Tag Archives: Music

Vinyl Film Review | Raindance Film Festival 2012

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Vinyl was one of my favourite films at the Raindance Film Festival. It is a comedy film about an ageing rocker, Johnny Jones, who goes to the funeral of a member of his former band. Johnny is living in a caravan and trying to have a baby with his wife, A washed up rock star, he misses his former life.

When he sees the rest of the band at the funeral they all end up jamming and they make a record, it’s good but Johnny cannot get anyone to sign the band or play the record in the youth-obsessed world of the music industry. Instead he spins the truth and says that the song has been made by a Welsh teenage band, and will reveal the truth when the record is a hit.

This film by Sara Sugarman is a real gem of a film. It is funny and entertaining. With a stellar cast including Phil Daniels , Keith Allen and Perry Benson, Vinyl is full of punk spirit, a fun, likable film which has been described as ‘School of Rock meets Spinal Tap’ and I couldn’t put it better myself.

Interview with Joe Thomas of Fresh Meat

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Joe Thomas got to enact a childhood dream while filming the second series of Fresh Meat.

“I couldn’t quite believe it but basically I got to be filmed busking in the style of Blur,” says Joe. “It was like being able to vent my childhood dream of being in a band when my favourite band was Blur.”

Returning to university for the second term, Joe’s character Kingsley has a new look…

“In the last series Kingsley was relatively innocent but this term he is trying to contrive an image for himself – he has become quite pretentious, probably because he was quite badly hurt in the first term. This includes growing a little beard called a soul patch, which doesn’t really suit him, and developing an interest in music.

“On the downside I have to sing but on the upside it is a song written by Graham Coxon from Blur who are pretty much my favourite band of all time. I got to meet him and it was really nice to meet someone so famous who has done an awful lot with their life yet seemed very much a normal bloke. He is a fan of Fresh Meat which is why he wanted to be involved.

“It is interesting because the song isn’t supposed to be very good so Graham must have had to pull against all his natural instincts to write this tortuous and pretentious thing. The lyrics are very funny and it felt like we really got what we wanted from it; an adolescent, overly complicated epic.

“I do play guitar but only to a level many people can, which is a few chords to a few Blur songs. The only other person in the cast who sings in the series is Charlotte Ritchie, who is actually a professional singer, so it is an unfortunate point of comparison for me.”

The other major change in Kingsley’s life is the arrival of Heather…

“Kingsley has a new girlfriend, Heather, who is slightly cooler than Josie and maybe, in the long run, not as well-suited. However in the short term she is definitely more together and more able to organise a relationship and as Kingsley needs to be told what to do they fall into one. And immediately he is in way over his head.

“This series Kinglsey is getting on with the outward appearance of being grown up but fundamentally he is still sorting himself out. He doesn’t resolve any of his issues.

“Take the soul patch; it tends to be the first bit of hair that grows so it is a bit like a boy pretending to be a man. Also in Kingsley’s case trying to look a bit tougher.

On a personal note it wasn’t great for me to have to go round in my normal life with a soul patch either – it is not something I’d have chosen.

“It was an interesting experiment and I suppose made me appreciate not having it after I shaved it off. I might grow a full rugged beard one day; I can understand that back to nature, wild look but the soul patch isn’t really in the same category…”

So how does Kingsley feel about Josie this term?

“Kingsley is increasingly worried about Josie and he is really good to her as is not unaware that she is having a bad time. But when somebody is your friend but you do still really like each other it confuses things. So he has this mix of sympathy and desire which is frankly a bit weird. They have this relationship that neither of them are in control of.

“They both behave like they don’t care about each other, Kingsley is uber chilled and relaxed about her and Josie acts like she lives to party but neither of them mean that. They like stability and feeling at peace with the world but by carrying on as if they don’t care and are just free spirits they are damaging each other in the process. And as a consequence they mess up the opportunity to be together.”

So what were Joe’s stand out moments of the series?

