#FilmFriday SPECIAL: SUNDANCE LONDON FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL - PART 4, Sunday Schedule

It's the final day of Sundance London, and you most certainly cannot say that you haven't had your fill - if it was possible to overdose on popcorn, then the time would most certainly have been over the last 3 days...If you haven't (greedy guts), then today is your last chance! Mostly repeats, here are the scheduled times, and your final 'new views' of the day...

Drunktown's Finest, As detailed, Cineworld 9, 11:30 Start.

Frank, As detailed, Cineworld 8, 11:45 Start.

The Case Against 8, As detailed, Cineworld 7, 12:00 Start.

The One I Love, As detailed, SKY Superscreen, 12:00 Start.

Blue Ruin, As detailed, Cineworld 6, 12:15 Start.

--------------------- PANEL DISCUSSION ------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Truly Independent Visions

Where better than a bowling alley for truly independent filmmakers to strike up a conversation about cinema outside the box? Bold, innovative, forward-thinking storytelling doesn’t just happen – it takes an active imagination and media technology that supports cinematic innovation. Join intrepid filmmakers who know that you have to throw a lot of gutter balls before you hit a strike. Filmmakers Sydney Freeland (Drunktown’s Finest), Charlie McDowell (The One I Love) and David Zellner (Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter) join Sundance Film Festival Senior Programmer David Courier to discuss what it takes to realize a truly independent vision.

Festival Hub at Brooklyn Bowl, 14:00 Start.

______________________________________________

Dinosaur 13, As detailed, Cineworld 9, 14:30 Start.

Fruitvale Station, As detailed, Cineworld 8, 14:45 Start.

They Came Together, As detailed, SKY Superscreen, 15:00 Start.

Cineworld 6, 15:15 Start

Winter’s Bone

(Director: Debra Granik, Screenwriters: Debra Granik, Anne Rosellini) — When a teenage girl’s crystal-meth-making father skips bail and goes missing, she and her young siblings and disabled mother face losing their home. In a heroic quest, the girl traverses the county to confront her kin, break their silent collusion, and bring her father home. Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Dale Dickey, Garret Dillahunt, Kevin Breznahan. Winner of the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. 

 ----------------------- PANEL DISCUSSION -------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hybrid Vigour: When Music, Art and Documentary Collide:

From last year's Stories We Tell to the controversial The Act of Killing, the hybrid documentary is going from strength to convention-busting strength. But British documentary seems to be pushing the boundaries even further in challenging the genres of music, biography and archive film. Why is this and what does it tell us about the role of artists and musicians in documentary filmmaking? Join the creative partnerships behind three recent festival hits for an exploration of what went into stretching the limits of the form, an insight into the unusual collaborations between director and subject, and a look at the questions these films pose about memory, truth and the creative process. Panelists are: Jarvis Cocker and Martin Wallace, composer and director of The Big Melt; Edwyn Collins and Grace Maxwell, subjects of The Possibilities are Endless; Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, directors of 20,000 Days on Earth; Moderated by Tabitha Jackson, Director, Documentary Film Program, Sundance Institute. Presented in association with BRITDOC and Sheffield DocFest. 

Cineworld 7, 15:30 Start.

__________________________________________

Film Quiz at Brooklyn Bowl, 15:30 Start.

__________________________________________

Kickstarter and Creative Freedom

Join Kickstarter co-founder & CEO Yancey Strickler for a conversation on building community around your work. Learn how to use Kickstarter to make films, share stories, and maintain creative freedom.

This is a FREE event and open to all, subject to venue capacity.

Brooklyn Bowl Sessions, 17:00 Start.

__________________________________________

Finding Fela, As detailed, Cineworld 9, 17:30 Start.

Hits, As detailed, SKY Superscreen, 17:45 Start.

Shorts Programme 1, As detailed, Cineworld 8, 17:45 Start.

