INTRODUCING: MONTRELL ‘MORNING’

Montrell Band

“Love is just a language we could never speak..” 

“We were trying to connect with those who often turn to a stranger’s bed to alleviate all the pressures of the contemporary world. People are often waking up next to someone they’ve just met, and almost living out a condensed relationship in a matter of hours. We wanted the listener to be in that room, with that feeling, in the song.”

I first saw this band last year at Wildfire Festival last year.. a small and fun festival in the woods just outside of London. A slightly drunk and friendly Jonny Taylor ambled passed my table with a smile beaming after his set, in the only music tent there. An add on Facebook and a year on (blink and you’ll miss it..) and out of the blue..(I’ve been posting a lot on Facebook about certain current topics) a bit of support of solidarity fell into my inbox. Gratefully received and much more pleasant than the porn I was receiving from strangers…(after my post about the tragic Grenfell Tower tragedy – I had a lot of adds coming from many different countries).

On the tail end of that Jonny mentioned what he was up to currently. His band; Montrell, consist of Jonny P Taylor, Danny Monk, Dave Persiva and Sam Delves and they came onto the London music scene with a sold out show at the Servant Jazz Quarters in Dalston in March (2016?). Their first EP has been released..(above) named ‘Morning’, a song which gets to grips with the idea of ‘disposable relationships’ (more on that later..)..

Influenced by artists ranging from George Harrison and Paul Simon to Foxygen, Cigarettes After Sex and Mac De Marco…the four-piece have been working on their sound in an underground Baker St studio…

Jonny P Taylor’s smooth yet vulnerable vocal sits on top of chorus-dowsed and brittle electric guitars, sitting somewhere in between Indie Pop and Psych Rock.

I love this song. I found it really beautiful to listen to. The mesh of both dark and light.. the loneliness of disconnection, the urge to connect paired with the beauty of story telling.. the self reflection of a sad story but a beautiful way to tell the story.

“The only one I know is in the mirror” .. I wonder how many people feel that.. and do we ever truly know anyone but ourselves…

Montrell play the main stage at ‘Smoked & Uncut’ festival in July.

To book them or for interviews please contact: talktomontrell@gmail.com

Have a great Monday y’all! This week I am going to educate myself on Tennis.. Andy Murray playing today..

Follow them on Spotify HERE

Best, BeckiBXx

@ohDearyme

www.instagram.com/ohdearymeTV

 

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The Grenfell Tower Tragedy

Grenfell Tower Tragedy

It’s been a very difficult week for a lot of people living in West London. A lot of people have lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower tragedy. And then there are the friends and family that have been directly affected in what has been a very tragic and upsetting event.

As a resident of the Kensington and Chelsea borough – and as a part time volunteer at Citizens Advice – I found myself – in some unexpected situations I could not have predicted.

This included interviewing (very briefly) Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, meeting an amazing filmmaker called Janey Ayoade who was helping a strong activist called Neville by filming his story. Briefly meeting Peaky Saku and his friends working as best they could/can to help. Experiencing Mustafa Almansur attempting to collate and lead a committee (due to the Council not being seen anywhere at this point), and hearing the name Ishmahil Blahgrove spoken everywhere I went (I haven’t met him)… but I think he is a brilliant speaker rising up against the mainstream media.

And then there’s the famous face of Lily Allen. Who I met briefly, obviously deeply upset and passionate about helping and using the voice she has to vocalise what she saw. Maybe (and I can only really speculate) aware of her status and not wanting to make the situation about her. The ‘dancing on the fine line of trying to help and intentions being misconstrued’ and taking a lot of flack from the media – one has to be a very strong character to take that on board. 

And then let us not forget the children affected. Ryan Faraji and Tina Faraji aged 6 and 8. Ryan who lost his best friend Yacob. A voice of perspective for his generation. Too young to understand how powerful his message is to the rest of us.

There is a lot to write about this event. But I will not write it all now. I felt as an independent blogger/filmmaker that it was important to capture what was happening, on the ground. Firstly, because I didn’t feel that the media were reporting it authentically. And secondly, because when these families and residents look back on this. They may want to see and reflect on what went on. One day.

