ESP #LostInMusic Goes Back to '95!

When I was trying to decide on focal points for features, doing something based around the launch date of EricaSharlette's Purview seemed inevitable.

Since LostInMusic is all about getting lost within a musical moment (see the definition above), the more I considered various albums, the more nostalgic I got, and so the idea dawned on me - why not go back to 1995? Slap bang in the middle of my personal favourite musical decade, I could only see an endless list of musical options. How was I going to do this? How was I going to shape this into a piece? Then inspiration struck...

'9 Singles and 5 Albums that Impacted the Music World in 1995'

That was it. That was my angle! I finally figured it out, and instantly began combing the net for the best of what came out that year. Here goes...

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Singles

9. Wonderwall - Oasis

I was never the biggest Oasis fan. Okay; they were talented and had some good songs, but their music was completely overshadowed for me by their hideous, arrogant, childish, lout-like behaviour. Despite all of that, even I couldn't ignore the might of the monster that was this song. The simplicity of the monochrome video in the empty warehouse space. The haunting guitar riff on repeat. Everything about it stripped away the crap, and made it about the music; something that I personally felt they rarely did. It was powerful, and it was moving - it was a solid moment in music history...Until all the clown weirdness started with the showgirl and the saws. But even despite that; the lyrics win out. They are desperate and resounding, and cut you to the core. The pain of a broken heart versus the pride of man are juxtaposed, and you almost feel like that's what all the clown nonsense is there to do - detract from the seriousness of the matter by acting a fool in front of 'the lads'. But hey, that's just my interpretation of it...what do you think?

8. This Is How We Do It - Montell Jordan

One of the original party anthems of the nineties, that can still raise a roof today; this monster debut put Montell Jordan on the map. The South Central native was the second artist to sign to Def Jam's newly established label (a baby-faced, 17-year-old LL Cool J was the first). A new jack swing artist, Jordan carried the torch first lit by the likes of Teddy Riley, Jodeci, and Guy, from the early part into the middle of the decade. Developing a reputation as a bad boy for his extra-marital antics, after 10 albums, he went on to become a born again Christian, and has become a Church Pastor. Flashback now then, to when he was the life of the party, when this was how he did it...

7. Freak Like Me - Adina Howard

I found Adina Howard groundbreaking. To my knowledge, not since Millie Jackson in the 1970's, had music had such an outspoken, raw individual, so willing to go to the heart of sexual topics with the same gusto as a man. Never had a woman come out and said that it's ok for a woman to be sexual and say what she wants loud and clear like a man. Young as I was at the time (a chubby teen), I still thought it was an amazing thing to see. Women were allowed to flirt and hint in music, but they were not to be upfront - it wasn't considered ladylike. In my case however; for her bravery if nothing else, I wanted to be Adina Howard when I grew up!

6. Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio

This was a global moment when popular culture stopped to salute Hip Hop in collective awe. Gangsta's Paradise was the lead single from the Dangerous Minds movie soundtrack. Capturing the essence and mentality of black youths in America's inner cities at the time, the song talks of not expecting to have a future outside of the streets, so not striving for one, and the uptight ivory teacher who comes out of nowhere, having no concept of what they have to go through to stay alive. Played by Michelle Phieffer, the film topped box offices around world, as did the soundtrack and single, both going to the top of the charts for several weeks and in some cases, months, at a time.

5. I Wish - Skee-Lo

This song always meant summertime to me. I used to have a red and black double cassette deck (exposing my age takes some bravery). Until I got a proper mixtape with Skee-Lo on the playlist, I used to use the cassette deck to record songs off of the radio, and make my own mixtapes. This definitely appeared on a few of them! It was also the first time that I realised Hip Hop could be lighthearted and funny; it didn't all have to be angry and aggressive. For me, I Wish was a pivotal moment.

4. Fu-Gee-La - The Fugees

The Fugees were the moment when Hip Hop broke through the glass ceiling and joined the respected mainstream. They not only joined the official charts, they ruled it - it was a beautiful time. In addition, the visual, storytelling manner that the Pras, Wyclef and Lauryn had, made them engaging and understood. They painted visual pictures like Picasso. What they said, you could see; and I believe that could very well be the reason that they were so accepted. No matter how good the artist was before them, unless you could get your audience to stop, listen and imagine your picture, then you're not going to communicate with them. The Fugees had the power and the talent to do that - something about them made you sit up and pay attention. The Fugees are interwoven Hip Hop and mainstream - a feat not performed by any other artist until that time.

