#ESPspotlight Special - Introducing Lisa Ella

A few months ago Sophie Horne (DoubleM Entertainment) introduced me to this amazing new singer who had applied to join the Musicalize performers waiting list (incidentally, did you know the show turned 1 this week? I hear DoubleM are planning a small celebratory soiree on the 18th May...). Seeing a great opportunity for some Artist and Brand Development, she put us in touch and we instantly hit it off over drinks and bad pizza. Take note Match.com, I think you'll find that's how it's done...

Fast forward to Present Day and one Lisa Ella is settling in amongst her new #ESPfamily. Launching her brand new interactive blogsite 'L.Ella' this weekend, what better opportunity (or excuse) to get her into the Spotlight hotseat for a grilling?

Regular followers and #TheSauce readers will know Lisa and I have been working on a few things of late - some of you have even asked when her turn was coming - you knew it had to happen! Some may call it an 'initiation', but I'm going to go with the far more friendly 'Getting to Know You' approach! Whichever angle you prefer, pull up your comfy chair and let me introduce you...

1. Welcome Missy! I had the pleasure of welcoming you to the #ESPfamily a few months ago now; but for those unfamiliar – who is Lisa Ella, where are you from and what do you do?

I'm a born and bred Northern Singer/Songwriter, from the infamous "Manchester la la la, Manchester la la la"

- fellow 'Mancs' will appreciate the chant! 

2. You like to blend your roots into your writing and vocal style; who are your strongest Artistic influences?

I would say I’m versatile with my music collection. My inspiration from the Caribbean culture come from Janet Kay, Brick and Lace, Alison Hinds and Collie Buddz to name a few. Some other Artists you'll find me listening to are The Arctic Monkeys, Drake, Chase & Status, Ludovico Einaudi, Little Comets...the list is endless, I love such a variety and can’t get enough!

3. Acoustic sessions are taking over the Performance circuit at the moment. Taking the Pop and Dance elements of your music into account, why does it's appeal outweigh a recorded backing?

I wouldn't say it completely outweighs a recorded backing track...acoustic sessions and performing with your live band / backing track, give off completely different vibes. People like the stripped back intimacy that comes with live music, so to speak. Acoustic sessions for me are purely about creating the ambience and taking your music to a different place and mixing it up.

4. You’re a Northern-native doing things a little bit differently from the norm. Why did you make the decision to split your time between London and Manchester and how are you finding juggling work between the two?

You get the best of both worlds working down in 'The Big Smoke'. It's different to most places. I like to refer to it as Marmite; you either love it or hate it, I'm yet to make that decision...although the many times you're squashed like a fly against some ones armpit or train window on the tube makes you think twice...

Photo courtesy of Andrew J Shirley Photography, Cover Design by Jelli Ltd.

All jokes aside, I would say if you have the opportunity to get out there and meet people and get your music heard, I say go for it and make the most of your time, you never know who you’re going to meet along your travels out and about. There are people out there who want to help.

5. There's a reason why one of my descriptions for you is 'Little Miss Sporty'; please elaborate for the lovely readers:

I have been a dedicated Hockey player for twelve years. I very much enjoy being part of a team, the Sporting culture, and the good banter as well! Skiing I also LOVE; you’ll often find me down at Chill Factor (indoor ski slope) wishing I was in Val d'Isère....

Photo courtesy of charitygiving.co.uk

On the 20th May I'll be taking part in the BUPA 10K Run with some mates, raising money for charity and to reveal how unfit we are! Then at the end of 2012 we're aiming to complete the '3 Peaks Challenge' - walking up the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours...sounds ridiculous but we actually achieved it when we were 16 but that was in three days...all I can say is wish me luck, I’ll keep you posted!

6. Aside from your AMAZING talent, one of my favourite things about you is that scarily intelligent brain! What sparked your interest in Law and Criminology?

Watching too many episodes of 'The Bill' and 'Police, Camera, Action'...I've always had a interest in the Criminal Justice System and wanted to study the diverse legislations and Policies of Judicial Decision. Criminal and Employment Law were my areas of interest.

7. Sports, Smarts and Beauty – you my dear, are what is known as a Triple Threat! Back to the Music though. We have some interesting projects coming up in the next few months, fancy sharing some details on what you’re working on at the moment?

