Thursday 15 December 2011

Ladies from The Business Womans Network strike a pose

Ladies from The Business Womans Network (BWN) took time out of their busy schedules to volunteer as models at Essex Life magazine’s fashion shoot at the Waltham Abbey Marriot Hotel.

After Mandie Holgate, founder of the BWN, organised for 26 business women to pose nude for a 2012 charity calendar for Farleigh Hospice, Essex Life asked if they would like to be featured in their January issue. The shoot featured business attire from quadrant, the Chelmsford department store, a stark contrast to the last time these ladies had been in front of the camera.

Hair and make-up artists Sophie Murray and Victoria Poland, did a fantastic job enhancing the ladies natural beauty and giving them a look to impress in the boardroom.

Susan Pattrick, a disability specialist and director of SMP Consultancy was up first, in a gorgeous Elvi turquoise blouse and navy suit trousers, finished off with a green printed scarf.

Next was Mandie Holgate, who sported a fashionable black and white printed wrap dress by Planet, and oversized black patent bag by Jane Shilton, one which she hinted at wanting to keep.

Tina Walker, founder of Liberty! VA Services, looked stunning in a black Eastex jacket with camel piping and beige skirt assemble, with a pair of Barlette shoes by Jane Shilton.

Julie Binder, graphic and web designer and also founder of jbinderdesign, looked elegant in a striking purple dress and matching jacket, accessorised with a Jane Shilton bag and shoes.

Claire Jakes, a director of Pampered Chef and also a nursing supervisor assistant for newborns, brightened the day with a deep pink jacket and suit trousers, teamed with a printed floral top.

Finally, Karen Broughton, a franchise owner of theSouth Essexbranch of Enchanted Childcare Nanny Agency, looked very sophisticated in a matching black and white dogtooth jacket and skirt, worn with a chunky black beaded necklace.

( Read more? Be sure to purchase Essex Life January issue)

By Lauren Godfrey and Holly Eells

Thursday 24 November 2011

Paris 1919 (John Cale) - Niteflights

Just have a listen

Paris 1919 (John Cale) - Niteflights by niteflightsmusic

Michael Kiwanuka




Home Again' is the title track of Michael's brand new EP, which will be released on the 1st January via Communion/ Polydor Records. It is Michael’s third EP release to date, preceding the release of his debut album in late March 2012.

Earlier this week Michael announced details of a UK headline tour in February and his debut shows in the US early next month. Full list of forthcoming Michael Kiwanuka live dates are as below.

Tickets for the UK tour went on sale this morning through Music Glue, See Tickets & Ticketmaster.

Within just 4 days, the audio stream of 'Home Again' has become one of Michael's most popular tracks on his Soundcloud page, with just shy of 10,000 streams via the player alone.

http://soundcloud.com/michaelkiwanuka/michael-kiwanuka-home-again

Michael Kiwanuka Live

24th November – St John-At-Hackney Church, London (Little Noise Sessions) – SOLD OUT
5th December - Bardot, Los Angeles (just announced)
6th December – Hotel CafĂ©, Los Angeles
8th December – Joe’s Pub, New York City
12th December – The Barfly, London (XFM Xposure Live) – SOLD OUT
24th January – XOYO, London (New To Q)
10th February – Belfast, Stiff Kitten
11th February – Dublin, Whelans
12th February – Cork, Cyprus Avenue
14th February – Birmingham, Glee Club
15th February – Brighton, Komedia
16th February – London, Islington Assembly Halls
18th February – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
19th February – Liverpool, Masque
20th February – Manchester, Ruby Lounge
23rd February – Newcastle, Cluny
24th February – Glasgow, King Tuts
25th February – Edinburgh, Electric Circus

Saturday 19 November 2011

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Enter Shikari- new remixes‏

ENTER SHIKARI
NEW Sssnakepit REMIXES FROM DRUM & MASS MAESTROS HAMILTON, SERIAL KILLAZ AND ROUT

Sssnakepit Remixes by ENTER SHIKARI OFFICIAL

Thursday 10 November 2011

Some looks from Victoria's Secret fashion show




Bombay Bicycle Club announce tour



ollowing global tour dates in South America, across Europe and a first show in Hong Kong headlining at Clockenflap Festival in December, Bombay Bicycle Club will welcome in 2012 by releasing new single, ‘Leave It’ on January 1st.

Having recently finished their sold out UK album tour with a monumental show at Brixton Academy, the band recently announced their biggest UK headline tour to date for April 2012, and in doing so confirmed their graduation from bright, young hopefuls to one of the biggest and most loved bands in the UK today.

Additionally, Artrocker magazine have just announced their first ever Artrocker Awards and Bombay lead the way with four nominations - Best Band, Best Album, Best Single and Best Live Band.

