#FindOutFriday - Q&A with Omar

There are some moments in life that will stay with you until your last ragged breath. The latest addition to my 'Rocking Chair' list, will go a little something like this...It was while I was pounding the cobblestones of Camden Market, that I got the email from a lovely lady Manager, confirming my slot the following afternoon, when a certain 'Someone' would be expecting my call.


Slightly nervous and already feeling my silent tongue-tying, I decided not to think about my big interview until it came time to dial. Fifteen minutes ahead of my allotted time, although roots deep in my 'To-Do list', I caught myself inadvertently checking my reception bars and asking aloud if I was SURE I paid my phone bill last month; JUST IN CASE...


My Direct Debit was kind enough to clear on time, making it possible for me to dial-in 3 minutes early. After a brief chat with a VERY warm, welcoming and quite funny living Legend, I set about asking Omar some questions...


Q: You've had a PHENOMENAL year thus far; what's been your personal highlight?
A: I'd probably have to say, working on a new version of 'There's Nothing Like This'. It's been 20 years since the original and SO many people have been requesting it, for SO long. It's taken 2 years to work out. I replayed it, tried to re-sing it but I just wasn't happy with it; then I finally, finally cracked it. Fans will be able to hear it on my new album, 'The Man' due out in early 2012 - if I don't release a snippet before then!


Q: Not many people can say that one of the greatest musicians in HISTORY offered to write for them. Can you tell us about the moment you got 'That Call' from Stevie Wonder?

A: It wasn't really a moment...there was a bit of a build up to it going back as far as '87, when I first met him. We met again a year later, then again in '92, during my second album (Music). It was then that he really heard my music and loved it. 


It wasn't until 2000 though, that 'The Call' finally came. By then, I thought it might not happen, so I didn't believe it was him! Who'd really take that seriously? Hearing this 'voice' on the other end of the phone say, "Hey Omar, how you doing it's Stevie!"...I had NO idea who it was! My first reaction was: "Stevie who?"...Of COURSE I didn't believe him when he said "Stevie Wonder!" I said "Yeah, right - sing something for me then!" He did - well you could say I took him seriously after that!


We hung out for a few weeks, went to some restaurants, clubs, hung out in his hotel...then he called me up when he was ready, we went into the studio the next day and laid down some parts. It was ok, but then he called me afterwards and said he wanted to scrap it for another track. We started from scratch in the studio the following day, and the result was 'Feeling You', that you hear on my 'Sing (If You Want It)' album, re-released this year on Tru Thoughts.


Q: Having collaborated with such a Legend, is there anyone else you would like to work with, that you haven't yet?
A: Bill Withers and Bobby Womack! I've been Blessed enough in my career that most of my idols, I've managed to work with. Although I'm still aiming for both sadly, Bill Withers is understandably quite disillusioned with the music industry; and Bobby Womack is suffering with Prostate Cancer. I managed to see him at the Jazz Cafe awhile back, but didn't get to speak as he was clearly in some discomfort. From the heart, I wish him a speedy recovery.

Q: The MOBOs are right around the corner and the talent across the board is varied. Who's standing out to you at the moment?
A: I was in Copenhagen recently and heard Bobby Bovell's album, 'The Emergent EcleKtic'. He's up for a Gospel award. I played it in the car and thought it was a really nice variation; even the Mrs liked it and asked who it  was! I'm also liking what Wretch (32) is doing. I heard his album as well and really liked his work. It's brilliant to see UK talent being lauded across the board and I'm really glad to be a part of that.




Q: What did a 5-year-old Omar want to be when he grew up?
A: Pretty much what I am now! I knew I was a Performer. It was actually in my Step-Dad's Rock & Roll band that I gave my first autograph, at about 8 or 9! We performed at a University in Canterbury and I played the drums. She came up to me at the end and told me that I was going to be a Star!


