and what it's all about, well who better to tell you all than the Press Officer for the Organising team?

Meet Yukiko Takahashi...

Welcome Yukiko, to the #FindOutFriday hotseat! I'm very honoured to interview a member of the Cross Media Ltd. Team, responsible for bringing the might that is HYPER JAPAN back for a second time this year! I know you’re a very busy lady, so we’ll go straight to it!

1. For those unfamiliar, what is HYPER JAPAN all about?

HYPER JAPAN 2012 Christmas is the UK's biggest celebration of Japanese culture and cuisine, dedicated to bringing the very best from traditional and modern Japanese culture to the UK.

HYPER JAPAN 2012 Christmas
starts today and runs through to Sunday

This fourth event will be an unrivalled opportunity to learn about Japanese history and tradition, to discover the latest popular trends from Japan before they go mainstream, catch some unique performances and to enjoy some fantastic cuisine, including street food and premium sake! If you're tired of all those same-old Christmas gifts, HYPER JAPAN 2012 Christmas also promises to be a great place to pick up some fun and unusual presents too.

2. Sounds excellent! So how long has all of this been going?

HYPER JAPAN first started in October 2010, which attracted about 13,000 people, then in 2011 we attracted 25,000 visitors, and the last HYPER JAPAN, held in London in February 2012, was attended by almost 35,000 people, proving the popularity of Japanese culture in the UK.

3. It’s quite unusual to hold such a massive event twice in one year; how will this show differ from February?

We are still exploring when is the best season to hold HYPER JAPAN. In fact, we intentionally avoided holding an event this summer as many people were concentrating on the Olympics! This time of the year is great as people start thinking about Christmas and gifts, so we hope this HYPER JAPAN may prove to be a choice new Christmas shopping spot.

4. You’re the first Event Organiser to grace the #FindOutFriday hotseat and the aim is always to mentor readers with an interest in the field so: thinking back to when you first received the HYPER JAPAN 2012 Christmas event brief...With such a big crowd set to attend and so many different J-Culture sub-genres to cater for, what was the first task on your list?

To make the event contents fun and exciting to the British audience is the first thing we have to think about. This includes looking into any possible guest performers and exploring any potential event contents based on our strong contacts with Japan. Last but not least, we value the UK market's voice, so the HYPER JAPAN team does all sorts of networking.

5. And what aspect of event delivery was most important to you personally?

Every aspect is important to us so it is hard to pick just one!

Rock Guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei
will perform circa 6:00PM on
tonight's Main Stage

Personally for me this would be Hotei's guest visit! He is a real legend in Japan and I really respect him, so I feel proud to be able to share his greatness with a British audience.

I also feel that it is really important to showcase a wide variety of Japanese food and sake at this HYPER JAPAN event, as Japanese cuisine is something that is dear to my heart...

6. Let’s talk Entertainment. You have some highly talented names booked to cater for every aspect of Japanese Culture. How did Cross Media Ltd. decide who to book this time around?

That’s a difficult question...It’s a long story and we like to keep a bit of mystery. Sorry!

7. Ok, well let's try another angle...With the Olympics and so many other huge events taking place in the nation’s Capital, it could be argued that 2012 has been ‘The Year of London’. How hard has it been to define a J-Culture event in their wake and, positive or negative, do you feel there has been any impact on HYPER JAPAN?

The London Olympics brought International attention to the UK, so we think this is good for us. The UK is a great Country because it has a lot of influence and power to spread information to many other Countries. We hope the UK can help us show the greatest aspects of J-Culture to the world.

8. Going back to those just starting out in Event Management – what exactly is your job role and how did you get your start?

Cosplay Heaven...The World Cosplay Summit (WCS) sponsored by
British Airways  and the European Cosplay Gathering (ECG)
are just two of the event's major attractions...

We are a small company; we do all sorts of work and projects. This time round I am doing PR for HYPER JAPAN. Cross Media has allowed me to challenge myself, so I have had the opportunity to do many things, from editing books to managing or planning events with many different sorts of clients. 

9. Talk us through a typical day in the office for you...

Working hard from 9 to 6 every day!

10. Finally, if you could share the most important lesson that you have learned to date, what would it be?

Working hard in terms of achieving something!

________________________________________

Thank you Yukiko and all of the Cross Media Ltd. Team - I'm looking forward to seeing you shortly!

Doors open for the first day of HYPER JAPAN 2012 Christmas at 2PM this afternoon. For further weekend timings, daily schedules and ticket pricing, please see the flyer...

Or check the HYPER JAPAN website for details.

If you make it to Earls Court's Brompton Hall, why not come and say Hello? You may just find yourself part of an extra special upcoming #ESPspotlight feature! Just tweet using the #ESPatHJ hashtag or Tweet Me - I'll be there all weekend!

Right, I'm off to get ready - see you soon!

ES ;o)

2 UNlimited...

No folks, I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm not bringing you an update on Pete Waterman's supremely hot House music duo from the 80's...

