Thursday, 19 January 2012

COMPETITION: MUSICALIZE VENUE & WEBSITE LAUNCH, 26 JANUARY

PRESS RELEASE: THURSDAY 12th JANUARY 2012
MUSICALIZE SET TO ‘RAISE THE BAR’ IN 2012


Following on from the outstanding success of the Musicalize end of year charity special in November that featured an all star lineup including Ed Sheeran, Wretch 32 and many others, Musicalize is set for its 2012 return on Thursday 26th January. 



As ever, the performances on the night will feature some of the rising stars of the UK music scene. 



Attendees on the night will be treated to performances from MC's Lady Leshurr (headline), Marger, 
Amplify Dot and the new and exciting duo LDB. The line-up will also feature a number of singers who are set to do big things in 2012. Amongst these is Kaleem Taylor (recently chosen by 1Xtra as "one-to-watch" on their UK 1Xtra Live tour), Alex Mills (recent support act for Rizzle Kicks) who will perform a stripped back acoustic set, Fleur (currently touring with DJ Fresh), ex X-Factor contestant Duane Lamonte and Charlee Drew (fresh off the back of a support tour with Skepta).


To be held at its new home, the 500 capacity Peninsula Room inside Proud 2 at The O2 arena, this Musicalize event will double up as an official website launch event. Speaking of the reasons for choosing this venue for Musicalize, co-founder Sophie Horne comments: "Having moved around during 2011, we were keen to find a home for Musicalize. Following our event in the main room at Proud 2 in November when the option came up to work with this venue again we jumped at the chance. Everyone knows that the O2 is the home of some of the best live music in the UK so to have that association is very important for us as we look to build the Musicalize brand."


As the name of the event suggests, Musicalize is the perfect opportunity to not only listen to live music but also to socialize and network with a diverse crowd made up of fellow live music lovers and music industry professionals including A&R's, producers, record label representatives and professional radio DJs. Media representation is also a strong feature on the night with professional media broadcasters filming as well as reporters, journalists and well respected Internet music bloggers all on the guest list.


Another new addition for Musicalize in 2012 is the hosts. Taking up the hosting duties are Alana and Lisa Macfarlane, more commonly known as "The Mac Twins." Dubbed as “the hottest new presenters in the UK”, the girls are delighted to be part of the Musicalize family. Speaking of their reasons for getting involved, Lisa commented: "It's clear to see that Musicalize is growing and to be asked to be involved at this stage was a real privilege. Alana added: “We want to expand our portfolio as hosts and this event will be the perfect opportunity for us to do this as well as working with some of the best up and coming artists in the industry. We're really excited about what 2012 has to offer for Musicalize and are glad to be part of it all."


UBand, the official partners of Musicalize are also looking forward to another successful event and year ahead. Creative Director, Andrew Tayo comments regarding the partnership: "After what we achieved with the event in November, I'm excited for what we can do with Musicalize in 2012. For us, it's all about raising the bar with the event. We will be working as a team to introduce more of a strategic approach to the marketing side of the event. And then at the events themselves we believe that our audio visual expertise will really make the event extra special.”

So with another strong lineup, as well as the above mentioned enhancements to the Musicalize outfit, it's safe to say that on Thursday 26th January all roads lead to the O2 for another amazing night of live music.


~ End of Release ~

Fancy watching it all go down? ESP are giving ONE loyal reader and a friend the chance to see all of the above LIVE...All you've got to do is answer this easy peasy question by 7PM, Friday 20th January:


Finish the title of Track 8 on 'The Raise EP' (see link) by Lekhem:

'Brand New ________'.

Now for the technicals...Please send your answers with the following information to claim your tickets:

  • Full Name
  • Age
  • Twitter / Facebook Name

That's it! Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

A Whirlwind in SlowMo...


Well what a week!


So much has gone on within the ESP Family in the past 7 days, that it literally took an extra one to find a second to tell you all about it!


If you caught our New Year welcome, then you know that Charli-Anne and Design Assistant / female face of deer oh deer ltd. Lottey, have been hard at work on our SpringSummer12 Collection, 'Carnivale'. Already on to that next stage, this week she blogged about her return to long-time collaborator Andy Piccos of Stitchin' Business fame, where they talked the 'logistics of fabrics'.