3. Waterfalls - TLC

Like Hip Hop, R&B had a glass ceiling of its own, that the likes of TLC did more than their fair share in breaking. The universal message shared in the lyrics resonated worldwide, and made history with it's lasting impact. Reaching the top five of the charts and staying there for several weeks. Dealing with the effects of illegal drugs, promiscuity, and HIV/AIDS awareness, the video was praised for its bravery in tackling such difficult subjects, and doing so without causing offence by 'preaching'. Here's why it had such a monumental effect:

2. Scream - Janet and Michael Jackson

Let's forget for a second that this was, and as far as I am aware, still is, the most expensive music video of all time. Let's forget for a moment, all the silly controversy that surrounded the video at the time, that people wouldn't bat an eye about today; 'Ooooh, Janet grabbed her breasts, Ooooh, she used her middle finger'...Can we just recognise the greatest male and female entertainers of all time, coming together for four minutes and forty-seven seconds of sheer musical and cinematic delight? For the first time, Michael and Janet join forces the way I had always wanted them to do, since the day I was born, and they just serve. Anyway you like it, they gave it to you, and they left nobody hungry. Enjoy one of my personal favourite moments in musical history, beyond the year that we're here to celebrate, for yourself...

1. You're Makin Me High - Toni Braxton

My obsession with this song is now 19 years old. It's a massive tune that I remember playing absolutely everywhere. Even my poor Mother knows the lyrics off by heart - that's how often it got spun in my household at the time (...and since). It was a marked turn for Braxton herself. Coming back from her bankruptcy and legal woes with her former record label, Arista; Toni had a brand new attitude. She was sassy, she was sexy, and she was grown, with something to say, finally. Prior to that, with her first album, she didn't speak much, and thus we, as an audience, didn't really get much of a feel for who Toni, the person, actually was. We sure knew by the end of that Secrets album though! Take it away Ms. B!

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Yours Truly in my debating days, circa 1995

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Albums

Looking back at the albums that came out that year, whittling my selection down to only five was by far - no easy task. I even debated slipping a few in there as joint picks, but figured I would end up with at least ten, and so in the end, by sheer mental force, here are my top five albums of 1995 - let's see if you agree with me...

5. HIStory - Past, Present And Future - Book I - Michael Jackson

'HIStory: Past, Present And Future - Book I' - Michael 

Any promotional tour that requires Tower Bridge to be raised, so that a giant, life-size statue of you can be floated down the River Thames, drawing in such a huge crowd that it makes the 6 and 10pm news, is epic enough (see what I did there music afficionados - Epic Records, MJ's former label?) to earn a place on this list. When you add the new music additions to it, mammoth tracks like Scream (see above), Stranger in Moscow, Earth Song and You Are Not Alone; it's a nobrainer that this should top any list of albums of the year. The only reason I've kept it low this time around, is that we also got a medley of older songs re-released with it. Nevertheless, this album was not only a great compilation, but another huge entry in musical history.

4. R. Kelly - R. Kelly

'R. Kelly' - R. Kelly

Somewhere around the time of his teenage marriage (I'm kidding...it was after that), Kelz found inspiration in his muse, and came out with my favourite album of his. Also around the time that he was writing for Michael Jackson, amongst a few other big names, he was penning tracks like Hump Bounce, Not Gonna Hold On, You Remind Me Of Something, and the incomparable Down Low (Nobody Has To Know) for himself. An unchallenged classic in my humble opinion.





3. Daydream - Mariah Carey

If you were a loyal follower of this blog from 'the early days', then you will know that I consider this lady to be the greatest female vocalist of my generation, since LaDonna Summer herself, in fact. This is not my personal favourite album from her, hence my middle of the road placement, but I include it for two reasons. A) for the obvious - were it not for her secret 'bait and switch' shanannigans with ignorant record bosses when it came to the album's lead single Fantasy, not only would we not have gotten that amazing ODB verse that gave us that iconic line - come on, don't pretend you don't know it, all together now: 

'Daydream' - Mariah Carey

"Me and Mariaaaah, go back like babies and pacifiiiiiahs!" 

But B) popular music as a whole would have suffered a blow - because we wouldn't have the now standard format of singers and rappers blending talents on a track. For me, neither of those is really why this album is important though. What made this album instrumental in my music history, is that this was the moment when Mariah started to find her own voice and speak to her audiences in the way that she wanted to. The RnB influence was there since her eponymous album, but she was finding her voice like a fledgling bird, learning to stand on her own two feet.