Most definitely! I like to call it Studio Lock Down, at the minute I'm working on new material; writing, recording and making sure it’s at its best before I share it with you all. I'm loving the vibe we've got at the minute and can’t wait to showcase performances with my band...

As well there will be more action on the video performances that I'm calling my 'Acoustic Sessions'. I'm having a play around with songs and stripping them back, so keep an eye on my new blog for the YouTube links. I’ll be doing a video for one of my original tracks which is a first for me, so looking forward to that. I have had a few interviews and Live performances with local Radio Stations in the past, but in the coming weeks I’ll be gracing the airwaves again; it'll be nerve racking but such a great surreal experience!

8. So we now know what your dream is and what you would be doing if you weren't a natural Performer; but what are you absolutely atrocious at? Is there a skill you wish you had?

Anti(?) Social Networks...?

To be a computer and technology geek...in essence just to know what I'm doing! My friends will tell you and you can back me up on this, but I'm an absolute shocker when it comes to them. It doesn't help that every month there is something new on the market or updated versions of software; I'm all for keeping with the times but sooner or later were going to turn into robots! I find it fascinating how advanced technology has become and the diverse gadgets and gizmos out there...Nevertheless half the time I just like to keep it simple!

9. You have a blogsite launching today; what’s the biggest message you’re hoping to impart to your audience through ‘L.Ella’?

'L.Ella xx'

I want to invite people to come and join the journey of Lisa Ella, sit back, participate and have your say!

10. If your friends were to describe you in 5 words, what would they be?

Kind, Loyal, Funny, Creative, Clever...

'L.Ella xx' is now LIVE! Make sure you visit the site, drop us some feedback and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest updates as they happen!

Have a great week!

ES ;)

#FindOutFriday with Lekhem

      ...Lekhem

I find interviewing people I know that much harder than strangers. I could say it's because of my attempts to find an 'objective' approach and all things of that nature; but really my dilemma is that I forget that you lovely readers will need their story from the very beginning, whereas I just want to get as far beneath the surface as possible. Whilst the focus of this week's feature has just finished calling me 'nosy', I prefer to put it down to my 'inquisitive mind', thank you kindly...

If you're familiar with the ESP Family, then you know Lekhem aka the BakaBoi, puts me through my paces so regularly that I Christened a vein in my forehead in his honour. We have collaborated on a LOT of different projects in the near-14 months since he joined the ESP roster. Two mixtapes, some shows here, there and everywhere, a few photo and video shoots and a blogsite later; and he's finally ready to bring you 'a different side of Lek'.

This Monday, 5th March sees the release of 'KrateDiggin'. A 15-track, Instrumental mixtape produced entirely by him, marks the return of he whom I refer to as 'The Jamerican' (amongst many other non-printable things), to his other studio love. If you're unfamiliar with our self-proclaimed 'Alien Resident'; Lekhem was born and bred in Madison, Wisconsin. A world-travelling, musical Father and television pioneer Mother, meant he was raised there and Kingston, Jamaica in equal part, before settling in London's West in his teens. A childhood touring while the rest of us journeyed to cartoon lands afar, infused multi-cultural flavours into more than Lekhem's accent. Find out more about this hugely talented Musician as we go head-to-head in the interview ring for a second time...

1. Troublesome One! To kick off our second interview together, do you want to tell the people how 'KrateDiggin' came about?

Why you always gotta try to have people thinking I'm difficult when you know I'm a charming dude? ANYWAY...'KrateDiggin' is basically a project that I decided to create to remind everyone that  I am also a Producer and not just a Vocalist. One thing I have noticed is that a lot of people didn't really realise that I actually delve that much into the side of being a Musician and Producer, which is actually one of my first endeavours. So the main reason is to show that particular side of me. Also, I'm an up and coming Artist as much as other people out there, so if I can help out by creating something that other people can use for their own promotional projects then I see no problem in that whatsoever. So that just made me decided to create an Instrumental mixtape and there you have it: 'KrateDiggin'!