Cineworld 6, 18:00 Start

Memento

(Director: Christopher Nolan, Screenwriters: Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan) — A man with a relentless desire to revenge his wife's brutal murder faces a rare, untreatable form of memory loss that hinders his path. Memento is a complex puzzle in which the outcome is known and the enjoyment comes from piecing together the steps leading up to it. Cast: Harriet Sansom Harris, Mark Boone Junior, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Guy Pearce, Stephen Tobolowsky. Winner of the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival.

*******************MUSIC********************

**********************************************

Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra

Brooklyn Bowl, 20:00 Start.

Little Accidents, As detailed, Cineworld 9, 20:15 Start.

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter, As detailed, Cineworld 6, 20:30 Start.

Shorts Programme 2, As detailed, Cineworld 8, 20:45 Start.

The Voices, As detailed, SKY Superscreen, 20:45 Start.

Obvious Child, As detailed, Cineworld 7, 21:15 Start.

And there you have it! The ENTIRE schedule for the Sundance London Film & Music Festival, right here on The ESintheP Blog. What a massive event! Here comes the point where I would like to hear all about your favourite film experience at Greenwich's O2 this weekend. What did you see? What did you like? What did you hate? Should this become the official annual home of Sundance Part 2? Share your thoughts!

Until the next!
ES;)

All images courtesy of The Sundance Institute.

#FilmFriday SPECIAL: SUNDANCE LONDON FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL - PART 2, Films & Panels Timetable

Afternoon All!

So how did we enjoy Day One of Sundance London? I'd love to read all about your highlights and low points if you have either, drop them in the comment box below aka YOUR Stage.

I'm ready for Round Two if you are though! In addition to Films and Music, today sees the start of the discussion panels, each of which, sounds absolutely brilliant - how on Earth is a person supposed to choose? Here's your breakdown of what's happening at the O2 today...

Cineworld 8, 11:45 Start

Little Accidents

(Director and screenwriter: Sara Colangelo) — In a small American coal town living in the shadow of a recent mining accident, the disappearance of a teenage boy draws three people together—a surviving miner, the lonely wife of a mine executive, and a local boy—in a web of secrets. Little Accidents is Colangelo’s first feature film, inspired by her short film of the same title. Cast: Elizabeth Banks, Boyd Holbrook, Chloë Sevigny, Jacob Lofland, Josh Lucas. International Premiere.

Memphis, Details as Yesterday, Cineworld 9, 11:45 Start.

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter, Details as Yesterday, Cineworld 6, 12:00 Start.

---------------------PANEL DISCUSSION--------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Cineworld 7, 12:15 Start

The Art of Film Music 

What goes into a successful film score? What is the ideal way for directors and composers to interact? What are some of the many roles music can play in the filmmaking process? How can music enhance (or ruin) a movie? These and other questions related to the intersection of film and music will be discussed by two leading practitioners: Alex Heffes (pictured, The Last King of Scotland, Red Riding Hood, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) and Javier Navarrete (Pan's Labyrinth, Wrath of the Titans, The Sea, Byzantium), moderated by the director of the Sundance Film Music Program, Peter Golub (Frozen River, The Great Debaters, The Laramie Project). Presented in association with British Academy of Film and Television Arts. 

Festival Hub at Brooklyn Bowl, 14:00 Start

A Couple Funny Davids

Writer, director, comedian and actor David Cross (Hits, Arrested Development) and filmmaker David Wain (They Came Together, Wet Hot American Summer, Role Models, Wanderlust) will discuss comedy in independent film. 

Finding Fela, Details as Yesterday, Cineworld 9, 14:15 Start

Obvious Child, Details as Yesterday, Cineworld 6, 14:45 Start 

Guts to Glory: How Do You Find Your Story?