Q: Your musical CV is a standalone storybook, but can you give us an insight into the man behind the music? What are the Top 3 tracks on your 'Guilty Pleasures' playlist?
A: I love all that cheesy stuff! Lulu, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black...there's this one mix of 'Surprise, Surprise'; I swear if you listen closely, there's a touch of rare groove in it!


Q: With your Zed Bias collaboration, you've come out with what some consider to be a new direction for you. Do you feel like this is a big change?
A: Not at all! If you know me, then you know that I'm a bit of a comedian with my music. We were actually put in touch through contacts. I was told to listen to him (Bias), because he makes good beats. I did and it was an instant thing when I heard the backing track. I was inspired straight away and started hearing melodies.


Q: Has fatherhood impacted the music that you're making in anyway? If so, how?
A: Not really; when I'm in my London studio, it's all about the work. In Brighton? Well that's Daddy Time.


Q: It's fair to say that people will most likely know you for 'There's Nothing Like This'; but of your entire musical catalogue, what's your personal favourite composition?
A: That's impossible for me to decide. I've written over 100 songs, so there's no way I could only name ONE! 'Little Boy', 'If So', 'Tell Me'...It really depends on how I feel on the day!


Q: The music industry is over-saturated with reality TV "Stars", hoping to fast-track to success. What advice would you give to those budding talents who just want to do this for the love of the music?
A: Be accessible. get your website together, your facebook, your twitter...Do things that are different, that make you stand out. But most of all, Be True to Yourself. It's YOUR music at the end of the day, so you've got to be comfortable with that you're doing.

Omar features with US NeoSoul Star Leela James, on the ONLY UK date for her 'My Soul' Tour, at the Clapham Grand on 21 October. Visit the iLive concert page via the ESP website for more information or, better still, head on over to Eventim and get your tickets NOW! 

Mr. Baker has something to say...

"Hey LekWorld,

Greetings to each and every single one of you all.

Hope you've had a great weekend and enjoyed the surprisingly great London weather! If you're not here reading this, all I can say is that an Act of God has overtaken the City for this time of year!

Enough about that, let's get down to the real reason we're here...

I've been working on the next scheduled release, 'HipHopology:1stSemester' for a little while now. You've heard exclusives from the project via shows that I have been doing over the course of this year. So you know about it, you've heard material from it and many of you have been asking: "Where IS it???"

'HipHopology:1st Semester' is still on the way and coming along very well. I want to ensure that you receive the best music possible from me at all times, so I'm working diligently on it. But guess what...Because you've been asking, I'm pleased to finally announce that you won't be waiting much longer for new music!!!

Come October 31st, I've decided to release a free EP for all of my loyal fans and supporters, entitled: 'The Raise'.

This EP represents the transition from 'Str8 Out Da Oven' to 'HipHopology:1stSemester', and is designed to showcase my growth as an artist, producer and songwriter. It also has some very exciting, very interesting features and production credits...I could give you a clue or two as to who those people are, but where's the fun in that?


That's not all though...As my supporters will know, I took a little time off from performing to concentrate on recording. Yesterday's Broken Silence Finals were a great first step back out (Shoutout to my category's champ, Young Deacon, you killed it Playa)! But I'll be back to give you more at iLive Music's Leela James 'My Soul' Tour After Party on 21 October. Keep checking www.espromotions.co.uk for more information on that, coming soon!


Now those who have been following on Twitter, will finally understand what those hints have been about for the last week or so! Live information from studio sessions, show updates and my journey as a whole, will be released there and via @LekWorld_ESP FIRST, so keep yourself informed!!!


Blessings to all, #1Love.


@Lekhemmusic"


Feel free to let him know your thoughts people! (ES)

#SoulSunday Statement - Nazarene

Hopefully, you've caught this feature on the last two Sundays running, but if not, let me familiarise you...


