UPCOMING EVENT: Rock The Belles X Underground Shoes - Bedroom Bar, 27 April

Rock The Belles
X
Underground Shoes

@ Bedroom Bar, Shoreditch
Saturday 27th April
(Last Saturday of every month)

Rock the Belles brings together the hottest female DJs, bands & creatives for a genre-defying celebration of the girls who are making their mark in music. Now a monthly collaboration with on-trend Underground Shoes, the brand behind Creepers.

After an incredible few months, including hosting events at The Box New York and a show at Shoreditch House for Arlissa, Rock The Belles are back in East London with an incredible line-up…

Acts

DJ Emily Rawson is one of the UK’s most in demand Djs and promoters. She has recently dj’d and curated stages at festivals including BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend, The Camden Crawl and Lovebox. 2012 has seen guest mixes for BBC Radio 1Xtra, a feature in Time Out as ‘Meet The Resident’ and playing in New York alongside legend Rich Medina as well curating and dj-ing an event at The Box NYC with Underground shoes. She was recently invited onto a the BBC World Service to speak about Women in Hiphop. She has just Dj’d a secret show for Eve. www.mixcloud.com/djemilyrawson

DJ San Gabriel will be the first male dj to eve grace the decks at Rock The Belles! Occasionally, we like to deviate from our all-female ethos, so we’re making him play his set in full drag! No not really, but he will be playing a set of all female artists! From Berlin, he represents an eclectic music philosophy which has matured over the last 24 years. His long-lasting career enables him to draw from a massive reservoir abundant with manifold styles. On his turntables, you’ll find the best from HipHop, Reggae, Dancehall, Latin, RareGroove, Disco, Funk, House, Garage, Electro, Grime, Bashment, Dubstep, Drum & Bass.

DJ Fearney has her own show on Deja Vu FM where she has interviewed everyone from Wiz Kalifa to Example. She regularly DJs at a whole host of high profile events and festivals including Lovebox and Empire Awards parties. She is genuinely one of the hottest female dj’s in the country. djfearney.podomatic.com 

Miss Mini is a hackney based singer songwriter playing piano and accompanied with acoustic guitar, telling soulful tales of life with roots in blues, soul with accents of country. www.youtube.com/user/missminiofficial

The incredible Ki Yoshi www.yoshi-xo.tumblr.com is live too, and Lisa T will be on the decks early on www.mixcloud.com/lisat  

Underground are the brand behind the phenomenon that are Creepers. Inspired by the ferocity of punk and founded in its febrile aftermath, Underground’s original creepers were first worn by new romantics, goths and new wavers in Camden, North London, during the late1980s. More recently Underground has been adopted by designers at the bleeding edge of couture fashion, whose collections have been inspired by the company’s uncompromising style; with strong female visionaries Azaelia Banks, Eve, Angel Haze and LadyGaga choosing Underground creepers as their footwear of choice.  www.underground-england.co.uk  

Time: 8pm-3am

Entry: £5 in advance from www.rockthebelles.com / £5 concessions list before 10pm / £7 after via hello@rockthebelles.com // Door £8 all night Tables: FREE to book hello@rockthebelles.com

Info: hello@rockthebelles.com // rockthebelles.com // facebook.com/rockthebelles  // twitter.com/irockthebelles

Address: Bedroom Bar (ground floor) 62 Rivington Street

Shoreditch, London EC2A 3AY

Much Ado About Monday!

Welcome back One and All from the Easter break!

I felt like starting out with something a little bit different for our fresh start to the year's second quarter (already - if you can  believe it); and so decided to share a little bit of 'What's Hot' on the London Entertainment Scene this week, according to Moi. Whether you want to Play Something or Go Out and Play - between now and this weekend, I've got you covered!

Now if like me, you're all 'chocolated-out', then these musical offerings should be right up your street...Picked to get you moving slowly but surely, without too much over-exertion (we like to work up to that around these parts); these picks will help you out of your eggdulgent haze.

Ladies first, and the offerings begin with something new from the lovely +Kristiana Colón. One half of rap duo April Fools with younger brother Damon Williams; the ridiculously talented and supremely cool Chicago Chica brings a different flavour to what she is known for here on the ESP Blog. Featuring KILLER vocals from Avery R Young, Icarus comes from their current EP Foolish Pride, available now from the group's Bandcamp account...

The Heartless Anthem is one of those Blessing/Curse trademarks that will follow Fonti, Bushkin and Mighty Moe around, beyond their years. Breaking out of the House'n'Garage mould that he's known for, Bush is headed down the RnB route with singer Discreet on 'Would You', his first solo offering on BushBash Recordings. Take a listen via Soundcloud and share your thoughts on both tracks via the Comment Box below...