With case studies from script to screen, this in-depth panel will get down and dirty about the often bumpy ride that it takes to realize your dream of getting your film made. From the spark of an idea, to typing the words FADE IN, to your world premiere at a major festival, filmmakers share stories from the trenches on how they navigated the obstacles, faced the challenges, compromised when they had to, and ultimately beat the odds. Are you ready for the true story? This panel is for anyone who has made a film (or dreams of making a film) or who just wants to know the real deal. Panelists are: Lenny Abrahamson, Director, Frank; Ryan Coogler, Director/Screenwriter, Fruitvale Station, and Marjane Satrapi, director, The Voices; Moderated by John Cooper, Director, Sundance Film Festival. Presented in association with BFI NET.WORK. 

The Case Against 8, Details As Yesterday, Cineworld 8, 17:30 Start.

Drunktown's Finest, Details As Yesterday, Cineworld 6, 17:45 Start.

Cineworld 9, 18:00 Start

Reservoir Dogs

(Director and screenwriter: Quentin Tarantino) — Six unacquainted professional criminals are brought together by a veteran thief to execute an elaborate diamond robbery that goes awry. Confused and panicked by their narrow escape, the four surviving jewel thieves regroup at the planned rendezvous spot, where they question trustworthiness and face harrowing confrontations and fierce dissension. Cast: Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, Tim Roth, Lawrence Tierney.

Premiered at the 1992 Sundance Film Festival.

SKY Superscreen, 18:00 Start

Fruitvale Station

(Director and screenwriter: Ryan Coogler) — The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family and strangers on the last day of 2008. Director Ryan Coogler makes an extraordinary directorial debut with this account of the real-life events of New Year’s Day 2009. Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Melonie Diaz, Ahna O'Reilly, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray. Winner of the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic presented by Acura at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. UK Premiere. 

Cineworld 7, 18:00 Start

They Came Together

(Director: David Wain, Screenwriters: Michael Showalter, David Wain) — This subversion/spoof/deconstruction of the romantic comedy genre has a vaguely, but not overtly, Jewish leading man, a klutzy, but adorable, leading lady, and New York City itself as another character in the story. They Came Together reunites director Wain with many of the stars from his 2001 cult teen classic, Wet Hot American Summer. Cast: Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, Ed Helms, Cobie Smulders, Max Greenfield, Christopher Meloni. International Premiere.

**************MUSIC**************

***********************************

SCOTT MATTHEWS

Brooklyn Bowl, 19:30 Start

Cineworld 6, 20:15 Start

The One I Love

(Director: Charlie McDowell, Screenwriter: Justin Lader) — On the brink of separation, Ethan and Sophie escape to a beautiful vacation house for a weekend getaway in an attempt to save their marriage. What begins as a romantic and fun retreat soon becomes surreal, when an unexpected discovery forces the two to examine themselves, their relationship and their future. Cast: Mark Duplass, Elisabeth Moss, Ted Danson. International Premiere.

***************MUSIC**************

***********************************

THE SOHO HOBO

Brookyn Bowl Pop Up Stage, 20:15 Start

Cineworld 8, 20:30 Start

Hits

(Director and screenwriter: David Cross) — A small town in upstate New York is populated by people who wallow in unrealistic expectations. There, fame, delusion, earnestness and recklessness meet, shake hands and disrupt the lives around them. Hits is the directorial debut of writer, comedian and actor David Cross, best known for his work on Arrested Development. Cast: Michael Cera, Meredith Hagner, Matt Walsh, James Adomian, Jake Cherry, Derek Waters, Wyatt Cenac, Jason Ritter. International Premiere. 

Cineworld 9, 20:45 Start

Dinosaur 13

(Director: Todd Miller) — An unprecedented saga in human history unfurls in this true tale of the world’s greatest dinosaur discovery and the ensuing battle to possess a 65-million-year-old treasure. (Documentary) International Premiere. 

Under The Electric Sky, Details As Yesterday, SKY Superscreen, 21:00 Start.

More MUSIC

Brooklyn Bowl, 21:00 Start.

