Wednesday 30 January 2013

#UPCOMINGEVENT 'CHILL PILL CONNECTS...' THE ALBANY, 28TH FEB










Chill Pill Connects...

Date and Time: Thursday 28th February

Tickets: £7 / Concessions: £5




South London’s coolest spoken word night returns featuring David J, Ross Sutherland and Kristiana Rae Colón, plus rising talent on the Open Mic.


Our poets have been plucked straight from the field and frozen within three hours to provide you with only the freshest spoken word.



Featuring:

David J
UK spoken word legend and vocal pugilist. Visit website.

Ross Sutherland
Time Out award-winning poet and performer. Visit website

Kristiana Rae Colón
Chicago-born poet, seen on HBO's Def Poetry Jam. Visit website.


Limited Open Mic slots available. Arrive early to sign up.

UPCOMING EVENT: ANJIN - THE SHOGUN & THE ENGLISH SAMURAI, SADLER'S WELLS, 31ST JAN












GREGORY DORAN’S PRODUCTION OF

ANJIN: THE SHOGUN & THE ENGLISH SAMURAI 

AT SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE

FOR 11 PERFORMANCES ONLY

FROM 31 JANUARY TO 9 FEBRUARY 2013

Gregory Doran's production of ANJIN: THE SHOGUN & THE ENGLISH SAMURAI, written by Mike Poulton with Sho Kawai, will play eleven performances at Sadler's Wells Theatre from 31 January to 9 February 2013, with the press night on Thursday 31 January.

William Adams, the “blue-eyed samurai” known in Japanese as Anjin, was an English maritime pilot. Washed ashore on a strange and exotic land, Anjin soon found himself as the trusted adviser to a powerful Shogun, drawn to the heart of a dangerous clash of cultures and struggle for power, whilst war threatens to erupt. Torn between two worlds and two lives, he must decide who he really is, and where he really belongs. ANJIN tells an epic and compelling tale of friendship, honour, love and sacrifice. This new production stars the celebrated Japanese actor Masachika Ichimura as the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, with Stephen Boxer in the title role and an international cast from Japan and Britain.  The play is performed in English and Japanese with subtitles.

ANJIN examines the life of a man who served as a vital conduit for Western culture and will launch the celebrations in 2013 of the 400th anniversary of the start of Anglo-Japanese diplomatic and trade relations.

Originally presented in Japan in 2009 to mark the 50th anniversary of leading Japanese entertainment company HoriPro Inc., ANJIN will be HoriPro’s first return to Sadler’s Wells since its visit in 2003 with Hamlet directed by Jonathan Kent.

Masachika Ichmura

Masachika Ichimura is one of Japan’s leading actors, where he created the roles of the Engineer in Miss Saigon and the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. His only previous appearance in the UK was in Ninagawa’s production of Pericles at the National Theatre in 2003.





Stephen Boxer
Stephen Boxer’s roles with the RSC include William Tyndale in Written on the Heart (for which he has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the Theatre Awards UK 2012) and Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew. Appearances at the National Theatre include The Holy Rosenbergs and Aristocrats. He has played featured characters in the television series Garrow’s Law, Prime Suspect II, III and IV, and Doctors.

Director Gregory Doran is the Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company.  His production of The Orphan of Zhao opened in the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon on 8 November. His most recent RSC productions include Julius Caesar as part of the World Shakespeare Festival, and David Edgar’s Written on the Heart. Writer Mike Poulton’s previous adaptations include Schiller’s Don Carlos and Luise Miller, both directed by Michael Grandage

ANJIN: THE SHOGUN & THE ENGLISH SAMURAI is presented in London by Thelma Holt and HoriPro Inc.


