#MusicMonday #FlashingLights WINNER: VASO MCFLY - WE TRUST

This week's winner hails from Okinawa by way of Brooklyn.

Vaso McFly won this week's draw with his track 'We Trust'. Not too familiar with Christian Hip Hop, it was interesting, and somewhat refreshing, to hear an MMG-like, East Coast clean beat flanked by positive words for once.

You didn't need to hear mention of Rick Ross to spot his heavy influence (no pun intended). Anyone familiar with the Rap fixture will recognise it, and even his style of delivery on guest verses in this three minute and fifteen second fan tribute.

Produced by KIDD, it was the content of the song that made McFly stand head and shoulders above his competition. Uplifting, and as inspirational as it was aspirational; this was the first entry I have received since this competition's inception, with such a good, affirmative message:

"I'd rather send my Blessings and not answer with my fists"

Though not the biggest fan of the artwork for it's conflicted message; much respect goes out to our new Intercontinental friend for shunning the boring, typical type.

Excellent efforts Sir...

Connect with Vaso McFly through his Social Media Catalogue:

Facebook / Instagram / Soundcloud / Twitter / YouTube

If you want to compete with Vaso McFly for that mahoossive end of month prize, all you have to do, is follow these instructions, and submit your entry BEFORE 5PM on Friday. Let's see who's feeling brave!

Until the next...
ES ;)

#MUSICMONDAY's First FLASHING LIGHTS WINNER: 'Where Have You Been', 85th Decibel

Our very first winner to go into the monthly prize draw, are the Rock / Rap Production duo that is 85th Decibel.

Emeka and Warrs are 85th Decibel

Musician and Producer Mx, and Rapper Warrs caught my attention with their entry, for the perfect mix of haunting and tortured pain. The Rock undercurrent is hypnotising, as Warrs practically bleeds through his bars. His anger and frustration with the girlfriend who just does not understand, the determination and struggle to succeed in a man so young, and so bitter, that you can practically taste it.

Whilst the loneliness of a one-sided relationship can drive you to the edge of distraction; the exasperation with a partner who just does not support, nor understand your dreams, can be equally stressful.

The building blocks of Mx’s production make the overall offering that much more interesting; especially when you realise that he has played every instrument you hear, himself.

These two extremely talented young men are the first recipients of the Flashing Lights competition, and won themselves this track Review. It’s going to be a tough job, picking a track that grabbed my attention as much as this one, in next week’s competition. As you can see, the bar has been set very high, my musical friends – I certainly hope that you can rise to the occasion…

Connect with the gents of 85DB directly via their Social Media Catalogue:

Bandcamp / Facebook / Soundcloud / Twitter / YouTube

Want to win yourself a seat in the ESPspotlight? Well it's really easy to get involved. All you have to do is visit this page for all entry information, including Terms & Conditions, and get your track to my Soundcloud Dropbox (links and emails will not be accepted), by 5PM Friday evening. Et Voila, you're in the running!

Until the next...
ES ;)

APRIL SHOWERS x THE #SELFIE SONG - Both Have WHAT In Common?!

Most of us start out the year, burrowing away, getting deep into our plans for the coming months, and laying the groundwork to turn ideas into a reality before the last date we circle on the calendar. But sometimes, our best laid plans can turn to mush, and out of nowhere, the first quarter is gone, and you're left feeling stunned, in the aftershock of the runaway time machine that just splattered you head to toe in the grimiest April shower puddle imaginable...

"Where did that week go?"

"Where was I when...?"

"But I thought I had more time!"

All of the above are variations on the theme that echo from choruses across the globe, as the realisation, that a quarter of 2014 has already said 'Sayonara', and that yearend deadline has just about passed - even for the companies with that beautiful bonus gratis filing week. For those sharing parting exchanges with the skin of your teeth - Congratulations on a neck well saved. For those who aren't so lucky, well...at least the #Selfie Song might cheer you up - I know it gave me a right giggle...and an idea - but laugh first, brainwaves after!

Now I know what you're thinking, but bear with me because this joke skit, and the April Showers pounding my window all day so far, combined to give me a fresh new perspective. What on Earth could that possibly be you wonder (beyond secret plans for Friday night before heading out on the town)? Well here goes...

The great thing about a shower; is that they wash away the old, to glisten for the new. And everyone who's ever taken a photograph, never mind a #Selfie knows, that there are no 'first time getsies'; after all, as with anything in life, if at first you don't succeed...Take Another Shot! First picture gruesome? Take Another Shot! First attempt at a plan didn't come to fruition in the way that you planned? Take. Another. Shot!

Now as far as pictures go here at ESP; personal shoots and all event-related purchases are being taken off the roster for the next six weeks but; I'm swallowing my own medicine, and will be Taking Another Shot or few of my own during that time.

A bout of ill-health may have deferred them slightly, but you still have both your PURE London 35, and London Fashion Week AW14 reports to come from Yours Truly; as well as a few brand new additions to some old favourites I've heard tell of your liking...