2. The Show, The After Party, The Hotel - Jodeci

'The Show, The After Party, The Hotel' - Jodeci

Once upon a time, Jodeci ruled RnB. Debut and sophmore albums, Forever My Lady and Diary of A Mad Band respectively, had set the quartet up as the kings of the genre, and despite being the bad boys that they were, they could do no wrong. So when they came along with The Show, The After Party; the frenzy surrounding them reached boiling point. Freek'n You was stratospheric, reaching No.17 on the UK charts, and remaining in the music scale for six weeks - their most successful single to date. The quality of the collection captured the zeitgeist of popular music at the time, ruling the RnB airways for most of the year. Bring On Da Funk, S-More, Get On Up, Pump It Back and Can We Flo are just some of the reasons that this set will go down in history as one of the greatest RnB albums of ALL time.

1. Faith - Faith Evans

There was no question over my choice for the No.1 spot. A phenomenal breakthrough artist, Faith Evans came out of nowhere with a voice that challenged Mary J. Blige's for the Queen of Hip Hop Soul title, but was content to just settle in her own niche spot. Mesmerising in a way that captured the essence of Soul, with a raspy voice that laid her heart on the line, and put her emotions into everything - this was a debut that had you hooked from the first strains of the Faith intro. No Other Love, You Used To Love Me (with a remix that featured a rap verse from future husband The Notorious B.I.G.), Don't Be Afraid, and of course the exceptional smash Soon As I Get Home, made sure this was an album well worthy of the several award nominations it received. One of my favourite albums of ALL Time - Faith by Faith Evans is my top pick for album of 1995.

'Faith' - Faith Evans

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And there you have it - the first LostInMusic of EricaSharlette's Purview has come to an end! Thank you for getting lost with me, I had a ball, I don't know about you - but I'd sure like to; share your thoughts on my selections below. Have some suggestions of your own? Let me hear them on YOUR stage, down there! There's still more to come today, we have TalkOnCorners, where I discuss Baz Luhrmann's 'The Get Down'; and this week's WaveRunner Sucker For Pain, by Lil Wayne / Wiz Khalifa / Imagine Dragons and more. The Party doesn't stop - it's LAUNCH DAY Everybody! See you back here in two hours!

Until the next...
ES

Relaunch Day Welcome Part 4: LostInMusic

'Lost in Music, feel so alive, I quit my 9-5...'

'I won't give up my music, not me, not now, no way, no how...'

ES

#SoundOfTheWeek: Backstreet Boys - Everybody

You'll never hear the words 'chicken satay' quite the same way again.

Your imagination has whet your appetite,

it's definitely Chinese food tonight.

You've called up and sung your order down the phone, and look, 

here's the young delivery driver - come to bring hot delicacies to your home.

But wait, what has he to say?

One last line from the song, now brought up to date...

Backstreet's Back alright - and here's why...

Since the nation was introduced to the latest musical endeavour of a certain fast food takeaway chain several months ago; we've all been overtaken by the (some would say annoying) mental playback of a top 5 track from one of America's best-loved imports - the Backstreet Boys.

Debuting at no.3 in the UK charts on the 2nd August 1997, and remaining consistently high for a further 11 weeks, the Thriller-esque tribute saw the 5-piece act as ghosts, ghouls and mummies, intent on bringing a number of rather attractive females over to their highly (un)believable dark side. 

The track inspired a (partially) hilarious send up of the original boyband format (I personally don't laugh until the curly-haired brunette whet's my comedic appetite) which, has been so successful, that it spawned a second part some months later. There's no doubt of the literal commercial success, if the 2.2 million YouTube views are anything to go by.

Clearly a hit with the British public; let's not forget the reason for it's triumph though - the original 5 boys who brought us the track. Though I prefer the advert, myself, 76.2 million views on said YouTube don't agree; and so for those 90s boyband fans, this one is for you - enjoy the Boys at your leisure....


Come back next week to find out the next Sound of the Week - submissions welcome)!

Until the next...
ES

Relaunch Day Welcome Part 3: SoundOfTheWeek

'Can you feel the Sound movin through the ground?'

Don't stop til you get enough...

ES

THE BIG INTERVIEW in the ESPspotlight: Jodie Abacus, Singer, Songwriter

When I first found out about Jodie Abacus, I was filled with surprise. "That guy?" I thought; "but he's that joker from Facebook...he sings now?" Boy, did I underestimate him. His talent is formidable, his merriment is as large as his hubris is minimal; he's just not the type of guy that you have a dull moment around. I firmly believe that's what makes him such a good interview subject.

