#FindOutFriday with EricaSharlette

  ...ME, the ES in the P!

I don't know what I was thinking.

Let me tell you how all of this came about...It was 4:14 last Friday morning. A last-minute change to this feature's schedule meant I needed to replace the talented person booked for today's mini-milestone (It's the tenth since #FindOutFriday returned, insert bells and whistles HERE). A rejigging of the line up could have been done, but not without issue, then a light bulb went on.

I now recognise it was just my bedside lamp, but at the time, I would have sworn on my existence it was illumination of a GENIUS (really...it was just the lamp). I always get threats of retaliation for the difficulty of some of my questions, so to celebrate reaching double figures, "Why don't I do it?" Questioned my un-righted mind - and so the plot began to form...

I needed to think of a way to continue the precedent (I hope) I have set and throw in a twist! That's where things got...Interesting. Quite convinced that there was nothing interesting about me answering my own questions, I asked 10 friends to submit a question and...well, by the time I realised the madness, 3 hours had passed and I already had my first reply...read that one plus nine, in the culmination of this week's hair-brained scheme!

1. Sophie Horne, (one half of) DoubleM Entertainment. One of the most successful up and coming Event and Artist Management companies on the UK Scene, Soph is a friend and business woman that I find highly inspirational. Read my recent #FOF interview with both halves of an unstoppable whole:

"If you were an Artist, what would your stagename be?"

It would be exactly what it is now! The woman I met in the birthing Suite once upon a Moon had fanciful notions of naming 'Erica', because it means 'Everstrong, Ever Ruler'. She wanted a name that people couldn't shorten and thought that as the black daughter of a Single Mum, I would need all strength I could find in life. It's also a flower (which, from someone who only likes looking at Botanics through a screen, further proves your confusion with yourself, Mother Dear...). I never ever never liked my first name - phonetically, I don't think it fits 'me' at all, but I LOVE my middle one. Even now, I have a host of abbreviations and nicknames that most people use instead of it.

'School Daze...' Stoke Newington School, 199*ahem*...

I actually went through a phase in Secondary School where I stopped answering to 'Erica' altogether and tried to force my classmates to call me 'Sharlette'...it lasted the best part of a day before they stopped bothering to speak to me, period. As someone who physically can't not talk, that didn't really work for my existence so I gave up... Be.Grudg.Ing.Ly!

Anna and Emma with Artist, RoxXxan

2. Anna Newbury & Emma Berry, Bloggers. I first met Anna and Emma at January's Musicalize where they adopted a Solo me and all three of us have been gabbing away ever since! Check out their wonderful works for the House of Hoxshore :)

Photography by
Charli-Anne Shirley for Jelli Ltd. 

"If you could have one extra limb, what would you chose, where would you put it and why?"

Ha! Gotta love the randomness! I think I'd have to say an extra arm, that way I could do more on my 'To-Do' list! I'm not quite sure where exactly I would put it, but as the most accident-prone person known to Man, I think it's best I put it somewhere on my torso for proportion and balance!

Drassick and Luz

3. Luz Paguyo, Business Support, ESP. The loveliest PA in the Whole Wide World, Luz is Family in more ways than one. In addition to joining the team in January of this year and helping to sort me out, she's also otherwise known as Mrs Drassick DIGITAL:

"If you weren't into PR, Marketing and every other single thing you do, where and what do you think you would be? And where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

At the 'Female DJ Takeover' Launch,
Avalon, February 2011

That's a hard one and the honest answer is I don't rightly know! My background is as an Events PA across quite a few different sectors. I've always loved putting shows together, but never had a real love for any of the Industries I worked in; that was always the down side for me. My last 9-5 was as a Business Development PA for a Children's Charity Network. Because I love Bubbas (as you know being Mummy to two of my nieces), I thought the kid's aspect would appeal to me, but it so happened that was never really involved in the role and I absolutely hated it otherwise! So when I was made redundant, the only thing that really broke my heart was the loss of a steady paycheque! ESP was starting to take on a life of it's own, so the freedom made me feel like I could breathe again. In 5 year's time...I honestly don't like to think that far ahead unless I'm sketching workplans for the fam! If there's one thing I swear by, it's that life is unpredictable. One unexpected thing can happen and the best laid plans turn into petals on those fluffy, cotton wool-like flowers that you blow on...All I can say is what I want to happen. I want a chain of Deer Oh Deer boutiques all over the world, I want Drassick and Lekhem to be cemented household names and for me? I just want to come along for the ride if they haven't put restraining orders on me by then! :)