If you do fancy shaking a leg however, then why not find yourself down at Camden's Jazz Cafe this Wednesday for UK MC Ty's EP Release Party? Hosted by Mean Fiddler and Supa Dupa Fly, tickets are £12.50, available from the Rock The Belles website.

UK MC TY Releases 'A Kick Snare And An Idea' at the Jazz Cafe this Wednesday...

And for those of you who really want to get sweaty, get your prints and skins ready for WILD LIFE! at the Queen of Hoxton this Friday from 8PM. With Free Entry for the first hour, it's £5 on the door thereafter. Check out the Facebook Event Page for more details...

Playing R&B, Hip Hop, House, Disco, Electro & Bass the weekly residency gets underway this week...

If none of that takes your fancy and you just want to kick back and enjoy some beautiful people immersed in the full spectrum of dramatic nuance, then might I suggest The Place Beyond The Pines out this Friday? Starring the trio of SuperHotties that is Eva Mendes, her rumoured boyf Ryan Gosling (when did that happen?!) and Bradley Cooper, if you're really bothered about the plotline beyond them, their wardrobe (or lack thereof - see trailer Ladies) and a big screen, then Vue Cinemas provide the following Synopsis:

'The Place Beyond the Pines is a thoughtful and dramatic story of crime and punishment. Luke (Ryan Gosling) is a stunt motorcyclist trying desperately to get back with his ex (Eva Mendes) who, unbeknownst to him, has given birth to their son. In an attempt to provide for this little family, Luke decides to use his stunt riding skills in a series of bank robberies. Out to get him is Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper), an ambitious young cop. The Place Beyond the Pines is a thriller with brains, a heart and plenty of motorcycle action.'

If you need more than Ryan Gosling + Motorcycle Stunts to sell you a ticket, then here's the trailer for you tough cookies:

I'm off to queue for Ryan - See Ya!

ES ;)

#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 ;)

#UPCOMINGEVENT: OVER:LOAD @ JAZZ CAFE, 1 FEB

Over:Load 
Jodie Connor & Stylo G (Live)
Rascals (Live) 

+ DJ Emily Rawson & Special Guests
Snapback Giveaways from M.O.D.U

Friday 1st February @ Jazz Café
(1st Friday Of Every Month)

Guestlists FREE before 11pm overloadus@gmail.com 

From the creators of Supa Dupa Fly, comes Over:Load, which will be hitting you will hiphop rnb old & new, with a sprinkling other gems thrown in…

Acts…

Jodie Connor started grabbing attention in 2010 when she co-wrote and provided vocals for “Good Times”, Roll Deep’s chart topping hit. Further success followed with two releases under her own name - “Now or Never” featuring Wiley which reached number 14 on the UK chart, and “Bring It” featuring Tinchy Stryder which climbed to number 37. Now set to release her new single “Talk” which is already well supported by BBC 1Xtra, she’s teamed up with Stylo G, fresh from his releases of  ‘Call me a Yardie’, ‘Swagga Dem’ and ‘Dash Out’ featuring Chip. www.facebook.com/missjodieconnor / www.facebook.com/stylog

Rascals hail from legendary Bow, east London’s musical melting pot and surrounded by grime luminaries such as Tinchy Stryder, Roll Deep, Ghetts, Dizzee Rascal and Wiley. Shizz, Tempz, Merkz and Kay Willz have emerged from the underground in the only way they know how; shining like uncut diamonds in chasm of MCs. Now signed to EMI, home Tinie Tempah, Professor Green and Conor Maynard – who they supported on a sell out UK tour, and with a as yet untitled debut album featuring the likes of Davinche (Tinie Tempah – Tears, Kano, Wretch 32, Tinchy Stryder, Cleo Sol), Smasher (Maverick Sabre – No Tears) and Bless Beats (Wiley – Wearing My Rolex, Chipmunk), Rascals are set to blow! www.rascalsofficial.com

Dj Emily Rawson is one of the UK’s most in demand female Djs & promoters. She has recently dj’d at and curated stages at festivals including BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend, The Camden Crawl, Lovebox & Rivington Street Festival. In March she did stint spinning in NYC where she supported NYC hiphop legend Rich Medina, and has recently done a guest mix for BBC Radio 1Xtra. She was also featured in Time Out as ‘meet the resident’ In April 2012. Emily has Dj’d for the likes of Saachi Gallery, Mathew Williamson, Conde Nast & Kanye West over the past year. mixcloud.com/djemilyrawson 

MODU snapbacks use acrylic and perspex letters that brandish the latest London slang & popular symbols. MODU snapbacks are worn by the likes of A$AP Rocky, Nicky Minaj, Dizzee Rascal, Wiley & Jamie Winstone. With an exclusively designed G SHOCK EAST collection already under their belt you can now find them in boutiques across London. Look out for the guys running competitions in the run up to, and at, the event. facebook.com/modudesigns

Selected drinks just £2.60!