I interrupted him cleaning his flat, when he proved to me, through his knowledge of household cleaners, that he will make some woman a great husband (I even offered to introduce him to my Mum...hey, this single girl has limited options).

Read on to find out what we talked about...

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So how are you doing, 'Man of the Moment'?

Jodie Abacus

I'm good thank you very much! I'm having an amazing time, it's just been wicked. You know when people go on interviews and they say "How's your year been, have you been busy?" And the very first thing they say is "It's been a rollercoaster"? It really has been a rollercoaster ride. But it's gone really quickly, and it's happening in the way that I'm wanting it to happen; and I'm hoping that as it's happening, all my dreams are coming true. It's been a long road to try to get to this place, but to actually be doing exactly what I want to be doing is amazing.

That is one sincerely cool and abstract name that you have there, can you explain what it means and how you came up with it?

I had this epiphany one time. I came to a point where I just needed to switch things up a little bit; so what I did, I was walking in Croydon one time, and I was coming out of the Whitgift Centre, and I looked at what was facing me - I think it was Sports Direct or one of those big, wholesale sports shops that was there at the time, and I thought to myself, "I need to change my name!" My manager called me, and we kind of locked in together at the same time, and he goes: "I think you should reinvent yourself." I said, "You know what, I'm thinking the same thing!" So after we put the phone down, later I sat down, trying to come up with some names, and I was thinking, thinking, thinking, and it synchronized because he called me at the same time. He was like, "Why do I keep hearing the name Jodie, all the time, in my head?" 

Basically, when I found out what the name Jodie meant - it's a derivative of a word which meant 'God's Grace', but when I put those two together...I needed something that meant something to me in my life, I didn't want to call myself just any kind of name, it needed to mean something, and it needed to be organic. So I had the name 'Jodie'; later on, I came up with the name 'Abacus', and the combination of the names meant 'counting your opportunities', or counting, in my terms, 'what's higher than me's, Grace'. Everything that's happened to me in my life; the adding, the taking away, the minuses, the pluses, all add up to where I am at this moment - the good, the bad, the ugly. So the 'Grace' bit of it, means the favour that I've got in life, and the chances, and the opportunities. So, basically, 'Jodie Abacus' essentially means 'counting my chances' and everything that happens for a reason, now.

I was adamant that it needed to mean something, because my life is very colourful, and full of adventures and stories, and allsorts. To be in this place, if I was to look from the outside...and I've never been one to blow my own trumpet; but if I'm led to inspire somebody,  they have to know the truth. And that's one thing, when I go into interviews, I want to be able to tell that, and not shy away from exactly what my life has been about. Because music is a powerful thing, you could make a song that could save someone's life that you may not even be in contact with, halfway around the world. It's really, really important. So my life story has been based on bravery, chance, courage, trying to be fearless, heartbreak - just everything, in its intense form. The sincerity in my songs has to be there, plus also the fun, the contrast of my personality...Some people say 'Why's your song so happy, when at the same time what you're talking about is so serious?' So it has a certain contrast to some of my songs to be honest.

I've been following you on social media for several years now, so know for a fact that you're quite the jokester - what's the worst trouble that you've ever gotten into for one of your jokes?

I don't actually know...let me think...it's usually when people try to be clever, it's not really any trouble. If someone says something, and tries to be smart; like "you spelt something wrong", "or your grammar's wrong". That's the only thing that I can think of. When they try to have an argument with me, but I'm not the type of person to have a social type of argument? And then they deleted themselves! I mean, I didn't want it to happen, but they pushed my hand! That at the most - I've never been in trouble like that online with anyone. I ain't got no point to prove; they chucked it, and then they ended up completely deleting their account; because they were going on, and on, and on, and on, and they were like, I can't take this anymore, I made a fool of myself...

So you made them run away crying?

Yeah! It was a girl, and she was trying to prove a point, but it wasn't working; and what happens is, when you do that, everybody else started joining in, and bringing their popcorn, and me, I wasn't in it for the entertainment; I was just like, "Where are you going with this? You're losing!" She said something, and then deleted the comment, and I'm like, "Where's the comment gone? You can't do that! Where you going? NO - you're not going!" And then the next thing you know, she deleted her account! And then she started talking to me in my Inbox, and I went back outside, and I said, "Why are you talking to me in my Inbox? Let's just keep it here, in the arena!"

But that's not me, I don't egg any kind of beef on, she just picked on the wrong guy, mayne! That's about it, that's all that I can think of; there's nothing that I got in any kind of mad trouble for, or been blocked, or anything like that, no!