LISTINGS INFORMATION


ANJIN:  THE SHOGUN & THE ENGLISH SAMURAI

Sadler’s Wells Theatre
Rosebery Avenue
London EC1R 4TN

Performances: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm; Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Running Time:  3 hours (including one interval)

Tickets: £16, £22, £29, £48

Box Office:  0844 412 4300

Monday 28 January 2013

#ESPpotlight Review: Rock The Belles, Bedroom Bar, 26th Jan





The snow did me the kind courtesy of doing one Saturday night, enabling me to go and enjoy myself at a club night that I haven't been to since the event's early days back in 2011.


Arriving just in the nick of time to be thoroughly soothed by beautiful tones; Miss Ava Leigh made a fan out of me by the third line of her first song - around the exact time that the Sound Fairies raised her mic levels, so that we could fully enjoy her amazing talents. Listening to her I got that same, 'hair on the back of my neck' electric chill I experienced the first time I saw Amy Winehouse live (in the beginning, when it was just her and her guitar on an HMV stage); the only thing wrong with this superb lady's 5-song set, was that there was no volume dial for the unappreciative crowd, too remiss to realise this was a moment that live music fans would value, just for the nostalgia.

Ava Leigh opened the Live portion of Saturday night's show...

The abrupt start to DJ Lisa T's Dance set seemed to be just what the crowd had been waiting for. Replacing the acoustic guitar that DJ / Organiser Emily Rawson and Ava herself later told me she barely knew how to play, with some bass-thumping beats from the decks; the house started rocking, in keeping with the monthly night's theme.

Live Indie Band The Cry Baby

The Cry Baby were an Indie band well-received in part, I'm sure, due to the adorable, pixie-like demeanour of lead singer Anna Waldmann, who couldn't help but be endearing even if she tried. Picture The Cardigans during their 'Gran Turismo' period, only with a brunette upfront and you've got an idea of what the band are all about.

Emily's turn on the decks was next, when Hip-Hop classics from  Missy, Q-Tip and Lauryn through to some of RnB's finest moments from Justin, De La Soul featuring the Queen that is Ms. Chaka and Sunshine Anderson, had so many on their feet that the tables had to be cleared.

One of MTV's 'Brand New for 2013' and Rizzle Kicks support Act,
Little Nikki
Disgruntled annoyance met the lowered levels, until the cause was established - headliner Little Nikki was ready to take the stage.

A stark contrast to the acoustic serenity of Ava Leigh and the sombre calm of The Cry Baby; Little Nikki, her dancers and their high-energy set made it clear why this 16-year-old, with harmonies and vocals that belied her years, is an MTV 'Brand New for 2013' favourite. Fresh off a stint supporting Rizzle Kicks on tour, something about her freshness, vitality and 'can't tell me nothin' confidence reminded me of Ms. Dynamite when she exploded onto the scene, with a little touch of Mz Bratt about her for added hot sauce. There's no doubt that this little teen rebel is destined for chart domination-remember I told you so (I mean MTV may have done first, but consider this me concurring)...

Emily kept Little Nikki's vibe going, returning for the Dance portion of her DJ set and please believe that no-one, especially not Yours Truly, kept still.

I wasn't the only one enjoying myself I learned, as I got chatting to a lovely Bostonian Finance Manager down from Oxford for the night, who "Just wanted to come have fun in London and dance to some female DJs". Keen to learn more about the brand's event calendar before she flies home in a week, the night made quite the impression, as she told me how much she loved the completely "different atmosphere" of the British club night in comparison to what she's used to.

Proving the ladies can get just as 'technical' as the
fellas - Emily Rawson and Lisa T handle business...
I had to imagine those were the kind of moments that make the job worthwhile, after watching the decks get bumped for the 507th time in under 30 minutes, I flashed back to cult film classic 'House Party' and chuckled to myself. I'm pretty sure that not a one of those moments were worthwhile...Instead I couldn't help but wonder if we weren't hearing every DJ's anthem when Emily pressed play on Ludacris' 'Move B*tch (Get Out The Way)'...Combined with surviving the near-death experience that was the venue's air-con unit giving up the ghost (and several liquid volumes), right next to the plug points in use for the whole DJ set up without skipping a single beat in the mix, I developed a completely new-found respect for what these Ladies deal with in a night - they truly are SOLDIERS (Never fear, Management got right on the case and rescued the gang before any danger actually befell them)!