Leela James' 'My Soul' Tour is a personal epithet to thoughts and feelings from the heart. Let the Lady tell you about it herself:

"I called this album My Soul because the music is a more accurate reflection of who I am than anything else I've ever recorded...When you listen to the individual tracks, one song may not necessarily sound like the other, but each is soulful in its own way, because each one comes from my soul."

NAZARENE:

"I want to continue to make music that people can smile sing and talk about long after I'm gone.

My songs will always come from a true place. Someone's story is always a good song. It doesn't have to be your personal story, but as long as you can relate, you can relay which is the beauty of it.

It's not easy being a musician and baring your Soul sometimes, but I want to connect with people on all sorts of levels through my music, so it's all about coming out the box and not being afraid to be who you are no matter what anybody thinks.

I cant wait...it's taken me some time but Nazarene has arrived."

#FindOutFriday - Q&A with Nazarene

Much as I love the Boys in Leela's Line Up, I wont pretend that this isn't an interview I've been chomping at the bit to do. Even though between our hectic schedules, it meant that it didn't quite make it in for the 'Friday' part for you to 'Find Out' about, I couldn't let it pass without showing you a tiny bit of the reason why Nazarene is one of the most interesting people I know...

Q: Where does the name Nazarene come from, how and why does it fit you?

A: Nazarene is one of my middle names. My Dad gave it to me because he was into Rastafarianism. It holds a righteous, ethnic meaning as its origins are in Nazareth, the place where Jesus grew up.

Q: There are a lot of different sides to you: Performer, CEO, Teacher...Tell us of another one that people are not likely to know about:

A: That's quite a hard one, because I'm very open! I guess that I'm very family-orientated?

Q: What inspired you to start iLiveArts?

A: When I Left WAC (WAC Performing Arts and Media College), I was going around to all of these open mics to build up my confidence and see what opportunities were out there. I realised there were none that I couldn't be creating myself! The main difference is that I wanted to create a safe, supportive atmosphere, where everything was all about the music. I found most of the other shows to be quite 'clique-y'; whereas I wanted to put together something fresh and new, where people actually want to come down and the focus is all about the music, the artist and nothing else.

Q: What is your most personal moment since iLiveArts's conception:

A: I think it has to be when I sang a song I wrote, called 'Fathers'. A lady had tears in her eyes while I performed it. She came up to me afterwards and said that it meant so much to her, because so much of it matched her personal history. The fact that it actually touched somebody in a way that I thought it never could. That's not always an easy thing to do.

Q: What inspired you to bring the Leela James 'My Soul' Tour to the UK and how did you select your eclectic line up?

A: Leela inspired me! I saw her live about 5 years back, when my friend Alice took me to one of her concerts. I was just blown away by her energy, her talent, her showmanship...She was who I aspired to be like, as I wasn't performing much at the time. When it came time to expand the iLive Music nights on that bigger scale, she was the first person I thought of.

Omar has always been an all-time favourite of mine. I'm quite big on the UK Talent thing and didn't want to make the show all about a US artist, as amazing as she is. I wanted that balance so decided to compliment Leela with a household name.

Relentless MC brings that UK conscious hip hop element that I'm really into. He's completely different and that's exactly what I wanted for this show, for it to be different from the norm.

Bonnie is a brilliant songwriter. A beautiful up and coming talent. As one myself, I feel it's SO important to give a platform with the big names to unsigned talent. Plus she's always supported the iLive brand and me personally - I had to have her with us.

I actually learned of MAVERiQ through Missus ESP! His vocals took me to another place as soon as I heard him, and I think it's great to have a male UK soul vocalist to help Omar balance out us girls!

Q: As a solo artist, what are your 2012 goals?

A: To finish my album and get out there on the road. Just to make GOOD music! I want to put my stamp on things and put iLive on the map!

Q: You hand selected your house band, the 'iLive Collective'. How did you all meet?

