What’s Hot?

FINDERS KEEPERS…

I love the internet. I ADORE it. My boyfriend Scott thinks I’m addicted to browsing on my iphone, because it’s pretty much glued to my mit. BUT, when you stumble on something like THIS, can you blame me? Found Magazine is probably the best thing I’ve ‘found’ this year…they collect ‘found stuff’ so things like Love Letters, ticket stubs, lists, reminders, napkin poetry, etc… anything that gives a little glimpse into the lives of others. I can’t get over what an amazing idea this is – so simple, but just so wonderful. The world is littered with so many things, ghostly glimpses of life… have a read by clicking HERE.

I’m now on the hunt for something to find and submit… I wonder if they’d accept this pic (I swear I don’t know him – it was just lying there) I found on the pavement a couple of months back?

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SMOOTH OPERATOR!

A couple of months back, I met a very talented lady, whilst playing a gig at one of my ultimate favorite hang-outs, the Troubadour, LDN. Her name was Sarah Grace (pictured), and she really did blow me away. Now, the thing I love about this place is the people I meet – every night is different, a brilliantly, varied roster of talented bands and artists – all of equal calibre. Sarah Grace was no exception…

On first thought, you might describe her to have a smooth, dulcet voice that can capture an audience from the first moment… that is totally true…But it was her songs that really stood out.

She is an exceptional songwriter, and her ability to pen tunes that keep you listening, and following the story, is the thing that really shines through when you watch her perform.

Check her out by clicking HERE.

Listen:
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LIFE ON PLANET ROCK – a short book review, by me.

Lonn M. Friend was a name I was not familiar with until I picked up his book ‘Life on Planet Rock’ in a well known record store in Guildford a couple of weeks ago. This is one of my official hobbies – scouring book shops, record shops, music shops for biographies of my favorite artists or bands, even bands I’m not too keen on. I just have a massive desire to eat more, drink more, sleep more music.

So there I was, my friend Zoe looking at the latest Glee DVD, me intrigued by the devil on the front cover of this book, and the extremely OTT intro by Lars Ulrich – it was mine before you could say ‘this isn’t a library, are you gonna pay for that?” (I did pay for it FYI!)

The last two weeks have sped by, and I’ve been engrossed start to finish in Friend’s account of his experience at Hustler magazine, then as editor of RIP magazine across the 80′s, and his various dalliances with some of the world’s most respected, renowned bands. Guns n’ Roses, KISS, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Nirvana – the list is endless, as are his stories. I couldn’t put it down. And now, i have a new person on my ‘who I’d like to invite to dinner list.’

10 out of 10!!

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I HEART @KARMIN MUSIC

I’ve been really bad at updating this section. Now, it’s not because I’ve not found anyone/any thing that’s great, I have literally been SO busy. Anyway, below are a couple of great sites that I’ve discovered on my recent ramblings across the web.

So first up, I’d like to express that although I’m not a massive Chris Brown fan – well barely at all, I’ve been seeing this awesome cover here and there over the net of his song Look at Me Now, and it’s unbelievably good. How she keeps up with it, I don’t know. The duo is called Karmin – and they pull off some wicked covers, in fact, many of them sound better than the originals. I wonder if they’ve got any of their own songs, would LOVE to hear em. Check it out below:

Next up, Pummel Vision – seriously great website for making short, or long (depending on how many pix you’ve got) snapshots of your life. Loving the music too… I did mine below…

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WHAT I’VE FOUND ON THE INTERWEB MACHINE…

It’s been a while since I’ve ‘what’s hotted…’ but fear not, I have 3 lovely subjects for you to feast your eyes on this afternoon… one blog, one website, and one band… three things that have kept me thoroughly entertained for the last few days:

Robin Vs James – a fun, friendly blog filled with up-to-date music news and reviews. What’s great about this is there isn’t any pretentious rubbish – Yes it’s solely James and Robin’s opinions, with articles with different points of view as they battling it out etc… but you just can’t help but feel you ought to be friends with them both. Check it out to help eek out the end of the day… or the start, depending on how much you hate your job!!

www.ata-art.co.uk - Whenever I find such beautiful drawings, it always makes me want to hate the person who did them… or hit them with a large inflatable object for being able to do something I’m just 100 per cent rubbish at. But my jealousy aside, check out these wonderful drawings… and hey, if you’re getting hitched, get Astrid involved!