Andy's handmade talents brought Charli-Anne's Winter 'Vintage Rose', and Summer 'Carousel' Clutch bags to life, in addition to the hugely popular Lux Hunter Hoods and Hampton Scarves from the current Heritage Collection. Andy, who you may also recognise as Official Couturier for Gok Wan's Clothes Roadshow, was kind enough to film an exclusive special for deer oh deer tv recently. Currently in edit, subscribe to the channel NOW so you don't miss the webisode when it goes live! 


Because our Charli-Anne's talents know no bounds, she's also been hard at work on the Web and Graphic Design front for Jelli Ltd. In addition to designing Drassick's new website (more on that later), maintaining the ESP home, blogsite and LekLane to name but a few. She also set about a new project for GLO MediSpa in Harley Street, that includes this little nugget as their new logo...




(l-r) R2S members Krome, Birthday Boy Prophyle,
TaYshan
The BakaBoi has been on his grind as always. Writing for upcoming projects and filming two music video cameos, Lekhem spent the majority of the week in the studio; recording 'The Rebelution Part. 2' with 'Rebels2Society', mixing solo tracks and working on a little something called 'KrateDiggin'...More details on that will be coming very, very soon!


For the latest directly from him, including press coverage from music blogger lov3hat3u; wander over to 'LekLane' (blog), where he tells you all the details.


The Digital One has taken over! In addition to prepping for that 31 January return to the stage we told you of last week, Drassick and I have been hard at work on more projects than I can share with you today...Just know that when I say the wait is almost over - I'm NOT joking! First up:


'RESET BUTTON' is the 3-track mini-EP set for release on 23 January. A little 'Thank You' to all who continued to support during what may have seemed like a quiet period on the exterior, we want to get fans and newbies alike set for February's much-anticpated 'RiseNGrind'. Starting over, Drassick is  Bigger, Better and Stronger than ever for 2012. If you're not familiar with our Andre yet, you soon will be...


For a taster of what you can expect from 'RiseNGrind', check out his warm up video for 'Bars So Hard'...




With a fresh, re-branded slate, a new website coming, and a 13-track mixtape in it's final readying stages (for starters), the 23 January won't just see the start of the Chinese New Year - The 'Year of The Dregon' will officially have begun.


And then there's me, the 'ES in the P'...


In addition to working with my Benetton Brady Bunch above (!), I also spent some time chatting with Def Jam / NCredible Entertainment Singer-Songwriter and Producer Kevin Writer, for the second #FindOutFriday of the year. He told me about his unorthodox mix of musical friends, what it's like to be managed by Nick Cannon and his upcoming work with the most successful Female Singer-Songwriter of All Time.


Have a read, comment and share if you like it!


Finally, after a renegade interview for this Friday's feature, Sunday the 15th saw Lekhem and I down at the Queen of Hoxton for dejavufm's 'We Play Music' launch. A MASSIVE look for the unsigned music scene, the event was full-to-brimming with first-rate, live performances from the likes of Dionne Reid and the ever-talented Soneni & the Soul. Look out for more details from the night directly from the dejavufm website.


And that's it! A new week has already begun and the gang have me hard at work...duty calls!


Have a great week!
EricaSharlette ;o)


@ESintheP

Thursday, 12 January 2012

#FindOutFriday with Kevin Writer!

   Kevin Writer 

It's not very often that I'm thrown.


But when you accidentally get the time difference from our little Island to the big ole' US of A off by oh, I don't know...180 minutes or few (yeah thanks for that worldclocks.com)...well there's not much you can do, but hope that 'Wing and a Prayer' thing is more than a concept reminiscent of Meatloaf (the Singer. Not the food).

And so it was that I found myself, face-to-malfunctioning Skype screen, with Mr. Kevin Writer. You may not be familiar with the name in the UK just yet, but that is something that is about to change. From Producer Extraordinaire, to one former third of the hugely talented RnB group RydazNrtisT (managed by Nick Cannon), to producing for TV film soundtracks and now scoring for them also (which was exactly what he was doing when I caught up with him).


Kevin Writer is a very funny font of talent that you can't help wanting to get to know. Find out what happened when he stepped out of the studio where Connor Cruise was tinkering (yes, the DJ-son of a Mission Impossible Agent), for a gracious chat with Yours Truly...















