Feel like the world needs more of this song at the minute:
Wellbeing and fighting genuine obesity is an important thing, but it's worth remembering that beauty comes in so many forms.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Tuesday, 1 June 2021
Wednesday, 23 September 2020
Sombre Times
The Guardian has reported that one-third of British professional musicians are considering giving up their careers because of the pandemic.
This information was based on a survey of 2,000 members of the Musicians Union.
The pandemic has been a crippling time for the arts, with many musicians forced to work for free to sustain a profile online as live venues are still closed.
This is not the most tragic news from a pandemic that has caused misery and economic fears for many.
However, it is still deeply saddening.
Surviving in the arts has always been tough, many musicians struggle in good times despite their talent.
Music lightens the load in many people's lives, so losing musicians to supermarket work - as the Guardian reports - is bad for a cross section of society in the end.
We are lucky in Britain to have such a diversity of music on offer, but with the pandemic we can no longer even support venues.
Thursday, 3 September 2020
Rule Brittania
To sing or not to sing that is the question.
The issue of the words to Rule Brittania and Land of Hope and Glory came up again recently.
Both glorify the British empire and rule Brittania is said to be a dark reminder of slavery.
There is some question over how offensive they really are, but the creative decision had been taken to play the music without the words.
This was said to be a non-political decision.
However, now the decision has been taken to bring the words back.
Presumably this decision is the final one, but it all seems a bit trivial when people are still being killed by police seemingly because of the colour of their skin.
Though I suspect the fight over Rule Brittania is set to continue.
Wednesday, 6 May 2020
Gareth Emery gig
Gareth Emery is hosting three amazing shows this weekend.
The Decade show is to celebrate the last 10 years of Gareth Emery’s music.
It’ll be a 2.5 hour set featuring his greatest hits from the last decade.
The show will feature lasers, smoke, multiple cameras – essentially the full production – and will be shot from Gareth’s pool in his back garden.
The three shows across the weekend (the initial broadcast and 2 replays which Gareth plans to join the chat for), each in different time zones, so people from all over the world can tune in and party together.
The first show will be broadcast on Friday 8th May at 9PM EST/6PM PST, with the primary target being the US audience.
A replay for Europe will be shown at 8PM BST/ 9PM CET on Saturday 9th May, while the replay for Australia/Asia will be on at 6PM AEST (UTC +10) on Sunday 10th May.
Tickets for the event cost $10 and can be bought through this link
Buying a ticket will get you access to all three shows.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, 29 April 2020
Gareth Emery on the new normal
Gareth Emery is an established trance DJ operating out of LA.
He recently released his second single Elise from the forthcoming album Lasers, due in July of this year.
Elise is a song named after and for his youngest daughter, who suffered suspected pneumonia when she was was just one year old.
The track is very upbeat, with sombre lyrics mirroring how torn Emery felt being separated from his ill daughter.
Gareth was conscious of the track being very upbeat, it was what "he felt the world needed at that point."
But he says the darkness of the lyrics makes it.
A new music experience
Gareth is also looking to bring a new musical experience to people using live streams.
Anticipating that it is going to be a long time before people get back to seeing live shows, Gareth wants to make a better experience for fans in the new normal.
Emery envisions a pay per view model for a premium live experience.
Gareth is going to build a stage and have lasers and smoke machines in his garden.
He says: "I don't think I could justify doing a ticket price if it's just me streaming in my bedroom, with unmade bed in the background as I've seen on a couple of other streams."
"We're definitely going to start out reasonably cheap, something about $10."
He's going to give fans who have bought a ticket for the tour a free ticket to the live streaming event, even though they've had a refund.
Influences
In terms of his influences he says back in the day it was acts like Paul van Dyk, Tiësto and Armin van Buuren.
But he also gleans ideas from Sasha and Loco Dice.
For this album he says interestingly he was far more influenced by bands, such as the Stone Roses, Oasis and Blur.
He said he was looking back and remembering "the energy" of that time.
He recently released his second single Elise from the forthcoming album Lasers, due in July of this year.
Elise is a song named after and for his youngest daughter, who suffered suspected pneumonia when she was was just one year old.
The track is very upbeat, with sombre lyrics mirroring how torn Emery felt being separated from his ill daughter.
Gareth was conscious of the track being very upbeat, it was what "he felt the world needed at that point."
But he says the darkness of the lyrics makes it.
A new music experience
Gareth is also looking to bring a new musical experience to people using live streams.
Anticipating that it is going to be a long time before people get back to seeing live shows, Gareth wants to make a better experience for fans in the new normal.