2. We know 'Lekhem - The Artist'. You've worked very hard to establish that fanbase but as you said, most people won't know 'Lekhem - The Producer' yet. Explain where those origins came from:

Lekhem's second mixtape 'The Raise EP', released 31 October 2011

My 'Production Origins' began once I actually started to get into music. When I actually started out, I started out rapping; that was my first, first thing. It got to a point where my Dad wanted me to start to do my own music. So what he would do is on the weekends, he would just give me the keys to Jah Light Studios in Ladbrooke Grove where at the time, we were at and say: "Go and make music!" At the time I was working with a really good friend of mine, P. Duro - who also produced 'The Corner' on 'The Raise EP' - that's my Production partner from back in the day. It was one of those things where as I started doing that, I just found a love for Production; creating the sounds and being that person behind the scenes that's actually making everything happen...love for that kind of puppeteer kind of role, if you want to look at it like that. From there I just kept on going at it really.

3. Tell me about the very first beat that you made:

'Studio Flow', February 2011,
(Photography by EricaSharlette)

(Laughs) Oh wow; the first beat I ever made...I couldn't beatbox it to you or anything, because I don't really remember the exact sound, but I can tell you that it was very, very experimental...yeah!  I'd love to hear it again.


And you can't hear it again because...?
I don't have the files now, you're talking about a good 8 years or more now, so that's a long time.


Ok, so we're talking about after you arrived in the UK?
Yeah. To be honest, my whole venture into music officially began, practically like a week after I got to the UK, so we're talking like, mid-August 2001. Before then, I'd fiddle around with stuff, mess about with rhymes, wrote my own little raps and stuff, but never actually did anything with it. I wasn't taking it seriously until I got to England.

'Mic Check' Lekhem on a PeeP Photography Shoot,
May 2011, (Photography by Selena Brown)

So the rap side did come first?
To be honest, it's like asking what came first, the Chicken or the Egg because at the end of the day they're both talents that I possess within me. I could go back and say I remember listening to beats as a kid and tryna dissect them, which is something that a Producer would do then I could say yeah, that came first; or I could say that when I started writing, that came first...they both go way back so it's very hard for me to pick. But if you want me to say officially, what I started doing, as in which one I went into the studio to do then it was to rap, in that respect.

4. You said something that intrigued me when you mentioned dissecting beats. Go right back, to the very first time that you remember listening to a beat and trying to break it down in your mind - what was it?

Missy Elliott, 'SupaDupaFly'. Definitely. If you've got that Productive edge to you, you'll always be listening to stuff and trying to learn from it. But the first time that I really heard something that made me sit down, play a song over and over again to try to figure out every single sound, was that track, definitely. Timbaland is one of my favourite Producers of all time. Growing up, he was like a Production Idol to me. 

And what was it about that beat that stood out to you so much? The quirkiness of it. All the different sounds that he had, the way he was using the Synth and stuff...obviously at the time, I wasn't able to say "Oh, he's using filters there", or whatever. Now I could listen back to it and be able to tell you, for the most part(!) It was just that he was creating a sound that was so Hip Hop, but so wasn't. That just spoke to me on so many levels that not a lot of Producers were able to at that time.

5. Have you ever put a beat together that you couldn't write to yourself?

Lekhem's 'Concepts - Part One' Photoshoot
(Photography by Jay Donn), April 2011

(Laughs) All the time! And the reason why to be honest, is that it's only really this year - 2012, is when I really started making beats for myself! Before, I was either just making beats for other people, listening to their stuff, figuring out their sound or maybe even figuring out a sound that I think would fit them, that they haven't got yet...that's what I was doing for years. Then when I was working with P. Duro and we were rapping together, yeah I was making the beats and yes, I would rap on them as well, but I still wasn't making them for me. I was making them for the group. So to be honest, a lot of beats that I've made, I could never write to, not in the sense of me writing for myself.




6. So for Up and Coming Producers who are listening to you - what is 'your sound'?

9th Wonder - 'The Wonder Years' (2011)

You know what, I don't like to describe my sound because I feel like I'm putting myself in a pigeonhole. I prefer to just make music and then have people judge it how they want to judge it. Comparisons that people have put me towards - and I'm not trying to drop any names or anything but - some people have said that some of my beats have that Kanye West sound and then other people have said some of my beats have that 9th Wonder, old school hip hop sound; DJ Premier stuff. I've had the Timbaland references as well. Again, not saying that I'm comparing myself to these people, they're miles above me! I'm just talking about the actual sound itself and the feeling that you got. 