(l-r) Emily Rawson, Lisa T and DJ Fearney
There was no way I was heading home without catching the lovely DJ Fearney on the 1s and 2s though. A long-time fan of her set style; it's no wonder one of dejavufm's favourites is a veteran across the club night's brands. From House, to the best of Old Skool Garage, to Bashment classics and beyond;  Fearney raised the roof and I neither confirm nor deny whether it's been lowered yet as alas, the talents of the lady in question sent me on my merry way on a high - with the Bell on this Belle, well and truly Rocked.

Rock The Belles takes place on the last Friday of every month. Visit the website for full event details.

View photos from the night on the ESP Ltd. Facebook Page.

See you next time!
ES ;)

Friday 25 January 2013

#FindOutFriday with LEXIE SPORT FOUNDER & DESIGNER, LILY RICE!


Last November's StartUp Fashion event introduced Yours Truly to some seriously amazing new talents and contacts that I'm still enjoying getting to know. One in particular stood out for many a reason and I could barely wait for her to finish speaking publicly before I pounced, business card in hand.

Miss Lily Rice is the Head Designer and CEO of Lexie Sport - a Womenswear Design company with a real difference - not just the tagline kind. Creating functional, yet flattering gym clothes that obliterate the lines between practical and Sexy; this is a woman who literally took fashion off the bench for comfortable exercise attire and made it the star player of the team. I really couldn't control that themed pun. It took on a life of it's own.

Methinks that's my cue to introduce you to Lily...











Welcome Lily, to the #FindOutFriday hotseat! I've been looking forward to talking to you since we met in November!

1. To kick things off, I’d love you to introduce yourself and the 'Lexie' Sport brand to my readers:


Lexie Sport CEO, Lily Rice and
BBC3's 'Be Your Own Boss' Host, Richard Reed






Thanks! I'm Lily Rice, I'm 25 and the founder and designer of 'Lexie', a trend led women's sportswear brand. 'Lexie' was born in the summer of sport 2012 and focuses on bringing fashion to the sports arena.









2. Now with every start up label I've ever come across (including Yours Truly), the need for the product stemmed from one specific moment or event. Can you take us back to the turning point when you came up with the ‘Lexie Sport’ brand – what inspired the idea?

The Lauren Tee, Veronica Short
and Gloria Hoodie


I think 'Lexie' has really evolved as an idea from never being able to find the kind of sportwear I wanted to wear; moments of being really frustrated or disappointed that the kit on offer is boring, unflattering and defiantly not fashionable.



'Lexie' as a brand was something I started working on lightly just after I graduated; building a business plan and then of course it really accelerated with 'Be Your Own Boss'!



3. What about the inspiration for the name – where did ‘Lexie’ come from?

I've always loved strong female names, 'Lexie' is the shortened version of Alexandria, which in turn is the female of Alexander. If you Google the meaning it comes up as ‘Defender of Mankind’ which is pretty cool!




4. I'm honoured to have a Central Saint Martins Alum grace the blog this week. Your designs are far from typical; what did you study there and combined with your former role at Umbro, how have you applied your training and practical experience to the ‘Lexie’ brand?




Thanks! I studied for my foundation there, which gave me a great base (no pun intended) for my education and really opened my eyes in terms of creativity. I received a distinction from CSM and then went on to Falmouth University to study Performance Sportswear Design, which is the only course of its kind in the UK.



Umbro gave me a much better knowledge of the market and how a business and brand really works, a lot goes on behind the scenes!



You presented to representatives from some of the UK's biggest High Street chains, during the 'Meet The Buyers' panel at November's event. One of the things that struck me most, was how meticulously prepared you were! I got the same e-invitation only a few days prior, so know exactly how little lead time you had! I'm going to guess that either some of your presentation materials are pre-prepared or, you've got a great team in place at 'Lexie' HQ, who club together when the pressure's on?