I'm not the only one in love with your music. How did it feel to have the legendary Elton John sign off as a fan of your first single?

It was amazing just to hear him comment on it, y'know? Throughout the years, I expected greatness, but when you hear it happen, it kind of blows you back, because you're like: "This is what I wanted, this is what I envisioned. I believe I can be this thing that I always dreamed that I can be". When someone of that stature kind of gives you the thumbs up, it's a nod in the right direction. All the pressures, and all the pain, and everything that you'd been trying to prove all this time...it's actually happening.

And I'm still at a place where mentally, the hunger has increased...I live alone, but I still feel like I'm back at my Mum's house, making those songs. It's the same feeling like when I come off stage; I don't beat myself up, but I just feel where could I be better? I need to be better. Each and everytime. I say well done to the band, and then I go quiet, and everyone gives me that "are you alright, J?"face, and I go "yeah", and I just go into a place and think about where I could be better.

I want the same prestige as what Adele has, and more, and I want the same prestige as what Ed (Sheeran) has, and more. I want people to be instantly convinced that I'm making music. The same way that you would get it on a plate of food. You know when you're in a restaurant, and the food comes in and you have the starter, the main, and the dessert? I want that same feeling that whatever you're listening to, the same way that you could be nourished in your mouth, and your belly, is the same way that you could be nourished in your ears. I believe that there are ways to make people happy. I mean you can't please everybody because everyone's different, sometimes people have a different colour palette, and different tastes, but I think that, y'know, in general, just like the air that we breathe, just like the sun that you see when it rises in the sky, I just think that there is a way that you can make people feel good.  I totally respect music, and I totally respect the creation of having goosebumps, which is essentially what I go by, if you don't have that, what's the point? 

Speaking of 'She's in Love With the Weekend'; you really jumped in at the deep end when it came to success! Is there anything that the track didn't succeed in doing for you (making you a millionaire doesn't count...unless it did)?

It's done wonders to be honest, as it would do, if you make a good song, it will open up loads of doors, and Radio 2, minus Radio 1, it is the best radio station in the UK, because those are where the music guys are. Radio 1 is more for the Pop charts, Radio 2 is for the album, and the people that get booked for those single big shows. It jumped straight from the C list to the A list, in quick, quick, quick time...I don't know, it's still doing the rounds, and it's still early days. It just impacted the UK and a bit of Europe; I don't think it's been released in America yet, but it's just been crazy. And it's mad because I'm learning how the game works at the same time. People love it, y'know? I'm happy that it's doing what it's doing at the moment.

So there's nothing that it hasn't done for you?

There's nothing that I can think of that it hasn't done. And you've got to remember that this is my first year of exposure. By next year, things should perk up a bit more, I'll move up the festival lists...because I'm opening festivals now - and people are singing the songs. 

How does that feel?

It's amazing. When someone's singing the songs back to you. It's humbling, and it's a sign of accomplishment as well. When you're telling a story, and you're seeing someone sing it back to you, it's an amazing feeling. It means that it works.

'Hot Kitchen' is a bit cheeky, you saucy minx!

How do you know that?!
I know! I know what you're saying - I listened to the lyrics! (Jodie laughs evilly) See? It's there in the laugh, it's all there!
Oh wow, okay...
You can't hide from me, my friend, I expose all!
Okay, okay, okay, okay, you got me!
Yes I did! Where did the inspiration come from for that excellent unorthodox treatment come from?

From the recesses of my crazy, crazy, crazy mind! That's exactly where it came from.

Walk me through it...

Basically, the idea came from the fruit, and just because it was the whole vibe of the kitchen? We needed some food, and stuff...but like I said in the video, there's an actual twist in what I'm singing about, and I don't really give much away.
And yet, I got it all, so, yer do!
You understood it?
Yes I did understand it!
You did...okay...I'm not even gonna ask you...
That's why I said, it's cheeky! Cheeeeeky indeed!
Cheeky, cheeky, cheeky...did it make you blush?
A little bit; just a little bit, I thought Ooooh! You looked so innocent in the first video!
(Jodie laughs again) Listen, look, the main thing is, that I have to tell the truth. That's the main thing. In all of my songs, if I'm angry, if I'm sad, whatever story that I'm telling; and it's all within context, so everything's gonna be different, but the main thing is that I'm honest. That's why I called the EP 'For Real Life And Not Pretend'. Also it's the contrast of the feeling of innocence about it.