7. What direction do you want to go in Production-wise?

Apollo Brown OC - a Lekhem favourite

The direction that I want to go in is basically bringing back that great 90s sound; that great Golden Era sound. Obviously I'm not trying to bring it back the same way that it was because that wouldn't be an enhancement on anything at all and that's what I'm trying to do. That's why we're all in this game. So definitely that type of sound, but a bit more modern. I also listen to a lot of different stuff. I listen to a lot of Reggae, I listen to a lot of Jazz, stuff like that. If you listen to 'KrateDiggin', you will hear a lot of different stuff. There's Jazz samples in there, there's Reggae samples in there, there's stuff that the minute you hear, you'll know exactly what record I've sampled and then there's some that you'll be sitting down for hours trying to figure it out. Those are all things that I did...you could call it intentionally. I had certain sounds that, I knew that they were classics and I just decided to give my own little spin on them and the same with records that a lot of people may not know.

8. So you're bringing out an Instrumentals mixtape' let's talk instruments. What do you play?

Lekhem in a FIRM FUSIONS Recording Session, April 2011

I play keyboards, I can mess about on a guitar a little bit, I might can find like about four/five chords on it...And I might can play like about two bass (guitar) lines...


(One thing about our Lek; I rarely notice his mash up of three accents anymore unless it's one of his really 'strong moments' like right there; but when it comes out it's kind of cool, yet kind of funny all at the same time!)

Junior Dan aka 'Dan Left Hand' is a legendary Bassist
United Reggae Interview Part 1 | Part 2

Any (instruments) you want to add in the future? 
Any I want to add...I want to learn how to play the guitar properly, like really well. Guitars, pianos...those are two of the strongest instruments. If I can master those two I know my Production game is gonna be crazy as well. Being that my Dad is a World-famous bass player, I'm still gonna be learning my bass lines and stuff like that. From when he was teaching me how to play bass, I still got those notes there so I will be teaching myself how to play a lot of instruments, but it's just about getting that time and getting that focus.

9. It's safe to say music is in your genes, with one of the world's most well-respected bass players for a Dad. What influence would you say his example has had on the way you approach your music?

Lekhem on Keys performing with Dad, Junior Dan in 2009

My Dad played with Burning Spear, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Gregory Issacs and just about any big artist in Reggae from the 70s. He played with the Gorillaz for most of their first album and toured all over with them. Pops has taught me so much in music its hard to begin at any one point. From being a Musician to being an Artist, or a Producer; his input has been undeniable and irreplaceable in my career.

He taught me the value of patience with music and the benefit of appropriate timing. Now that can be looked on in the Artistic aspect but also in the Professional sense. Knowing when, where, who, what and why. Essential knowledge.

Rare Glimpse...Lekhem and Junior Dan

When I started music he'd give me the keys to his studio and let me have the freedom of doing whatever I wanted. Being my Dad he knew I learn best when I work hand's on so did his best to nourish that. Without that freedom I'd have never been the Artist you see before you. He saw the potential in me years ago, before even I did.

10. As someone who knows you fairly well(!) I know how crucial computer games are to your basic happiness. If you had to describe your musical style to a character, which would it be and why?

That's gotta be one of the most inventive questions I've ever had! Well done!! Wow...It's really really hard to class that but I will try. Ok I'm gonna go with Mortal Kombat and say either SubZero or Smoke.

'Sub Zero'
(artwork by JoshWMC)

'Smoke'
(artwork by Sheeve Creator, deviantART)

Sub Zero because I love the whole "Shaolin" thing, plus being able to freeze stuff and sling ice spears out your hand is dope as hell!  Smoke, same thing with the "Shaolin" thing but also because he's very mysterious. He chills in the back till his time is here then turns up and shuts ish down! So yeah, those two - Bazinga!

'KrateDiggin' will be available for download via 'LekLane' from 
Monday, 5th March.

In the meantime, keep up to date with all things 'BakaBoi'!

Lekhem's blogsite features full interactive pages making 'LekLane' a site with a difference...Created by the magnificent Charli-Anne (Rome may not have been built in One Day, but LekLane was - she's that good), visit 'WalkWithLek' for #LekNews and posts, it's where you'll find the aforementioned Part 2 of our interview in a few days time. But that's not all you'll find there:

If Music be 'The Food' of Love, then get your download on...