5. How many people are involved in your set-up and how did you go about assembling your support base?




Ha! Erm, well there’s me and erm….Me? I'm pretty much the team, but I have a really supportive group of friends and family who have helped out in different ways; for example I have a great graphic designer (Aron Jones), who designed the logo and helps out with lookbooks and my friend Francesca Milano shot the photos. Special mention also has to go to my fiancé who really digs in (despite being a paramedic student, not a designer!) and listens to my pitches etc. He knows more about a fashion brand than any future husband should!





I know during the showRichard was fairly worried that I was a 'one-woman-band' but I think it has it’s upsides; I'm able to go with what I believe and make decisions quickly. It also means I can execute an idea how I envisioned it. That said, if it’s the route you're going down, make sure you surround yourself with epically, brilliant people!




6. Your first collection was featured on BBC3’s 'Be Your Own Boss'; how has the experience affected the ‘Lexie’ brand?


'Be Your Own Boss' was pretty crazy, a TV show was never something I was aiming for! It was a great experience though and gave the brand some credibility. Obviously I also got investment and Richard from it, which has been amazing!

Lily with BBC3's 'Be Your Own Boss' Host and 'Lexie' Sport Investor, Richard Reed

The downside to TV, or any exposure, is that you’re basically inviting people in to comment, both on your brand and yourself, which can be tough. The beginning of a brand or business is when you really want to take on advice and suggestions and it can be hard to filter through and stay true to what you want and where you want to take the brand.



7. In terms of colour range, the aesthetics of your collection is actually quite simplistic, but you managed to find a way to make your designs visually appealing and sexy. Can you talk about your Art Deco influences, as well as any others that inspire you?

The 'Audrey' Crew and 'Grace' Leggings


The birth of Women’s sportswear was really around the art deco period and a lot was starting to change for women in that era. I'm a big Downton Abbey fan and a huge part of that show is how the female characters change from the 1900s through to the 20s and how their wardrobes change with that. It’s a great illustration of how women were progressing.

I try to interpret that style through shape and colour, reworking it for performance. The female shape is very inspirational and I work very hard on fit and comfort. There’s no need to make things baby pink for women!





8. Judging by your response from the panel, the celebrity following and media coverage you've received so far; your idea seems to be a hit with whoever it comes into contact with! Can you talk about some of the projects you've worked on so far and what’s going on at the moment?


'Lexie' Sport kicked off 2013 with a mention in the highest
echelon of the fashion hierarchy...

I think 'Lexie' is so popular because there is a huge gap in the market and it’s a rapidly growing market. Obviously we were featured on 'Be Your Own Boss', but we are also going to be on Cherry Healey's new BBC3 show - she’s a big fan. Jacqueline Gold (of Ann Summers) also awarded us her WOW award in December and we were in the Vogue January issue!


The 'Mae' Vest





We have a few trendsetting celebs who will be wearing ('Lexie') in the coming months (we never pay celebrities) so that’s really exciting to see!









9. Your audience are buying into more than the look though - what’s the core message behind the brand that you’re building and how have you gone about it?

'Lexie' is a strong, female brand. No 'shrink it, pink it' (Bleurgh!). It’s important that we have strong female role models wearing the clothes and we’re not into slimming vids and fad diets! We're building this message through our designs, imagery and language. We will also be carefully selecting retailers to make sure the end-wearer gets the gear in the way we want!


10. You've put a heck of a lot of work in and it seems like it’s paying off. What can we expect from ‘The Icon Collection’, when will it be released and what does 2013 have in store for 'Lexie' and Lily?


'Lexie' is really going to grow in 2013, in fact we're calling it the 'Year of Lexie'!






We're looking forward to a new range, more stockists and some brilliant designs.


We've had lots of great suggestions from our fans so we will be implementing some of those and just generally moving forward.