Finally, the Smith Westerns… a friend introduced me, and I’ve not stopped listening… Love it!

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I LIKE A GOOD FIDDLE….

The Fleas, EP launch, The Fiddler’s Elbow, Camden – Friday 18th February

The Fleas – lead by happy go lucky front man Piers, the Fleas put on an energetic, upbeat performance that was sure to help shift a good few copies of their new EP, ‘Every Cloud’. With a room full of friends and fans, the band gave it their all and by the sounds of the cheers, didn’t disappoint.

The Vagabond Trills - anyone who can make leather shorts look hot is fine by me! A pretty, supremely dressed foursome (pictured), who could well be the female equivalent of Mumford and Sons – only much MUCH less morbid. I’d really like to see these girls again, preferably in an intimate venue like 12 Bar, Denmark Street, with a sound system that can really help break through the bright, complex harmonies. Oh and you can’t forget the drummer – he did what he did best… drummed!

Harry Houseago – when I think about the lyrics I wrote and how unconfident I was at age 15, I cower in the corner with embarrassment. Honestly, I probably got as far as ‘I’d really like to go to the swimming pool, oh my god it is so cool’ or something like that. So to hear Harry belt out his crowd commanding chants and endearing songs, you can see why he made the ideal opening act. Kudos.

And there there was me!

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AHHH THIS GIVES ME HOPE….

A lovely little piece I spotted in the Metro yesterday whilst taking my usual journey to work. I’ve since scooted over to Marli’s myspace, and I have to say I’m kinda hooked! She’s got a silky smooth voice… and the break up song is a pretty, relate-able song that keeps you listening from the start, I especially love the slightly maniacal music box intro. In the article, there is one thing that slightly bugs me… they say her previous 5 albums sank… no they didn’t, they just weren’t heard on a universal level… doesn’t mean they SANK!

Anyway, do go check her out, it’s worth the click I promise. You can google her too and a load of other sites come up, you know like Facebook and stuff…I am sad for myspace… I mean I wonder how many defunct profiles there are now days… anyway, tangent. must stop! GO MARLI!! xx

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GROUPLOVE? YES PLEASE!!

Ok, so it’s not What’s Hot protocol to feature a song/artist that is already burning up the UK scene. You know me, I like unsigned, underground music that you wouldn’t necessarily get the chance to hear, unless you accidentally stumbled across it somewhere. That said, I’m currently in LOVE with a song that no matter how hard I try, I just can’t stop singing. So I thought I’d post it here… There’s something magical about the video too….

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HOLY MOLE, WHERE DID YOU GET THAT BRACELET?

So as much as I’m trying to deny it, Christmas is coming. In fact, according to every high-street store, it’s upon us – LIKE RIGHT NOW. As per usual, I’ve done a big fat zero in the xmas shopping stakes… the main reason being, I’m scared, terrified in fact! People become ruthless, like rabid wolverines, fighting for the last bag of chocolate money, and I just can’t handle it…

I hear you all shouting ‘the internet you fool – do your shopping online’ and yes, the light bulb above my head has finally pinged… this year, I’m shopping on the web, no more queues, no more fights, no more stress…

So this brings me onto a little site called ‘Storm In A Teacup’ – run solely by Jennifer Farrell (pictured), a friendly, down to earth, south Londoner – who I met via Twitter. What started as a hobby/economical way to make unusual gifts for her nearest and dearest, very quickly turned into an exciting business venture.

Jennifer makes beautiful jewelry, both affordable and unique. I always feel a little bit gutted when I see someone wearing the same necklace as me, or the same bag. It makes me feel a bit sheep-like, so it’s great news that the chances of you bumping into another person wearing the same piece from Storm In A Teacup, is minute – every item is different. Hand made, vintage-styled pieces that will have your friends all going “ooooohhh….ahhhhh”

She also makes bespoke pieces… then you know NO ONE could get their mits on a copy – I wonder if she could make a Lizzyspit piece? Oh wait, it’s Xmas, I have to buy others presents, nothing for me, I repeat nothing for me…

The buzz behind Jennifer and the jewelry she designs, is gathering pace, there’s no doubt. Company magazine have featured her pieces, and Culturelabel.com have commissioned her to design an exclusive range for them. Big things for 2011, and I wish her all the luck in the world. Good things should happen to good people.