“I got to do some minor stunts when we filming in the Peak District and I do like a tussle. There aren’t many times you get to wrestle in the great outdoors and let off a bit of steam; normally it is all about being very controlled. I didn’t do anything particularly adventurous but I got to fight with Greg or even better with Howard who is definitely not a fighter and probably hadn’t had any physical contact with a human for some time.

“And filming on location in the big country house was great – it was the only time it didn’t rain, apart from when we were in the Peak District, and it was so nice to sit in a garden rather than a car park outside the studios. A change of environment can really change your frame of mind plus there is always a bit of fun when cast and crew are staying in the same place – it’s a bit like a school trip!”

Joe is currently co-writing Chickens, a comedy series for Sky, with Simon Bird and Johnny Sweet in which they will also star.

Fresh Meat returns to Channel 4 on Tuesday 9th October at 10pm.

Don’t forget to check out Fresh Meat House which will launch 9th October directly after transmission of the first episode on Channel 4. Go to www.channel4.com/freshmeathouse for a tour of the student digs and to watch exclusive content released at the end of each episode.

Fresh Meat House is a new commission from Channel 4’s Education team who have a focus on life skills for young people

I AM IN LOVE Release New Single

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“Ethereal and beautiful”

Edith Bowman, BBC Radio 1

“A very talented band, really good”
Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1

“A lot of love for this band”
Greg James, BBC Radio 1

NME: “the ’80s synthpop of Depeche Mode and the dark twang of The Cure”

Breaking More Waves: “With a dark, dirty urgency this is a gritty piece of ear sex’

Burning Ear: “Bust out your best songs of 2012 lists because it’s time to add another jam”

Palm is the third single from Leicester based shoe-gaze electro 4-piece I AM IN LOVE.

Having scored a spot on BBC Radio 1’s playlist with their debut single I Want You, Palm shows the band continuing their fine form, exploring further their unique brand of dark and emotive electro-indie.

Stunning vocals entwine with harmonious synths and spiky guitars, whilst pulsating beats and basses underpin the remarkable melodies. The chants of the chorus radiate an infectious energy.

In the live environment the band are formidable. This summer has seen the band embark upon a hectic run of summer dates across Europe, stopping off in Germany, Spain, France and culminating in a string of UK festivals. Their non-stop touring schedule continues across Europe this Autumn.

Release date: 22nd October 2012 on Velocity Sounds Records

http://www.facebook.com/iaminlovemusic

Shakedown announce new artists for October festival

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6th October, Stanmer Park, Brighton

http://www.shakedown.co.uk/

 

Arlissa, Jacob Plant, B. Traits, Brimmer and Special K’s added to the bill for the final festival of the year

 

Dizzee Rascal, Chase and Status (DJ set) and Professor Green headline

 

Trash Mondays vs In Ya Ear go head to head in the silent disco

 

Second release tickets almost sold out!

 

LINE UP TO DATE

 

Dizzee Rascal / Professor Green / Chase & Status DJ set / Katy B / Knife Party / Zane Lowe / Stooshe / Clement Marfo and  the Frontline / Friction / Shy FX / Ms Dynamite / Union DJ’s / The Prototypes / Jacob Plant / Arlissa / B Traits / Brimmer / Special K’s

 

With just under a month to go until the last festival of the year, all eyes turn to Brighton for Shakedown, the final party of the festival season.  With some of the most exciting names in bass and electronic music already confirmed, Shakedown is set to host a South Coast party of epic proportions.

 

Joining the throng of A list artists will be Arlissa, the 19 year old UK singer songwriter whose debut single ‘Hard To Love Somebody’ is a duet with self professed fan Nas and Jacob Plant, the wildly hyped producer and DJ who is one of the hottest talents on the UK dance scene having worked with and remixed a host of household names including Jay Z, Kanye West, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding Modestep and Major Lazer to name a few.