If you Follow ESP Ltd. on Twitter, or have Liked our Facebook Page, then you will likely have caught a nostalgic stroll down memory lane earlier this week, as I recapped a few choice moments in celebration of our 2nd Birthday...

Clearly this called for one thing and one thing only, to round off this week...a mini #ESPspotlight on EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd.!

Starting right there - you would be surprised how many people don't realise that 'ESP' is a play on words - one of the main tools I work with - that ties the company name with the type of marketing that we specialise in. Someone recently asked for an explanation of my Twitter handle 'ESintheP' - it all makes sense if you just look at the name! And as for that Extra Sensory Perception? Well simply put, it's my goal to bring an insight to products that go beyond the obvious.

Drassick DIGITAL has 2 captivating eyes for the Ladies...

When North London Hip Hop MC Drassick DIGITAL needed a rebrand, I felt he needed a visual that matched his love of gadgets and technology. So with her Jelli graphic design hat on, I asked our Charli-Anne to come up with a genetic 'key' that was literally 'radio active'... See what we did there?! Fingerprints are all well and great, but this Ladies favourite had a gift for eye-catching attention without ever needing to speak, so I wanted to make sure we incorporated that, but also something where Music + DNA was implied. With a face built for recognition, what better fit than a literal Digital Signature...

Bright-eyed Drassick's rebrand centred around a retinal scan logo

Press kits have a tendency to be pretty bog standard in my humble opinion! I receive as many as I create and when I look them over, I quickly lose interest if there isn't something different to catch my eye. To me, typical headshots say little more than 'Casting Director's Mugshot Equivalent'. That's something I ensure I combat with those that I produce.

So when it came to Lekhem's first major photoshoot, I wanted to showcase his visual potential, his versatility and also to give an insight into the personalities of such a complex and intriguing Artist / Musician, making 'Identity' the ideal starting point for the themes I had in mind. There is always so much confusion surrounding the American / Jamaican heritage of West London's own 'Alien Resident', that I decided to take a selection of the monikers that others had bestowed on him and create some visuals to match...

'Home' is where the Heart is;
with Lekhem, that's in Music.

'Concepts Photoshoot: Alien Resident'

The mass of colour confusion in our graffiti location tied really well with the homage we were paying to Lekhem's American roots. Red, White and Blue with a twist; no matter what he does, duality is a constant theme. The Man and the Artist, the American and the Brit...it was always a quirk to me that visually, the foreign 'Alien' and the British 'Resident', are matched in the very same hues.

Equally, there's no doubt that like Drassick, our Lek has his own share of female fans...I soon learned that those 'Ladies Love Lek', making it a no-brainer to use one of those aforementioned nicknames as another theme...

Wisconsin AND West London's
very own Secret Agent...

'Concepts Photoshoot: Lexington'

Though other connotations are implied, something about 'Lexington' said 'Modern Day Bond' to me, from the first moment I heard it - and that was before I discovered what a (worryingly) huge fan of MI6's secret weapon he really is!

Where earlier looks on the day called for a lot of hyperactive colour; this concept called for calm. All about the 'attitude'; simple, non-distracting, statement pieces were all the wardrobe we needed to make these shots work.

'Concepts: Part One' was an all-day shoot with the superbly-talented Jay Donn of BlackWatch Photography and definitely one of my favourite projects of the past two years. View more shots from the day via Lekhem's Facebook Page.

When asked for his personal favourite since he joined the #ESPfamily though, he chose differently:

"My favourite project so far with ESP, has got to be #TheRaiseEP. That's the very first project that we worked on together from the ground up, after joining forces a few months after the release of 'Str8 Out Da Oven'.

The reasons why it's my favourite so far, is the amount of work that we had to do, in order to make sure everything would be en pointe. Travelling to different studios all over London, photoshoots, radio interviews, shows and performances, the lot... We created a lot of unforgettable memories with that project!

MORE TO COME!"

(Lekhem)

Download #TheRaiseEP,
along with Lekhem's back catalogue to date,
from 'The Food' at LekLane...

And as for us Girls? Well we just wanna have FUN, right?

I have done so many projects with Charli-Anne as both Deer Oh Deer Ltd's and Jelli's Marketing Manager, that it's near impossible to pick a favourite!

Jelli's Chinese New Year Offer, 2011

...We've done promotional advertisements

The 'Golden World' Necklace from our HarleQueens collection
2012 was paired with a Vintage JackFruit dress for
Sam's Fashion Shop Catwalk Show this Summer...

Our collaborative features have led to events with other brands...

We've done press 'kicks' - otherwise known as press kits you get a 'kick' out of...

deerohdeer 'Heritage Collection' Press Pack 2011

Publish at Calameo or read more publications.