1. So Kevin, thanks for interrupting what sounds like a busy afternoon through these speakers! Let's start off with your mixtape. 'Before the Ink Dries' sounds like a title with a story to tell. What inspired it?

I asked a lot of fans and friends and a lot came back with some clichéd answers around my name. Then someone said something about 'ink drying' and I added the 'Before'. When I thought about it, this was really a passion project for me; it was my opportunity to put all of my thoughts and the things I feel passionately about on wax. It was my chance to speak to the fans that I have right now and that I have had up to this point, before things blow up, before the hype that's coming really starts, before everyone else was a fan. This was about connecting with them.






2. You're managed by Nick Cannon, who we know found his start on Children's TV Channel, Nickelodeon. From the UK looking in, it seems to be the norm, that a lot of stars find their start there, through Disney or like shows. Did you have a similar starting point?
No, I came from a Church background, my Father is a Minister, my Mother was really involved in the Church also; so that's what I was really exposed to as a child. I came through with the help of a lot of lucky breaks, I was also Blessed enough to meet some cool people...I gave away a lot of free music (laughs), and did a lot of Internships. They paved the way for me to produce and write for some very cool people like Akon. So no TV shows, but I've had a couple of good shots!

3. Definitely can't deny that! So staying on the Production side of the Street, if you had to pick one, which do you find easier, being an Artist, or being a Producer?
Well I don't think it's a matter of being easier, because they both come naturally, but I would say that I definitely prefer being an Artist. Music is one of those rare things that, no matter your race, your gender, your job, what you do, or where you are in life, everybody can relate to, because it's universal.

4. You mention a memorable moment during the track 'I Got U'. Flashback to the 'Angels Advocate' Tour, 2010. You're opening for one Ms. Mariah Carey, and about 30 rows back, you see a group of fans singing every song in your set, word for word. What was that experience like for you?
Madison Square Garden on New Year's Eve...that was my biggest show to date and an experience I will never forget, for so many reasons but specifically, for those fans. 11,000 people plus...It was pretty hard to see from up there, but somehow I could see them!  We got to go down and take pictures with them after Mariah's set,  talk to them and just enjoy that interaction - it was incredible. After such an unbelievable set, to get that love and talk to them directly? The whole thing just left me so truly humbled and thankful.

5. We've talked about some of your Production credits briefly; can you share the story behind your most challenging track yet?
Honestly, it's rarely ever the music itself. The real challenge is the business side! I'm Blessed to have been able to create a culture around myself where most of the time, it's just been a lot of fun! 'Famous' with Akon and Nick (Cannon) was good example of that. It's probably the most fun I've had working on a record. It really wasn't about the song; the most memorable thing about it was the experience itself.




6. Let's fast-forward to 12-months from now. How have you established yourself within the current music climate? How will you have set yourself apart from the crowd?
By making good art. For a long time now, the truest, most honest people who were producing art at it's very core, were undervalued in modern culture. I think that with certain artists though, the potency of their bodies of work meant that we're starting to see a value shift. Adele, Michael Buble, John Meyer, Kanye...what they have given us has a value higher than the standard that is overpowering the current market. I hope to show that same creativity...
The hardest thing to do in this climate is be yourself. I plan to continue on being myself, because I truly believe that when you do that above all else, the commodity of You becomes infinitely more valuable. I love music in general; but because there is this belief in the Industry and our culture overall, that you have to be this way, look like that person, only make this or that type of music to be successful - the content that makes it's way to the mainstream seems much more manufactured to me. There's nothing wrong with that, but I think that if you commit to keeping that realness and stick to making your best art, then you can't hide your honesty. By just being yourself, you will always have something unique to add to the market place.

7. I want to go back to that young Kevin. On your mixtape, you mention your Mother waking you and your brother with songs every morning; can you tell us about one? What memories does it evoke for you and why?
Well as I mentioned, I grew up in a devoutly religious household, so before the age of 10 years old, I was not allowed to listen to anything that didn't come from the Church. There was this one though, and it wasn't even really a song as much, it had like four lines! They were:


"God put a rainbow in the Sky,
God put a rainbow in the Sky,
When it looked like the Sun wasn't gonna shine any more,
God put a rainbow in the Sky."




I still look to it for positive reinforcement. There's just something in the simplicity of the whole thing that, when you're really bummed out it just takes you back to that lowest denominator - the things that make up who you are, and you find your way back.