The One and Only
DJ Melody 'MellyMel'  Kane

4. DJ Melody Kane, Full Time International Club / Radio / Event DJ; Official SB:TV DJ, Female DJ Takeover Pioneer. She's 'Melody' to you but to me, she will forever be MellyMel! One of the first people to take a chance on an unknown, Melody gave me a chance with absolutely no just cause and for that I will be forever indebted.

"What do you find the most interesting and the most frustrating about working in this industry?"

Photography by Charli-Anne Shirley for Jelli Ltd. 

I would be outright lying if I said I wasn't over the MOON that someone asked me this! I think the two are one and the same, in that I. Love. TALENT! I cannot stress that enough! I'm an Art fan first and find the beauty in a lot of things that most people wouldn't, especially music. I love honest expression, no matter the form. When it comes to music, I think it also makes me a proud snob, I'm really not ashamed to admit that! So whilst there is SO much talent breaking through and I'm really happy to see that in those that deserve it, I'm far more frustrated to see the wealth that is overlooked. I knew there was a 'pool'; but I think it's only since starting ESP and expanding my network that I really now understand it's more of an Ocean. I'm Blessed to work with A+mazing Artists because people like you gave me the opportunity. It's beyond frustrating to see how rare those shots are for those who earn it, when it seems to be so easy for those who do not.

5. Drassick aka DIGITAL, Artist and Lyricist. This HUGELY talented MC is a one-off that still surprises me daily. Not just with his talent, but with his mindset as a young family man who stands apart from the typical mode of thinking commonly associated with his peers. Most recently releasing his second mixtape 'RiseNGrind' hosted by DJ Ames, keep your eyes peeled for this one because he's on his 'Grind Daily':

"What made you start ES Promotions Ltd. and how did you go about it?"

Five syllables: Charli-Anne Shirley. One Sunday afternoon in September of 2010, I saw a tweet from someone I would run into occasionally (usually whenever Mariah Carey was in town). She was a Fashion and Jewellery Designer who was also juggling a Web and Graphic Design company. It said: "I need an assistant! Someone help me organise my life!" In desperate need of something to distract me from some personal dramatics at the time, I replied. We had an email conversation where we talked over what both of us was looking for, met up 4 days later and we've been together ever since! After telling my closest friend Ms. Sherii ven Dyer about what I was planning with Char, she asked me to do some music promo for her too. I loved the diversity of it all and kept coming up with new promotional ideas for both. 

With the Big Sis who's half my size,
Super Singer-Songwriter - Sherii ven Dyer

It took a LOT of encouragement and convincing, but by November Char had the idea that I could do this for a living firmly implanted in my mind. The end of December saw me joining DJ Melody Kane's 'Female DJ Takeover' movement after bonding via Twitter, over the phone and one Skype chat! Then Niji Magazine invited me onboard a few days later. Through my 'trial by fire' with the latter, Lekhem got in touch in mid-January. Like with you, we hit it off from our very first conversation and went to work within a week. By April, your adorable self reached out. All of this happened whilst I was still doing 3-days a week at the Children's Charity Network I mentioned earlier and also juggling part-time Carer's duties for my Mum, so everything I did was squeezed into my non-9-to-5 days.

Photography by Charli-Anne Shirley for Jelli Ltd.

I can't give any 'advice' about how to get started because to be honest, I still consider myself a newbie. All I can say is you can't do this if you don't truly love and believe in what you do. You have to give up too much of yourself. You need to be prepared to say Goodbye to every spare moment; in some cases, your sanity! In terms of what I personally did...I registered with 'Getting British Businesses Online (GBBO)' in November of 2010 to get my web domain amongst some other bits and bobs. It wasn't until the middle of last year that things really started moving on the 'official' front though. I joined the East London Small Business Centre in the Summer, where I was assigned a lovely Adviser who patiently explains the (many) logistics that baffle me. I finally registered ESP as a Ltd. Company in 2011 Q4; after doing a Small Business Start Up course with the ELSBC. I now see my Adviser for regular sessions where he tells me off for missing my project submission deadlines! On the upside, he always tells me how much he loves what we do and this blog. I think he was actually our first '#SundaySauce' subscriber! So thank you for everything El Capitan Jim P, my homework is coming I swear...!