Emery envisions a pay per view model for a premium live experience.
Gareth is going to build a stage and have lasers and smoke machines in his garden.
He says: "I don't think I could justify doing a ticket price if it's just me streaming in my bedroom, with unmade bed in the background as I've seen on a couple of other streams."
"We're definitely going to start out reasonably cheap, something about $10."
He's going to give fans who have bought a ticket for the tour a free ticket to the live streaming event, even though they've had a refund.
Influences
In terms of his influences he says back in the day it was acts like Paul van Dyk, Tiësto and Armin van Buuren.
But he also gleans ideas from Sasha and Loco Dice.
For this album he says interestingly he was far more influenced by bands, such as the Stone Roses, Oasis and Blur.
He said he was looking back and remembering "the energy" of that time.
Saturday, 25 April 2020
Covid-19 UN charity gig
Quarantine and Chill continues tonight with the amazing Ruth Anne Cunningham.
She wrote for the likes of Niall Horan and JoJo And is Grammy nominated.
The link as before is: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2538054423116379/
Tune in at 7.30 tonight and give what you can to this brilliant charity.
I won’t be posting updates of all the live shows, but they will be continuing throughout lockdown, so keep tuning in.
Enjoy!
She wrote for the likes of Niall Horan and JoJo And is Grammy nominated.
The link as before is: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2538054423116379/
Tune in at 7.30 tonight and give what you can to this brilliant charity.
I won’t be posting updates of all the live shows, but they will be continuing throughout lockdown, so keep tuning in.
Enjoy!
Friday, 24 April 2020
Covid-19 charity gig
Quarantine and Chill is a live acoustic music event for the UN’s Covid-19 fund.
The wonderful singer-songwriter/actor Alex James Ellison will be performing alongside a host of other acts, including Leah Barniville.
The event can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2538054423116379/ https://tinyurl.com/y8m6co4h
Please tune in at 7.30pm tonight and donate to this amazing charity.
This charity event takes place with different artists most nights.
The wonderful singer-songwriter/actor Alex James Ellison will be performing alongside a host of other acts, including Leah Barniville.
The event can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2538054423116379/ https://tinyurl.com/y8m6co4h
Please tune in at 7.30pm tonight and donate to this amazing charity.
This charity event takes place with different artists most nights.
Friday, 6 March 2020
Nick Edward Harris album launch
I was down at The Effra Social again for Nick Edward Harris’ album launch.
Rob Quo played some heartfelt songs to kick the event off, he seemed to like closing his eyes.
Ewe, the duet, played some soulful pieces on guitar and cello.
Then it was time for the main event and Nick didn’t disappoint.
He played some lovely folk tracks, including his song chronicling his depression.
There was even a nice sing a long at the end.
I hope the album sells well, it deserves to.
Rob Quo played some heartfelt songs to kick the event off, he seemed to like closing his eyes.
Ewe, the duet, played some soulful pieces on guitar and cello.
Then it was time for the main event and Nick didn’t disappoint.
He played some lovely folk tracks, including his song chronicling his depression.
There was even a nice sing a long at the end.
I hope the album sells well, it deserves to.
Sunday, 9 June 2019
The Nest Collective
I went for an entrancing evening with The Nest Collective round the campfire.
Every year the Nest Collective hosts artists round the campfire in a variety of London venues.
I was privileged to see Seckou Keita at Glengall Wharf Gardens.
He plays the Kora, a very delicate string instrument and indeed it was hard to hear it at times above the passing planes.
Keita played a selection of his solo work and got us to join in with some of the songs, which was really fun.
All in all it was a magical evening and The Nest Collective will be hosting more over the summer.
Every year the Nest Collective hosts artists round the campfire in a variety of London venues.
I was privileged to see Seckou Keita at Glengall Wharf Gardens.
He plays the Kora, a very delicate string instrument and indeed it was hard to hear it at times above the passing planes.
Keita played a selection of his solo work and got us to join in with some of the songs, which was really fun.
All in all it was a magical evening and The Nest Collective will be hosting more over the summer.
Monday, 2 July 2018
Launching the Love
Simon Love and the Old Romantics launched their album at The Lexington on Friday night, it was a treat.
Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard kicked off the night with some mincing shouty classic rock.
Apparently John Lennon is their Jesus Christ.
The School followed with some unashamedly indie numbers.
Leading nicely to Simon Love and the Old Romantics with a collection of their well known hits to finish the night.
Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard kicked off the night with some mincing shouty classic rock.