8. What do you do when you're creatively stumped? How do you handle it?
There's a great quote that I once heard from Quincy Jones. It was from an old interview, when he was talking about working with Michael (Jackson).

He said something like:




You just have to let the negativity flow through you, then get away from it. Sometimes you will find yourself inspired by things you didn't expect to be, purely because you took yourself out of the environment.


9. I can't not talk to you about your projects because I know you have some amazing stuff coming up. Can you tell me what you are working on? What should the UK be looking out for, from you?
I'm going on a College Tour around Southern California very soon. I'm really looking forward to connecting with the fans on that. I have a lot of parent label showcases coming up (Sony, Columbia, Universal). They're always a great opportunity and platform to do some really cool shows. I'm scoring for some TV shows and films;  the fourth School Gyrls movie is coming (Cannon's teen girl group who's début film starred some kid named Bieber?).


There's the Wonder Girls tour in Japan...



OH, and another mixtape (laughs), yeah that too! But I guess the most immediate thing though, would be that I start working with Mariah on her new album, next week. 




10. And finally, just to take things a little 'left of the middle'...I know you love your Sports. If you had to describe yourself as one, which would it be and why?
I would have to say...Golf. I'm a very specific person; I like to have my own way when it comes to making music and golf is a solo sport, you have to be focused on Self. When it comes to my music,  it's not about the love of coaching in teams - my only goal is to keep beating myself at every turn.




I have to say that Kevin officially became my 'Quote Prince' during this interview (Quincy took your 'King' spot afterward, I'm sorry)! We had such a great chat, I honestly struggled to pick my 10 favourite answers, so thank you Sir, for making my job so hard!  


This is a hardworking gentleman who is destined to be everywhere before long. Put him on your radar NOW by checking out his works, connecting with him directly and finding out for yourself why we had so much fun talking...



Don't forget to check out the first video from Kevin's mixtape, a remix of T-Pain's '5 o'clock':


Friday, 6 January 2012

Welcome to 2012 with the ESP Family!

Happy New Year to One and All!


I do hope you're all sufficiently recovered from your shenanigans by now. If not...what on EARTH did you get up to?! 


As is always the way, a New Year spark times of change and all things fresh to mark starting back at One. Here at ESP HQ, the Family are already producing mega tonnes behind the scenes that we'll be bringing to your eyelines shortly. 



When the clock struck 00:01, Lekhem and those R2S Boys dropped 'The Rebelution: Pt.1'.


With 20 infectious tracks that stole the flames of Hades itself; this is one mixtape that your Apple gadgets NEED in order to function well!






Look for more on R2S and their début release on the ESP blog soon. 


On the 'deer oh deer' front; the most gifted designer I know is hard at work creating for the SpringSummer12 collection. I'm sworn to Herd Family secrecy so can't give too much away, but I can honestly tell you, that Charli-Anne and our beautiful Design Assistant Lottey (the gorgeous female face of deer oh deer), are planning our most daring collection yet.


Don't think that's the end of the AutumnWinter11 'Heritage' collection though! Look for some special treats on the line's own Heritage, in the coming weeks.


Did I also happen to mention Charli-Anne fired up her own blog this week as well? I don't call her 'The Creative' for nothing!


Drassick and Friends at 'Jam Sandwich', 31/1
Not one to rest on his laurels, Drassick has broken away from the cutest 16-day old on The Planet and is already back to work. Writing, recording and planning for that 31 December return to the stage - catch him alongside some Special Guests, live at 'Jam Sandwich'. Performing a mixture of tracks from 'D-Day', the forthcoming 'RiseNGrind' and maybe even a little something extra... 










Last but not least, there's a little offering from Yours Truly...


From September through October of 2011, ESP Ltd. gave you a 7-day feast from each of the billed Artists on the Leela James 'My Soul' Tour. Entitled 'In the ESPspotlight with...', one of the features that I received the most feedback about (apart from the amazing web design talents of one Ms. Charli-Anne for Jelli Ltd.), was the Q&A section with each Artist - #FindOutFriday...


Returning today, this weekly feature has a variety of talent from across the board for your reading, watching and listening pleasure. It's not about what's hot, popular or 'Of the Moment'; more about people I encounter on my travels who impress the heck outta me with what they do!