I have noted a few names up there. People trying to help. Let it be noted. There are a lot of people not mentioned here trying as best they can, with whatever they can to help as much as they can. This does not take away from the fact that this event – has affected so many people and has been an extremely tragic and heart wrenching situation. And it will always be about those people affected.

Whether I have done the right or wrong thing with capturing these moments. Well. That is arguable and I questioned that myself. And to be honest I don’t know the answer to that. But I did it with the best intention. An attempt to create a ripple effect in the right direction. I felt it was the right thing to do – whilst the media are putting out heavily edited footage.

The trauma that residents are going through is and will be huge. An Iranian woman that survived passed out during an interview with the BBC whilst describing the event to a reporter (which Kimia Zabihyan who was translating at the time claims was never broadcast). Kimia related that the woman wanted her story to be told. Why? Because it was so shockingly traumatic – almost in an unbelievable way (as in – is this really happening in Great Britain today?) that she felt it was important to tell her story.

But for now – above is a ten minute unedited clip and pictures I took, through my eyes.

Unedited – so that. Well you can make your own mind up.

To all those who have lost their lives. Rest in peace. My thoughts are with those directly affected. I’m sorry that this happened to you.

Best,

Becki BXx

#westlondonstrong #grenfelltower

 

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MUSIC VIDEO: LUCY ROSE ‘NO GOOD AT ALL’

Lucy Rose
“There’s a fair amount of self-doubt in this song, but positivity for the future too.”
NEW! Video from Lucy Rose for her new single ‘No Good At All’. Taking a step back in time, the video finds Lucy and her full live band performing in a 1970’s TV studio, complete with a pastel colour palette and confetti. The project is Lucy’s second collaboration with Dusthouse who previously produced her emotional video for ‘Nebraska’ which featured none other than Danny Dyer acting in drag. 

Speaking about the song itself Lucy Rose has shared:  “No Good At All is the oldest song on the album and was written just before I went on my first trip to Latin America. When I wrote it, I was kind of feeling that maybe I wasn’t good enough for music and was re-thinking everything. Part of me wondered if maybe somewhere down the line somewhere (my great great great grand-daughter maybe?), there would be a girl who had a little bit of me in her and could achieve everything she wanted. 

“But it’s also got an element of love to it too, finding the one to start a new life with who one day you could settle down with and have a family with.

No Good At All’ is the latest single to be lifted from Lucy’s forthcoming third album ‘Something’s Changing’, following the release of ‘Floral Dresses’ (ft. The Staves) and ‘Is This Called Home’.

Something’s Changing is released on the 7th July through Communion Records. The album will be accompanied by a stunning short documentary, acting as a fly-on-the-wall account of Lucy’s debut tour of Latin America last year. The trip, organised independently by Lucy with the help of her Latin American fans, became a huge inspiration for the record and the film is an intimate account of how it all came together.

The documentary is Lucy’s support act for a Worldwide Cinema Tour, of which she has already completed the Latin American and Indian legs. The UK leg will start in July following Lucy’s performance at Glastonbury festival later this month. Scroll down for a full schedule of remaining Worldwide Cinema Tour dates + all of Lucy’s UK/Irish festival appearances this summer.

Lucy is working once again with her fans and Bandsquare to organise the next phase of her worldwide touring schedule in January 2017. Fans are being asked to vote for their hometown for the chance to help Lucy decide her tour routing, more details available here: https://www.bandsquare.com/campaign/lucy-rose/landing

Watch the documentary trailer HERE and pre-order ‘Something’s Changing’ HERE

LUCY ROSE LIVE DATES:

23rd – 25th June – The Glastonbury Festival
1st July – Barn on the Farm Festival, Gloucester
13th July – Rio Cinema, London SOLD OUT (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
14th July – Duke of York’s Picture House, Brighton (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
15th July – Latitude Festival, Southwold
16th July – Longitude Festival, Dublin
18th July – Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
20th July – The Poly Cinema, Falmouth (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
21st July – The Arnolfini Cinema, Bristol SOLD OUT (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
4th August – Intsikurmu Music Festival, Polva
16th September – Bandwagon Live, Manila, Philippines (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
18th September – The Projector, Singapore (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
25th September – Cine XIII, Paris (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
26th September – Stadtgarten, Cologne (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
28th September – Silent Green, Berlin (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
29th September – Alabama Cinema, Hamburg (The Worldwide Cinema Tour)
1st October – Seven Layers Festival, Amsterdam