Pictures speak '1000 Words' and Lekhem has stories to tell...

'Telegenicz' is otherwise known as 'LekTV' in our World!
You can also watch our first interview here, entitled 'Life With Lek'!

'Poetic Justice' showcases yet another side of Lekhem's talents, it's his outlet for the wordplay that doesn't end up on wax...

'InterActs' gives you the A-Z of Lekhem's full Social Media Catalogue...

'LekBeatz' gives you an idea of previous Production works and also allows for submissions for him...

As you heard mention of earlier, Lekhem fully believes in giving back. In or around the 17th of every month, he gifts in reverse by sending presents to Subscribers on his birth date. To receive March's offering and be the first to hear any and all 'Breaking News', make sure you've signed up by the 15th for a 'Thank You' in his own words.

That's it for now! Thanks for reading this week's Spotlight Interview - be sure to catch next week's first milestone feature; I've got something a little different planned!

Have a good one!

ES ;)

#FindOutFriday with Beckii Cruel

...Beckii

If you know Charli-Anne and I, then you know no-one does a theme, like we do a theme. NO exaggeration. And if you follow all things Deer Oh Deer Ltd., then you will also know that we've been in overdrive lately; preparing for a 3-day SUPER Exhibition starting at Earls Court this afternoon. HYPER JAPAN SPRING 2012 is the biggest Japanese Cultural event to hit London in recent times; where The Herd Family will exclusively launch our 'Doe so Lovely' collection.

As part of the planning, I of course had to ask my favourite Kawaii-lover what exactly, one wears for such an occasion? I was told in her most Diva-like accent: "Dahling, you HAVE to find your individual J-Style!" Well of course, thought I, with the blankest of expressions...Too embarrassed to enquire further after my recent little Sanrio faux pas (I thought it was a place); I departed my Kawaii-mentor's counsel more confused than ever, but bound for a few hours vacay in the Narnia better known as my wardrobe. A styling consult via BlackBerry messenger followed, but still nothing to my mind, captured 'the appropriate degree of quirk required'. Clearly it was time to seek the advice of a professional, so to Google I went...and that is how I chanced across 16-year-old Wonderkid, Beckii.

This young lady knows a thing or two about creating personal style from an unfamiliar culture. At the age of 14, she became an overnight Japanese sensation after posting a number of dance videos on YouTube. 2 years later and she's still going strong with music, television and most importantly for today - fashion, down to an exact Science. I sat down with the Isle of Man's teen sensation to talk about her whirlwind tale...

1. So Beckii, thank you for taking the time out to give me a  crash course in 'J-culture' ahead of Hyper Japan! I think if we start at the core, I'll get to grips with it. So can you explain to me what exactly 'J-culture' is, how you got involved and what it means to you?

'Beckii' Manga artwork by Stevie Burton

Well how I got involved with it, was when I was doing my dancing, I originally got hooked into the Japanese culture through Manga, which I picked up in Waterstone's about 4 years ago now. Just because it was different, you read it back to front. So I read more into that and I looked online for more things like it and it was just sort of my gateway into the whole world. It all evolved from that really! It means an awful lot to me because of all the opportunities it's given me in my life so far...I've had the opportunity to go to Japan about 8 times in the course of one year, which was phenomenal! Also having the BBC3 documentary was really big for me as well...just all sorts of things that normal people don't tend to get to do, that I did because of my love for Japan!

2. Being recognised, asked for photos and autographs everywhere you go - that's quite a big culture shock that you wouldn't necessarily receive in the UK. Was there an inspiration or example you used to ease you into that transition of becoming more and more known in the spotlight?

Beckii onstage at Manchester's MCM Expo, July 2011

Not particularly, to be honest! There wasn't really anybody I could look to, because it was a very unique thing that happened to me, so there wasn't anybody I could connect to and ask for advice. I had to learn quite a lot of things along the way and just go with the flow a little bit. But I think that in itself did help me; it would be nice to have somebody to turn to for a bit of advice, but I think learning for yourself is probably the best way.


3. You seem to have acclimatised quite well to becoming something of a role model yourself, at a very young age. Do you find that a lot of young girl's reach out to you who are also interested in the culture?