Look out for 'Lexie'!

______________________________________

Thank you Lily! 'Look out' we will! I don't know about you Dear Readers (I would really like to though - share in the box below), but I loved learning more about the 'Lexie' brand and Lily's personality, especially! Did you relate to her as much as I did? Tell us both about it!

I've connected with Lily and the Lexie Sport Social Media catalogue, now it's your turn:

Lexie Sport Online:


As an extra special thank you for reading, I'm sharing a little something special from my new gig as MyFlashTrash Brand Ambassador...

Click to bag yourself 15% OFF some MFT Goodies!












Happy 'Lover's Day' shopping and I'll see you soon!

ES ;)

Friday 18 January 2013

#FindOutFriday with Musician and Producer, S.I.P!


The late, great Ms. Whitney said "the children are our future". Whether you're 'Nasty' or not, Ms. Jackson didn't lie when she reminded us that "we are a part of a Rhythm Nation". That's why this week, we're going back to the music, so I can tell you about a very talented teen that I met awhile back.

Shannon Punter is a musician over-brimming with eager potential. I could give you a lengthy intro, but that would detract from his spotlight so, introducing himself - meet a strong candidate for the future of UK music...












1. Welcome Shannon, to the #FindOutFriday hotseat! I believe it was last Spring when you impressed me with your skills, live in the 'Bush Bash Recordings' studio. Introduce yourself to my readers and tell them what you do:


Shannon Punter AKA S.I.P...
Hello Erica, thank you for having me on the #FindOutFriday hotseat. My Name is Shannon Punter, I'm now 19 years old since August. My stage name is 'S.I.P' which are my initials minus one letter (because it just doesn't roll off the tongue the same way)...

I'm a Singer-Songwriter, I also produce, rap and can play many musical instruments. I see myself as a complete musician. I also teach music to 8-13 year-old's in Shoreditch, London.

2. What made an 8-year-old from North London want to learn the Classical Piano?

One word - Parents! I think it started off as the classic parental idea of "I'll live one of my experiences that I didn't finish through you." However, I started to enjoy the creativity of experimenting with chord patterns and different notes. I started to get told that because of this, I was way more accomplished for my age than a lot of other young amateur players that hadn't taken any grades. Shortly after, I was recommended to a teacher who entered me into grade tests with Trinity music each year. Getting Distinctions all the way through to Grade 5; I've now completed Grade 7 and  I look forward to completing the last - Grade 8 in due time.


3. You got into Music Production 4 years ago – how did that come about and what was the first thing you produced?

It was kind of a branch from the Piano. I always used to learn songs off of the radio and I liked singing, it just wouldn't go farther than that. Then a studio got built in my secondary school and I knew I had found the next level of creativity when it came to music. The recording was just a plus at the time. But all of this triggered my imagination and I knew that was my forum for art.

The first thing I actually produced was at a studio in my youth arts club. I made a grime remix to 'Chopsticks', with the help of  Ghanian artist and producer Mensah, who engineered for me at the time. It was so hard I couldn't stop skanking all the way home!





4. You mentioned some Heavy Hitters as influences when we talked; can you name your three favourite Producers and ONE lesson that each have taught you through their work?

My three favourite Producers are Quincy Jones, Timbaland, and Labrinth.




Lesson from Quincy: Making something with human feeling and capturing it within an orchestral score to accompany your lead riff makes your music sound so much more captivating...


Lesson From Timbo: Be influenced by every sound you can find. Music is everything so let your imagination and creativity take you away and be experimental with things you don't find repulsive (a prime example of being influenced by every sound would be the baby sounds in Aaliyah's 'Are You That Somebody')



Lesson from Lab: Everything that influences you from the current day to your cultural musical roots - incorporate it and see how brilliant you can make it sound. Also, you can make it as a Producer and as an Artist - not just one or the other...