 

Having graduated from a monthly ‘In New DJ’s We Trust’ slot on Radio 1 to her own, weekly show that’s simulcast on Radio 1 and 1xtra, B. Traits is perfectly placed to bring the carnival bassline to Brighton.  Whether you’re into bass heavy house, dubstep or drum & bass, local Brighton boy Brimmer is the name delivering bass in all genres whilst Special K’s deliver their unique brand of glorious electronic pop

 

Shakedown will be headlined by the most in demand artist in the country and ultimate showman, Dizzee Rascal.  Armed with an arsenal of hits, Dizzee is an artist at the top of his game and his set will be a defining Shakedown moment.  A multitude of incredible artists including the mighty Professor Green, queen of the underground Katy B, undisputed breakout act of 2012, Stooshe, Clement Marfo & The Frontline and Union DJ’s will perform before Dizzee Rascal.

 

The Supercharged Arena will be headlined by superstar duo, Chase & Status performing an eclectic DJ set of genre defying styles. One of the most potent forces on the dance scene and famed for their incendiary DJ sets, this irrepressible duo will be armed to the teeth with a plethora of dance floor anthems and underground classics.

 

Taking to the stage before Chase & Status will be the much lauded Knife Party playing in Brighton for the first time, Radio 1’s music champion and undisputed star of last year’s Shakedown festival, Zane Lowe and multi award winning Ms Dynamite.  A hotbed of phenomenal DJ’s will also join the succession of artists including Drum & Bass heavyweight’s  DJ Friction, Shy FX and The Prototypes.

 

Two of Brighton’s biggest cult clubbing brands go head to head to bring you the ultimate silent disco. Renowned for their larger than life parties week in and week out, Trash Mondays and In Ya Ear once again prepare for another monumental extravaganza.

 

Hed Kandi, the most stylish name in house music will be hosting the VIP Arena with a spectacular production and a host of DJ’s including Freemasons, Seamus Haji and Phil Faversham.

 

Shakedown Festival 2012 brings the most exciting names in contemporary music to Brighton for one last festival outing.  With a vast array of music talent and some great brand partners bringing their own, distinct party flavour, Shakedown is the perfect end to an incredible summer of festival fun.  Tickets are selling fast with this event looking likely to sell out so don’t miss out.

 

TICKETS £40 + bf

 

http://www.shakedown.co.uk/tickets

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/

http://www.seetickets.com/

http://hmv.com/

http://www.viewbrighton.co.uk/

http://www.brightondome.org/

 

VIP TICKETS £75 + bf

Available now from the Hed Kandi bar on West Street, Brighton and http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F004787ACD2AF57

Can’t sell Cole to Newcastle

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With a car crash last week which left her with a bloody nose and her arm in a sling, things are going from bad to worse for Cheryl with tickets to her Newcastle show being ditched in her home town, with some tickets being listed on viagogo, Europe’s largest ticket marketplace,  below face value for just £25.

 

Despite being born and raised just around the corner from Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena where she’ll be performing on 16th and 17th October, it appears the Geordie’s are unshore and will not be Calling her Name in the crowd.

 

Viagogo’s Ed Parkinson said: “It’s seems that the saying is ringing true – you can’t sell Cole to Newcastle.  We’re really surprised to see that even top seats are selling for less than their face value for Cheryl’s upcoming tour dates and anyone looking to bag a last minute bargain could get themselves some amazing seats.”

 

Professor Green says ‘Stop listening to my music’

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Music artist Professor Green is encouraging people to stop listening to his music. He’s teamed up with us for our new safety campaign asking people to remove their headphones at level crossings so they aren’t distracted from warnings about approaching trains.

Two people have tragically died this year at footpath crossings and it is thought they were wearing headphones, in the past five years there have been 19 incidents involving headphones at level crossings.

Two people have died this year at footpath crossings where it is thought they were wearing headphones. In the past five years, train drivers or railway staff have reported 19 incidents where pedestrians, joggers or cyclists wearing headphones have crossed the railway, seemingly oblivious to the approaching train.