I think that they do, especially after the documentary, it was a lot of British girls who wanted to do what I've done. I think for the Japanese girls, because of the difference in where we live and also cultural differences, they sort of looked up to me as an 'Idol'; but  the girls in the UK look up to me as a role model, which is really nice! I've got a post box where everybody can write to me. I feel like the written letters tend to be the more heartfelt ones, because it takes a lot more effort. Especially nowadays, when you can just send a tweet and it's only 140 characters; compared with writing a letter and taking it to the Post Office. They really mean a lot. It's just lovely to hear from people who want to do the same thing that I've done.


4. What about your friends; how have they taken to what's happened to you and how you've taken off?
They always knew that I liked the dancing online and the J-pop thing, then when I became famous they were just like "Wow, ok!" They've just been really supportive all the way through; when the people from the documentary wanted to interview them, they were more than happy to do that. I don't think it's changed our friendship at all to be honest; they still stayed the same and I've stayed the same for them. I think they appreciate that and I appreciate them a whole lot.

5. I think it's fair to say that you've gained quite a bit of experience now, so I can ask about the differences between the way you're received in Japan and the response you get in the UK. Which audience are you more comfortable with and why?

Beckii live on SANKEI TV, February 2010

The Japanese audiences, definitely! I prefer performing to them solely for the reason that it's a different kind of relationship. I think because of the language differences? In Japan, you don't necessarily know what's being said about you but in the UK, you can understand those comments...not all of them are going to be good of course, you do get those bad comments...but I think it's easier to perform to people in Japan because I don't really tend to worry about that. Also because the audiences in general, they're very energetic and really supportive of their Idols. Like, if you see AKB48, who are a very popular girl group, you see their audiences and they're jumping in the air with glowsticks and everything! it's really high energy, so I love that aspect of the Japanese culture. But of course I also like performing in the UK, because it's nice to see people who like the same things as me, enjoying what I do. I think that's really fun to see and it's nice to connect with people that way.

6. We talked about the reception of J-culture by British audiences. Is there a particular area that you think the UK needs to be more aware of?

Beckii covers Shonen Magazine, July 2010

The whole of the Japanese culture in itself is very powerful, they're all level to me, they all match up to each other? I don't think there's  any specific one that need more attention. But I'm really into the Japanese Idols and I feel like that's something that's really interesting, just because it's like nothing we have over here. When you have an Idol, they're on a pedestal and you buy everything that they make; all the keyrings, the DVDs, photobooks, CDs, you watch all of their TV appearances, that fanbase is really, really so powerful. I think that the only things that I can compare it to over here, I guess, are the Korean boybands, they have massive followings and I think it's kind of similar to One Direction over here, because I think they're trying to model themselves around that. I mean it's different because it's British music and British people; but at the same time, it's those similarities that I think are interesting.

7. So what you're doing right now, with your music and the fashion, all of the many endeavours you've engaged in so far; is this officially a career choice now? Where do you plan to take 'Beckii Cruel' in the future?

I kind of already have made a career out of it, I guess! But I'd love to continue it onto bigger things. This year especially, I'm trying to work more on the fashion side of things. I've paired up with a really great designer called Faye and she's been working on some designs for me. She's designed the outfit which I'm going to be wearing this weekend, which is exciting. It's a sort of reinvention of my original 'Danjo' outfit, which was in the video that 'launched me to fame', I guess!

"My life is amazing because of these 2 minutes and 20 seconds." - Beckii

Beckii was the face of Lotti Fit's Gum in 2009

She's also designed the dress for a collaboration that we're going to be doing with NHK, which is a Japanese broadcasting company, who want to do a feature about me and the Olympics. So  she's designed a dress for that and it's really gorgeous! I'm looking forward to working more with her. We're also going to be appearing at London Alternative Fashion Week together as well, which is just amazing. So I'm looking forward to just exploring things with her and seeing how we can expand in other ways that we haven't yet tapped into.

'Beckii de Eigo Mimi' (2010),
released through ACSII Media Works

I paired up with a popular book author called Mr (Kiyoshi) Matsuzawa for my language DVDs called 'Beckii de Eigo Mimi'. It was really fun to be able to work with him and also do the DVD side of things which was talking with another girl, doing these conversations. Because it's for a textbook it's got to be very specific, so it's not as natural, but it was interesting to see how I could do with that, I worked very hard on it. Hopefully I'll get more opportunities like that in the future. 