Tickets for all headline dates are on sale now via LucyRoseMusic.com

LUCY ROSE: Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify
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INTERVIEW: #HAIR DIRECTOR SERGIO GIANNASSO #LONDON

INTERVIEW: #HAIR DIRECTOR SERGIO GIANNASSO #LONDON

Carpe Diem

An ohDearyme Interview with Sergio Giannasso by Becki Burrows

From: Puglia, Italy

Current location: Covent Garden, London

Current happiness levels out of 10: 11 (Becki: ‘ooh nice one!)

Favourite film: Dirty Dancing

Favourite musician: Giacomo Puccini

Favourite artist: Henri Matisse

Henri Matiss

Favourite book: Dark fire by C.J.Sansom

Dark Fire

 

Favourite colour: Fuchsia (Becki: google tells me that.. fuchsia is another name for magenta sometimes described as hot pink, reddish-purple, vivid pink and light purple).

magenta-fuchsia-crayola

Brief synopsis: Owner & Creative Director of Giannasso Hair & Beauty

QUESTIONS:

You started out as an apprentice at 19 and spent five years blowdrying hair… and have trained and worked with some of the worlds biggest brands in the hairdressing industry – including Charles Worthington. I found you to be very down to earth and friendly – how do you keep your ego at bay in an industry like this?

By being myself and keeping my feet on the ground! I always remember my main goal is to please my clients whilst creating a great bond with them & maintaining professionalism.

What was it about styling hair that attracted you?

The art of it.

You run the self-titled shop Giannasso Hair & Beauty in Covent Garden – why London?

I feel it’s the heart of the world and not too far from home.

Sergio Giannasso

Who are your style icons?

Italian film actress – Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren

Actress Sophia Loren

You styled David Hasselhoff’s aka “The Hoff”‘s hair! How was he? Do you have a picture? Awesome!

He knew exactly what he wanted but took my professional advice.

David Hasselhoff

Sergio with David Hasselhoff @DavidHasselhoff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You love to bake at home  – and serve your special alcohol free recipes (Tiramisu) to your clients which is a lovely touch! What is it you love about baking?

I’m afraid you don’t bake tiramisu! (ME: Oops).. I love that unique touch. The recipe was passed on from my Grandma- it’s her secret recipe!

sergio giannasso

There is only one store so far – do you see yourself expanding soon? I have big dreams & why not!

From my experience of your salon – your staff seem to be having a lot of fun, yet very professional – a warm and relaxing atmosphere – is this the Italian ethos? This is what I have always wanted with my salon, a professional but charismatic team- I think that’s what makes us special!

What styles in hair would you say, in your opinion, are hot right now?

For me ‘what’s hot right now’ doesn’t exist, it’s what should be tailored to you. I believe the hair cut has to work with you, not the other way round.

What do you enjoy about the creative process of styling?

Being able to emphasise the best features in my clients and bring out the best in them.

You are award winning tell us a little about those awards…

I get great satisfaction for being recognised for showing that special magic touch! We won best team/service at the London Hair and Beauty Awards 2016. I’m very proud to say we have just found out we won Gold for Best Hair Salon and Best Colour Technician, as well as, Silver for Best Hair Stylist of the year at this year’s British Hair & Beauty Awards 2017!

What else do you offer in store?

I like to think of the salon as a ‘one stop shop’. We offer a wide range of hair services, beauty treatments, make-up and also offer bridal packages.

You guys styled my hair really well – then I went home and tried to do it myself. With some rollers and er, some extra firm hairspray (I had to take my friends dog for a quick walk). Basically I’m rubbish at styling my own hair. Do you have any tips for me please? What am I doing WRONG?!? AAAAHHHH!

I always recommend to use the products advised by your stylist. It’s vital that you start your hair at the front/fringe as it makes it easier to get the style into place. The best tool to use at home is Velcro rollers as they give you great volume and bounce without damaging your hair, classic but effective!

What brands would you recommend for keeping my fabulous (and I do love it) new colour fresh?