'Good Feeling' is a brilliant feel good track. What brings about a bad feeling for you, and how do you handle it?

I don't like fake people. I get along with people who are more honest. I'm wary of people who pretend. My intuition level is quite high. I'd rather someone call me a wanker, than pretend to like me. So I know when someone's being fake, or I know when someone's being pretentious? But it's not like I'd be like "You're a pretentious BASTARD, Get away from me!" It's not like that; I'm just very good at recognising and staying away from people who sap energy, you can't allow certain people into your life consistently, it's not good. They give me bad feelings, but I don't ever really have that because I don't ever have those people around me. So when I say in 'I'll Be That Friend', that "Sometimes I feel like I'm a jar of honey" which means to me, 'I'm so sweet, I'm hardly ever blue'! That's usually my emotion. When you act a certain way, and you put out something, you can only create with a positive mindset, and destroy with a negative mindset. So for me to be creative, I need to be in a positive mindset all the time.

'I'll Be That Friend' is another great track, but the message in the video treatment is a winner at ESP because of its support for diversity. Where did the idea come from, and what are your hopes for its influence on your audience, and in the industry?

You love it? Cool. What I want it to do, I don't want it to just be about me, I just want people to see it, and be like, 'Y'know what? We can make music again, we can make melodies, and harmonies, and we can make pretty music, man!'. Honest and instant music in sincerity. If I can be here and help change things...I don't wanna be no back up dancer; I've never wanted to be a backing singer. I believe that I can be up front, and do what they're doing. If I don't, then what, am I in it for second place? You can't inspire anyone from second place. Can I achieve this one goal in life, that maybe no-one understands, they will never understand? Some people will never understand the whole depth of having just one life to lead.

Reading your reviews, you've had a phenomenal impact on the music industry already. How does it feel to have had this kind of response before you've released your first album, and do you feel any pressure in preparation for it?

I don't feel any pressure. All I'm doing is just doing the same thing I've been doing for a long time. All I wanna do is just make good music - that's it. My thing is, if it doesn't give you goosebumps, then you might as well forget about it, everything else is a lie, y'know?

What message did a 5-year-old you take from your favourite artist (and who was it); and what message would you now give to a 5-year-old fan of you?

Being 5-years-old, I would have seen the magic that Michael Jackson brought. And use that as an example about feelings and how you should make people feel when you approach your artistry. It's like I keep saying to my band - everything has to be Star Wars. Go hard or go home - it's as simple as that. And to a 5-year-old fan of me...I'd say that he could be anything he wants to be. Be positive. He or she has nothing to lose by being positive. Absolutely nothing to lose. Having a positive mindset breeds creation; and whatever you think in your mind is gonna construct in your life. You've got to remember that it's easier to destroy than it is to create. What you could create in a matter of years could be destroyed in a matter of minutes.

So I would breathe that into a child's mind and give he or she the ability to believe that he or she could be astronauts; to believe that creatively, they can manifest whatever they're thinking about. We've only got ONE life - just one life! Once you get that in your nut, you're gonna be prepared to do certain things, positive things. And you don't have to do it by stepping on people, or being horrible, you don't need to do that. What you have to do is be harsh and honest with yourself, and be happy, with gratitude about where you are and what you're doing. That's the vibe.

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The biggest of thanks to Jodie for coming on and launching us off the right way - with a bang! The same to Jonny and Kwame for making it happen. Also, a massive thank you to my mate, the beautiful Don Diva DJ herself, Nikki Beatnik for the suggestion - without her referral, this brilliant interview may not have happened!

Connect with Jodie via any of your favourite means:

Facebook / Instagram / SoundCloud / Spotify /

Twitter / Website / YouTube

and catch all of the dates for his upcoming tour starting September 25th here.

Stay tuned for more features to come throughout launch day - it's a party over here, with LostInMusic, TalkOnCorners, SoundOfTheWeek, and this week's WaveRunner still to come - there's a wealth for you to enjoy here today. Don't forget to come back next week though, for another ESPspotlight on THE BIG INTERVIEW! Comments as always, are welcome on YOUR stage below - let me know your thoughts!

Until the next...

ES

Relaunch Day Welcome - Part 2: THE BIG INTERVIEW in the ESPspotlight

'Please be seated - the show is about to begin...'

Enjoy!

ES

ESPnews: MTV Video Music Awards Roundup (WARNING RIHANNA FANS WILL BE OFFENDED...AS YOU SHOULD)

The 2016 MTV VMA's took place on Sunday, 28th August. Otherwise known as the 'Bey & RiRi Show, with Special Guests'; unless you're fans of them (insert sideways glance here) then the most truthful thing that I can tell you is that it was a great big steaming pile of crap. But if you really want a rundown, then here it is.