Check out her site by clicking HERE

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THREE MORE OF THE BEST:

Well, it’s not everyday you hear something like ‘Fox’ by The Men That Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing (pictured by Lex Machina). Funny, witty and above all ruddy brilliant. On first listen, you could be forgiven for thinking this was a bit of a p*ss take, but Fox keeps you laughing, but more importantly, listening again and again. Whether it’s comedy, music, musical-comedy, gawd knows what, download this epic adventure. Hear more: CLICK

Charlotte Sometimes – I met this lovely lady when I played at the Bitter End in NYC on my mini-tour, a couple of years ago. Teamed with guitar, and voice to die for, she’s awesome live. With her catchy, quirky songs, this lady is not afraid to say the things we all think, I’m glad I re-found her on Twitter. All-round fab-tastic! Find out more by clicking HERE.

10SecondReviews – honesty in a single tweet. Informative, no-nonsense, straight to the point film reviews, all in 140 characters. The perfect way to plan your next night in or trip to the flix. Follow by clicking HERE.

BOBCOM EXPOSED:

A lot of you will have heard me talking about Bobcom in recent weeks, and a lot of you have asked me what exactly this mysterious site is? In a nutshell, it’s a site dedicated to up and coming talent, giving them control of their musical destiny. Along with competitions with remarkable prizes, you can sell tracks, sell merchandise, network with like-minded people – all independently.

As Annie Nightingale put it “It’s the whole deal” for any musician. Bobcom is an emerging platform for any unsigned artist/band out there.

Last week, I was lucky enough to play alongside Mystery Jets, The Maccabees, Morning Parade, Banned Sauce, and Juan Zelda at the bobcom launch party. Hoxton Bar and Kitchen was packed to the rafters with bods from the music and media industry, alongside many of the talented members of the site.

So the latest burst of What’s Hot? Will look at those lesser-known bands who took the stage that evening, who I’m pretty sure, won’t be lesser known for much longer.

Juan Zelda (pictured) – Listening to Juan and his band made me want to scream… with wonder! It’s not often you see someone and think ‘whoa, that’s totally original’ – the crowd went mad for him, he had them singing and dancing within seconds of starting his set. Awe-inspiring talent, and one I’m looking forward to seeing again.

Morning Parade – this is a band whose popularity is gathering pace at incredible speed. Having been featured on Record of the Day, MTV and in the Guardian, they are being tipped as one to watch. Their set was interesting – you’d half expected to hear just another ‘indie band’ but no – there is something that gets you moving, whether you like it or not. Catchy, anthemic songs that are screaming out for mainstream airplay.

Banned Sauce – a band you’ll either love or hate. Think a tamer Slipknot with a harmonica…strangely, it works. You’ll have to listen to make up your own mind.  The winner’s of Bobcom’s first fastrack competition (5 days in abbey road studio) – the band put on an explosive performance in Hoxton Square, and the crowd loved it.

I was lucky enough to meet a couple of other really great acts, Diagram of the Heart and Alamode. I’ve been listening to them non-stop since the show, and am working on reviews as we speak… so keep your eyes peeled.

Lizzy x

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ON THE BRINK OF IT

Misty Miller (pictured by Nick Dorey) – a name on the tip of the industries’ tongue and one that looks set to be on everyone’s play list this time next year. The 16-year-old elfin beauty, is ready to hit the scene with her unique blend of ukulele-lead folk-pop.

Although young in body, she is certainly not young in mind. Her songs have a mature quality to them, and could easily be at home next to some of the UK’s most respected singer/songwriters. No doubt comparisons with Laura Marling will follow, but that is no means a bad thing.

“I’m influenced by so many different styles” she says, “so i try to give flavors of all of them in my music” – and this is apparent. Her songs have a roller coaster-like movement to them – one second you are entwined folk, the next it leans to pop – but this is the great thing about her. She keeps you listening, and wanting more, all this from a girl with a Ukelele. “I never thought I’d play they Ukulele” she laughs, “but its such an addictive instrument”. Addictive it is. Her ukulele is simple, and beautiful, and compliments a soft, mellow voice, that is deeply pleasing on the ear.

Misty’s album is set for release early 2011, but the little machine that she is, has already prepared for more “I’ve already got material for the second album” she says. “I can’t wait to get started on it”. Eager, excited and extremely talented, I can’t wait to see where this lovely young girl goes. Check out her recently recorded video for Burberry Acoustic.