I would recommend our new Silky Reloaded product. This is a take home product for you to use to bring back the tone that’s lost after washes to your hair.

You used the brand Silky – they are from Italy – my colour is still looking fab. Tell us more about them?

This colour range is fantastic for both vibrant shades and being kind to hair. With just 1% ammonia, Silky delivers great shine/condition and beautiful colour. I am really enjoying using them.

I am trying to avoid burning my hair – do you have any tips that might help in maintaining it’s health whilst I am swimming/sunbathing/styling?

I always recommend Neal & Wolf heat protection spray! Its light weighted so it does not kill the volume!

Neal Wolf

Neal Wolf

What do you love about your job? Being able to make people happy and feel confident whilst creating bonds and in some cases dear friends! It makes me feel special that I can do this.

What makes you happy? My love for life.

Do you have a quote that you live by? Carpe Diem (live in the moment).

What fashion styles are you enjoying at the minute? What do you predict for the future.. ? At the moment I love simplicity with colour. For the future I predict that fashion and sporting clothing will merge for every day wear, comfort but yet still fashion.

Best thing about London? The freedom

What are the styles like and how do they differ to the British styles in Italy?

I feel like the style in Italy is a little stuck in their ways. It’s very classical, impeccable and beautifully put together. Where as in Britain it may not always be perfectly put together but yet it can be unique, interesting and inspiring!

What would be your top tips for people who want to start out in the industry?

Be prepared for a long hard road, be patient, work hard and enjoy every step of the way!

You have worked on catwalks in Milan to styling models – what has been your favourite experience so far?

The excitement rush you get minutes before the runway starts…it only lasts a few minutes but its intense.

When you are styling someone I noticed you are studying them quite a bit- what are you looking for? As a Make-Up Artist (#mua) I always look at the complexion, eyes and face shape to what you’re wearing, to how you talk and the tone of your voice to determine what hair style/colour would suit you best. That’s why we never do a consultation with a gown on!

How do I say thanks in Italian? Grazie!

Visit Sergio’s salon in London at:

53 St Martins Lane

Covent Garden, London – WC2N 4EA

Sergio Giannasso


f.   : 0207 240 9973
e.  : bookings@giannasso.co.uk
w. : www.giannasso.co.uk

Twitter: @SergioGiannasso

Facebook: @SergioGiannasso

Pics of my new hair and the team below:

Grazie! And remember y’all Seize the Day! 

Becki Bx

Sergio Giannasso and Rob

Sergio Giannasso and Rob

Becki Burrows

 

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HAIR REVIEW: GIANNASSO HAIR & BEAUTY

HAIR REVIEW: GIANNASSO HAIR & BEAUTY

You know what I can’t stand? Seeing a picture in a magazine – and thinking – ‘YES! THAT! That is an AMAZING style!’.

Cutting out a few examples.. taking them into a hairdressers full of hope and excitement. ‘I want that colour!’.

To receive a negative response.

‘Ohh. No. We can’t do that. That would take a while to get to that colour’. (hmm…can’t or can’t be bothered?)

‘Ok.. that’s ok!’ I usually reply despondently yet still with a bit of hope.

“Quite a long… long while.” the hairdresser usually adds.

“Plus your hair will probably break off or fall out and you’ll end up with a wig for the rest of your life”.

“Oh. Right..”.

Then I’m usually offered the colour book. And I’m shown the choice of browns. Dark brown. Or medium brown. Or! Maybe. I could go for a light brown.

It is at this point, that I sadly pick out a generic colour from the demonstration folder and succumb to what I like to call: STYLE CENSORSHIP. Folding up my magazine clippings forlornly.. sighing quietly to myself. oh Dear.

WELL!!!!!!!! THAT ALL CHANGED LAST WEEK!

BEFOREHAIRPIC

I walked in to Giannasso’s Hair & Beauty salon located in central London – Covent Garden and sat down in the chair to meet creative Director Sergio Giannasso. As I did.. I noticed the team all leaning in to listen. As I told him my hair desires and my struggles they all nodded in understanding. Perhaps that’s why they’re working here? I find myself pondering.

BEFORETWO“Perhaps a fringe?” Sergio suggests.

I look at him in horror and in a woeful and cringingly high voice reply with “I’ve just grown that out!”. Embarrassing.

