Interview with Belleruche!

 “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.” – Hunter S Thompson

They have their forthcoming single ‘Stormbird’ coming out on the 26th March followed by an album called ‘Rollerchain’ on the 7th May here is an interview with DJ Modest from Belleruche:

 

Hello –  things seem to be going epicly well for Belleruche.. you’ve been playing the HMV Next Big thing and have a pre tour album tour on 27th May at Scala-London.. you seem to be getting quite a lot of commercial success – that must be very rewarding for you – have you noticed a dramatic increase in your fan base?
Not really! We’ve been lucky I think that we’ve grown pretty organically – we’ve never had loads of money for press and PR, we just like playing shows and making music, and people seem to have caught on to what we do. I think  the best way to get people to know about what you do is the old fashioned way – get on the road and play shows.

What are your musical influences?
Many, and varied. We’ve all three of us got very differing tastes in what we are listening to at any one time, from early blues through to 1960s Atlantic sounds to independent US electronic hip hop, via Nicki Minaj… we’re always interested in what the others are listening too, which is a good way of discovering new stuff.

You’ve been going since 2005. What is it that has kept you motivated and inspired on the rise upwards.. ?
I don’t think we’ve seen it as a ‘rise upwards’. Sounds a bit like we had a plan for this, which is the one thing we’ve never had! We’ve just been very lucky in that we’ve continued to enjoy and evolve what we do, and that people have given us the time to try and do it. There’s always a new idea worth trying in the studio or onstage – we always try and push the ideas forward a bit.

What can we expect from your latest album.. ?
It’s louder, darker and more like 3 o’clock in the morning I think. We’ve had a new studio for the last 8 months, and I think the freedom to try louder ideas has shown through on this record. That and the ability to use software like Abelton in new and interesting ways, that wouldn’t have been possible even a year ago, has meant we’ve been able to make the record we wanted.

If a genie came to you and said I’m afraid we have a problem – I have to take your musical talent away – BUT! I get to give you a different talent instead.. what would that talent be?
I’ve always had a wish to speak any language –  we travel a lot, and the thought of being able to chat easily to anyone in the world is a pretty good one.

What’s other musicians/acts are you hailing out there name us three?
I’ll divide this up into dead/current/new… seems easier that way….

Dead: Son House – there are very few clips on line of him thrashing the hell out of a old guitar and shouting the blues like hell. Seek them out.

Current: Atmosphere – these guys built their own label and 15 year career on the back of uncompromising, musically deep and poetic modern hip-hop… inspirational.

New: Jukka – a producer who puts a 12″ out on Donky Pitch records – a joyous and exuberant set of bass and electronic dance noise

What is the best festival you’ve ever played? Where should we be looking to go this summer?
A little bird tells me Shambala festival might be worth a look in this year. For us the best festival was probably a French blues festival that we ended up playing at that had a stage invasion and crowd surfing in a small mirrored tent.

http://shambalafestival.org/

Do you prefer the linearity of a musical magazine or are you a blog hopper? If so where do you get your music fix?
We’re magpies when it comes to music – always looking for things, no matter where it comes from. Even 1950s music mags are worth finding in car boot fairs.

Tour bus book to read – read any outstanding ‘can’t put me down’ books recently?
We travel around Europe on the trains, so get  lots of reading time… if I had to recommend something it would be Sydney Bechet’s autobiography, which was dictated as he couldn’t write, and is transcribed exactly as he spoke, which is pretty evocative of 30s and 40s music.

Fashion: what inspires your style.. ? Any fashion brands you love?
To be honest I’ve been mainly buying clothes in Bulgarian charity shops – as it was pretty cold there and we needed woollen garments…. that said Howies merino tops are grand for wearing on tour, keeping warm in freezing sound checks.

Give us another inspirational quote to leave on?