6. Lisa Ella, Singer-Songwriter. Lisa and I were recently introduced through DoubleM Entertainment. A huge talent, with a beautiful sound, look out for a LOT more from this Mancs-native soon:

"If you had to have a night on a desert island with Someone who would it be?"

I considered this my 'Great Debate'! But since it's only one night I'm going to say my future second husband Brian Casey, of Jagged Edge fame. Yes second. After Shemar Moore and I officially call it quits. I think the perfect 'Mr. Me' needs to be a 'Creative'. The idea of anyone producing something based on emotions that I evoke, is beyond anything I can imagine. To deliver it in voice of someone like Brian, who I've been head over heels in love with for roughly 12 years? *Fans oneself* Yeah, I can definitely say that's a night I'd enjoy...! ;o)

My ALL-TIME FAVE Jagged Edge track - 'I Don't Wanna'

7. Lekhem, Producer, Artist, Musician. If you're familiar with me, then you'll know about my 'Jamerican' Nemesis! My favourite Country cocktail from America and Jamaica, by way of West London, released his third project 'KrateDiggin - The Instrumentals Mixtape' earlier this week, and has far more to come. Make sure you walk with him down 'LekLane':

"As someone who's been given a few intriguing facts from time to time, one of the things I want to know about is your musical exploits back in the day. Give us all a breakdown of your discography."

'Spot the Extra'...On-set,
'Uncle Jack & The Dark Side of The Moon'
BBC Elstree Studios (1992)

Biggest claim to 'Stage Fame'
Appearing in Simon Callow's
Production of Carmen Jones (1991)

No. Next question!

Since 'The EVIL One' has exposed me, I will confess...Not too many people know that I grew up on the other side of the spotlight. I trained in Acrobatics until the age of 10 when my Mum and I moved from South, to North of the River and I changed Stage Schools. I trained in Dance (Tap, Jazz, Ballet), from the age of 5, earning a few Grade certificates until health problems finally got the better of me and I changed to an Academic Secondary School in North London at 14. I also did Drama and Music throughout, until I left College at 17. I mainly performed on Stage and TV so most of  my credits are pre-YouTube, gosh darn it! I have seen one or two old recordings that I was going to post here...Oddly enough, the links have been flagged for content - SUCH a shame. Can't imagine why anyone would do such a thing...? As far as Musical recordings go, unfortunately most of those were (Stage) school  & GCSE projects and demos that are not in the public domain. Sorrrryyyy! :)...I mean :(.

8. DJ Fearney, DeJa Vu Radio DJ/Presenter and Interviewer. I first came across Fearney's SICK skills at a Rock The Belles club night at East Village. Since then, we've run into each other at a host of different events and I just love what she does on those decks! The fact that she's down to Earth, approachable and a bandit on those decks only add to her appeal!

"You seem to have your finger in all the pies, PR being one of your attributes and a notoriously difficult job. Tell me what is the most relative book you have read in this field which was maybe a huge eye-opener or the most informative for you?"

I would be lying if I said I had a great big reading list of 'How To's'.  It's more one of those 'One day, when I've got five minutes I'd like to' lists! I can guiltily admit that I started reading David Ogilvy's 'Confessions of an Advertising Man', after picking up a copy in WH Smith's at Heathrow, while stocking up on my holiday reading. He's completely sexist, but he's upfront and admits that in later years plus the fundamentals still rang true. So that aside, I was really enjoying it, up to where I'd gotten! I also grabbed a copy of 'What You Need to Know About Project Management' by Fergus O'Connell to help me round out the Operations side of things. I'm ashamed to say I haven't gotten round to finishing either (cringe), but I do read 'Waxing UnLyrical' - the daily PR and Comms alerts from Marketing Guru, Shonali Burke. I also really like the ideas from 'Make It Happen Mum', Michelle Holmes. Whilst I'm not a Mum, I am someone who cares for someone else, whilst juggling my own Start Up and a chronic illness of my own - all from home. So I feel that a lot of what Michelle talks about applies to me also.