Cineworld 7, 21:15 Start

The Voices

(Director: Marjane Satrapi, Screenwriter: Michael R. Perry) — This genre-bending tale centers around Jerry Hickfang, a lovable but disturbed factory worker who yearns for attention from a woman in accounting. When their relationship takes a sudden, murderous turn, Jerry's evil talking cat and benevolent talking dog lead him down a fantastical path where he ultimately finds salvation. Satrapi’s debut feature, Persepolis, based on her graphic novel of the same name, was nominated for an Academy Award® in 2008. Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Gemma Arterton, Anna Kendrick, Jacki Weaver. International Premiere. 

For your viewing pleasure...
ES ;)

#FilmFriday Special: SUNDANCE LONDON FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL - PART 1

Now tell me this isn't a big one for ALL of our enjoyment?

Sundance London opens its doors under our greyest of skies for the third time this evening, and I intend to do my best to help you decipher where to go, and when, so that you get the most out of your very reasonably priced tickets that beat anything that Odeon or Vue are showing for an extortionate £14.50 by a long shot. I sense this would be a good place to "waaheyyy". But only a quick celebratory moment, for time's a'wasting...

Now then, in case you don't know what Sundance London is all about, or how it differs from the Sundance in the Country pastures of Utah - here's a quickfix guide to your dilemma:

'The Sundance London film and music festival is a partnership between Robert Redford, Sundance Enterprises, Sundance Institute and The O2. The third Sundance London will take place from 25-27 April at The O2 and will host the international and UK premieres of films fresh from the 2014 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S.A., as well as live music performances, panels and events.'

"Robert Redford?" I hear you cry...

'Robert Redford is an Academy Award-winning actor, director and producer, a passionate advocate for the arts and a leading environmentalist. He serves as President of the non-profit Sundance Institute, which he founded 30 years ago to foster independence, discovery and new voices in American film and theatre. Mr. Redford also founded the Sundance Channel, Sundance Resort, Sundance Catalog, and Sundance Cinemas and the non-profit Redford Center. Though very different in their activities and independent in their operations, all of Mr. Redford’s Sundance entities share the same core mission he has always held dear: a passionate connection to new artists, new voices and new perspectives.'

Ok. So now you know what it is, and who's responsible for bringing it to Ye Olde London Town, I guess the next thing that you really want to know, is what's on, right? But be careful My Pretties (it must be the film legacy, I've been almost every Wizard of Oz character at some point today...but I digress), not all is as it seems. Though tickets are on a 'first come, first served basis' SOLD OUT actually means 'waitlisted' in American. On this occasion. Only... So queuing up approximately 30 minutes before a screening time on this here schedule won't cost you quite as much courage as you think - you've just gotta have the heart...Here comes Day One:

Cineworld 6, 18:15 Start

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter

(Director: David Zellner, Screenwriters: David Zellner, Nathan Zellner) — A lonely Japanese woman becomes convinced that a satchel of money buried in a fictional film is, in fact, real. Abandoning her structured life in Tokyo for the frozen Minnesota wilderness, she embarks on an impulsive quest to search for her lost mythical fortune. Cast: Rinko Kikuchi. Winner of a U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Musical Score at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. UK Premiere.

Cineworld 7, 18:45 Start

Axiom

(Director: NYSU, Screenwriters: David Gambero & NYSU) — Axiom is an island in the middle of nowhere, steep cliffs on all sides. On the island there is an underground city dominated by a bell, the bell decides the fate of the city's inhabitants. Cast: Jonathan David Mellor, Santi Senso, Cova de Alfonso, Silvia Vacas, Pablo Menasanch, Julia Llerena. World Premiere.

Includes a live performance and DJ set by South London collective Archive on Friday, 25 April, who will also participate in a post-screening Q&A.

Cineworld 8, 19:00 Start

Under the Electric Sky

(EDC 2013) (Directors: Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz) — This 3-D film chronicles the love, community, and life of festivalgoers during Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas, the largest music festival in the U.S. Behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews with Insomniac's Pasquale Rotella reveal the magic that makes this three-night, 345,000-person event a global phenomenon. Cutforth and Lipsitz previously directed Katy Perry: Part of Me and produced Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. (Documentary) UK Premiere.

