An Evening With Aaron Roach-Bridgeman

Previously working with Aaron Roach-Bridgeman during the days of running Da-Mju:zik Magazine, I'm aware of his ambitious streak and tenacious spirit. Having recently become part of the SBTV team, Aaron is hosting an event to introduce all to his other writing flare; poetry and spoken word....

Event Review: Flavour Live 14th September 2011

Having never had the pleasure to attend a Flavour Live event, I was quite excited to find out what the experience would be like as I set off to Avalon in Shoreditch, London ready to indulge in entertainment from unsigned, underground UK talent. Getting through the door, the selection of music being provided by DJ Longers was top notch causing the excitement levels to increase further.

Setting the pace on stage was Dray Delta. First song ‘Minimal’ featuring G-Range reminded me ‘Slang Like This’ from P-Money but his second number ‘Bobby Brownz’ a track about worn down leaning Ugg boots was very comical and original receiving a good response from the audience. Followed by Jaya who started her set with a cover of Rhianna’s ‘What's My Name’ to warm up her vocals. Finishing up with her own track ‘Lights Go Out’ which is a more relaxed performance and flows much better than the previous, also received well by the audience.

Joe Culpepper's performance was very lively. As he asserts himself on stage while singing about his ex-girlfriend “Tell your friends about me” is a line that caused a smirk to appear. His second number, an acoustic jam, had some of the audience dancing along with his stage jive. Joe Culpepper leaves the stage to huge applause as does is successor Hatty Keane who also boasts a very striking image. First number ‘Feel’ seductively causes the body to sway, but ‘Best Kept Secret’ her current single carries a different electronic vibe which I would describe as dance entwined with rock. Experimental but works well.

Highly favoured act of the night RD (Ruff Diamondz) take to the stage and open up with an acoustic cover of Wretch 32’s ‘Don't Go’ showing off their vocal capabilities. Rounding up their set with their latest single ‘Got Me Burning’, RD work both the stage and audience the best way they know how. RD make way for Manchester rapper Rio, who has just entered the building and gone straight to the stage. Rio puts down a lively performance of his tracks ‘Playground’ and ‘Transformer’ before walking back out the door…. Superstar behaviour!

After a short interval with entertainment again supplied by DJ Longers, the show continues with Ebru who receives great interaction from audience. Her steady flow is impressive, a style of rap with vocal injections in all the right places. Her second number ‘Prisoner’ which depicts being stuck in relationship goes down very well. I can’t help but take note of Ebru’s very smooth vocals and quality range, before she leaves the stage to well deserved whistles and cheers from the audience.

Another Manchester rapper; Meany takes to the stage and throws down a number of bars for the audience before making way for Crystal Celebrity. Accompanied by 2 backing singers who finish their set with a smooth and soulful rendition of Bob Marley classic ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low’, the songstress has the audience singing along and feeling the melody within their bones.

Last act for the night Steelo1 takes to the stage with ‘International Lover’, heating up the place with a bashment flavour before declaring that he’s ‘Better Than Your Boyfriend’. Charming a female or two in the audience Steelo1 graces the stage well telling his spectators a little bit about himself before finishing up with R&B jam ‘Round The World’ which definitely holds commercial marketability.

Performances finished, DJ Longers continues with a selection to please those who aren’t ready to leave, hoping to savour the last drop of enjoyment being provided tonight at Flavour Live.

Also featured on Flavour Magazine website

Flavour Live: Wednesday 4th May 2011

More info/RSVP here

Farewell Da-Mju:zik Magazine!!

Yes that's right, the magazine is coming to a close..... Want more info? Full details can be found within the editor's note xx

Anaemia is my ENEMY!!!

Yeah yeah yeah...... My anaemia is playing me up again!! I've been trying to fight it now for the last 3 weeks.... It doesn't usually get me this badly to continue for such an extended length of time, somehow I don't think the constant late nights of recent have been helping me too much. But when there's things to be done who is going to do them for me??

OK Self-Pity OVER!!! So what are these things that needed to be done??

'Interview' was a key word for me last week, kicking off with an interview with Mr Play and also Jay Knox of Play Entertainment for the forthcoming issue of Da-Mju:zik Magazine, which was followed by me on the other side of the coin as I was interviewed by both UKFunkyHouse.Com and a student from Brit school performing arts technology thoughts etc on the UK funky scene other ad hoc subjects. This was followed up again by conducting another interview with Jaja (PDC) in connection with a new initiative I've got involved in, but I will be referring to later time on the blog.....

Oh I'm still attending Point Blank on a daily basis for my radio broadcasting course by the way, I'll touch back on that in more detail at some point too and share a lil bit of what's going on with that.....



The main thing that has got me all excited of recent though is the upcoming issue of Da-Mju:zik magazine which is a special themed edition this month of a FULL Play Entertainment Take over. To celebrate we're throwing a party. If you wanna come, you can RSVP HERE!!!

Encountering 2010.....

Hmmm.... I haven't entered any posts since the start of the year so as we proceed into our third week in, what have I been getting up to that's made me so busy to be slacking on my love of blogging?

Eastenders E20

Well anybody that knows me or follows my Twitter is well informed of my love for Eastenders. At the end of last year, a spin-off was launched named "E20". With 4 main characters, 3 who have already infiltrated into the main programme, it's going to be interesting to see how the continuation with the parallel storylines are kept up. If you're a fellow lover of Eastenders and want to check out the story so far you can view online. Interactive TV viewers can also view via the red button.

Celebrity Big Brother

I can't say I've been keeping up with it this year, but I have been watching it so to speak. With Sisqo and Vinnie Jones in the house, I thought I'd be addicted but instead it's still just one of those programmes on television, where you have to ask yourself why exactly it is that you're watching it... I'm glad they're making donations to Haiti though. I might start watching it more now that 'Sov' has been evicted.... Apparently her 'people' love her... What people? She obviously wasn't aware of the chants the crowd were making until she made her exit. I have to wonder how her mind works to be honest, but I won't spend too much time on that thought......

Alright let's move away from the major distraction of TV, what have I really been doing other than beating my way though all this snow the government has been struggling to deal with?

Magazine

Work behind the scenes of the upcoming issue on Da-Mju:zik magazine is well underway. Kicking off the year with an edition dedicated to one of the leading collectives in the 'urban' music scene, it has been an enjoyable experience. There are various improvements also being made with the presentation of the magazine including a whole new range of visuals, assisting to the levels of enthusiasm within the camp this month. I'll be definitely letting you know more about that as things proceed.

Radio

As you will all know if you've followed my blog for a while or done your research, I was a guest presenter on a few shows with Scratcha on his Grimey Breakfast Show on Rinse FM which I have enjoyed doing on each occasion. Leading to me getting more involved in radio production including a course with Point Blank and an upcoming radio show. More I'll be letting you know about as they proceed.

Anything Else??

Of course there are other things, but I gotta keep some of it to myself right? But if you really want some exclusive info, you'll have to catch up with me on my Twitter <---click here for my Twitter account ;o)

But I surely am enjoying this year loads thus far, I hope you all are too. Let's make it a good one xxxx