The days sure are beginning to look like a lot of fun around here! *Ahem*...As of April 21st:

#MusicMondays will return, with my favourite new Sound of the Week, new or vintage, in the #ESPspotlight and guess what, there's even a new Submission Space for you aspiring Artistes! If you want to submit your track* for review** through the ESP dropbox, then you can not only win your track an #ESPspotlight Review worth £9.99rrp (single only); but if you drum up enough Social Media support for your feature through Shares and Likes, and earn the highest audience response of the month***, then you will also win a FULL ESP Electronic Press Kit (EPK)*^, worth £35.00rrp.

Send Me Your Sounds!      

Even bigger and better than before, you can also now submit your track to be played by my mate Ms Charley Jai, Real Talk Radio Presenter on Itch FM through the ESP Website:

Click to email your tracks to:
realtalkuk_creative@outlook.com

A Message from Ms Charley Jai...

CALLING ALL 

SINGERS / MUSICIANS 

ON THE ESP BLOG! 

Email your NAME/BIO/Links to (clean tracks only) for a (potential) opportunity to have YOUR music played on Real Talk Radio Show UK, to feature in the Real Talent segment! 

Tweet @MsCJ80

#WearItWednesdays are all about the Fashion o' the Day! Whether of the Body or Cosmetic variety; Collections Reviews, Lookbooks, Spotlight Features, Upcoming Events, and much more will bring cheer to your Hump Days!

And just to add an extra bump to your hump; submit your best, most original #iHeartESP selfie for the chance to win a host of fashion-related prizes! From Cosmetics to Fashion, to Training - I'm calling in some of my brand-related friends to help me pick the monthly fave, who will also grace the ESP Facebook Page^ and Website for the coming month! Your ESP design or portrayal (both are acceptable), can be upon any surface that you please, just please keep it clean and pre-watershed! Post your entry with the #iHeartESP and #SELFIE hashtags, tag ESP for a repost, and encourage your friends to like both. The person with the highest number of combined likes will contribute to the judge's final decision!

#FilmFridays brings those Movie Reviews back to the front row. If something is worth watching at the flicks, I'll tell you which to pick...or not as the case may be!

Just answer the weekly trivia question, and enter the end of month bonus round to win a pair of cinema tickets!

And yes, I'd be remiss if I said that #FindOutFridays are never to return - I've had too many lovely enquiries and questions, so rest assured that I AM in the process of putting a schedule together for later in 2014 - YOU spoke, and I heard you!

Now that we're all caught up, I'd just like to say a heartfelt Thank You to all of my regulars, who've taken their valuable time out, to enquire over my wellbeing and send me get well wishes. They were, and are, humbly received, and eternally loved. I'll be back at an event near you before you know it!

See you soon!
ES ;)

THE SMALL PRINT...

* Please note that not ALL tracks submitted will be reviewed. Selections will be between 1-4 tracks per month. Tracks must be clean, mixed, and contain full and proper social media and contact information, or will not be considered. Entrants should also include ONE hi-resolution press photograph, and track artwork, or will not be considered.

** Full mixtapes will NOT be considered, unless you are submitting for the chargeable service under the ESPprofile package, in which case, please complete the website order form.

*** Eligible entries must have over 10 likes on at least ONE of the accepted Social Mediums to enter.

*^ ESPprofile Electronic Press Kits consist of ONE Artist Biography, ONE Product Press Release, and ONE #ESPspotlight Review. Winners are required to provide up to THREE hi-resolution Press Photos, and OWN track artwork.

• Accepted Social Media outlets include Facebook, G+, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube. Please be advised that all entrants must connect with ESP on all channels they submit entries through; ie, if you submit through Twitter, you must follow and tweet ESP in order to be eligible.

• Any musical genre is eligible for the #MusicMonday competition.

• #MusicMonday Song of the Week Submissions are open to any age group.

• '#MusicMonday - Song of the Week' Review entries should be submitted via the ESP dropbox on Soundcloud. You will need a Soundcloud account in order to access this service.

• You must clearly label your Review entry with '#MusicMonday - Song of the Week Submission' in the subject line.

^ Winning photographs will be displayed on the ESP Facebook Page Cover Photo, as well as on the ESP Website homepage.

• ALL #WearItWednesday submissions should be submitted through the ESP website, clearly stating #WearItWednesday Submission in the Subject line, include your full contact details, and accompany this form (please note that not ALL submissions will be posted due to sheer volume. ALL entries WILL however, be considered).

• #WearItWednesday Submissions are open to any age group, although entrants Under 18 must have a Parent or Guardian's permission in order to be reposted on the ESP Instagram and / or Pinterest accounts. Please state this in the entry information on your own account.

• #FilmFriday Competition entries will be accepted from any age group, though Winners will only receive tickets for films suitable for their age group; ie. a 12 year old will not be eligible to win tickets for films with a certificate rating of 15 or above. Proof of ID will be required, prior to despatch.

CUT OFF DATES: #MM - Midnight on Fridays / #WIW - Midnight on Sundays / #FF - Midnight on Wednesdays. All end of month / 2nd round competitions expire at Midnight on the 25th of every month.