9. Dominy Roe, Creative Writer, Youth Development Worker, Presenter, Radio DJ. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dom for the best part of a year now and she's one of the sweetest people I know! A great live show host and Writer, Dominy was one of my Champions for starting my own blog, so for that I have to thank her! Keep up to date with all things Dominizle via her blog:

"If you could make a difference to this World, what would you do and how?"

Wow this was a really hard one! There are SO many things that I would love to stamp out. I think I would take on bullying because that's something that's personal to me, I have a lot of experience in that subject. I remember the effects of what I dealt with to this very moment in time and that was all pre-Internet, so I have so much sympathy for the abuse I see online, on a daily basis. As corny as it sounds, I think the only way you will ever be able to combat harassment is to put an antagonist in the place of their victim. Let them know how it really feels, walk a mile in their shoes and all  of that...In a parallel Universe, I would connect every bully with their victim telepathically so that their words and actions would be like mental double-edged swords. For every ounce of pain caused, they would feel the effect in equal measure. We'd soon see if causing another person pain was still fun.

10. Charli-Anne Shirley, Web, Graphic, Fashion and Jewellery Designer. Who else was I going to end with?! Charli-Anne's path is so similar to mine, it's no wonder that I always look to her for a blueprint. Working on a million and one Jelli Ltd. projects in addition to designing Deer Oh Deer's upcoming  Spring Summer 12 collection entitled 'Carnivale', she knows a thing or two about how to juggle commitments:

"What would you do if you had a time machine?"

I would go back to the 24th August, 1998. I was supposed to visit my Gran for her 82nd birthday, but I'd recently had an accident and damaged my leg. I had cab fare to get back to South London but in all honesty, I was just feeling lazy on crutches and as a moody teen during Summer, couldn't really be bothered to try to get down there on my own. Three days later, we woke up to the call she had passed and instead of my last memory being spending time on her birthday, it's a lesson about not letting the people who mean the most to you leave this Earth without knowing their worth in your eyes. I never imagined the World without her, so always took our next visit for granted.

My Gran was the strongest, most inspirational woman that I have ever met. After a lifetime of pain, she still had a bigger heart, kinder word and more compassionate Soul than anyone. If I had a time machine, I would go back to the day her youngest grandchild was supposed to visit and let her know that her influence and her life lessons set the bar I try to meet everyday. More than anything, I'd just let her know that I love her.

So that's me folks! Hope I didn't bore you too much! I want to say a massive Thank You once again to everyone who took part and put me through my paces! You know where to find me on Twitter and  that news on the entire ESP Family always comes thick and fast through the Official ESP account!

Have a great week!

ES ;)

The Glamorous Life: Hyper Hyper!

The Glamorous Life: Hyper Hyper!: So still recovering after an amazing but tiring weekend at Earls Court for Hyper Japan! We met some lovely new people and sold alot of pi...

#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

Facebook / Twitter / Weibo (Japanese Twitter Equivalent)

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

;)

Doe Marks The Spot!

As you will now be aware, Deer Oh Deer Ltd. are exhibiting at HYPER JAPAN SPRING 2012 at this very moment!

COME AND SEE US!

The original 'Herd Family' members will be exhibiting throughout the event; catch opening times here:

FRIDAY - 15-21:00

SATURDAY - 09:30-21:00

SUNDAY - 09:30-17:00

'Doe so Lovely', the SUPERexcluuusive collection designed especially for the event launched today, AND in addition to the 'Carnivale' SS12 Previews, the feedback we've had so far told us that you're loving them!

If you're coming to see us this weekend like competition winners Sasha Bailey and Kelly McGiff; make sure you #STAYTUNED to @deerohdeerltd and @theherdfamily twitter accounts, as well as check out our Facebook page, there may just be some BREAKING NEWS, live from the event that you WON'T want to miss!

See you there!

ES ;)