Cineworld 9, 18:30 Start

Drunktown's Finest

(Director and screenwriter: Sydney Freeland) — Three young Native Americans—a rebellious father-to-be, a devout Christian woman, and a promiscuous transsexual—come of age on an Indian reservation. Drunktown’s Finest is Sydney Freeland’s feature film debut and her response to a news story that characterized her hometown of Gallup, New Mexico, as “Drunktown, USA.” Cast: Jeremiah Bitsui, Carmen Moore, Morningstar Angeline, Kiowa Gordon, Shauna Baker, Elizabeth Francis. International Premiere.

SKY Superscreen, 18:30 Start

Frank

(Director: Lenny Abrahamson, Screenwriters: Jon Ronson, Peter Straughan) — Frank is an offbeat comedy about a wannabe musician who finds himself out of his depth when he joins an avant garde rock band led by the enigmatic Frank—a musical genius who hides himself inside a large fake head. Cast: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy. UK Premiere.

Cineworld 6, 21:00

Finding Fela

(Director: Alex Gibney) — Fela Anikulapo Kuti created the musical movement Afrobeat and used it as a political forum to oppose the Nigerian dictatorship and advocate for the rights of oppressed people. This is the story of his life, music, and political importance, from the award-winning director of Taxi to the Dark Side and We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks. (Documentary) European Premiere.

In conjunction with the film, the festival will host a free performance from Dele Sosimi, one of the original members of Fela Kuti’s band, alongside an Afrobeat orchestra on Sunday, 27 April.

Cineword 7, 20:45

Obvious Child

(Director and screenwriter: Gillian Robespierre) — An honest comedy about what happens when Brooklyn comedian Donna Stern gets dumped, fired, and pregnant, just in time for the worst/best Valentine's Day of her life. Cast: Jenny Slate, Jake Lacy, Gaby Hoffmann, David Cross, Gabe Liedman, Richard Kind. UK Premiere.   

Cineworld 8, 21:30 Start

Memphis

(Director and screenwriter: Tim Sutton) — A strange singer drifts through the mythic city of Memphis, surrounded by beautiful women, legendary musicians, a stone-cold hustler, a righteous preacher, and a wolf pack of kids. Under a canopy of ancient oak trees and burning spirituality, his doomed journey breaks from conformity and reaches out for glory. Writer/director Tim Sutton crafts an impressionistic folktale framed around the enigmatic musician/poet Willis Earl Beal and the city of Memphis. Cast: Willis Earl Beal, Lopaka Thomas, Constance Brantley, Devonte Hull, John Gary Williams, Larry Dodson. International Premiere. 

Cineworld 9, 21:15 Start

Blue Ruin 

(Director and screenwriter: Jeremy Saulnier) — A mysterious outsider’s quiet life turns upside down when he returns to his childhood home to carry out an act of vengeance. Proving to be an amateur assassin, he winds up in a brutal fight to protect his estranged family. Cast: Macon Blair, Amy Hargreaves, Sidné Anderson, Devin Ratray, Kevin Kolack.

SKY Superscreen, 21:30 Start

The Trip to Italy

(Director: Michael Winterbottom, Screenwriters: Rob Brydon, Steve Coogan, Michael Winterbottom) — Michael Winterbottom reunites Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon for more delectable food, some sharp-elbowed rivalry, and plenty of laughs. Cast: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon. European Premiere.

*************MUSIC*************

********************************

ARCHIVE LIVE AT SUNDANCE LONDON OPENING NIGHT PARTY. DOORS 20:00

And that my friends, is your night sorted!

Enjoy!

ES ;)

All images courtesy of The Sundance Institute.

It's FRIDAY so that can only mean...#FilmFriday is launching of course!

Welcome to ALL NEW #FilmFridays on The ESintheP Blog!

You guys are getting a whole lot more love out of me from this point on!