“All art constantly aspires towards the condition of music” – Walter Pater

You can catch Belleruche on their pre-tour London show at London’s Scala on 27th May.

www.belleruche.com

www.soundcloud.com/Belleruche

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Interview: Blogger – Dress Me Perfect

Interview: Blogger – Dress Me Perfect

We’re complete opposites. Which is what attracted me to Editor Dawn who was also shortlisted for an award for her blog at the Cosmo Blog Awards 2011. She was once an international athlete for Wales and now runs a popular fashion blog called Dress Me Perfect. Here is an intro to the leggy blonde and her blog..

You used to be an international athlete. Wow. Tell me more about that? Are you looking forward to the Olympics this year? Who are you backing?
I ran from the age of nine and won cross country and track championships. I was the British Schools Champion 300m holder and British International record holder which still stands. And World Student Games Medalist. I was also British University Champion two years running – indoor and out. Linford Christie coached me and I trained with Olympic and World medalist – Jamie Baulch, Darren Campbell MBE, Katherine Merry and many more. I’m not going to the Olympics, wish I was. Would love to take my kids to inspire them. The 1984 Olympics inspired me and the ’88 even more so. I would wake in the night to watch the events because of the time difference. I would collect every single piece written about them. I missed out on the Sydney olympics by tenth of seconds. It devastated me. I’m supporting a friend whom I raced against in the 800m – runner Jenny Meadows. Go girl!!

You have an amazing figure – do you exercise regularly? If not – how do you stay so trim?
Oh thank you, I don’t train any more as I have really bad knees. I would love to run again, and I’m looking to get fit again, I’m thinking of roller skating. It was something I did when I was younger and I love it!! I think I have great muscle memory from the years of training. Guess it paid off for me now. I also run round after my kids. I have three of them so I guess my life is pretty full on. Im also busy with the blog and I think the shopping trips help keep my legs toned!

What is your daily diet?
A few cups of tea at breakfast, a sandwich and coffee for lunch and then an evening meal. I rarely snack but if i do I have crisps. I don’t really eat cakes or chocolate but I have a major downfall with take out food.

Your blog is mainly a fashion blog. Who are you favourite designers?
I love Isabel Marant. Wish I could get my hands on a few of her SS12 pieces. I also like Chloe, The Row, Acne and Theyskens Theory. I love a variety for different seasons. It all depends on what mood I’m in that year.. girlie, strong, sexy or edgy.

If you were stuck on a desert island and all you had was a genie in a bottle (in the form of Johnny Depp just to keep you happy).. what three items would you wish for?
Oh moisturiser for sure, a gorgeous man smitten with me and mascara.

You’re based in Wales – what’s going on down there – where’s good to go shopping?
Not a lot happening to be honest. we are struggling with the recession and it has hit the country hard. I tend to go to london to get my fashion needs, and that’s where I have to go alot with work for my blog. I have a great response there in comparison to Wales where nothing is happening with regards to that matter. We have one designer store here.. very expensive. We also have department store John Lewis – bit dated though and House of Fraser but nothing amazing.

Who do you dress up for?
Me!! I dress how I like, how I feel. I dress to be alluring when I go out of course I like to feel attractive to the opposite sex, but it doesn’t define me.

I’m going to the Brits 2012. What would you dress me in?
I’d have you very cool, edgy and wearing something designer and high street. I’d be tempted to put you in an oversized smoking jacket with cropped smart high waisted trousers 50’s style, a simple vest pinned inside to emphasize your bust and waist. Your shoes would be ultra high and elegant and your bag would be an oversized clutch. Would you like that? ME: Yeah.. sounds pretty good – although the high waisted trouser sounds a bit Simon Cowell to me!

And lastly who are your style icons?
Marilyn monroe, Carrie bradshaw, Elle Macpherson. The Olsen Twins. Charlize Theron. Katherine Hepburn. Madonna in the 80’s early 90’s!

Cooool. Cheers Dawn! Becki Bx

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Hexstatic and DJ Krush Exclusive Interview!