If you know the ESP way of doing things, then you know nothing interests me more than a good back story, and with each invited feature, that's what I hope to bring to you. If you enjoy it, do let me know via the comments section; a share and a retweet are always welcome!


I must say a HUGE Thank You to Charli-Anne for not only enabling the preparations, but keeping me sane over the past few weeks. I absolutely could NOT have managed without you Chica, you will never truly grasp how much I adore.


Checkout my launch interview, when I spent some time with the lovely Ms. Rea of Unsigned Hype UK...


Have a great weekend!

Thursday, 5 January 2012

#FindOutFriday with Ms. Rea & Unsigned Hype UK!











Ms. Rea & UNSIGNED HYPE


Did you know the name 'Robyn' literally means 'Bright Fame'?


...I didn't either, until I sat down to interview the lovely Ms. Rea, aka Robyn Adams, a few days ago. What I can tell you, is hearing that further cemented my belief in living up to your namesake. Charming, funny, sweet and determined, this is a young Lady who's cause not only strikes close to my female entrepreneurial heart, but is the living embodiment of her title. 

Along with partner Ricardo Reid, Robyn is a Joint CEO of Unsigned Hype UK, the fastest growing support brand for Worldwide talent, without the big money backing. After watching the ever-growing team operate since their Winter 2011 launch; they were my only choice for 2012's first #FindOutFriday feature. She took some time out with me to explain how she does it....



1. You just celebrated a birthday. What differences did 365 days make in the 'Life of You?'

I had No Knowledge! I was just starting out properly as a Solo Artist, after leaving the group I was in. They told me I was the weakest member so I thought "Ok then; why don't I just go ahead and do me?" I didn't really have any connections, didn't know who was who, which Companies were the right ones to contact. I didn't know how to deal with situations, or go about things. I had no clue of how to put music out...I thought you just bung your mixtape on Facebook and that was it! I've learned a lot along the way, from so many people.

2. How did Hip Hop find a home in Buckinghamshire?
I fully blame my Mum! She LOVES Reggae and brought us up on that, Soul, RnB like Boyz II Men and loads more. I was a 2-3 year old that didn't want bedtime stories; my Mum had to sing a good 7 or 8 songs in a row until I fell asleep, she used to get fed up!


When I was about 14, everybody in Aylesbury wanted to rap - everyone was claiming it, but there were NO girls! My Cousin dared me to try, so I got on my little home Mic and gave it a go...The next thing I knew, I had all these boys asking me to write their lyrics! My first time on stage was totally by force though, I was so scared! I had to freestyle some bars at an Under 18's event for the artist, Aggro. the funny thing about that was that someone from Versus Records was there, who remembered me when I saw him again years later!

3. The 'Ms. Rea' I met back in May of 2011, is very different to the 'Robyn' I have the pleasure of knowing now. For those who are unfamiliar, explain each personality and the difference between them:

Well 'Rea' came from a Rapper I know in Aylesbury. One day he just said "You should call yourself REA, they're your initials anyway" (Robyn Elizabeth Adams)...

I quite liked it and so it stuck! I feel a bit "hood" as 'Rea'. She's my darker side. In 'Rea' the truth comes out...




Robyn is Aylesbury's 'Little Posh Girl', who doesn't use slang and teaches Gymnastics. I'm a typical Capricorn though! I like to know what's in  my bank account to the last penny, I have my one 'Depression Day' a month that I bounce right back from in 24 hours and generally, it doesn't take long for me to get quite a good sense of people and what they're about.


4. Ok, so tell me of a career highlight for Ms. Rea so far?
Oh wow...I think it has to be when I did the 'Pass Out' cover. It got over 8000 YouTube views without any promotion. And I'll never forget hearing it playing in someone's car either! It was when I first realised that I love to sing on a track, and I love to rap on a track. The funny thing about it is that I don't even like it any more. I just feel I've improved SO much since then.


And how about Robyn?
I think that has to be Gymnastics. In 12 months, for my teaching partner and I, as the youngest coaches on staff to have a child place on the GB Team...I actually cried. At 20 year's old, parents looked at me like I was too young to be in charge of a class. They often don't realise that I've trained and competed the World over. One year, we won every single competition we entered. As the 3rd generation, to bring that legacy to a family business is a feeling I can't compare to anything else.