 

“I never imagined asking people to stop listening to my music but this is about staying safe, so just for a minute, I want them to stop. I know it’s very easy to get caught up in a track when you have your headphones on and get distracted from where you are and what’s around you but I’m asking, please, lose your headphones when at a level crossing and pay attention to all the safety warnings. I don’t want anyone to end up on the tracks listening to one of mine.”

Professor Green, rapper 

Win Sonos music speakers

Our digital campaign ‘Lose Your Headphones’ features the popular rapper in a video which appears on the music streaming service Spotify as well as being promoted via social media sites such as Twitter. We’re offering a prize of Sonos music speakers to five lucky winners who re-tweet our campaign message.

Don’t get distracted

Trains can travel up to 125mph on the main British rail network and even with safety warnings such as lights and signs at footpaths across the tracks, it’s easy to get distracted if you’re caught up with your favourite tune.

Stay safe

Dr Bruno Fazenda, from the Acoustics Research Centre, University of Salford said: “Hearing is the only sense that can warn us of dangers we can’t see and when listening to music with headphones we become isolated and are less likely to hear sounds that might tell us of approaching dangers. It’s not just the volume of the music but also because the headphone itself blocks out ambient noise.

There is also plenty of evidence which shows that when you are doing two activities at the same time, such as listening to music or texting and crossing a railway track, your attention gets divided in such a way that you might not notice an approaching train even if all the warning signals are there.”

Read more about level crossings and how to use them safely.

For videos, content on rail safety for 11-17 year olds, facts and advice go to www.rail-life.co.uk.

Jessie J wears Vivienne Westwood for the London 2012 Closing Ceremony

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The London 2012 Closing Ceremony took place last night with an explosion of culture, music and fashion. Among the musicians that performed was Jessie J, one of the most talked about British artists of the past year. For her 2 performances of the night Jessie chose to wear two couture creations by the renowned British fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood.

The first look saw Jessie wearing a nude bodysuit with hand embroidered flower detailing taken from a Vivienne Westwood Gold Label archive collection entitled ‘World Wide Women’. In the words of Vivienne Westwood:

‘Fashion is global, influence comes from everywhere in the world. But don’t let the world get smaller: World Wide Woman cultivates her values for the sake of our planet and all who live on her.’

For the second outfit Jessie chose to wear an asymmetric catsuit with nude holofoil sequins embroidered with gold metallic thread. The catsuit was taken from the Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Autumn- Winter 2012/ 13 collection that was inspired by 17th Century London, a century of change and drama.

Vivienne Westwood is not only considered a symbol of British avant-garde she is also one of the most influential and recognized designers in the world today. With references to historical dress and British fashion and culture Vivienne Westwood continues to design clothes which stand the test of time.

Queen reigns as Brits’ favourite workout music

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DON’T STOP ME NOW

Queen reigns as Brits’ favourite workout music

New research reveals music helps us train significantly better at the gym

57% of fitness enthusiasts have claimed that music helps significantly with their performance when exercising according to new research by Tesco Phone Shop.

Just one in 20 (4%) fitness enthusiasts said music didn’t help with their performance at all.

The retailer conducted the research amongst Brits to celebrate the launch the iT7 range of wireless Bluetooth audio accessories, designed by former Aston Villa midfield Ian Taylor.

The findings of the research comes as no surprise to Dr Costas Karageorghis, a reader in sport psychology and deputy head of the School of Sport and Education at Brunel University in London who has spent 20 years conducting scientific research into the effects of music on sport and exercise.

Dr Karageorghis said:

“Music and sport have much in common: both are culturally pervasive, both are about good rhythm and both touch us emotionally.

“Athletes routinely tap the power of music as part-and-parcel of their training. Our research has shown that during exercise, well-selected music can reduce the perception of effort by as much as 12% and enhance mood by 10%. As well as using stimulative music during training, many athletes are discovering the recuperative benefits of calming music following a tough workout.”

Ian Taylor said:

“This research backs up exactly how I used music when training. It definitely helped my stamina, improved my concentration and boosted my performance.”

What is the person next to you at the gym listening to?