#UPCOMINGEVENT: HIGH STREET GEMS SHOP WINDOW COMPETITION - LONDON JEWELLERY WEEK, 7-16 JUNE 2013

Windows of the Jewellery World 

Launching: The High Street Gems Competition, to find the best-dressed jewellery shop window, democratising the UK jewellery industry!

It's that time of year again, when London and the UK glitters for a week in June, for the annual Jewel-a-thon. To celebrate the sparkling success story of Jewellery Week which is now in its fifth year, High Street Gems is launching; the nationwide competition to find the best-dressed jewellery shop window.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for jewellery retailers to inject some real pizzazz into their High Street and raise the profile of British jewellery. But it is not just retailers who can get involved, we very much hope the wealth of talented jewellery designers and manufacturers in the UK will also play a part, working closely with the retailers they supply. This event offers our whole industry a tremendous vehicle for local and indeed national publicity - something not to be missed."

Lindsey Straughton, PR & Marketing Manager for the British Jewellers' Association 

High Street Gems is inviting anyone and everyone in the British jewellery business to take part, who has a retail presence and create a shop-window display with Great British Design as the theme.

Inviting: designers with bricks and mortar stockists, independent boutiques, department stores and multiple retailers; an inspirational concept to get the industry unite. 

Indeed, it is in response to the Queen of Retail herself - Mary Portas - and her timely call to arms, to 'help bring back the bustle' to our town centres. The objective of this competition is to put jewellery retailers back on the map and support the campaign. 

"Our jewellery retailers are a true litmus test of the health of our high street and Jewellery Week aims to celebrate the great and the good."

Della Tinsley, Jewellery Week 

"The Shop Window competition is a fantastic initiative for jewellery retailers and really couldn't come at a better time, not only for the industry, but in terms of the retail scene in general as it ties into a renewed interest in bringing business back to Britain's high streets and encouraging consumers to head into shops rather than just sitting at their computers. The five categories cover the variety of retail options in the industry, which means that anyone can take part, whether they are a small boutique shop or a large department store."

Laura McCreddie, Editor, Retail Jeweller 

(Voting closes June 24, 2013) 

Prizes: 

National UK Jeweller Award 

Presentation of Award at the UK Jewellery Awards at the National History Museum on July 4, 2013 

Holts Jewellery Academy retail training programme for the winner of each category, tailored to each category, each worth £1800rrp 

Press Coverage in national press and trade titles 

BJA Retailer membership

Entering the High Street Gems Competition 

How it works:

Design a shop window - this can either champion the jewellery designers you stock or champion 'great British design' such as the red telephone kiosk, the Underground Map, the Catseye, the World Wide Web, the mini skirt, the The Beatles' album cover Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and the E-Type Jaguar. 

The display has to be up for the duration of Jewellery Week, 7-16 June 2013. If you want to have it longer it's up to you (it can only increase your votes). 

Photograph your window display and send it to us, to be uploaded onto our website and Facebook page ready for the public vote. 

Jewellery Week will supply you with 'High Street Gems' UK Shop Window Competition window decals, so that the public know you are a participant and where to vote. 

Who can enter:

Open to all jewellery retailers across the UK, under the following five categories: 

✧ Independents 

✧ Multiples 5 and under 

✧ Multiples 10 and under 

✧ High street chains 

✧ Department stores 

What to do:

✧ Register your interest and become a Jewellery Week Member (£200 +vat)* 

✧ Design and create a window display 

✧ All window entries to be registered in by Thursday 30th May 2013 

✧ Send in 2 images of your shop window entry by June 7th 2013 ready for voting 

(1 close up / 1 shop window with shop) 

✧ Supply up to 250 words describing your concept 

✧ The window display must stay up until 16th June 2013 (voting closes Monday 24th June 2013) 

* Participation in The Jewellery Show London, Treasure and Jewel East includes Jewellery Week membership. See Jewellery Week membership document for a list of full membership benefits and information about promoting your jewellery business during Jewellery Week. jewelleryweek.com 7-16 June.

Voting: 

Voting for the competition closes on Monday 24th June 2013. 

For each category the votes will be tallied and the most votes for any one window display will be the overall winner.

Public voting for the competition will take place on the Jewellery Week website and on the 'High Street Gems' Facebook page (once live) from 1-23 June 2013. 

There will be a prize draw for incentive prizes for votes cast.

Remember you can promote and rally your customers, designers and social media followers to vote for your window. 

What you win:

Winners to be announced on Thursday 27th June 2013. 

✧ UK Jewellery Award - awards to be given at the UK Jewellery Awards at The Natural History Museum on the 5 July 2013. 

✧ Editorial in National Paper 

✧ Editorial in Retail Jeweller 

✧ Mary Portas Consultation 

✧ BJA retailer membership 

✧ Holts Academy retail training programme worth £1800 tailored to each of the categories 

For further information about the 'High Street Gems' UK Shop Window Competition, please contact: Juliet Rowe - press@jewelleryweek.com / Tel: 07956 658 352.