Apparently John Lennon is their Jesus Christ.
The School followed with some unashamedly indie numbers.
Leading nicely to Simon Love and the Old Romantics with a collection of their well known hits to finish the night.
Saturday, 23 June 2018
Gypsy spirit
Op Sa are a Serbian brass band and they play lively gypsy sounding numbers for everyone to enjoy.
By the end of their Queen Elizabeth Hall set the audience at the back were reeling around like mad things dancing to the upbeat numbers.
Monday, 4 June 2018
Heels!
Not been to a Drag Act in a while...
Fancy something low key and friendly?
Heels could be for you.
A friendly bunch of Queen’s get together at Henry’s every month to sing some surprisingly good covers and do a bit of over the top link syncing.
And there are prizes!
Fancy something low key and friendly?
Heels could be for you.
A friendly bunch of Queen’s get together at Henry’s every month to sing some surprisingly good covers and do a bit of over the top link syncing.
And there are prizes!
Thursday, 15 February 2018
Folk in the south
Follow The Lost Cavalry around venues and it seems you unearth musical delights.
A Valentine’s event last night brought a number of folk acts together to folk about.
Salt Moon
This three piece combine cello, double bass and electric guitar with a female singer.
The style is occasionally reminiscent of Fairport Convention.
The songs tend to the tongue in cheek and melancholy, even when ‘love songs’, the vocal itself unquestionably strong for the style.
The Lost Cavalry
Again they performed well.
The arrangement is creative without being sloppy and the vocal performance really is hard to match.
Some of the songs tone have hints of Kurt Cobain, unusual for a lead singer who often sings beyond the rafters.
Patch and the Giant
These guys were the last to perform and a real treat.
They will be playing in Brighton tonight at ‘The Folk Room’, afraid all the details I have.
You will be treated to layered folk styles, unexpected brass and a haunting melancholy.
I would urge you to check them out in Brighton if you are free.
A Valentine’s event last night brought a number of folk acts together to folk about.
Salt Moon
This three piece combine cello, double bass and electric guitar with a female singer.
The style is occasionally reminiscent of Fairport Convention.
The songs tend to the tongue in cheek and melancholy, even when ‘love songs’, the vocal itself unquestionably strong for the style.
The Lost Cavalry
Again they performed well.
The arrangement is creative without being sloppy and the vocal performance really is hard to match.
Some of the songs tone have hints of Kurt Cobain, unusual for a lead singer who often sings beyond the rafters.
Patch and the Giant
These guys were the last to perform and a real treat.
They will be playing in Brighton tonight at ‘The Folk Room’, afraid all the details I have.
You will be treated to layered folk styles, unexpected brass and a haunting melancholy.
I would urge you to check them out in Brighton if you are free.
Saturday, 6 January 2018
Women and love songs
Do you remember me mentioning Sonique?
I thought I’d remind you of this one.
Do you remember this one rock and rolling and talking about love in a husky voice?
In leather?
Remember?
She wouldn’t have let anyone get away with pushing her around.
Why has everyone got so sexist?
I thought I’d remind you of this one.
Suzi Quatro!
In leather?
Remember?
She wouldn’t have let anyone get away with pushing her around.
Why has everyone got so sexist?
Sunday, 24 December 2017
Saturday, 16 December 2017
Slut shaming
After Harvey Weinstein and Trump’s sexism, I would like to remind you of someone.
This is every woman you take on a date, kiss, take home, introduce to your parents.
If you start getting jealous about someone else she likes, it might be because you no longer make her feel like this anymore.
She is every woman in love regardless of race or income.
Clear.
If you start getting jealous about someone else she likes, it might be because you no longer make her feel like this anymore.
She is every woman in love regardless of race or income.
Clear.
Wednesday, 6 September 2017
Sinking ship
The Good Ship looks to be the latest casualty in gig venue closures.
As Brexit sweeps a wave of nationalist yes we can through half of Britain, the agenda seems to be more about having a public political fight with the continent than examining anything as interesting as reviving the live British music scene.
Small venues have been being closed and co-opted for over 10 years now.
There was a time when the Brixton Academy had no sponsorship in its name.
In an international context of war, flooding and economic hardship talking about a venue closure seems inconsequential.
However, the smaller venues have historically provided a musical voice for many economic losers and an alternative agenda.
Much as food is important if you turn every old venue into a Tesco not many local communities are going to be able to come together to celebrate and commiserate.
Believe me meeting someone to change the world with is not easy in a supermarket, I won't get into laundrettes.