Have you ever wondered what the person next to you at the gym is listening to as they pound the treadmill? The research also looked at what songs it is we Brits like to listen to at the gym to get us pumping.

Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now topped the poll with 15% of votes followed by Survivor’s Eye Of The Tiger (14%) and Tina Turner’s The Best (8%).

As Brits embrace the summer of sport, pop music topped the training charts, with 29% saying it was the best type of music to exercise to, followed by dance music (26%) and rock (25%).

And when it comes to best bands for feeling the burn, Queen, Madonna and Lady Gaga were named as the biggest musical motivators in the gym.

Here are more of the figures:

Music Genre

· Pop – 29%

· Dance / house – 26%

· Rock – 25%

· RnB – 5%

· Classical – 3%

· Heavy metal – 3%

· Other – 8%

Artists

· 1. Queen

· 2. Madonna

· 3. Lady Gaga

· 4. Rihanna

· 5. Beyonce

· 6. David Guetta

· 7. Prodigy

· 8. LMFAO

· 9. Foo Fighters

· 10. Gorillaz

Here’s a breakdown of the top songs by gender and age:

· Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now was the most popular track overall and also with women – 16% of the female vote

· Survivor – Eye of the Tiger was the most popular track for men with 18% of the male vote

· For the 18-34 age group Survivor – Eye of the Tiger reigned supreme with 14% of the vote

· But the 35-54 and 55+ opted for Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now with 15% & 20% respectfully

· Tina Turner – Simply the Best was also popular with the 55+ age group with 16% of the vote

Queen’s 70s chart topper reigns supreme as the top tune to train to according to research by Tesco Phone Shop.

The retailer conducted the research amongst Brits to celebrate the launch of the new iT7 wireless audio range in store. Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now tops the poll with 15% followed by Survivor’s Eye Of The Tiger (14%) and Tina Turner’s The Best (8%).

As Brits embrace the summer of sport, pop music topped the training charts, with 29% saying it was the best type of music to exercise to, followed by dance music (26%) and rock (25%).

And when it comes to best bands for feeling the burn, Queen, Madonna and Lady Gaga were named as the biggest musical motivators in the gym.

The iT7 range of wireless Bluetooth audio accessories, designed by former Aston Villa midfield Ian Taylor are designed with sport in mind, providing crystal-clear sound without limiting movement – handy for the 57% of fitness enthusiasts claimed that music helped significantly with their performance when exercising.

This comes as no surprise to Dr Costas Karageorghis, a reader in sport psychology and deputy head of the School of Sport and Education at Brunel University in London. Dr Karageorghis, who has spent 20 years conducting scientific research into the effects of music on sport and exercise, said: “Music and sport have much in common: both are culturally pervasive, both are about good rhythm and both touch us emotionally.

“Athletes routinely tap the power of music as part-and-parcel of their training. Our research has shown that during exercise, well-selected music can reduce the perception of effort by as much as 12% and enhance mood by 10%. As well as using stimulative music during training, many athletes are discovering the recuperative benefits of calming music following a tough workout.”

Ian Taylor, former Aston Villa footballer and designer of the iT7 range, adds: “This research backs up exactly how I used music when training. It definitely helped my stamina, improved my concentration and boosted my performance. With this in mind, I’ve designed the iT7s sport in-ear headphones especially for use while working out, training and getting fit. Whatever your musical tastes may be, maximise your workout and feel like a fitness champion with a tune or two!”

The iT7s headphones are available at Tesco Phone Shop for £99, part of a range of Bluetooth-enabled headphones and mobile accessories.

Tracks to help you feel the burn

With a bumper summer for sporting activity ahead, the nation’s top 10 tracks to train to are:

11. Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now

12. Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger

13. Tina Turner – The Best

14. Scissor Sisters – I Don’t Feel Like Dancing

15. Eric Prydz – Call On Me

16. Irene Cara – Flashdance… What A Feeling

17. Lady Gaga – Born This Way

18. Katy Perry – Firework

19. LMFAO – Sexy And I Know It

20. Snap! – The Power