The Baijan makes light work of the stage

Rihanna (who shall henceforth be referred to as 'The Baijan') 'opened' the show with a dance medley of 'Don't Stop the Music', 'Only Girl (In the World)', 'We Found Love' and 'Where Have You Been'. People applauded. I don't know why. The dance routine was a set of particularly uninspiring African-inspired moves, simple enough to be taught in any gym class. The voice over announcer informed us that we would be hearing from her three more times throughout the night. I hung my head in one hand and wept, whilst taking notes with the other.

Two idiotic presenters in blackface made annoying excuses for jokes that made me want to smash my TV. The show had been on for eight minutes. They introduced themselves as @LizardSheeple and @TheShamester. They eventually (thankfully) passed hosting duties to DJ Khaled in the skybox (the show was taking place at Madison Square Gardens), who had real, talented artists like the great Hip Hop MC Fabolous watching the show.

The first award of the night was called; it was Best Hip Hop, and there was no surprise when an absent Drake won for his Grandad dance in Hotline Bling.

After a reminder that voting for the Best New Artist category was still open, and the five nominees had been whittled down to two: Bryson Tiller and the Jonas-led DNCE. As they 'performed' their second duet 'Side to Side' in between a sleazy giant set of fishnet-covered pins in stilettos, there was a gratuitous show of flesh from Arianna Grande and Nicki Minaj. They also had several scantily-clad male dancers. I was already counting the wasted minutes of my life that I would never get back. I almost cried.

A barefaced Alicia Keys (if you are of West Indian descent and you know her history, you can take that one of two ways - I meant it in both) took to the podium to read a poem on the 53rd anniversary of Martin Luther King's 'I Have A Dream' speech, before presenting the Best Male Artist award to Calvin Harris featuring The Baijan for 'This Is What You Came For'. I rolled my eyes in an exaggerated fashion.

Future proved why he should stick to producing

Naming him one of his favourite artists, 23-time Olympic Medallist Michael Phelps introduced Future's noise...ahem performance of 'F**k Up Some Commas'. I wanted to f**k him up for that ignorant display. That was not what our ancestors passed through the underground railroad for. Had they forseen that, they might have stayed put to save shame.

Kanye West spoke moments of sense before introducing his video premiere of 'FADE', featuring a near-naked Teyana Taylor (RnB singer in her own right if you're still wondering), gyrated around a gym. If you have yet to see the spectacle, all seems typical enough, you will marvel at Teyana's insane body, until her shower sex exploits with her husband earn her a cat face, and a baby, amongst many sheep...The guy, of course stayed normal.

The Baijan followed with a Reggae medley. I counted the many things I would rather be doing; like shooting metal nails under my finger nails, and laying under the wheels of a plane after being hit by an 18-wheeler, set on fire, and shredded by a shark without anaesthetic.

The only enjoyable moment of the show, Nick Jonas performed 'Bacon' featuring Ty Dolla $ign. Nick did an awful lot of good on his pedometer.

Serena Williams introduced 'her friend' Beyonce, who performed 'Lemonade'. It was a fairly decent performance. I did wonder if her daughter was watching. My laugh out loud moment came when the screen behind her emblazoned the following statement: 'God is God, I Am Not'. Naturally, the irony tickled me pink.

After the crowd finally settled from their standing ovation, Fifth Harmony were allowed to collect their Best Collaboration award for 'Work From Home' also featuring the ever popular Ty Dolla $ign. I think I'm a fan.

Kim Kardashian West stumbled over her introduction of Britney Spears, who remembered all of the words to 'Make Me / Myself & I', for which she was joined by G-Eazy. At least that's what Shazam said he was called. Personally, I just read K-Fed 2.0.

The USA 'Final Five' award Beyonce - or vice versa?

The USA Final Five gymnastics team (who were actually four on the night) - because of course Americans have to be dramatic and give them a group name - awarded Best Female Video to Beyonce. Their collective and individual gold medals clearly didn't compare to the embrace they each received from the singer.

Traci Ellis-Ross, the insanely funny daughter of Diana Ross, who I have always held in such high esteem, disappointed me greatly, for the exuberance with which she introduced 'her friend' - The Baijan. Everybody sure is friendly, don't you think?

