HAPPY BORNDAY LEKHEM!

It's officially the Bornday of my FAVE Cocky Jamerican!

Truth be told, about 65% of my favourite adventures over the last 9 months and 1 day; have been down to this guy (so have the majority of headaches...KIDDING...Sheesh).

To say he's a force to be reckoned with is actually an insult of an understatement. The only thing that exceeds his IMMENSE talent, is how much of a genuinely nice guy and true friend he really is. There really is no-one like you. It's been an honour thus far, Mr; bring on the next 365...

ES
x

#SingleSaturday - MAVERiQ & Fatal Hitchkoch: 'Let's Make Music'

In addition to that iTunes link, have a peek at the video accompanying the track. Watch yourself though, I think this one may involve a base assault...

Rap Rubix - Lekhem

When was the last time you tried to figure out a Rubix cube? Completed The Times crossword? How about battled one of those Chinese puzzle boxes, like in the latest HSBC advert? I can truthfully tell you, I know the human equivalent.

Lekhem is...a Hip Hop Savant. He's a conscious, thought-provoking, cocky, humble, simple, complicated (see where I'm going with this), baffling, example of a foreign species.

Lekhem, Baker Boy, Alien Resident, Lexington...

Each alias fits him to a tee; with the only overlap being his ferocious desire to eat this music game for Breakfast (...and Lunch, if you've ever been for a meal with him, Dinner and Dessert too).

His debut mixtape - 'Str8 Out Da Oven', has a slick polish that isn't typical amongst the work of his peers, and that's what drew my initial attention. From the moment I pressed play on the streaming link he direct messaged me, to now, I've yet to bore of the body of work.

Now solely focused on the follow up, 'HipHopology:1stSemester' (End 2011); as one who's heard a number of the tracks up for selection so far, I can promise you - we're all going back to school soon.

Melody Warrior Woman...DJ Melody Kane's Female DJ Takeover

DJ Melody Kane - or MellyMel as I call her - is far more than the Pioneer of a Female Movement.

The super cool DJ possesses a lightening discernment that goes far and beyond a great ear for mixing tracks. She recognised a gaping whole across more sectors of the entertainment industry than most are willing to recognise, and took on the battle, one round at a time.

Starting in her own wheelhouse, Melody created the Female DJ Takeover; a night aimed at shining a spotlight where the Ladies are seriously overlooked - on the 1s and 2s. It was only natural that she set about putting a show together with an ALL-GIRL team from the ground up - and so the FDT launch night was born...

Watch This Space for a follow up to that SMASH launch - COMING SOON.

iBreathe...iSing...iLive

I came to know iLive Music nights by tagging along with my bestie, Sherii Ven Dyer for her performances at the shows. Gelling with CEO, host and vocal extraordinaire Nazarene instantly, it was a no-brainer that when I started looking after artists myself, I would cultivate that relationship. Now some years down the line, Nazarene and I have found an affinity in what we see for the iLive brand and the FAR distances to which we can take it. Beyond that, Missy does a MEAN turn on that Mic!

Nazarene

Queen of the themed nights, I will shortly be backcombing every hair strand into a bouffant that's offensive...

iLive Music Presents: Amy Winehouse - Tribute To A Star

Celebrating the amazing life & Music of Amy, The iLive Collective band bring you a full evening of her timeless music. 

Let us take you on a trip down memory lane with songs from Back to Black & Frank to name but a few!

Come down & hear your personal favourites by Special Guest Artists!

Jazz After Dark cocktail bar & restaurant has a friendly intimate vibe, great food and more! The perfect way to spend your Friday night!

Cost: £15.00 on the door all night

For group bookings call: 020 7734 0545

Come down early we begin at 10pm sharp!

If it's your or a friend’s birthday we can reserve a VIP area.

Don’t miss out!

www.jazzafterdark.co.uk

Meet Mr. Drackett....

From the minute you first meet Andre Drackett - better known as Drassick - you can't help catching his hyperactive buzz. His personality as a whole, is like an infectious drug, purely for his enthusiasm for everything! So named after a hearing a slip of the tongue by a friend; Drassick is a rap music Savage, hungry to take his rightful place amongst those in the forefront.

Hard at work on a follow up to his November 2010 'D-Day' release, 'RiseNGrind' (Winter 2011) promises to be an energetic testament to his tenacity in this tough music industry.

Drassick aka DiGiTaL is an undiscovered talent hailing from the depths of North London.