Queue jump advance tickets: £5 from jazzcafe.co.uk / www.rockthebelles.com – highly advised.

Concessions: Lists free before 11pm / £6 after via overloadus@gmail.com / www.rockthebelles.com / £8 on the door 

Time: 10.30pm-3am – early arrival is a must.

Address: The Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7PG

Transport: Camden Tube

Contact:  www.rockthebelles.com // www.facebook.com/overloadus

#UPCOMING EVENT: ROCK THE BELLES, 26TH JAN

Rock The Belles X Underground Shoes

Little Nikki // Ava Leigh // Cry Baby

+ Secret Very Special Guests

Emily Rawson & Fearney

@ Bedroom Bar, Shoreditch Saturday 26th January

(Last Saturday of every month)

Rock the Belles brings together the hottest female DJs, bands & creatives for a genre-defying celebration of the girls who are making their mark in music. Now a monthly collaboration with on-trend Underground Shoes, the brand behind Creepers.

After an incredible few months, including hosting events at The Box New York and a show at Shoreditch House for Arlissa, Rock The Belles are back in East London to launch 2013 with an incredible line-up…

Acts…

Ava Leigh - After a busy 2012 recording her new album & working with the likes of Robin Thicke and The Black Seeds, 2013 will see the long awaited return of AVA LEIGH to the live music scene. After being championed by the likes of Jools Holland, David Rodgian and the legendary Sly & Robbie (who produced Ava’s debut album) you can expect to hear the sultry sounds of Old Skool Jazz & Ska with a modern twist. www.avaleighofficial.com 

Little Nikki is the West Londoner signed to Mercury Records aged only 13 as one third of girl act Soundgirl. After touring with Pixie Lott and Justin Beiber, the band dis-banded and Little Nikki went solo. Completely obsessed with music, she is a major songwriter (co-writing all her songs) and performer – immersed in all genres, eras and sounds of music.

Best described as ‘Rihanna-meets-Azealia’ (Popjustice), Little Nikki is currently in the studio writing and recording with K-Gee (Jessie J). And at only 16 years old, this is only the beginning for Little Nikki. www.littlenikkiofficial.tumblr.com 

The Cry Baby are Anna Waldmann, Sam Campbell and Chris Tsui. Musically The Cry Baby don’t fit any particular category; there’s a hint of folk, echoes of trip-hop, the escapism of dreampop and occasionally a stripped-back baroque sound. It’s all carefully considered without being so perfect that it becomes sterile. As such, this combination of subtle experimentalism and almost lullaby-like sounds is quite beguiling. www.thecrybaby.co.uk

DJ Emily Rawson is one of the UK’s most in demand Djs and promoters. She has recently dj’d and curated stages at festivals including BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend, The Camden Crawl and Lovebox. 2012 has seen guest mixes for BBC Radio 1Xtra, a feature in Time Out as ‘Meet The Resident’ and playing in New York alongside legend Rich Medina as well curating and dj-ing an event at The Box NYC with Underground shoes. She was recently invited onto a the BBC World Service to speak about Women in Hiphop. www.mixcloud.com/djemilyrawson

DJ Fearney has her own show on Deja Vu FM where she has interviewed everyone from Wiz Kalifa to Example. She regularly DJs at a whole host of high profile events and festivals including Lovebox. She is genuinely one of the hottest female dj’s in the country. djfearney.podomatic.com 

Lisa T 

Keep your eyes on this upcoming female DJ - already bagging herself a weekly residency at Fabric (Mondays), a regular at Rock The Belles (Notting Hill Arts Club) and Not Another resident - her sets have the ears of the underground - known for debuting the freshest new talent blended with old school vibes that will take you back to THAT place http://www.mixcloud.com/lisatelfer12/