8. How did you get involved with the HYPER JAPAN event?

Beckii under Press Siege at Doki Doki, November 2011

I've heard of HYPER JAPAN before and I've always wanted to go to be honest, because it looks like it's really nicely put together. It  would be a nice experience just to see how everything goes. We got in contact with them to see if they'll have me, and they did, they were really interested! It will just be really lovely to go! Aside from MCM and Doki Doki, which is  a brand new one in Manchester, this will be the third type of event that I've done in the UK, which is quite cool! 

Happening RIGHT NOW! Running ALL WEEKEND!

9. We'll be seeing you on the Hyper Japan stage this Sunday morning (10:30). How are the preparations going, what can we expect to see and who are you most looking forward to seeing this weekend?

It's been kind of bad, because I've been ill for like, two weeks so I've not had much time to prepare! But I'm kind of on the mend now, so I'm rushing, trying to fix it all up which is kind of stressful, I'm trying not to think too much about it! I've got a whole reserve of dances in my head which I know so hopefully, I'll be able to do something! I usually tend to just do my dancing at my live performances, with a bit of a Q&A between people. I've only got a half hour up on the stage so just sticking to that really, what people know me for, best! 

I think for me personally, who I'm looking forward to seeing most are my friends because a lot of my friends live in England, these conventions are the only time I ever get to see them, so it's lovely to meet up with them again. Also I'm looking forward to just seeing who's there to be honest! I've not looked at the setlist too in-depth; but I think a lot of Internet people, people I look up to as well, not just my friends, I'm looking forward to seeing...Living here just kind of shuts me off from the rest of all my friends so it's nice to go and see them. Also I just want to go and see all the sellers and see what's going on and the performers...everyone really!

10. Now this is the part where you can help me. The Fashion and Jewellery label that I work with DEER OH DEER, will be showcasing a specially designed collection. When I asked what to wear to Earls Court, I was told to "find my individual J-Style". Can you help me find mine, by telling me how you found yours?

Backstage, TOKYO GIRLS COLLECTION FASHION SHOW
At 14, Beckii was the youngest model in Spring of 2010

I feel like over the years, going from 13 to 16 - which I am now; I've gone through quite a lot of different styles. I think initially, when you first discover Japanese Culture, it's a massive culture shock. you get into things like Visual Kei with the massive hair; they're all these really visual styles which is amazing to see. I think especially when you come from over here where our rock bands aren't necessarily so extravagant with their style; just having that big influence of culture and fashion, seeing all the magazines with all the different niche styles...it's just amazing how diverse it is.

So for me, I was very much into the Rock/Punk style and that influenced how I used to dress; but for now I'm more into the florals and the really girly styles. It's interesting because all these different styles have a different area in Tokyo; like the girly styles are from Shibuya, the extreme, high fashion styles are from Harajuku...there's all these avenues by which people express themselves and I think it's lovely. It just takes a lot of getting used to all the different kinds of variations and choosing which one you feel expresses you the most.

Many thanks Beckii! I think I have an idea of where to start now!  I would just like to take this opportunity to say how very impressed I am with the way this gracious young lady handled herself.


Over the course of my research, I was truly saddened by the online abuse I witnessed across every, single forum I visited - including Beckii's personal accounts. I saw numerous posts asking why she is famous? From what I saw, the reason is simple; she is extremely astute and enterprising, with an initiative that belies her years. She works hard whilst many devote their time to posting harassing statements. Each day, her actions contribute to the increase of her portfolio (and bank balance by extension); I would like to know what results the 'keyboard warriors' achieved in the same duration?


Back to the fun part - I'll get this inspiring young lady's assessment of my attempts this Sunday; but if YOU want to see how I fared, make sure you check out this week's Sunday Sauce and LIKE Deer Oh Deer on facebook, to see the pictures from our biggest showcase yet, as SOON as they are posted!

Better still, why not come down and see us, the one-off 'Doe so Lovely' collection and Beckii's performance for your self?

HYPER JAPAN TICKETS

Keep up to date with all things Beckii!

Beckii's Website

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YouTube / Soundcloud / Daily Booth

Thanks for reading, hope you all enjoyed this week's J-culture twist as much as I did. See you next time!

ES

;)