One cinema screen, a couple of thousand drunk people.. all trying to dance with 3D glasses on. This would be the latest solo project entitled ‘Holotronica’ from Hexstatics’ Suart Hill. (Hexstatic are  Stuart Warren Hill and Robin Brunson and have been together since 1997 but have both set about on solo projects.. Robin’s current  solo project at the moment is called Trailer Trax). The musical beats trigger holographic visuals to create a visually stimulating and groundbreaking show.. if you get an opportunity to do so go see it. More futuristic style gigs like this please!

They’ve already supported Ghostpoet –  Breton are a relatively new band on the scene. A five piece from South London they are a collaboration of musicians and indie film makers – who are due to release their debut album entitled Other People’s Problems in February 2012 on FatCat. DEFINITELY an innovative band add these to your list of bands to see in 2012… I’m pretty sure I saw Tom Vek in the audience too.

They next perform at Corsica Studios – Weds 28th March 2012 – LINK.

And finally – here is an interview with DJ Krush (real name Hideaki Ishii) a Japanese turntablist and producer that started off as a bedroom DJ in the mid 80’s. He is performing a 20th Anniversary Tour at The Forum in Kentish Town on the 28th January as a celebration of 20 years since his first ever live gig where he will be performing a 3 hour live set. Interview questions by Sophie Lasson.

Your sound is very unique. How would you describe your style of music?
My roots are firmly set in hip hop, but I thought it wouldn’t work if I did the same thing as American DJs were doing back then. I was determined to feed my family with my music from the very beginning of my career, and I really strived to be original. Lots of people used to say that what I was doing wasn’t hiphop at all, but I always had faith in my style and still do.

Who or what are your influences?
Everything from everyday life. Not only music but also my family and also the many trivial things of daily life inspire me. Touring abroad always excites me as well.

What made you decide pursue a career in the music industry?
I’ve been into music since I was a kid. I was in a marching band at elementary school, and then I started playing drums at junior high school. There was a time when I lived without having anything to do with music, but the film ‘Wild Style’, which I just happened to watch at a cinema in Shinjyuku in 1983, made me realize…that’s what I should live for.

A mashup video from Hexstatic of the film Wild Style

Are there any musicians you work closely with on a regular basis?
I usually perform and produce on my own, but I’m also in a band called ‘Method of Defiance’ along with Bill Laswell, Bernie Worrelle and Toshinori Kondo. We released the album in 2010, which featured some guest musicians including Herbie Hancock. A new record is due to be released in spring.

Do you prefer to work within a studio environment or perform live to your fans? Why?
I love both! There are all kinds of exciting things that I experience during touring that makes me feel like producing new material, and when I’m stuck within a studio I’m dying to perform live in front of an audience!

How has Japanese hip-hop changed since you first started out?
Hip hop was far less known in Japan back then,  and it wasn’t easy to keep informed  about what was happening overseas. Nowadays it’s becoming more familiar to everyone including both overground & underground artists. Although some media just don’t understand its roots and this leads to people misunderstanding what it’s really about. But original and inspiring artists do exist including DJ Kentaro & KIREEK who won DMC 5 years in row. They are role models for the younger generation and there’s a very positive mood about it.

DJ Kentaro:

Who has been your favourite rapper to collaborate with so far?
All the rappers I’ve worked with so far are my favourites! And there are some I’m hoping to work with in the future. I can’t name them yet but hopefully I will be able to show the outcome before long.

What projects have you got coming up in the future?
I’ve been releasing digital singles monthly since last September as a part of my 20th anniversary project, and it’ll continue til this summer. These won’t be included in the next album so check them out. Also the vinyl which include the first 3 releases of the digital single series will be available exclusively at my shows. It won’t be distributed nor re-pressed, so it’ll be quite rare stuff. The next studio album is on its way too of course, and I’m hoping to release it by the summer. And alongside all that, I’m looking forward to going on tour and playing in over 40 cities all over the world until the end of April!