'Red Carpet' AW10
Vintage Rose Clutch

'Pink Passion' AW10
Vintage Rose Clutch

But I suppose if I really have to pick one thing, it's going to have to be the limited edition, Vintage Rose Clutch bags - my very first project with the label. My first press release under my own name, it featured in Niji Magazine to begin with and is arguably when I was bitten by the writing bug!

And when it comes to just me? Well it's very hard to separate myself from any of the projects that I've worked on but, I've had a blast developing this blog! I could name a few individual pieces but, more than anything it is the feedback that I receive from your lovely selves, that has been my highlight. It's your comments, viewing figures and the three award nominations that 'The ES in the P' blog received this Summer, that have made the long, late nights like these worthwhile.

PLEASE #StayTuned to the goings on here, because there's only bigger and better to come! In this for the long haul, I entitled this round up '2 UNlimited' for a reason...

Until the next one!
ES ;o)

All 'HYPED' Up...

With only a week to go, I don't know about you, but I am most definitely looking forward to this...

Look out for Yours Truly throughout the weekend, with a camera, a DVR and quite possibly up to some 'fashionable' mischief - why not come and say Hello?

私はそこにあなたが表示されます (I will see you there)!

ES ;o)

Training Wheels...

I don't subscribe to being a snob in too many things. Just one area, if I'm honest - Music. If you're a regular on the ESP side of the street, then you'll know that I was spoon-fed Motown with Farley's Rusks, Stax and Chess (Records) with my pureed carrots and my signature wardrobe is still big hair and sparkles - preferably with tassels (less 'Showgirl', more 'Proud Mary' thank you very much)...

I do believe it was the late, great, Ms. Whitney who uttered a turn of phrase that stuck with me from the first moment I heard it. She may not have been it's originator, but it was when she described a very young Bobbi Kristina as a "Diva in Training" as she joined her onstage for a performance of 'My Love Is Your Love', that my mind derived a new mental hierarchy for today's ladies in the limelight...

To be a 'Diva', you have to have some mileage behind you (vocal, not just column print), you have to have 'The Chops'. You have to have a Class, a Grace and a Natural Aura that leaves those around you entranced. Why do you think Simon calls it 'The X Factor'? You have to have that something that just can't be bottled. If you go by Ms. Whitney's definition, then to my mind, the ladies of Destiny's Child for instance, are 'Divas in Training'; on the brink of graduating in a few years time but not quite there yet, even though they've been in the music business for more than two decades! If you weren't even born in that time, then unless you're taught by one directly, or the female version of a 'Little Michael Jackson' or a 'Little Stevie Wonder' (do your Motown homework if you're unfamiliar with the references, kids!) then the diamond-encrusted crown isn't for you - you just haven't earned it yet.

A 'Diva' isn't a label for just anyone, it's the title for a Queen, from my aforementioned snobbish point of view. I subscribe to that 'old school' mentality; you need to have 'paid your dues, to strut in the (jewel-encrusted) shoes'. You're not just recognised by one name because you've made it your stage name, oh no; you're so legendary that you don't need a surname, people just know who You are...You're Donna, you're Carole, you're Whitney, you're Cyndi, you're Mariah. When you throw, a 'Ms.' in front, then you really are the 'Big Guns': Ms. Patti, Ms. Tina, Ms. Chaka, Ms. Gladys, Ms. Aretha - well you get the picture...

Now, if you're wondering what on Earth inspired this little episode - well I have eight shapely syllables for you: VH1 Divas 2012. When I saw the line up of the inaugural show, it honestly made my little (wannabe Diva) heart swell for years to come - it was that monumental. Can we cast our minds back for a moment, to that joyous six minutes in 1998...

Whew...Praise Be after that, right? Now if you've caught an Entertainment News headline at all this week, then you very likely may have worked out where I'm going with this...No? Ok join with me in shock and horror:

The #VH1Divas2012 Line Up is as follows:

Miley Cyrus

Demi Lovato

Kelly Rowland

Ciara

Jordin Sparks

When I saw this line up, I thought it was someone's unfunny joke. Hosted by former American Idol contestant and runner up (ahem) 'Divo' Adam Lambert, there are in my 'humble' opinion, all but two names listed who have earned the grades to qualify as 'Divas in Training' - one of those purely on talent, not time accrued. An MTV EMA line up? Well sure, they're perfect for that! But this is NOT a line up of DIVAS because there isn't ONE on there! The cruellest blow of all, is that they will be 'tributing (read insulting)' two of the greatest voices to leave the Earth this year - Whitney Houston and Donna Summer.

Now I'm sorry, but this is just so wrong, on so many levels, that I am hard pressed to find a right one. The level of talent on the show has obviously never matched that first line up, but this year? Well I think I'll just YouTube the performances of those two 'Divas in Training'. The rest I'll give a miss, methinks, because in the words of Ms Aretha, well they can('t) just take it on home.

VH1 Divas 2012 will air in the US on Sunday, December 16th. Check your local listings for the UK airdate. If you really want to...

Until next time!
ES ;o)