Find out more about Misty Miller by clicking HERE.

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THREE OF THE BEST

So on my travels around the interweb this weekend, I’ve picked up on three artists/bands that really made my ears go… “GIVE ME MORE!”… So if you fancy sparing 15-20 mins of your day to whittle away that loose end you find yourself at, have a listen to the following:

GEORGIA RUTH WILLIAMS

Apart from having the most beautiful eyes on the planet, this girl is incredibly special. She’s one of the ones that leave you wondering ‘Why isn’t she signed? Why isn’t she bigger? Why why why?’ A note-perfect, crystal clear voice, mixed with understated instrumentals makes the perfect combination for dream-like easy listening. She plays the Borderline, London on the 7th of December so be sure to make a date in your diaries. Highlights include Ocean and Hwylio. Click HERE to find out more.

(THEY ARE) ONE

A four-piece rock n’ roll band from London – this could be any number of bands making their way around the city’s gigging circuit. But, although described in this way, (they are) One certainly know stand out from the crowd – their infectious riffs get you hooked pretty quickly. Having read up on them, there are a numerous comparisons to Jeff Buckley – yes, you can hear tinges of it within their lyrics, but the sheer sound behind the vocals really breaks through any comparisons, and leaves (they are) One basking in an original sound, with clever, intriguing lyrics. An upcoming string of London dates follows a recently released a mini-album entitled “Pirate Soul’. Highlights include: All of your words and Liar Liar – great guitars! Find out more by clicking HERE

LARISSA McKAY

Finally – I found this lovely lady. Her voice is brilliantly commercial, but the soft, warm piano turns her songs into something better – something that doesn’t easily fit into the boring, normal mould of every other female singer/songwriter. A simple video (see below) perfectly compliments her current single ‘Ricocheted’ – a song that reached the top of the unsigned chart on reputable Australian radio station Triple J. Head over to her website by clicking HERE, sign up to the mailing list and get a free track.

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LIZZYSPIT MEETS: CARA GRAY, FOUNDER OF UPTOWNTWIRL.COM

Having spotted you on twitter, I can’t help but think your life is super duper exciting… give us an insight into the day in the life of uptown twirl…
I think fashion 24/7. I devour fashion magazines and read vogue.com, style.com and many other great fashion blogs over breakfast every morning.

I do quite a bit of freelance copy-writing and graphic design work. However, on a day where I am not going to an event or am in meetings, I make sure I do three things: get coffee, peruse around Hampstead High Street and get as much sunshine as I can!

When did you decided to start ‘being’ uptown twirl? And what triggered this unprecedented love for fashion?
I started Uptown Twirl in July and I have always been the sort of character to make impulse decisions and run with them (like moving to the UK from the Gold Coast, Australia last year – I made the decision in November and was here in December J). I was looking around at other Fashion Blogs and to be honest as much as there were great blogs out there, I noticed a repetitive theme amongst many of them and I knew I could do something unique. Uptown Twirl was then born!

I love the history of incredible fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, YSL as well as watching new up-and-coming designers achieve success.  The way fashion can change how people feel about themselves is also of great inspiration. Uptown Twirl enables me to communicate my opinions on and love of fashion to the world.

You’ve recently been tweeting/blogging from London Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week to name but a few, how on earth do you keep up with yourself, and keep an eye on it all?
The great thing about fashion is it usually happens in spurts. Like during Fashion Weeks I will be on my laptop; googling; going to events; watching live streams and writing all at a hundred miles per hour. Then once these major events have died down, I am able to look through collections at a slightly slower pace, take it all in and discover the things that really inspire me.

For all those fashonistas out there, what’s the next big thing?
Well for Winter I cannot wait to wear a cape! I am shopping for the perfect one right now! Having just seen the Spring/Summer collections for next year, I am really look forward to wearing lots of white. Pretty white lace summer dresses (a la Erdem style) will be my top pick for next season.

What is the one item of clothing/accessory you couldn’t live without?
For clothing I am definitely a dress girl. Their tribe in my closet is always growing! Love shift dresses with tights and Mary-Jane heels for fall – this is practically my new daily uniform. For accessories it would be headbands. I have many – bows, sequins – I think they can really make an outfit pop!