A: I was running iLiveArts single-handedly; booking freelance musicians to play at the iLive Music nights. Mx Ugoh (Drummer) and Kat Marcinger (Keyboardist) were playing for Bobi Kwe at the time, who I had invited down to headline. They enjoyed the night so much, that they approached me at the end and asked to be involved! It worked out great because we all clicked, and we've been a band ever since! I was introduced to Solomon 'SolStar' Castillo (guitarist) by his Mum, who's become a great friend of mine. Steve Yarde (bassist) and I were introduced through another musician. He joined around the same time as Kat and Mx, over 2 years ago now.

Q: What advice would you give to any budding entrepreneurs looking to start an iLive of their own?

A: Have your ACE team around you first! Make sure that you all share the same vision, that they want things to happen, but are not looking for a quick fix. They have to be willing to put the work in, but then so do you. Take risks, do things differently; don't do what everyone else is.

Q: Have you ever had a bad stage experience? How did you handle it?

A: (Laughs) Erm, I got a bit overexcited during a performance once and forgot I was wearing brand new shoes; one minute I was jumping around, the next I was sliding across the dance floor and ended up on my rear. I got up so fast that even though the audience heard a 'bump', most didn't see what happened. The show must go on as they say, so even though I was in agony from it, I kept going. If I can recover from that, I can keep anything moving!

Q: WAC seems to hold a very dear place in your heart. What makes them so special to you?

A: WAC are family. When I went to the college, I knew no-one and had no self-confidence. They were so supportive. They taught me to believe in myself. The treatment I've received from them is 2nd to none. I know I have a relationship there, that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. Everyone continually helps you throughout your journey there, so you don't mind putting the extra hours in. They definitely gave me the foundation and taught me how to run my own workshops.

Nazarene and the iLive Collective can be found at 'Soul in the City'; taking place at Avalon Shoreditch on the first and last Tuesday of every month.

BROKEN SILENCE Youth Charity Show - 1 October 2011

Broken Silence

21 Tookey Close

Middlesex

HA3 9UE

T: 07933 423 627

21^st September 2011

PRESS RELEASE 

YOUTH CHARITY BROKEN SILENCE HOSTS TALENT SHOW TO RAISE AWARENESS OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE 

A group of young people suffering from the blood disorder, sickle cell disease, are hosting a star-studded talent show in order to raise awareness and understanding of sickle cell disease (SCD) and highlight its devastating effects on the lives of those people who have it. 

The annual Broken Silence talent show takes place on the 1^st October at Brent Town Hall in Wembley and will be hosted by comedian Wayne 'Dibbi' Rollins & AJ King from Kiss FM.
Contestants will be judged by a panel of experts including upcoming, funky house artist – Big Man Zest, Realz from So Solid Crew, DJ Gussy of Roots FM, Aicha McKensie, founder of the AMCK dance agency, Andrew Tayo, Founder of UBand and soon to launch UBand TV, and Darren Dixon, Co-owner of Above and Beyond (AAB) talent agency.


Talent show guests will also be treated to some very special guest performances by Realz and Big Man Zest. 


There will be 16 acts in the final show representing various talents including singers, dancers and MCs chosen from the hundreds of auditioning acts from across the UK. 


The talent show is also being supported by U-Band and My Hood. UBand is an exciting digital music media agency helping to shape the UK music industry. UBand will award the winning contestant of each category with a professional photo shoot to help further their professional career. My Hood, a fashion label making a difference to urban culture, will be showcasing their varied designs with a catwalk performance during the event. 


Ellen Wright of My Hood said: 'My Hood has always built our brand on the message that we want people to be proud of where they come from and be positive about where they can get to. Broken Silence embodies all that we believe in - set up by a group of young people (all sufferers of SCD) and helping to fight for the rights of so many people affected by SCD in the UK - we find them truly inspiring. It is an honour to be able to support such a wonderful charity, which does such valuable work within the community and around the country.'


About sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder affecting the red blood cells, and is mainly found in people of black and ethnic minorities. It is estimated that in the UK, 12,500 people have SCD. The condition can cause severe anaemia, damage to major organs and infections. Sickle cell is caused by inherited genes that create defective blood cells. People with sickle cell have sickle-shaped blood cells that can build up and cause blockages in small blood vessels, causing severe pain known as sickle cell crisis. Patients may require blood transfusions every 3-4 weeks.

About Broken Silence
Broken Silence is a registered charity founded in 2004 by four teenagers with sickle cell disease in memory of their friend, Leona Dehaney who died from complications relating to the disease. Broken Silence campaigns for the rights of people with SCD.


Nordia James, one of the founding members of Broken Silence was diagnosed with sickle cell at six years old:


“I’ve experienced immense pain throughout my childhood because of sickle cell. I’m regularly rushed to hospital for blood transfusions or injections because of the disease.”
Sickle Cell is one of the most commonly inherited genetic disorders in the country.
The charity has gained the support of a number of celebrities (including Kiss FM, MTV Base and Choice FM stars), community radio stations, well-known singers and stars from the stage and screen including: Choice FM, Unique FM, Roots FM, Shola Ama and her sister Sadie, reggae legend Tippa Irie and ITV’s ‘The Bill’ actor Clifford Samuel. The team is also supported by a number of commercial and community organisations including; Genesis Community Chest, Brent Council’s Harlesden and Stonebridge, Regeneration & Renewal Team and the Jack Petchey Foundation.


Giving blood
Broken Silence would like to urge the public to register with the ACLT (African Caribbean Leukemia Trust) to give blood. Since sickle cell sufferers require regular blood transfusions in order to lower the amount of haemoglobin S red blood cells in the body. When there are fewer sickled haemoglobin S cells in the bloodstream, they are less likely to build up and block blood vessels.


Blood transfusions also increases the number of normal red blood cells in the body, increasing the supply of oxygen to the body.


To purchase tickets for the final show, please visit www.brokensilence.org 


Tickets for final show are £10 for adults and £7 for children. Please show your support.
For more information about U-Band, please visit: http://uband.co.uk/


For more information about My Hood, please visit: http://www.my-hood.co.uk/

ENDS 

To arrange an interview with Broken Silence:


Julia Flint 0207 025 6411
Hannah Stuart 07985 197 374


NOTES TO THE EDITOR


* Sickle Cell is increasing within black communities in the UK. The majority of people who are affected by the disorder are black. 


* People of West African heritage are more likely to be affected with up to 30 per cent being carriers, but even amongst the African Caribbean community eight to 10 per cent are affected. Broken Silence is also calling for more people, especially from the black community to be screened for the Sickle Cell.


* There has been very little research into treating Sickle Cell and sufferers can’t get free prescriptions unlike people with diabetes or cystic fibrosis - also long-term medical conditions. 


* Sickle Cell affects the red blood cells, carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Normally red blood cells are donut-shaped and flexible but in people with Sickle Cell their red blood cells become inflexible and ‘sickle’ shaped. ‘Sickled’ red blood cells can’t squeeze through small blood vessels as easily as normal red blood cells, leading to these blood vessels becoming blocked and stopping oxygen passing through the body. The result can be death, damage to organs or severe pain (or ‘crisis’).


* Broken Silence is a registered UK charity founded in 2004 by four teenagers with Sickle Cell Disease in memory of Leona Dehaney, who sadly died from complications relating to the disease. It campaigns for the rights of (mainly young) people with Sickle Cell Disease. Among other activities, produces an annual talent show for dancers, singers and group acts to raise awareness of SCD.

October Lekoliday!

It's been a minute since we had what I like to call a 'Lekoliday'. For those unfamiliar with Mr. Baker, let me explain...

@Lekhemmusic

A 'Lekoliday' is what happens when Lekhem decides he can't do one little thing at a time. He has to come at you with more offerings than a diabolical soul food spread at a family reunion! 


In the case of October 1st, he drops 'Heartache Remix', a feature on Unsigned Hype: Vol. 1 (available at midnight).

Unsigned Hype Vol. 1 will be released at Midnight on Oct 1.

Broken Silence Youth Charity Show 

Eighteen and a half hours later, catch him taking the stage with 15 other Finalists, all competing for the chance to be crowned Winner of the Broken Silence Finals at Brent Town Hall.


Those who have missed seeing Lekhem on the stage will get to enjoy an exclusive performance from the Baker Boy's upcoming second mixtape, 'HipHopology:1stSemester'. Ladies, take note: this one's for you ;o).


Tickets are still available at £10 for adults, £7 for children (with Oyster ID) or, alternatively you can pay on the door. Whichever you choose, just know that your fees are not pocket profit. You're donating to a cause that doesn't have anywhere NEAR enough focus and attention. More than that, you're helping to save lives.


But that's not all...For you long-time supporters, some announcements are coming to match The Raise in your expectations on October 2nd...


For more on the Broken Silence event tomorrow, read the press release here.


Looking forward to seeing you all there, don't forget to come say Hi!


It's almost time to partake in the weekend's Jamerican festivities, somebody pass my crepe crown and crackers...

'iLive Music Presents': 'Soul in the City' MOTOWN SPECIAL!

I'm not even going to fake non-bias on this one.


Three of my favourite things in this world, Music, Themes and what I like to call the 'Notorious iLive Collective', come together as One this Tuesday, for a night that I will NOT be sitting through in silence (apologies in advance to those within earshot)...


Fresh off the back of their HUGELY successful Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse theme nights recently, where Yours Truly sported thick white socks with black penny loafers and an OTT beehive respectively; my favourite Hostess returns with a tribute to my FAVOURITE musical era EVER, and she's personally inviting YOU to be a part of it...:

iLive Arts bring you yet another themed spectacular...

"Dear Friends


I would like to invite you to "Soul in the City" Motown Special taking place on Tuesday September 27th in trendy Shoreditch hosted by iLive Music


Dont miss this rare opportunity to come and see some of the UK's finest Acts headline on an evening of great soulful music.


Come and enjoy the fun after work & chill out to the sweet sounds of the 70s/80's Soul!






Special Guest Acts.....
Johnny Imobi
Alicks
Bexx
Kimberley Roberts


PLUS SURPRISE GUESTS...INCLUDING A SPECIAL DUET THAT YOU do not WANT TO MISS!


The notorious "iLive collective" house band & host "Nazarene" will be tearing up the stage later in the evening with their eclectic funky Soul sound


Come down early we begin at 7pm Sharp!


We have an open mic section too for those of you who fancy having a sing song with the band! Show us what you got!


Fresh barbeque out back!


Tickets only £7 
Book via Event Elephant - Or £10.00 entry on the door all night!


Call/text to reserve a place


If it's your birthday or a friends birthday we can reserve a VIP area 


Raffle giving away free tickets for our events, a bottle of champagne, plus much more............
Dont miss out!


Nazarene
Venue: www.avalonshoreditch.com
Email: info@iLivearts.com
07771-817828"

View the facebook event page here, or better still, grab your tickets and come down! Who knows WHAT on earth my wardrobe will be this time...

Mx Ugoh (iLive Drummer) & ES
@ iLive Music Presents: 'Michael Jackson - Tribute To A Legend', 30th August
'The Way You Make Me Feel' Baby!!!

#SoulSunday - Relentless MC

Just in case you missed our launch week, let me explain what you missed!


The inspiration for #SoulSunday came from our very own Concert headliner act. So the best thing to do is let her break it down for you...

“I called this album My Soul because the music is a more accurate reflection of who I am, than anything else I've ever recorded...When you listen to the individual tracks, one song may not necessarily sound like the other, but each is soulful in its own way, because each one comes from my soul.”

(Leela James)

Closing our second spotlight week with this brand new trend, it's the turn of Relentless MC to say a few words directly to all of you, who have spent the week getting to know him that little bit better...

RELENTLESS MC:

Dear Music Lovers, Friends, Fans and Followers...


I'd like to thank all ReverbNation, facebook and twitter friends for every bit of interest concerning Yours Truly.


People continue to be the reason I do music. Hearing your own goals, hopes and dreams, fuel mine. The same way that Music shows no signs of slowing down or disappearing, neither does Relentless.


Peace, Love and Phat Beats,
Rhymin Eternal Lyrics & Embracing New Times Lettin every Spirit Shine.
(aka Relentless MC)

**NEW EVENT POST** Musicalize: Female Takeover, 3rd October, XOYO

They're back to do it again folx! These guys get bigger and better with every single show. Check the website for past reviews (including one from Yours Truly)...Stay Tuned for Competition news on how you can win tickets to one of the best nights in London.

______________________________________________________________________________

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MONDAY 19^th SEPTEMBER

FEMALES ARE TAKING OVER AT THE NEXT MUSICALIZE

Following the successes of their previous live music nights, Double M Entertainment are all set to bring their brand of live music event ‘Musicalize’ back to the capital city on Monday 3^rd October 2011 but this time with a little twist. With the official title of the event being Musicalize: Female Takeover, the direction for this live event is clear: each performance on the night will be from a female artist.

So what is Musicalize? Simply put, it is “A night of amazing live music performed by some of the finest unsigned artists in the UK as well as breakthrough artists who are establishing themselves as credible artists in the industry.”

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

At previous events held so far, attendees have been treated to an array of musical talent from artists covering all genres including headline performances from the Grime MC Ghetts and RnB sensation Bluey Robinson, as well as artists such as female quartet Vida (managed by Oritse Williams from JLS), Kal Lavelle (currently supporting Ed Sheeran on his Summer Tour), Essex born Leeds based singer Hannah Trigwell (since awarded the St Helier Online Best Unsigned International Act award), Bianca Monet (managed by 1 Xtra DJ Ace) and many others.

To be held at live music hotspot XOYO in Shoreditch, London, the line up for this next event promises to be just as spectacular. Hosted by Claira Hermet (GrimeDaily and Channel 4), attendees will be treated to performances from some of the UK’s top female artists. In keeping with other Musicalize events there will be music from all genres. Attendees can expect to see performances from highly rated and 1Xtra managed Grime MC Lioness who will perform tracks from her new E.P. Roarness, as well as A.L. Bennett (who has featured with a string of top artists on her collaborations EP called ‘Who’s That Girl’). Also performing on the night will be newly formed girl group Beauty Skool Dropouts (aka B.S.D.) whose members include actress and dancer Sacha Chang (Streetdance 3D and Anuvahood). Other performers include: Kyra, Kirsti Robinson, Lily McKenzie, Molly Smitten-Downes and Rebecca Storm.

Headline sponsor for the event is new to the market drinks company, Aspire (www.aspiredrinks.com). Following the launch of their product, which is already being stocked in high end stores such as Selfridges, Holland & Barrett and Waitrose, the company have been keen to align themselves with events that match their current target audience.

PR & Marketing Manager for Aspire Drinks, Laura Wilkes comments regarding the sponsorship: “The twist to this Musicalize event suits the Aspire brand perfectly due to its focus on the female domain and we are excited to be the headline sponsor. Aspire encourages people to lead a healthy and active lifestyle whilst facilitating the confidence to look and feel great and the event will be a fantastic opportunity to promote our brand values whilst working alongside companies such as UK Models who are also sponsoring the event.”

Based on the success of previous Double M Entertainment events and the above line up it is safe to say that the next Musicalize will be another big hit.

~ End ~

Notes to Editors

For interview opportunities or for further information please contact:

Ben Anderson | PR & Marketing Manager | Double M Entertainment

ben@doublementertaiment.com  | 07787 411 345 | Twitter: @DoubleM_Ent / @Ben_D_A

Sophie Horne | Events Manager | Double M Entertainment

sophie@doublementertaiment.com | 07899 904 410 | Twitter: @SophDoubleM_Ent / @MusicalizeUK

For reviews, photos and videos from previous events please visit: www.musicalize.co.uk

For guestlist, email names to guestlist@musicalize.co.uk

#FindOutFriday - Q&A with Relentless MC

Now it's the turn of  the only Hip Hip artist in Leela's Lineup to step into the hotseat.

Relentless is not your usual MC. Also known as 'Busker Rhymes', it wouldn't be out of the ordinary to catch this artist providing the soundtrack to your tube journey home. Find out what he had to say when we caught up with him....


Q: Why the name Relentless MC?
A: As a kid I used to watch the TV programme, 'The Fugitive'. At the beginning, I always heard the words "Relentless Pursuit". I didn't know what Relentless meant, but I loved the way it sounded. A few years later, when I searched for a rap name, it stood out for me; especially after realising what it meant.


Also, any true 'rap head' would know that the name of one of my heroes, KRS-One, stands for 'Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone'. I was inspired to find a deeper meaning to my name.


Q: So is your name an acronym as well?
A: Relentless MC stands for 'Rhymin Eternal Lyrics Embracin New Times Lettin Every Spirit Shine'. Which describes everything that I'm about.


Q: What made you decide to become an MC?
A: There are so many good reasons why I rap. Self expression, the love of words and wordplay, the power to inspire and uplift, freedom of speech for all the Voiceless...The power to inspire and uplift. The Black Civil Rights Movement fought oppression for the young Black Man to have a Voice, and have that Voice be heard. These are just some of the reasons...I'm just trying to pass on the messages I picked up when words and music first started to resonate with me.



Q: Which label are you signed to?
A: Believe it or not, I'm asked this frequently; normally followed by a CD request. It's the ultimate confirmation I'm on to something good, as I'm not a signed artist.


Q: What's the number one piece of advice you give to anyone aspiring to follow a dream?
A: I assure them that you can become very good at something you love to do.

Q: What has been the highlight of your Career to date:
A: I would say it probably has to be the mini tour of the Czech Republic (Slovakia). We've all heard the stories and dreamed the dream of tasting that showbiz lifestyle. For me, I never expected to have my first experience in Eastern Europe! I was invited to perform a Country-wide, bar and nightclub tour. No two venues were the same. I found myself mobbed in a shopping centre at one point, by fans who attended the previous night's gig! It was SO embarrassing, but a real eye opener at the same time.


I performed to an audience of over 2000 people, all screaming my name on the last night, That gave me a true insight into life abroad and the appreciation different people will give you...Wow.


Q: Who are your influences:
A: Without scaring anyone off, I have to say GOD. The be all and end all. The reason for everything that exists, especially my beloved rap. The power of music for me is a direct reflection of God working. Nothing in the world moves me more than music, and nothing in this world could be more beautiful than when He created it.


Fan Question #1 Which would you pick, Celebrity or Success?
A: Success every time. Celebrity is a false sense of achievement. Success will gain you everything, Celebrity will fall for anything.


Fan Question #2: What's your opinion on battles?
A: I appreciate the Art, the Power and the Drive. But I can't stand that nine out of ten times, creative Artists are reduced to degrading themselves. That, for sure, isn't inspiring or skillful at all.


Fan Question #3: Who is your favourite Rapper:
A: Easy. Christopher Parker aka KRS aka The BlastMaster aka KRS-ONE. One of the last true emcees; who still holds the culture, history and true goals of Hip Hop at the forefront of what the genre stands for. Rap is something you do. Hip Hop is something you LIVE...

Relentless MC is a part of Leela's Line Up. Catch him supporting Leela James on her ONLY UK date for  her HUGELY successful 'My Soul' Tour, 21 October at The Clapham Grand. TICKETS ON SALE NOW.