What would be your dream collaboration?
I’m looking forward to jamming with Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix when I’m dead…! Hope it won’t be too soon though as I’m still developing!

Do you have any advice for budding music producers or DJ’s?
Try to find your own style and dedicate yourself to it. It’s not only about being a musician  it’s also important for every other area in life I believe.

BOOK TICKETS HERE: www.soundcrashmusic.com/

In relation to all that I’ve just been recommended this from @mrtunes on twitter… introducing Amon Tobin ‘ISAM’

Right have a GREAT Sunday… Becki Bx

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Exclusive Interview: Preston from The Ordinary Boys

‘Life doesn’t imitate art, it imitates bad television…’ (Woody Allen)

Once upon a time.. a few years ago… back when reality TV was... still good.. there was a band. And this band had a name. And that name was…The Ordinary Boys. Ok ok.. enough with the once upon a time crap – here’s an interview with indie vocalist Preston of The Ordinary Boys fame!

Hi Preston how are you?
I’m doing rather well thank you.

So…you… and I quote, “need something loud and fast in my life and I want to
do it before I turn 30 next year”. On that note what’s the best thing that happened to you in your 20’s?

I spent 2 years in Philadelphia after the band broke up, essentially just hanging out. My family is from Philadelphia and I have citizenship so I have these occasional crises when I attempt to relocate to Philadelphia but invariably get dragged home to England by work and real-life. This last time was just the best. My friends over there are all artists and musicians and generally lovely people and it was all utterly inspiring. I wait eagerly for my next quarter-life crisis so I can see them all again!

Worst thing?
I suck at love and most of the really crushingly awful experiences are girl-centric. I think I historically am too eager for things to go right… paradoxically that usually assures failure.

Do you have a message to your future 40 self?
Is the planet run by damn dirty apes? Does everyone get everywhere by segway? I guess just never grow up please.

If you had a message to your 20 year old self what would it be?
I’d probably just turn myself on to some bands and writers that I wish I knew about back then. Maybe give myself a heads up about songwriting cos i wish I had gotten into that as a career a long time ago.

You’re set to do a tour across 13 venues of the UK as The Ordinary Boys.. is this a comeback?
All this is is a fun way to fill two weeks and a self indulgent nostalgia trip but I like the idea that we can put ourselves into a kind of semi-retirement and fit tours and releases around work. It’s not a comeback in the sense that I have no plans to try to make any profit out of it but we did come back and I’m really enjoying it!

Which songs are you most excited to play?
We have a new one, Run This Town. I have my own studio now and it makes it easy for me to record songs for free and just stick them up into the ether that is the internet. That song is great to play. And we are mainly doing the first album just because that is the time that I am trying to reminisce about. I like the song Over The Counter Culture a lot.

Do you have any inspirational quotes for us? I love my inspirational quotes.
Life doesn’t imitate art, it imitates bad television…’ by Woody Allen

I’m sorry. But I have to mention it. I can’t help it.. your ex is splashed all over Closer magazine.. she’s now married to someone else… do you regret doing all that reality stuff/celeb stuff?
Yes and no. I had a ball but i feel like it was so massively out of character. It still seems totally wild to imagine doing it at all. I am naturally shy but it is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all. It was the weirdest year of my life and I have definitely learned a lot from it all. I think that is why I have ended up working in a studio. I’m happiest behind the scenes.

I’m lucky I’ve never dated anyone famous and haven’t had to see them splashed in the papers papped with someone else. How do you deal with that stuff?
I just read books instead.

Who was/is your favourite band of 2011?
I love Toro Y Moi a lot. Dirty Beaches put a great record out this year. Also the production nerd in me loves the Com Truise record.

What do you want for Xmas?
I really love Roberto Bolano. 2666 was one of the most impressive/bizarre books i have ever read and i tend to obsess over writers. I made a list of some of his other books that I haven’t read yet.