What’s next for Uptown Twirl ?
There are many exciting things happening with Uptown Twirl in the coming weeks! One major element will be UptownTV. A new Uptown TV episode will be posted every week and feature interviews with designers, collection reviews and what’s happening in the fashion industry. There will also mini episodes to be posted every day with fashion news. So stay posted!

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“STATUS QUO TALKED A LOT OF SENSE”

Facebook has its pros and cons. Hearing from a long-lost pal? Pro. Hearing from a long-lost ex? Con. Being able to tag your friends in all sorts of hilarious pictures? Pro. Being tagged in gawd-awful pictures from last weekend by said friends, con. Stalking someone, and stumbling across a new band, you actually really like – MEGA PRO – (yes I used the word mega), which is how I discovered The Sunday Club.

Enter super cute Hannah Sanders, and musical whizz-kid Alex Lanyan. Both immensely talented individuals, who together, create an infectious form of pop, tinged with retro rock. While the Blondie comparisons are inevitable, it’s the voice, and catchy hooks that keep it sounding fresh. This band stands it out in it’s own right, thrilling your ears with a foot tapping, fist punching sound that’s guaranteed to make you move.

“We are striving for a silly dancing mass, around the world, a rocking all over the world kind of situation” they say. “Staus Quo talked a lot of sense!” The duo are already gaining an impressive fan base through the means of Facebook, Myspace and the like, and are currently scoping out various smaller labels, with the hopes of forging a  relationship with one who can help bring their music to the masses.

“We are looking for the holy grail of labels,” they muse…

Some might laugh and say ‘HA! What big dreams!’ but these two have every reason to aim for lofty heights. Friendly, and egoless, the writing process comes naturally to them, working on the simple motto – if you can’t dance to it, then it’s “back to the drawing board – everyone has to love it, and we’re our own worst critics”

Getting ready to announce a shed-load of gigs, The Sunday Club are definitely on the brink. I’ve got my fingers crossed that this time next year, I can say “I knew them before they made it”.

Hear more: MYSPACE or FACEBOOK

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WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

Life can sometimes seem a bit, dare I say it, boring. Sometimes you get stuck in a routine, and before you know it, routine becomes a rut, a week of the same thing can lead to a month of it, then with the blink of an eye, it’s the new year, and you’re left thinking “Did I even see last year?”

I recently stumbled across a blog entitled 52 New Things or as I like to call it, an endless source of entertainment. Living proof that, no matter how dull, or how boring life can get, you do have the power to change it.

52 New Things, follows Londoner Nick Thorpe, as he embarks on a mission to try something new each week during 2010 – as a result of what he describes as an ‘underwhelming 2009′. He’s been waxed, inked, and taken part in all sorts to prove his cause – all in the name of a worthy charity.

A truly inspiring quest, which makes for hilarious reading.

Click HERE to read 52 Things!

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EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES… NOT JUST FOR SUCKING UP AT SCHOOL

We all know the stereotypes…. the cool kids at school wouldn’t take part, no one wanted in on the school radio, or the school sewing club, or the book club… anyone who did those kind of things had a big fat ZERO in the street cred score…But times have changed.

Enter the Recharged Radio team. Looking more like a rock band than a group of down to earth guys who put their heart, soul and free time into a project they run out of working hours. They turn up to their swanky studio, laptops at the ready, armed with more than enough tunes for a great Friday night. Or in recharged speak – The Friday Forum. Cue interesting, humorous discussions about up and coming artists, discovered through various different internet mediums.

No scathing or hating, just honest opinions on a well produced, entertaining underground radio show. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.

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THE LEATHER CLAD, CRIME-FIGHTING GRAPHIC DESIGNER…

Another arty one for you. This time, it’s up and coming graphic designer Tom Wilding (pictured), who with his clever designs, and lovely personality, is living proof that nice people DO in fact, get somewhere in life.

He’s not one of those ‘when I make it’ kinda people, he’s more ‘I’m going to make it, and I’m going to work super hard in order to do so!’ The English grad, turned call center employee, chats to me about what made him stop thinking about his dream, and start living it…

You did English for your degree, what made you take a huge chance and swap to design?
As much as i really enjoyed the course, and I still love how the English language works, if I’m being honest the course just didn’t get me where I wanted to be. After the degree finished, I spent three months working in a high-street store, followed by two years working in a call center, which very nearly drove me insane – I decided that the only person who could really fix this was me.