The music scene brought us acts who thrust AIDS, poverty and war into the mainstream pop discourse.
While the old adage of the guitar killing the enemy may be a bit tired, you have to remember Tchaikovsky.
Please go out, before all that's left is your TV.
Or you could Instagram your sandwich again, I guess it's your choice.
As Brexit sweeps a wave of nationalist yes we can through half of Britain, the agenda seems to be more about having a public political fight with the continent than examining anything as interesting as reviving the live British music scene.
Small venues have been being closed and co-opted for over 10 years now.
There was a time when the Brixton Academy had no sponsorship in its name.
In an international context of war, flooding and economic hardship talking about a venue closure seems inconsequential.
However, the smaller venues have historically provided a musical voice for many economic losers and an alternative agenda.
Wigan is not heaven, all credit to The Verve
Much as food is important if you turn every old venue into a Tesco not many local communities are going to be able to come together to celebrate and commiserate.
Believe me meeting someone to change the world with is not easy in a supermarket, I won't get into laundrettes.
The music scene brought us acts who thrust AIDS, poverty and war into the mainstream pop discourse.
While the old adage of the guitar killing the enemy may be a bit tired, you have to remember Tchaikovsky.
Please go out, before all that's left is your TV.
Or you could Instagram your sandwich again, I guess it's your choice.
Monday, 2 January 2017
Friday, 15 April 2016
Wonderful Wonderland and rollicking Rumpus
I was beginning to feel like an ageing hermit when I was invited to Wonderland this year.
This event has taken a turn for the better, with a collection of music to keep you on your feet almost permanently.
A mixture of old school classics and interesting new arrivals made for a varied event to suit eclectic tastes and committed dancers.
This event also featured a glitter shower, oodles of fun for getting you in the party mood.
I couldn't recommend this event enough for getting your groove on.
Rumpus
Wonderland DJs also featured at Rumpus, an event on shortly after, on April Fool's day.
This event was even more flamboyant in terms of party gear and decor.
Space was allowed for people to paint their face, select clothes and have their fortunes told.
It felt like a maze of different musical oddities and hosted an impressive set of live bands with sparkling energy and tight performances.
If you're looking for an extraordinary night out then this may well be it.
This event has taken a turn for the better, with a collection of music to keep you on your feet almost permanently.
A mixture of old school classics and interesting new arrivals made for a varied event to suit eclectic tastes and committed dancers.
This event also featured a glitter shower, oodles of fun for getting you in the party mood.
I couldn't recommend this event enough for getting your groove on.
Rumpus
Wonderland DJs also featured at Rumpus, an event on shortly after, on April Fool's day.
This event was even more flamboyant in terms of party gear and decor.
Space was allowed for people to paint their face, select clothes and have their fortunes told.
It felt like a maze of different musical oddities and hosted an impressive set of live bands with sparkling energy and tight performances.
If you're looking for an extraordinary night out then this may well be it.
Monday, 2 March 2015
Enchanting frivolity
I ventured to Brighton on Sunday, despite the ever rising rail fares.
An invitation to The Seven Stars in Brighton.
Turns out on a Sunday they have live music, perfect really.
A haven from the sea air
There was a beautiful atmosphere, friendly, lively and warm.
The band performed some lively jazzy numbers good for toe tapping and full on whirling.
Indeed, some of the attendees displayed some mighty fine footwork.
Sublime glass ringer
But nothing quite prepared me for Sam Chara.
She innocuously slipped on stage to perform on the mic.
The only word for what followed was phenomenal and I do not say that lightly.
To my imperfect ears her renditions of famous jazz numbers was flawless and rose to scales I had not even heard in the originals.
Hats off woman, it's no surprise that you're trained in Opera and Jazz, in some alternate reality I'm sure you could weave silver with those lungs.
An invitation to The Seven Stars in Brighton.
Turns out on a Sunday they have live music, perfect really.
A haven from the sea air
There was a beautiful atmosphere, friendly, lively and warm.
The band performed some lively jazzy numbers good for toe tapping and full on whirling.
Indeed, some of the attendees displayed some mighty fine footwork.
Sublime glass ringer
But nothing quite prepared me for Sam Chara.
She innocuously slipped on stage to perform on the mic.
The only word for what followed was phenomenal and I do not say that lightly.
To my imperfect ears her renditions of famous jazz numbers was flawless and rose to scales I had not even heard in the originals.
Hats off woman, it's no surprise that you're trained in Opera and Jazz, in some alternate reality I'm sure you could weave silver with those lungs.
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