I notice you have a day off touring on the 12th December – want to come to my birthday party? *Cheeky smile
I have work on my days off! I have a showcase thing on the 12th and a writing session on the 13th.

Gutted. What are the secrets of staying youthful?
Stay hydrated.

Words of wisdom for those seeking musical careers?
Don’t follow scenes. Just make the music you enjoy making and you will never have to feel like you even have to try. And if you love it so will others.

Thanks Preston…and look forward to seeing you perform… Becki B x

Get tickets here

Listen to Run This Town here:

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Amadou & Mariam – Eclipse review and introducing Ken Bodden

“We want people to hear music as we do. To Imagine what it looks like”

Last night I went along to ‘see’ the Amadou & Mariam gig in Bethnal Green. And what an extremely unique experience. If you haven’t heard of Amadou & Mariam before – they are a blind couple – who met in the orchestra of The Institute for the Young Blind in Bamako. Married for over 25 years their show entitled ‘Eclipse’ tells the story of Amadou & Mariam’s life and work together and is staged entirely in the dark.

In December 2010 I had the good fortune to crash at a friends shared house on my return from travelling. This would be my first experience of living with somebody who was blind. Admittedly it took me three weeks to muster up the courage to ask if Ken (Ken Bodden is his full name) could see me. Confused by Ken’s ability to live life as someone might if they still had their eyesight my brain could not comprehend how it might be possible to do everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and well..living!

To be honest… and I’m going to have to admit it – I do worry about I can say/can’t say sometimes. Living in a society where words with several meanings can be easily misconstrued – I decided that it would be easier to just let Ken introduce himself and talk about his experience with being blind:

Ken also works in North London as an experienced piano tuner. If you should like to contact him/hire him his website is www.northlondonpianotuner.co.uk or email him on ken@northlondonpianotuner.co.uk. Genuine requests only please.

So back to last night. The tickets for the gig were a surprise and very last minute and unfortunately (for me) Ken already had tickets for Friday’s gig. So.. with no one wanting to come out and play with me (yep thanks everyone…sob sob) along I went.. all alone.. to see Amadou & Mariam. Sitting in a pitch black hall with a couple of hundred other people I was surprised at how incredibly relaxed I felt ten minutes in to the show (and when I say pitch black I mean cannot see my hand pitch black).

Listening to the comforting sounds around me – I became incredibly aware of my ability to ‘switch off’ enjoy the sounds and daydream. Ok. I admit it! I can occasionally be a bad listener. When I was ushered out of the hall – I was led by a volunteer who had special goggles on. This was the part in which I felt incredibly vulnerable. But what intrigued me most of all was when I came out of the experience. Being the first night of the show the staff asked me excitedly ‘How was it? What was it like? Was it good? What happened?’. I cannot put into words how amazing this show was. In fact using the word ‘amazing’ pretty much belittles the experience. I do think that sometimes – you need to experience things yourself to fully appreciate them.

And so I will leave you on this quote..

Nature does not deceive us; it is we who deceive ourselves. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile, 1762

UPDATE:

Ken went to the gig last night! This is what he thought:

Well, during the show we were kind of wondering whether it was really live;
but a couple numbers before the end, the stage and some of the floor lights
came up and there they were live as live can be on the stage. Then all of a
sudden, we were all up and rocking away. You then saw the big black curtain
on the stage and realised that the band had been performing behind it and
they would have had lights. Besides the music, I was enthralled by the
sounds travelling around the hall and the quality of the twin-quad stereo
setup! After the show, me and Michael went back in to have a peep at the
speakers, but they were taking down the set so we could not go up on the
stage…typical sounds buffs!
Ken xx

If you would like more information on Amadou and Mariam here is their website:

www.amadou-mariam.com

If you are listening to them for the first time this is my favourite track:

Hmmmm…. I’ll leave you with that.. Have a great day! Becki Bx

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