I’d always been interested in art and design, and had taught myself Photoshop and the like, during spare time in uni, but parents/friends/teachers growing up had always directed me towards more ‘academic’ subjects. I threw caution to the wind, saved some money, applied for an MA in Graphic Communication, got accepted, and here I am exactly a year later about to display my work in an exhibition!

What sort of things do you design?
I’m REALLY keen on print design – something tangible that you can hold in your hand, feel the different materials used or something you can actually wear. I don’t hate digital stuff, like web and interactive design – i think that if you do in this day and age then you can struggle slightly in the industry – but there’s nothing like designing a print campaign for a company, or designing a T-shirt and seeing someone walk down the street wearing it!

Where can we see your work…?
I’ve recently finished a piece of print work for the RNIB in partnership with the NHS that is being displayed at 600 sites around the country, and I’ve done a fair bit of branding work for several businesses around South Wales and the West. I’m also in the process of creating my own T-shirt brand, and have done some work with a couple of really good musicians and bands in London. On top of all this i’m currently working on a website to showcase my work…busy times!

What sets you apart from everyone else?
I think it’s my background – most of the people I’ve met during my MA and other design work are people who’ve gone through school doing Art and Design. I was totally self taught until I started the MA course, and i think this brings a slightly different way of thinking with it. I’m also a huge geek – retro videogames, zombie films, really bad B movies – i’m not afraid to be a total nerd! I think this lack of a fear of looking weird helps me be more open and adventurous with my work.

What are your hopes for the future?
This next year or two will hopefully be an exciting time! Now my MA is finished I am very much on the lookout for new collaborations, possibly work with a studio or two to get some experience and develop my portfolio of work. I think there’s going to be some travel in there somewhere too – New Zealand has an emerging and really interesting creative design scene, and there’s of course New York, and Boston, and London, and Argentina and….!

What’s your dream design job?
There’s a few of designers that I’m a huge fan of – the guys at TADO, Jon Burgerman, Jeremyville, Johnny Cupcakes – working with one or all of them at some point in my career would be a huge deal! That’s getting ahead of myself a bit though!

What advice would you give to other budding designers?
The best advice I can give anyone who wants to get into design is to just do it – don’t think about it, don’t talk about it, don’t think it’s something that you cant do, just do it. It helps massively if you know how to use the software, if you know how to arrange type, if you know the difference between UV treatment and hot-foil, but these are all things that can be learned – if you’re very creative and you like showing it, start sketching, get yourself a portfolio and get out there! Just don’t steal my clients or I will fight you, that’s no lie!

One random fact about you please…
You mean other than the fact that I’m secretly the leather-clad crime-fighting partner of an incredibly talented London-based musician? Hmmm…I once went to a fancy-dress party as a Panda?

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So there you have it. Living proof that you can in fact, LIVE THE DREAM! Or at least try very hard to make it happen. Good on you Tom, and good luck. You inspiration you!

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Words can’t describe… Brave? Understatement of the decade! Bethany Hamilton is a total inspiration!!

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LIVE MUSIC AT IT’S FINEST: AN INSIDERS GUIDE TO HALFMOON UNPLUGGED

Interview with Redvers Bailey (pictured – by Daria Scai Photography), organiser of Halfmoon Unplugged and music extraordinaire!

Tell us Redvers, tell us about it all…

Halfmoon Unplugged. I love it. Mainly because I get to book music that I want to listen to. I also get to play a set and try out new songs before taking them to the band I play in. Being a musician and music lover/enthusiast it is basically a dream job.

How did it all get started?

It all came about because I met Stevie Wyatt who used to run the night before me. We met at an open mic night elsewhere and he asked me along to play Halfmoon Unplugged. We became friends and I got more and more involved with The Half Moon, sound engineering for bands and playing on the Monday nights. He had run the night between 1998 and 2006 and was moving on to pastures greener, he asked out of the blue one night if I wanted to take over and I said yes straight away.

It took a little while to get the hang of things but I having recently read Bob Dylan’s autobiographic book Chronicles, I tried to give the night a vibe I had imagined things were like in Greenwich Village in the 60′s. The night has been running on and off since the 60′s so that seemed like the right thing to do.

Who gets to play the stage?