So named for his love of electronics, Drassick is the culmination of the best of the Hip Hop and RnB worlds.

Taken with the sound, style and lyrical content of Snoop Dogg’s ‘Doggy Style’ from an early age; Drassick found an immediate affinity with the relaxed West Coast flow. A sudden about change from the Drum & Bass scene he grew up in, these elements, combined with ‘Of the Moment’ influences Fabolous, J. Cole and Jay Z; enabled the carving of a new niche for this cheeky Ladies’ favourite, currently studying Digital Film and Video at University.

Following the release of his debut mixtape ’D-Day’, featuring underground club favourite ‘2-Step’, and first single ‘Round & Round’ feat. Jay Jay (now available on iTunes); Drassick is now gearing up for his sophomore release ‘Rise & Grind’. Featuring collaborations with long-time friends Stirra, Tneek and Brainlokk, this lyrical impresario is out to make witty wordplay into a verbal sport.

With a regimented focus that betrays his hunger, Drassick’s desire to bring his unique style to the masses is palpable. Now gearing up for start of his promotional release, expect to see and hear a lot more from this unstoppable talent soon.

@drassickuk

deer oh deer - 'Couture'

deer oh deer Founder and Designer Charli-Anne, creates exquisite couture with you in mind.

Working in close consultation, your end result will be an indulgence of your imagination, swathed in signature deer oh deer elegance.

Continuing the company ethos of designs by hand, made in Britain, the couture boutique takes Charli-Anne's 'one of a kind' practice to the next level.

deer oh deer couture - where the break from the norm is beautiful.

Introducing...Charli-Anne

I first met Mrs. S back in 2005 and she's been wowing me with skill upon skill ever since...The below can tell you about the professional, but on the personal side, I can tell you this Lady has the biggest heart you will ever come across in another human being! All of that goes into every handmade creation, and that's what makes Jelli Ltd designs and deer oh deer especially; stand out from every other label on the block.

Charlotte ‘Charli Anne’ Shirley

Charli Anne grew up with art as a big part of her life. Her father, a traditional Slade School trained artist, hugely influenced and encouraged Charli’s creativity; nurturing her freedom of expression from a young age. It was his influence, in addition to growing up with an autistic elder sister that fuelled her interest in helping those with disabilities through art. 

Charli Anne went straight from school into employment as a special needs assistant. She moved from London to Southampton to study Art and Psychology at age 23, gaining a diploma from Southampton New College in 2001. Returning to London, Charli then spent the next few years working in the corporate sector.

In 2005, Charli took up the post of Fundraising Manager for an autism charity, where she was able to utilise her creativity once again and fulfil her desire to help others. This also re-ignited her passion for experimentation with various design techniques and hands on work, and she began playing around with different innovations and ideas in her spare time. She met and married husband Andrew, who only served to increase her passion for alternative fashion and design. It was through his contacts she got her first tattoo and became inspired by the art culture that so influences her work now.

Uniting her formal training and natural creativity, Charlotte grew her creations into a business and decided to take the brave leap from full to self-employment in 2009, when ‘deer oh deer’ was born. She now works out of her home office, pouring her heart into every new concept; hand making each jewellery piece with true love and bringing her own art to life at every opportunity.

‘deer oh deer’ expanded to include dedicated men’s line, ‘The Stag Collection’ in December 2010. With the launch of the couture boutique in March 2011, the introduction of the ‘Made In Britain’ tee line in April, offering a sassy alternative to traditional Royal Wedding attire; followed by the colour burst that was the SpringSummer11 Collection in May; fans of the brand can only prepare to be blown away by what comes next.

The AutumnWinter11 collection (October 2011) will be the biggest expression of Charli-Anne’s ever-evolving design flair. Breaking away from the 'colour pop' of the closing fashion season, let's just say the Heritage Collection will take us ALL back to our roots...

#FindOutFriday - Q&A with MAVERiQ

You've heard his music, you've watched his videos, but what about the 'out of the ordinary'? ESP put the UK's freshest RnB Prince under the real spotlight. You know, just for funsies...

Q: For those who don't know, Who is MAVERiQ?

A: MAVERiQ is a Singer / Songwriter / Dancer/ Producer...to put it simply, he is an Artist and a Musician.

Q: Where did the name come from, how and why, does it describe you?

A: The word 'Maverick' means 'unorthodox' and 'independently-minded'. I think they describe me to a tee...but in all honesty, the name came from an aftershave bottle in my Uncle's studio - I just thought it sounded nice! At the time of my "Christening", there was another artist called Maverick, so I just decided to change up the spelling a little bit!