#FilmFridays are the final launch of the week, but far from my last offering. As with the other two themed days, there will be variations on this feature, to make sure that you get the best out of the subject of film. Have a little looksee at what you can expect:

Behind The Scenes will be the new #ESPspotlight Interview feature with the people who work behind the actual scenes that we watch on a regular basis. How do they make it happen, and what's their input? Here's where you'll find out.

Box Office will cover the #ESPspotlight Reviews that you have come to know, and occasionally be entertained by; the first of which, starts next week...

In a 5 Question Snapshot, I go Close Up with film staff for a better understanding of their experience and responsibilities in their field of expertise.

In the world of Entertainment, there is more than one kind of Premiere; in the ESP world, it's all about the Events, like Sundance London for instance, which kicks off this brand new theme shortly!

Previews are exactly that! I tell you what's coming soon, and you can book your tickets in advance.

Now that we've covered all the areas, it's time to cut the ribbon and come on in to the biggest film and music festival our fair City has had, for the third year running! Sundance London's Day One programme - complete with my suggestions for must see movies, coming up shortly...

Enjoy!

ES ;)

CYNTHIA ERIVO is in the ESPspotlight...

Flashback roughly two and a half years, to a time when Yours Truly attended a sold-out Mike Hough concert at O2 Islington one warm July evening.

Before I had even entered the packed out auditorium full of 'Houghlians', I heard the most amazingly beautiful, female voice that I had come across in quite some time. She launched into a rendition of Frank Ocean's 'American Wedding' that still sends chills through me when I recall it. I never forgot the name - in fact from that moment forward, I have just been waiting for the perfect opportunity to get her in the #ESPspotlight.

This young lady is a force to be reckoned with folks. She's got pipes that can lead you into danger if you let them. The epitome of talent in the recording arena, and also on the nationwide stage - she's fresh off the Sister Act tour, where she played the lead role in the stage production, under the helm of none other than the legendary Ms. Whoopi Goldberg herself! I'm not keeping you from her a second longer - Miss Cynthia Erivo kicks off Performance Week for March Music in the ESP spotlight...

Welcome Cynthia! I'm really excited to finally have you on, having been blown away by your performance supporting Mike Hough over a year and a half ago! Thank You for your time. I'm going to dive straight into the good stuff...

1. For those unfamiliar, would you please introduce yourself and what you do in your own words?

Cynthia Erivo

Well, My Name is Cynthia Erivo and I am a singer and an actress who has played many venues all over the UK as myself and a plethora of other characters including Deloris Van Cartier (the Whoopie Goldberg role) in the UK and Ireland tour of Sister Act.

2. You’re a RADA Alumni – as a former Stage School Child myself, I think you view and approach Music differently once you make that transition from listening to performing. What would you say is the most valuable lesson in the classroom and how does it compare with the biggest lesson you've learned since getting ‘on the job’, so to speak?

Well RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) isn't a stage school it’s a Drama school and focuses on acting and the art of it, singing is something I've done since I was 5, so listening and performing go hand in hand, listening is what makes a good performance, at least that’s what I think.

I learned pretty fast that being on stage, doing a show, acting, singing is all about communication. Putting your message or your point across and being willing to accept the reply from whoever's on stage with you, or whoever's in the audience. If what you do is one-sided, you might as well not be there.

You are very kindly kicking off ‘Performance’ Week in my month-long, March Music Special, so thank you for that first of all. Aside from wanting to talk more about your talent anyway, you are the perfect person to start with though, because you cover two areas rolled into one. You've supported American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino not once but twice on tour, and you also played the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier in the UK & Ireland Tour of 'Sister Act', under the helm of the one and only Whoopi Goldberg – we'll come to that in a second!

3. First - Stadium vs. National Theatre Tour. Can you describe those experiences? Did they compare in anyway? What were the biggest contrasts apart from the obvious?