I mostly book new and emerging artists who I feel have imagination, good voices, good songs and something special about them. We also get a great deal of newly signed and independent artists coming to promote their new records. Between the live music I play my favourite tracks from my ever growing CD collection which I add to each week.

Halfmoon Unplugged is sometimes mistaken for an open mic, which it is most certainly not. Each month I get dozens of artists and bands asking to play. Every week there is generally room for four new artists and the other three will be the best of the artists who have played before, my favourites performing a thirty minute headline set.

Singer/Songwriter Natalie Ross has got heavily involved with the hosting of the night for most weeks over the last year or so. She has brought not only her amazing performances, quirky well written songs and clever loop station action to the show but a big spoonful madcap humour too.

What If our band’s not good enough?

My message to all artists and bands is that I want to hear your new music, it doesn’t matter what style it is or how good or bad you think you are, if I believe in the music I will find a place for it. Even for artists that I decline, the door is always open and a no is more of a not yet. Please do send me your music. The thing that keeps the night running is you and your art.

What can we expect?

What you can expect if you’re thinking about coming along to Halfmoon Unplugged one Monday is a variety of quality bands, duos and singer songwriters. Really great sound production and vibes. There is hush while the the live music plays and the sound of chatter and laughter while the recorded music plays, all by candlelight inside a historic and welcoming music venue.

What does the future hold for Halfmoon Unplugged?

In the future you can expect more of the same every Monday from 8pm for just £2.50. A special date for your diary will be Sunday 30th January 2011. This will be our second annual “Halfmoon Unplugged Special All Day Thing” featuring eighteen favourite bands and artists who have previously played Halfmoon Unplugged. Doors open at 1pm and music will continue until 11pm, all for £2.50.

Every Monday evening at the Half Moon Putney, 93 Lower Richmond Road, London SW15. From 8pm. Still only £2.50!

Want to play? Contact Redvers

More info, click me!

Please note: don’t apply for slots through facebook, Myspace is the way forward gang!
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London Gigs: An excellent site listing the best alternative and underground gigs and music events happening across London. If you fancy doing something different, you can start by supporting some wonderful underground talent. Also very helpful, as all the info you need to know about your chosen gig is on this site, so get on it now man!

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Something wonderful I found this weekend, ahh what a voice!

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JACK OF ALL TRADES? NOPE, THE MASTER

It’s always refreshing to meet multi-talented people. It makes you want to do something with your own life, to go out and make things happen. That’s exactly how you feel when you get to know my first guest in the what’s hot’ section.

Meet Sarah Bromley, the 20-something travel writer, picture editor, illustrator and photographer. She’s sickingly beautiful too, but impossible to dislike.
What’s great about her is, she’s turned her hobbies into her living which – let’s face it, only a small minority ever manage to do… here’s the girl who gives dreamers all over, a reason to keep dreaming.

How do you keep up with yourself?
It’s all to avoid boredom. If I wasn’t constantly giving myself new challenges I’d get bored and that’s just not fun. Hobbies, interests and friends make up your personal CV, they make you who you are and who you become.

Why didn’t you just go for a normal, safe way of making a living?
If I had a ‘normal’ job, I would be be working purely for money and that doesn’t drive me. My enjoyment for what I do is my drive- I’m forever reading up on new things which makes me think ‘I can do that!’ Then something clicks and it becomes a challenge until I’ve proved myself right.

What do you prefer, photography, writing, picture editing?
I’ve got absolutely no preference-or if there is then it changes often. There’s always a new photographer, illustration, feature or fun and exciting creative shoot that makes me want to continue with what I’m doing.

What would you say to other aspiring multi-taskers?
Only do it if you love it. Don’t take on too much and never let people down.

What’s next for Bromo?
Mmmm….Whatever I feel like doing. I’ll continue to do what I like doing until I don’t want to be doing it anymore, then maybe I’ll start something new-like fishing! Or then again, maybe not.

And finally, tell us a random fact about you…
I was born in Sheffield. I hate fast moving things and I love the word ‘episcopalian’. That’s three-sorry!

So there you have it, she kinda makes it sound too easy. But I can assure you, she works ruddy hard, I hear about it on a regular basis … I think I might try something different this evening, perhaps scale a large building without any harnesses? I will post pix on Monday! Thanks to Sarah for taking the time to talk to me, wishing her the lots of luck for the future! xx