Q: Describe the first song that you ever wrote:

A: The first song I ever wrote was called 'Baby Girl'. I was 12 years old, and it was while I was with my (former)  group 'Extreme Impact'. The song was pretty much about declaring your love for a girl and not being afraid to do so. Thinking about it now, that was my most popular song, 'cos all my siblings knew it at the time, and even some classmates!

Q: How do 'MAVERiQ the Artist' and the Man behind the name differ?

A: 'MAVERiQ' is loud, eccentric, bold and kind of a show off! But Lance is cool, calm, collected and humble. The only similarity between the two is that they're both friendly guys :)

Q: For those unfamiliar with your first mixtape, 'Room 1402', explain the concept:

A: The idea behind '1402' was that Hitch (Fatal Hitchkoch, Manager) and I wanted to put out a body of work that would signify Valentine's Day; but also a project that highlights the fact that I'm an out and out RnB singer, and my speciality is Slow Jams and  Love songs. The concept is highlighting a woman's endeavours in a hotel room, with 4 different scenarios that could happen.

Q: Your music has so far been very much 'For the Ladies'. What can your audience expect from the '5Star' EP, and how does it differ as a follow up?

A: '5Star' is going to be hitting people from every angle. I intend to have a lot of different stuff on this project, and I want it to be the best thing I've ever done because I'm dedicating this to my siblings - they are the 5 Stars of my life.

Q: The life of a Performer is a busy one. Name 3 things that you do to relax:

A: I love reading. Nothing does it for me more than stimulating my brain - whether it be a book or a newspaper. Then there's pool. I may not be very good, but it's more about the company you keep when you're doing these kinda things. Finally, Football. If anyone knows me, they know I LOVE Liverpool FC and I will STANDARDLY put aside anything I'm doing that day to watch my team!

Q: Tell us some skills that your audience may be surprised to know you have:

A: I guess it would have to be me playing the piano. I've been playing since I was 6 and I very rarely incorporate it into a live performance. Most people actually don't know, so find it surprising that I can play AND sing. I owe that to Stevie Wonder, one of my true idols.

Q: What can fans expect from you in 2012?

A: A lot more music! I had a little Summer break in July and August, and most of that time I spent writing. So right now I have a lot of material for a lot projects.

Q: Tell us about your favourite performance to date:

A: Hands down, it was a show that my team BreddWinnaz did back in April of 2011, up in Sussex. It was for a dance crew that were just starting out and they put on a showcase. They asked me to come along and do my thing, and I had to bring BW along for the ride. That particular day was great for us, because we put on one hell of a show for them and their parents, and they loved it. At the end, we signed a lot of autographs and took a lot of pictures with our new fans! To this day we still talk about that show and make an effort with the fans down there.

Welcome to EricaSharlette Promotions!

It's A New Day and the Theme is...PROGRESS:

Thank you for taking the time out the visit the site, have a read of this blog and give up a few moments of your time in general!

ESP is a more than a Marketing and PR company, it’s an actual family. As this is coming directly from the Founder and is intended to be slightly less formal than the ‘About’ page; I can humbly tell you that in under a year, it’s become my way of life.

I cannot help thinking about progression. And listening to Lioness’s latest mixtape on repeat, while writing this introduction leads me to the perfect starting point.

A year ago last Thursday, I saw a tweet from someone who has gone on to become one of my very best friends, without whom this site and very likely this company would not exist.

Charli-Anne Shirley, Founder and Designer of Jelli Ltd and Deer oh Deer needed to free up her time of any and everything BUT what she was born to do – create (I'm sure you can gauge how important that is for yourself, just have a look at your current environment). In desperate need of a new focus and direction, I thought I’d drop my long-time pal a line and see what exactly it was she needed. From there, a whole new relationship, and direction, was born.

Have a look through the various pages and you will hopefully get an idea of how that one tweet has completely and totally changed everything for this East London Girl. It’s been an utterly MAD journey up to this point that would require more of a novel to fully relate - all of that will come soon enough!

For now, I’ll just say a humble thanks to everyone who has contributed to getting me here, everyone who has sent lovely, heartfelt and encouraging messages as I enter into this next stage, everyone who stays put throughout my completely unpredictable shenanigans...and suggest that you stick with me for the next leg!

If it’s anything like the past 12 months, I promise it won’t be boring...

ES ;o)

xx