5. In terms of musical influences, you cite some legends that date back to before even I was born (which I commend you for)! As a young 19-year-old, what are you finding in the music produced between the 60s and 90s that isn’t there, in that of your own peers?

I think the sincerity is absent from the music these days. Sadly, that's because sex and fashion sell and those aren't emotions. What people fail to realise is that yes those things may sell, but how did they get there in the first place?

Sex was described by Love and Romance in the 'Yester-Era'. When you had artists saying "Turn off the lights and light a candle" it was true feelings that were expressed. Some artists, you just heard it in their voice and all they were saying was "oh, oh, oh, oh, Baby" about 10 times. The truth in feelings showed the humanity of it all and if a man couldn't sing out his feelings or say them, he damn sure would put on a track that spoke for him. I don't think you have that from hardly any English artists these days, because they don't know how to blend and adapt the two, without dropping one out.


Fashion is displayed through confidence and creativity, not arrogance. And it seems that you have to have that almost arrogant persona these days to be accepted. Once you take that on, it's naturally going to be difficult to maintain your humility. You're not supposed to gloat about what you have in my eyes, words don't need to speak much for you because people have eyes and those who gloat are mostly in the public eye already. To me whether you have swagger or class it's your creativity and confidence that'll make it likeable.






6. And how do you think you’re replacing what’s missing today with your own music?

I'm bringing back the humanity in music; the feeling in music, I'm making music for everyday people. Music that will touch people’s souls. Music that doesn't rely on the 'bling image' to look or sound good.




7. Now you don’t just play and produce, you also write. I got an insight into the ‘Artist’s’ side of what you’re embarking on in the studio. What would you say you’re mainly trying to express lyrically and how does it differ from your production works?

With writing, I focus on the reality of the scenario, mixing  present feelings with elements of fantasy if needed. This is to connect with the imagination of the audience. I wanna make them think "yeah I felt / want to feel like that" or "haha that bar reminds me of what happened to…" So everyone can relate.

My production accompanies the words. It's like Ying and Yang. There has to be some differences but ultimately, they have to coincide. It's either the words produce the music, or the music produces the words with me.

8. In terms of discipline, what’s the fundamental difference between what you've learned through your Classical training and the Music Technology that you’re studying at College?

I think it takes more discipline to be Classically-trained because it’s more structured and you're playing something specific to the set standard. With Producing, it can be done at your preference, at your own leisure. There are guidelines to this too, but it’s more about creativity. However the principle to become one of the best Producers is the same as being Classically-trained and that principle is to practice and research to no end.




9. You have an edge that most aspiring artists your age do not; in that you've grown up with the privilege of watching and learning how the Music Industry works from the inside. What’s the most valuable lesson that you've picked up so far?

It's imperative that you stay relevant; whether it be in performing, making songs, mixtapes, albums, etc. People's memories and attention spans are shortening as we speak.

Also, try and adapt what you think is the norm. Everyone likes something that's slightly different but still relevant.

Lastly, be consistent. Even people with a lack of talent can succeed because of consistency. So if you have both - a lot of talent and you're consistent then your winning, no ifs, buts or maybes.

10. So what can we expect from you musically in 2013?


More S.I.P Productions - whether the artist on the track is me or another (possibly from the collective I'm creating called R U Listening) or maybe someone a little more well-known (if my peoples can talk to their peoples and we can do lunch)... More S.I.P Mixes - aka Remixes of songs with S.I.P being one of, or the artist(s) on the track. More frequent uploads to Soundcloud and YouTube. 2 Mixtapes / EP's - hopefully by the end of the year...



_________________________________________

Thanks Shannon! I for one, found the infusion of Classical training  into today's popular scene really interesting to watch in a live setting; so I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what comes from this Young One in the future. You can do the same by connecting with S.I.P via his Social Media Catalogue:
What do you think of Shannon's talents? Got any constructive advice for a budding musician? Feedback in the comment box below and don't forget - To Share is to Care!

See you soon...
ES ;)