Fifth Harmony returned, this time to present the Best New Artist award to DNCE - the newest member of their exclusive club. I almost laughed out loud when Joe Jonas stressed with such seriousness, how they had collectively been "doing this for over ten years"...I have toe fluff that's older (what? You can't always get into the deep corners)!

Alessia Cara and a strange individual introduced The Chainsmokers, who performed 'Closer' with Halsey - an edgy young lady auditioning for Kristen Stewart's place in life.

Jimmy Fallon presented Video of the Year to Beyonce for 'Formation'. Her speech - much like the last - was not compelling, save for her dedication to the people of New Orleans. For that, she got a pass.

The legendary, supertalented Mary Jane Blige - who does not have a lifetime achievement award - introduced the final display of the night by 'her friend', the inferior Baijan. It was a 'vocal' medley that was topped off with an emotional Drake, professing his undying love for The Baijan, and lauding all of her 'achievements' in her eleven year career. I sat watching in disgust - what the promise of a pair of pants coming down will do, I thought, shaking my head in despair.

Call me crazy, but when I was little (which was NOT that long ago, you cheeky mares), lifetime achievements would be handed out after you put in at least a quarter century's worth of work. More likely, it would be around the 40/50-year mark. And honestly, I believe that is appropriate. If we haven't seen you grow wrinkles, have kids with multiple partners, get fat, get slim, have a drink/drug/gambling/sex addiction, go to rehab, have lipo/gastric band/colonics and whatever other means are available for drastic weight loss - not to mention the plastic surgery scandal, then I'm sorry, but you haven't earned your title! The fact that the legendary Michael Jackson - the Greatest Entertainer of ALL Time's name is attached to this award - thus implying that she is anywhere close to his league, just adds further insult to injury.

Finally at the end of the debacle, I gladly grabbed for my remote, and turned to the Crime and Investigation channel, revelling in pretending that the innocent victims on the screen, were in fact every single act who had wronged my ears for the previous few hours. Sigh, relief. Goodnight.

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I'm sure one or few of you will have a little something to say about my take on the awards, and most importantly, my response to the performers (evil cackle)...go ahead and let me have it - why am I wrong? It's YOUR stage below, the place for you to have your say...I'll be waiting!

Come back in two hours for THE BIG INTERVIEW in the ESPspotlight with supercool crooner, Jodie Abacus - trust me when I tell you that you don't want to miss it!

Until the next...

ES

Photos and videos courtesy of MTV.com, The Hollywood Reporter, ETonline, Getty Images - with thanks.

#ESPspotlight Relaunch Week Introduction - Let Me Welcome You to EricaSharlette's Purview! (Part 1)

'Let me entertain you, let me make you smile...'

Happy Reading!

ES

Have You Heard the Latest?

If you're following me on Social Media - where you can always find me - then you will know that last week, major news broke concerning this here very blog.

As of September 5th, this here home will be getting an overhaul. That is to say, that we will be having a relaunch party week, with a new name, and a few well-known faces dropping by to say hello; so make sure you're with Yours Truly, to kick off this new phase in ESP history. #MusicMonday will be back, and more melodious than ever, for the pleasure of musical connoisseurs everywhere; whilst #WearItWednesday will be more fashionable than ever before with the number of labels and designers that will be traipsing across these hallowed pages! In the meantime, I have already attended my first event in 2.5 years, and I plan to visit a few more between now and launch day, just to give you some extra interesting things to read about! 

#BREAKINGNEWS #NEWSALERT #WatchThisSpace!!!!!!!! #mblogger #jewellery #fblogger #fashionblogger #fashionbloggers #fashiontrends #stylelovers #Instafashion #Influencers #InstaArt #iLove #iWant #Style #Chic #Fashion #Writer #Innovation #Creativity #Individuality #PersonalStyle #ESintheP #Blogger #Diversity #ChronicIllness #ChronicAwareness #UKbloggers @BBlogRT

A video posted by Erica Sharlette (@esinthep) on Jul 13, 2016 at 4:56am PDT

The ethos of the ESP blog has, and will, never change - the goal is to bring you the information that other blogs don't, by giving you in-depth 'How To' advice from the only people really 'in the know' - those who have walked the walk, and as such, are best placed to advise people like me (who is just like you), on the best way to go about getting into the sectors of work that you are most interested in, within the Music and Fashion industries.

So circle the date in your diaries, save it in your calendars, planners, and set your reminders - September 5th, the week before the start of London Fashion Week AW17, when I will be bringing you some musical treats to kick off our launch party.

Stay tuned, cuz I'm going to be needing your attention for all that I have planned!

Until September 5th...

ES