5. And what is it that you enjoy about teaching, even more so than competing?
The only way I can think of to describe it, is to imagine showing a child how to write a song that's suddenly complete. The reward is amazing when I see them master that move. We've had our current class for 2 months now. Their first competition is in July and they've already learned so much. The best feeling is when one of your pupils walk away with a medal. It makes me smile every time.


6. You established quite a dedicated fanbase for yourself in quite a short period of time. If you were able to do it so quickly, why did you feel the need to create Unsigned Hype from an Artist's Point of View?
Honestly? Resources. It really isn't even about Supporters, it's about knowing who to contact and making those lasting  connections. In a year, I built up 3000 (twitter) followers and realised, "Ok, so actually, I'm kinda good at this Promotions, thing...Why don't I just create a team?" I sacrificed my music so that in time, maybe I can benefit too. If I decide it's time for a video, instead of being held back by £5-600 video quotes, I can turn to the network Ricardo and I have created. It started out with just us; but I love that most of the people that were supporting me before, are the ones who are working on Unsigned Hype with me now!


7. 'Unsigned Hype Volume 4 - New Year's Special' dropped this week, to triple-figure downloads in under 2 hours; you're now pre-booked past Spring. Did you expect the series to develop such a huge following so quickly?


Unsigned Hype Vol. 4 - New Year's Special
Y'know, I really didn't! When we were getting ready to put out the first one I told Ricardo, "If it doesn't take off, I'll leave it"...Before I knew it we had artist's reaching out to us from everywhere! Everyone seems to see what we are doing. We got 800  followers within the first week of release. I wouldn't be able to manage it without a team because we've gotten all of this attention without giving out one single business card! Even though we're already planning it, we haven't actually had our first event yet and we've released no real visuals in support. The next one is going to be mixed as well as hosted, by UH's in-house DJ Ess; so now all the tracks will flow into each other, which will be great for the Valentine's theme. We've had a great start to 2012 with the addition of Mixtape Madness as one of our Partners. More info will be coming about that soon, but the list is growing! 

Unsigned Hype - Vol.1
Unsigned Hype - Vol. 2

Unsigned Hype - Vol.3 - Xmas Special

8. The Unsigned Hype brand have showcased Music, Videos and much more, from some of the UK and US's most talented Unsigned artists (I do believe I'm familiar with one or two...). Your launch event is coming up soon, the fashion label is also in the works...What else are you planning to add to the Empire?
I have SO many ideas! The launch event is probably the main goal at the moment, but in addition to that, yes there's the clothing line. We have a brilliant online team, but we also really want to get out there in the physical sense; so a Street Team in our branded tees will be great...the visuals are also still to come. I'd love to have an online magazine, with live interviews and performances...I also want to venture into Artist Management and Film. I'd like to create documentaries that people listen to and learn from. There is so much written down, and our name hasn't said we can't!



9. It seems as though everywhere you turn nowadays, new brands are popping up, offering mixtapes and arguably similar services. How does Unsigned Hype differ?
Literally from our name. Everyone feels that they have to work with a name - what happened to the UNSIGNED? (AMEN - ES)  They're the ones who are the hungriest, they want it more than ever and they'll do anything to get it. You can't put a number on that. That's what makes us different; I'm not interested in promoting Signed artists, they don't need my help. Unsigned artists do. I don't hunt for the 'big names'. I would rather they come to us and offer help! I'd rather hold a competition and have studio time, or training of some kind with the 'celeb' as the prize! Or something like that, anyway.

10. If 'Rea' and 'Robyn' were musical genres which describes them best and why?
Well I think 'Rea' would be Hip Hop, Reggae and a bit of Grime. Yeah...I've got a little bit of Grime in me!


'Robyn' is...a bit of Poppy RnB. It's the things that happen to 'Robyn' in life, that come out in 'Rea's' music.












I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Rea for a lovely, inspiring interview. I've had the pleasure of getting to know her over the past 3 or so months and she truly is a lovely, warm, honest and down-to-Earth person. Even if you're not looking out for the Unsigned Hype brand I promise you, with all the things they have planned - most of which, I couldn't even mention here - they'll find YOU, soon enough!


Keep up-to-date with all things Rea:



And Unsigned Hype UK: