#FindOutFriday with Julie Iwheta

Julie Iwheta

Of every interview I've been Blessed enough to do, this one by far, did me the most external damage. There were tears, there was smudged eye-liner...I actually endured physical pain.

The laughter Julie Iwheta's character inspires should come with a physical health warning - I still had a stitch 45 minutes after we parted ways. It was that addictive element of her stage presence that captured me, almost as much as her hypnotic vocals. Find out what else got me hooked...

1. I remember the very first time I met you. Uh-oh...Why, what did I do? Before you did anything, it was what I saw. The cutest little miniature top hat, the Dr. Martens and a delivery of one of the best renditions of Lauryn Hill's Zion that I think I've ever heard - in complete contrast to the wardrobe! And then you let rip a stream of constant comedy. How do you put that 'stage style' together?

I remember that hat, it's still alive to this day...To be honest with you, I just go on stage and 'I Do Me'! Sometimes when I look back at videos, I feel like it's a rehearsal that's been recorded! I forget that I'm actually supposed to come on, perform and just sing; 

I just kind of go on and be real...if I know something's going to go wrong, then you're going to hear about it the whole night. The other day, I actually did full-blown drama before I sang. I mean like, made up, freestyle drama...I don't know what happens? Sometimes I feel it's not me...another person goes on, they do what they do and I come off and go "Yeah...that person Sang". If I think about it too much, nerves will attack me and I'd start shaking and sweating...by not thinking about it, if mistakes happen, then they happen, I just Keep it Moving!

2. You said you feel like it's not 'You' sometimes, but another person. If we go to the 'DIVA' territory; the land of the 'Big-voiced Ladies'; we have Mariah and 'Bianca', Beyonce and 'Sasha Fierce', Mary J (Blige) and 'Brook-Lynn'...They all have this 'dual personality' that they claim comes out on stage and takes over. Are you saying that's what you have? And if so, do you want to name her?

Do they? I did not know about any of these people! But I suppose I'm a bit of both because the way I am on stage is the way I am off as well, but I think it was when I did the Jazz Cafe last year, I realised - That. Wasn't. Me. I mean it obviously was in person, picture, body; but the rest of it? That was someone else. And I call her 'Fulu'. She's kind of like an African soldier woman, that's why you've got the boots with that Nubian Naturalness. She's my idea of a mixture of a lady. "Fulu" doesn't even mean anything, it's just a word I made up one day. I was recording with Aruba Red, we were doing backing vocals and I just told her "Me and Fulu miss you". And you can't just shake hands and go "Hi, my name is Fulu..." - no, it needs to be "Fu-LOO".

'Fulu' doesn't need a reason to 'Be', she just 'Is'.

3. According to your bio, you started singing at 15. Is that when you first realised you had chops, or when you first decided that you actually wanted to use them? Because those are two very different things that people often mix up:

Actually...I think more it was more 16. It was the mid-to-ending of my first year of college, so let's say about that time.

But how on Earth did it take you so long? You're not a wishy-washy voiced female, your tone would be hard to mistake even then I would imagine, so explain what happened...Did you not know it was there?!

(Laughs) When I was 15 I didn't sing! I mean I used to "sing" with my Cousin when I was younger, as in make sounds come out...but it wasn't what I consider singing? When I chose Music to do in Secondary School, it was only because I liked being a Producer. We got to the part where it was time to start writing my own songs - which I didn't think were that great - and it wasn't what I wanted to do. Then I went to College because I wanted to be a Secretary. No really, I did! but because the course was a bit "boo" (boring), my Sister told me to go and do Performing Arts, so I said "Ok". Then I went to Uni and started doing Music Technology. For me, singing was more of an addition, than the thing in the forefront because I want to be a Sound Engineer. It's just that I can sing as well.

At the moment my singing is getting more attention than my Sound Engineering, but when I'm in the studio, they're both on the same levels because I'm able to bring out the sound that I actually hear in my head. So I guess I sang, but I didn't believe. I just knew I had a sound but didn't know what I could do with it; and I still don't even know, because sometimes when I open my mouth I'm like "Shut up! Is that YOU?" That's what I say to Fulu and she says "Yeah, that is. That's US..."

4. That leads me to another instant question...Sound Engineering? At the risk of sounding very 'Lioness  - Good For A Girl'; that's different. How are we finding it as a Female outside of the booth?

Fulu and Microphone Child...

Honestly, if I had more practice in it...I would be crazy right about now; you wouldn't even be meeting me because I'd be in the studio looking like a hot mess, sitting in the same seat for 3 days, neck breaking...I love listening to a dry vocal and working out what you're going to do with it. What effects are you going to put on it, how is the vocal going to sound, how are you going to mix it...it's delicious! I love recording. I just love knowing what you could do. It all started when I was younger and I was like, "I wonder how Usher can sing in two voices at the same time...hmmm!" I was clueless, I didn't know!

5. Ok, so I want to ask you about your influences, but in a non-typical light. Who do you look at and not want to be like, for whatever reason?

Lady GaGa

Definitely not GaGa. Not that I put myself in that category, but she's erm...really...really...like, bizarre. I can take elements, like some of her styling...Yeah there's quirkiness and stuff, but then some of her lyrical content and the way she delivers it just puts me off a little bit and makes me think that I don't want to be like that. Like you said, I'm a little bit comical on stage, I don't want to be classed so far into that category that I lose people's interest. 

6. As a kid, everyone has at least one film that they identified with. They believed it was their story and convinced themselves that they were that character. Which film was that for you and which was your character?

I don't know if I would say that I believed I was her, but I wanted to be in the film...it was on TV the other day, Return to Oz. That is my FILM! It doesn't even make sense! But it's such a twist to The Wizard of Oz, I love that! I have that on DVD! When it came on I was excited! I know everything about it, from Tip-Top to The Wheelers, the Headlessness, the Woman and the Guitars..The chicken was just excellent because there was no Chicken in the beginning and there was no reason for one then, that's what made it great!

7. Let me venture back to safety...Explain to me how you got connected with all the people you do backing vocals for? Aruba Red, Dionne Reid, Lioness to name but a few...how did all the hook ups come about?

Joel Fender (In'sight) with Cousin Lioness
Musicalize, July 2011

There were two of us that used to do BV's for Aruba Red; the other girl is a friend and she told me about it. I think I've been with her for a good two years now, we tour all over the place. Lioness...well that happened because I'm really close friends with her Cousin Joel, who is one half of In'Sight and I've done BVs for them as well. She saw that and asked me to do some for her too. Anything to do with singing or music, I actually enjoy and I'm definitely down for. As long as you can respect me and I can respect your graft and what you're trying to do, it's all great. So she had a track that she wanted us all to feature on and it went from there really. I love harmonies. When they're right, they're RIGHT. They get the hairs standing up on the back of your neck, they have you dribbling because they're delicious - like water! I thoroughly enjoy it; I actually put myself out there as being a Singer / Songwriter / Backing Vocalist. 

8. What would you like to get into this year, what's coming from you?

By God's Grace, by God's GRACE...My EP! Obviously everyone has their up's and down's, trials and tribulations...Only joking, I'll put the Sugababes away...My original idea was to definitely have a mixture of everything that I can jump on because with me, in the beginning, I was like "I'm RnB and Soul. That's it. RnB and Soul. Don't touch me. Or address me in daylight. I'm RnB and Soul".

That's what I was like in the beginning! But with everything that I've been through, I guess it kind of worked out quite well that I haven't put anything out because I've dabbled in a lot of different things since; I mean, Soulful House? Never! I never would have thought that I would be dancing to one of my own songs in a club...Rock; I did the cover of Don't Speak because I liked the vocal arrangement more than the bigger picture; then when people heard it, the feedback was really positive. So the EP will be a mixture of all the styles I've tried in the 2 years I've been doing solo work. But there's still more that I want to try though; I want to fling in African, everything...I even want to try (whispers) rapping on there, but then I try and well, I...just ain't got the bars, cuz I'm sittin in my car; not goin far...that's all that ever comes out , just those obvious rhymes (laughs)! But no seriously, I do want to attempt it.

9. Going back to the Sound Engineering; if there was a song you wish you could have produced, which would it be and why?

I can't think of a specific song, but in terms of an actual Producer and all-round artist to be like, it would have to be Ryan Leslie. His studio is just...(breaks into 12-second song comprised entirely of the lyric "Damn")...There's something about him...When I watched some of his videos - I want his studio! The element of just watching him start with two notes and then two seconds later, he's got this bangin' track that just BLOWS. YOUR. MIND. And you just look at him think: "It was just two notes in the beginning y'know..." So yeah, I guess I would have to say that I want to be the female version of Ryan Leslie.

10. You have done quite a few acoustic covers. The YouTube sensation of recording yourself at home has taken off and launched quite a few careers. How important is self-promotion? Is it a good thing for Unsigned Artists to do your own A&R, or should you be letting the 'Pros' speak for you?

I definitely think it's a good thing, because at the end of the day you're learning and gaining that experience, rather than having someone else do it for you. At the end of the day, if someone is speaking for you, then I just see you as a mannequin...Widen your horizons, see what else you can do. I like doing my YouTube videos. I didn't know how much I would like doing them, or the opportunities it would bring me. I got booked to go and sing at someone's wedding in Italy last year; because they found my channel. 

So for me, it's definitely a thumbs up. I also like going onto other people's pages and seeing what they're doing. If you're so used to being in your own little circle where you're doing everything, it's nice if all the focus is on you, but sometimes it's nice to step out...I've met people on there who tell me that they really like my page, when all I'm doing is putting up songs that I really like! Also we're living in a world where it's all about Visuals; no matter what he/she says, it's all about VISUALS. That's what sells. Sometimes, if you make other people do things for you, they take Twelve Thousand Years - and yes I'm gonna say Twelve Thousand Years because it's TRUE! Me personally, I don't have the big money, I'm not a cash diamond princess, it's not about that; when I'm ready to record, I do it on my trusty iPhone4! If someone has a camera then BOOM, great, lovely; but if not? Trusted. iPhone. FOUR...and then I upload it straight to YouTube - DONE!

A MASSIVE THANK YOU to the HILARIOUS Julie Iwheta for her time! Check out her latest renditions, keep up to date with what she has coming up and get yourself her back catalogue from the links below. You WON'T regret it!

Twitter / YouTube / Facebook / MySpace

Bandcamp 

(where you can purchase Julie's single, 'Don't Cry' for 79p)

COMPETITION: MUSICALIZE VENUE & WEBSITE LAUNCH, 26 JANUARY

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

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

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

Attendees on the night will be treated to performances from MC's Lady Leshurr (headline), Marger, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

~ End of Release ~

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

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

'Brand New ________'.

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

• Full Name
• Age
• Twitter / Facebook Name

That's it! Hope to see you there!

A Whirlwind in SlowMo...

Well what a week!


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


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

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

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

(l-r) R2S members Krome, Birthday Boy Prophyle,
TaYshan

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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


Have a great week!
EricaSharlette ;o)

@ESintheP

#FindOutFriday with Kevin Writer!

   Kevin Writer 

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

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

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


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

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



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

2. You're managed by Nick Cannon, who we know found his start on Children's TV Channel, Nickelodeon. From the UK looking in, it seems to be the norm, that a lot of stars find their start there, through Disney or like shows. Did you have a similar starting point?

No, I came from a Church background, my Father is a Minister, my Mother was really involved in the Church also; so that's what I was really exposed to as a child. I came through with the help of a lot of lucky breaks, I was also Blessed enough to meet some cool people...I gave away a lot of free music (laughs), and did a lot of Internships. They paved the way for me to produce and write for some very cool people like Akon. So no TV shows, but I've had a couple of good shots!

3. Definitely can't deny that! So staying on the Production side of the Street, if you had to pick one, which do you find easier, being an Artist, or being a Producer?

Well I don't think it's a matter of being easier, because they both come naturally, but I would say that I definitely prefer being an Artist. Music is one of those rare things that, no matter your race, your gender, your job, what you do, or where you are in life, everybody can relate to, because it's universal.

4. You mention a memorable moment during the track 'I Got U'. Flashback to the 'Angels Advocate' Tour, 2010. You're opening for one Ms. Mariah Carey, and about 30 rows back, you see a group of fans singing every song in your set, word for word. What was that experience like for you?

Madison Square Garden on New Year's Eve...that was my biggest show to date and an experience I will never forget, for so many reasons but specifically, for those fans. 11,000 people plus...It was pretty hard to see from up there, but somehow I could see them!  We got to go down and take pictures with them after Mariah's set,  talk to them and just enjoy that interaction - it was incredible. After such an unbelievable set, to get that love and talk to them directly? The whole thing just left me so truly humbled and thankful.

5. We've talked about some of your Production credits briefly; can you share the story behind your most challenging track yet?

Honestly, it's rarely ever the music itself. The real challenge is the business side! I'm Blessed to have been able to create a culture around myself where most of the time, it's just been a lot of fun! 'Famous' with Akon and Nick (Cannon) was good example of that. It's probably the most fun I've had working on a record. It really wasn't about the song; the most memorable thing about it was the experience itself.

6. Let's fast-forward to 12-months from now. How have you established yourself within the current music climate? How will you have set yourself apart from the crowd?

By making good art. For a long time now, the truest, most honest people who were producing art at it's very core, were undervalued in modern culture. I think that with certain artists though, the potency of their bodies of work meant that we're starting to see a value shift. Adele, Michael Buble, John Meyer, Kanye...what they have given us has a value higher than the standard that is overpowering the current market. I hope to show that same creativity...

The hardest thing to do in this climate is be yourself. I plan to continue on being myself, because I truly believe that when you do that above all else, the commodity of You becomes infinitely more valuable. I love music in general; but because there is this belief in the Industry and our culture overall, that you have to be this way, look like that person, only make this or that type of music to be successful - the content that makes it's way to the mainstream seems much more manufactured to me. There's nothing wrong with that, but I think that if you commit to keeping that realness and stick to making your best art, then you can't hide your honesty. By just being yourself, you will always have something unique to add to the market place.

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

"God put a rainbow in the Sky,

God put a rainbow in the Sky,

When it looked like the Sun wasn't gonna shine any more,

God put a rainbow in the Sky."

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


8. What do you do when you're creatively stumped? How do you handle it?

There's a great quote that I once heard from Quincy Jones. It was from an old interview, when he was talking about working with Michael (Jackson).

He said something like:

"get out of the way and leave room so that God can walk in"

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


9. I can't not talk to you about your projects because I know you have some amazing stuff coming up. Can you tell me what you are working on? What should the UK be looking out for, from you?

I'm going on a College Tour around Southern California very soon. I'm really looking forward to connecting with the fans on that. I have a lot of parent label showcases coming up (Sony, Columbia, Universal). They're always a great opportunity and platform to do some really cool shows. I'm scoring for some TV shows and films;  the fourth School Gyrls movie is coming (Cannon's teen girl group who's début film starred some kid named Bieber?).


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

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

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

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


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

'Before the Ink Dries' Mixtape / Soundcloud / 

Twitter / YouTube / Ustream

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

Welcome to 2012 with the ESP Family!

Happy New Year to One and All!


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


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

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


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






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

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


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


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

Drassick and Friends at 'Jam Sandwich', 31/1

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










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


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

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


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


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


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


Have a great weekend!