Other…

Underground are the brand behind the phenomenon that are Creepers. Inspired by the ferocity of punk and founded in its febrile aftermath, Underground’s original creepers were first worn by new romantics, goths and new wavers in Camden, North London, during the late 1980s. More recently Underground has been adopted by designers at the bleeding edge of couture fashion, whose collections have been inspired by the company’s uncompromising style. Underground are giving away 2x pairs of Creepers & 2x Pairs Of Tickets to Rock The Belles, simply like their facebook page & watch out for the competition! www.facebook.com/Undergroundengland 

Time: 8pm-3am

Entry: £5 in advance from www.rockthebelles.com / £5 concessions list before 10pm / £7 after via hello@rockthebelles.com // Door £ 8 all night Tables: FREE to book hello@rockthebelles.com 

Info: hello@rockthebelles.com // rockthebelles.com // facebook.com/rockthebelles // twitter.com/irockthebelles 

'Not Another' #UPCOMINGEVENT...7TH FEB

'Not Another'

@ Queen Of Hoxton, Shoreditch

Luke Bingham // Charlie Brown // Rufio Summers // Jody Brock

Hosted by 1Xtra’s CJ Beatz + VERY special guest  

DJs Emily Rawson & Lisa T  

Thursday 7th February (1st Thursday of the month)

£5 concessions www.rockthebelles.com 

Not Another is a live music sound clash featuring the most current, fresh and exciting UK acts and musicians as you have never seen them before live on stage at Queen Of Hoxton. Dubstep to Hip-Hop MC’s, jazz musicians, turntablists, vocalists and many more explosive one-off performances! Be blown away by the hybrid of genres on stage that you won’t see at any other live music night.

Hosted by CJ Beatz BBC Radio 1Xtra www.cjbeatz.net 

Charlie Brown www.facebook.com/charliebrownLDN Newly signed to Universal, Charlie Brown is a singer, song-writer with an already affluent catalogue of collaborations. Having started his career as a writer, Charlie Brown’s soulful melodies and pop-sensibilities quickly provided him with an exciting reputation, and a highly sought-after name. Already a well-established face and name within the industry, he’s collaborated with several UK artists including Tinchy Stryder, Professor Green, Alphabeat, Dionne Bromfield, Wiley and Jay Sean. Charlie’s new single ‘On My Way’ is already getting airplay on 1Xtra with the video not even released yet – watch out for this one! 

Luke Bingham www.facebook.com/lukebingham.co.uk This incredible singer/songwriter is signed 2 Universal Publishing and 3Beat Records. The 23 year old from Leicester has worked with the likes of Sway on his track Gemini. Basically think all the members of JLS moulded into one man!

Rufio Summers www.facebook.com/OfficialRufioSummers Passionate and alluring, Rufio Summers is a New School Blues artist with a difference. He captures audiences with his soulful vocals and sexual live energy, luring them back again and again. His writing style is reminiscent of Musical legends such as Paul Rodgers and D’Angelo but it his soulful, husky voice that gives him the edge so present in his music 

Jody Brock www.facebook.com/jodybrockmusic Jody Brock is a quirky 20 year old singer/songwriter from South West London. As a child Jody was mesmerised by the soulful sounds and voices from artists such as Donny Hathaway, Etta James, James Brown, Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone. The raw emotion, the dark warm tones and husky growls established by these great artists can all be found within Jody's sound among many other inspirations from the gen...res of rock, blues and jazz. Jody is a passionate songwriter and performer, who has already had the pleasure of working with many talented, established writers and producers. Writing about his own experiences in a way that others can relate to emotionally, is what motivates Jody the most. As a BRIT school graduate he hopes to follow in the footsteps of previous successful Alumni such as Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Jessie J. 

Emily Rawson www.mixcloud.com/djemilyrawson DJ Emily Rawson is one of the UK’s most in demand female Djs & promoters. Fresh from playing at BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend, curating & hosting festival stages including The Camden Crawl & Lovebox, she has just got back from a stint spinning in NYC where she supported NYC hiphop legend Rich Medina, and has done a guest mix for BBC Radio 1Xtra. Emily was also featured in Time Out as ‘meet the resident’ In April.

Lisa T www.mixcloud.com/lisat keep your eyes on this upcoming female DJ - already bagging herself a weekly residency at Fabric (Mondays), a regular at Rock The Belles (Notting Hill Arts Club) and Not Another resident - her sets have the ears of the underground - known for debuting the freshest new talent blended with old school vibes that will take you back to THAT place.

 + VERY special guest

Concessions / advance: £5 hello@rockthebelles.com / £6 on the door

Times: 7pm-1am

Address: Queen Of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road  London, Greater London EC2A 3JX

Contact: hello@rockthebelles.com www.rockthebelles.com  www.twitter.com/notanotherldn