“I want a bright colour though. Something creative. Different. Everytime I go in to a hairdressers on the high street they seem to just get you in and straight out – and nothing is different” I moan.

Sergio is peering at me and nods seemingly in understanding. He whisks out a gown and puts it around my neck.

“Well bella!” he declares. “We’re not like that here!” he says in a bold Italian accent, winking.

The team bustle around in an attempt to make me as comfortable as possible – Coffee? Tea? They smile.

Everyone is slightly on edge as London is on high alert, but getting on with things diligently.

I head downstairs. The studio has some good looking art displayed on the wall  – giving it a warm, bright and happy feeling.

The colour team start to lather some Silky colour into my hair. Sergio has chosen a bright red.

Screen Shot 2017-06-02 at 15.41.14

“Right. Tiramisu Time!” Sergio declares. ‘Homemade!”

“Hasn’t it got alcohol in it?” I query. “Not this one!” he smiles! “it’s homemade!” he adds in again proudly. “Oh. Ok. Yes please then!”. A little of what you like an’ all that. And I’ve never tried Tiramisu so am not even sure if I like it. (I did).

 

sergio giannasso

When it’s time to style, designer and Brazilian born Rob takes charge with the cutting and styling under Sergio’s direction.  As he finished cutting and blowdrying he starts to curl my hair.

Oh my god. I think to myself. I hate my hair wavy (I have wavy hair). It reminds me of this time when I was 15 and had a bad homemade perm. And everyone at school took the p*ss for weeks. It looked awful.

I decide not to voice my concerns and to trust the Creative team. I close my eyes and try to relax.

I open my eyes tentatively. And look at myself in the mirror. ‘OH! Wow! I love it!’ I delightedly exclaim. Which I have never said out loud in a hairdressers before.

hair by sergio giannasso

I don’t do bad reviews on this blog. I’d rather just not say anything. So if anyone is featured on this blog it’s because I believe they are good. Exceptional. Etc. 

Screen Shot 2017-06-02 at 15.40.47

A lady (a regular to the salon) who is having her hair styled smiles over at me. ‘It looks great’ she shouts happily. And she gives me a thumbs up.

‘Thank you!’ I give Sergio a big hug (something I usually never do either but he has that friendly Italian air about him).

“I told you! You would get what you want here!” he says.

‘You proved that statement right” I reply bluntly admiring my new curls. Different.

As I bounce out of the salon, I hear Sergio talking to a different client. ‘Tiramisu! he is urging her – homemade!’

And I smile to myself. A truly special salon.

TO CONCLUDE:

For a positive experience.. I would definitely recommend a visit to Sergio’s hair team! Friendly (this is very important to me) creative, unique and artistic. They give the impression of caring about each individual client (and each other, which is nice to see) and for me customer service is important. I am definitely going back. If they let me back in!

Sergio (on the left and Rob on the right).

Screen Shot 2017-06-02 at 16.29.20

A 5/5 experience. ‘Better than your average Joe’ as we sorta say here in England. 

AFTERpic

And on a different note. Did I tell you I met Louis Theroux yesterday? Picture HERE. My self hair styling was er.. not great..(it wasn’t planned! Ahem always be prepared an all that).. putting your work to shame Sergio!

Feel free to tweet Louis to urge him to er. Giz a job. I’m sure he’d love that. 😉

Next up on the blog! An interview with Sergio himself, Creative Director of Giannasso Hair & Beauty and tips on styling hair at home!

A short video diary of my life is here on Instagram:

(if you like this blog – pls share and like – follow ohDearyme on twitter or instagram or come join my Facebook page.. thanks!)

 

 

Screen Shot 2017-06-02 at 15.41.34 Screen Shot 2017-06-02 at 16.29.04




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right! Gotta go VOTE!

“Ciao for now” 😉

Be nice to each other.

Becki BXx

LINKS:

Sergio Giannasso:

WEBSITE: www.giannasso.co.uk

TWITTER:  twitter.com/sergiogiannasso

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/giannassohairandbeauty/

FACEBOOK:  www.facebook.com/SergioGiannasso/

Rob styled my hair using Neal Wolf products:

Screen Shot 2017-06-02 at 15.40.59

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