Well to be honest, they are both as scary as each other; you're in front of thousands of people and you are LIVE!!! No hiding! I think I love the thrill more than anything and the energy you get from a live audience it’s electric; it means that every night is different and it keeps me on my toes!!!

The only real difference is what I'm doing on stage and I guess when it’s just me, I'm completely exposed.

4. Those were two, very big names that you worked with in quite a short window of time. Please talk through your experiences with both, what are some of the lessons that working with professionals of their calibre has taught you, and how have you applied what Fantasia and the incomparable Ms. Goldberg taught you in your career to date?

Honestly, I only met one of them - Whoopie, she told me to "rock it and have fun", so I did.

Fantasia rushed past with her bodyguards, on and off stage and said nothing, so that gig, I did for me and I swore to myself that if ever I did a concert I would make a point of meeting the support acts, because that job is hard and scary.

I learned that hard work, kindness and fun go hand in hand.


One of the things I use this blog for, is to shine a realistic light on what it really takes for aspiring artists to reach their goals. It’s all very well seeing the glitz and the glamour, but there is little highlight on the tougher parts.

5. What did you find most difficult about performing in both avenues and how did you overcome those issues? Is there anything that you wish you would have handled differently?



When it comes to the theatre the hardest thing is keeping up your stamina and staying well, which at first glance seems simple, but when you're on 8-9 times a week, it's hard and you learn how to make a conscious effort of maintaining both!!

The confidence to ask for what you need took a while to rear its head, and I mean from asking about the sound to what you need to keep you and your voice healthy, these things are important! Just as important as graciousness (which by the way is extremely important).

I wouldn't handle anything differently. If I did, I wouldn't have learned anything.

To grow you have to learn.

Another area that doesn't have a lot of focus for aspiring artists is Management. I get a lot of enquiries from some very talented people who didn't start out from the professional route. They have the talent, but have no idea how to get started.

6. How did you go about obtaining both bookings? Can you talk through the process of securing your representation? Did you find them, or vice versa? How many did you go through? In a nutshell, what’s involved in the signing process?

I went to a Drama school, drama schools tend to put on plays and/or showcases - that’s where my agent and I found each other; she takes the bookings and keeps me on the straight and narrow. Up until recently, I took all my music bookings but now, for the meantime, my agent handles it all.

So I guess for music, I'm 'unmanaged' but managed. Management is a relationship so it’s really about finding a connection and building on it, when its right, you’ll know. 

7. We’ve established that you’re also an unsigned recording artist. How do you juggle that whilst fulfilling stage commitments too? Do you have to put one on hold to focus on the other or are you doing them simultaneously?

I work hard, so it all runs alongside each other, simultaneously.

8. This one’s for me personally! As I mentioned earlier, I've seen you perform and caught quite a few of the performances you've done online now as I got down to the business of research. I heard a lot of different styles and influences in those!

Please name 3 artists who have influenced you and in what way they’ve affected your style?

Brandy - vocal gymnastics

Annie Lennox – haunting melodies

Aretha/ Ella – vocal power and control

So much more but you only asked for 3.

9. With the experience that you've gained since graduating, what’s the biggest word of advice that you can impart to those starting out now, and what you tell yourself if you could go back to when you started out?

Be yourself, don’t be afraid to know and say what you want and enjoy yourself.

I’d tell me to embrace my vulnerability it's gotten me a long way.

10. Finally, what’s next for you?

More writing, maybe a little single release, can’t say anymore than that or I'll get into trouble, but you’ll know soon enough xxx...

________________________________________________

And there you have it! With massive thanks to Cynthia for gracing the blog.

You can connect with this extremely talented Miss and find out her latest news via her Social Media Catalogue:

Twitter / Facebook / Soundcloud / YouTube

Catch her next live performance at Vocals and Verses: Two Year Anniversary on Wednesday 24th April - full details are available via the Facebook Event Page.

Don't forget to check in tomorrow for the latest 'Lost In Music' Special AND the chance to win yourself some goodies courtesy of lil young me...

Until the morrows folks!

ES ;)