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB
APRIL 2012 TOUR

Sun, 15th April / Cambridge, Corn Exchange
Mon, 16th April / Brighton, Centre
Tues, 17th April / Wolverhampton, Civic Hall
Thurs, 19th April / York, Barbican
Fri, 20th April / Edinburgh, Corn Exchange
Sat, 21st April / Liverpool, University
Mon, 23rd April / Plymouth, Pavillions
Tues, 24th April / Portsmouth, Guildhall
Wed, 25th April / Leicester, De Montfort Hall
Fri, 27th April / Blackpool, Empress Ballroom
Sat, 28th April / London, Alexandra Palace

Tuesday 8 November 2011

Tribute to Heavy D

NEW METRONOMY LIVE DATES



THE NME AWARDS TOUR

FEATURING

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB

METRONOMY

TRIBES

AZEALIA BANKS

WWW.NME.COM/AWARDS

The infamous NME Awards Tour is back for 2012 and ready to showcase the year’s most exciting emerging music talent. Renowned for giving the freshest new acts their first taste of national notoriety – past alumni include The Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Florence & The Machine, Crystal Castles and The Vaccines – 2012’s line-up captures the spirit of 2011 and sets the agenda for an explosive forthcoming year of music.

Running throughout February, the NME Awards Tour kicks off in Glasgow (8th) and visits 12 venues across the UK, bringing the very best in new music directly to music fans, ending with a show-stopping finale in London (25th).

Hailing from the tiny, bohemian market town of Totnes in Devon, Metronomy join the line-up this year. One of the most expansive and visionary pop bands in the country, Metronomy will be supplying the NME Awards Tour with proof that it’s possible for electronic bands to put on a show as authentic as any rock band.

Metronomy say: "It's pretty exciting to be part of a travelling tour, a bit like a circus or something. It's been a while since we did a tour this long with the same bands for the whole thing, so hopefully there will be some camaraderie between the bands. Failing that there should be some incredibly violent 'beefs' which will make for good reading in the magazine."

NME editor Krissi Murison says: “As far as NME Awards Tour line-ups go, it’s difficult to imagine one more exciting than this or more representative of the cutting edge sounds that will define 2012. Every week in NME we bang on about how brilliant these bands are, and this is an amazing opportunity to see them all on the same bill. Two Door Cinema Club owned the summer, Metronomy recorded arguably the album of the year, Tribes are the future of British indie music and Azealia Banks is, well, pretty much the most exciting new act on the planet. It’s going to be a good one…”

Tickets for the NME Awards Tour 2012 will be available on pre-sale exclusively through www.NME.com from 9am on Wednesday 9th November. They will then be on general release via Gigs and Tours and Ticketmaster on Friday 11th November.



NME Awards Tour Dates 2012:

08 Feb Glasgow O2 Academy

09 Feb Newcastle O2 Academy

10 Feb Manchester Academy

14 Feb Nottingham Rock City

15 Feb Leeds O2 Academy

17 Feb Norwich UEA

18 Feb Birmingham O2 Academy

19 Feb Cardiff University

20 Feb Bristol O2 Academy

22 Feb Bournemouth O2 Academy

23 Feb Brighton Dome

25 Feb London O2 Academy Brixton

Frankie Cocozza is axed from Xfactor

The cocky wannabe star has finally been removed from the XFactor show after breaking a 'golden rule', however it hasn't been revealed as of yet what exactly has happened.

After all the controversy from Sunday's night show, Frankie escaped the bottom two yet again, after a flat performance and saw The Risk and Johnny Robinson go.

This afternoon, a statement was released, with Frankie saying: 'I’d like to apologise to Gary, my fellow contestants and everyone who has voted for me, but, as of today, I will no longer be in The X Factor.

'My life during the show has gone out of control and my behaviour off stage has over-stepped the rules of the competition.
'I no longer deserve my place in the show, so I am therefore leaving. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me.'


Let's enjoy some of Frankie's 'finest' moments.





New Video: NNEKA 'Stay'


http://www.nnekaworld.com/uk

http://deconrecords.com/

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Last remaining tickets to Together Winter Music Festival- 26th November at Alexandra Palace‏

The Salt Flats.

Fleetwood Mac Songs EP by The Salt Flats

The Salt Flats are proud to announce their second EP, which is due for release on October 17th 2011. A collection of four beautifully crafted Fleetwood Mac songs pieced together with vocal harmonies to die for. The Salt Flats say; “When we started to think about songs for a new EP, some more unusual candidates started to appear on the shortlist. So whilst recording some demos we thought it could be interesting to work on several by the same artist, trying slightly different approaches with each song. We'd already tried a Fleetwood Mac song, originally sung by Lindsey Buckingham, but we realized that the combination of Katie and Cara's vocals would be a good starting point for trying more”.



So from there we experimented with some of the lighter songs and sounds. The drum machines and Omnichords worked with the simplicity of songs like "Never Going Back Again" and the drones of the Harmonium, Eastern Reed Instruments and a few changes in rhythm took songs like Big Love in slightly different direction.”

The Salt Flats EP2 will be available as digital download from all good online stores and as physical CD at www.thesaltflats.co.uk from October 17th 2011.



For further information please visit – www.thesaltflats.co.uk

Monday 31 October 2011

Friday 28 October 2011

Arthur & Betty Debut Collection





"Arthur & Betty is a contemporary, designer label for fashion conscious individuals who work hard and play hard! Most people enjoy shopping and spending their money on looking and feeling great, but often they don’t have the time or the energy to trawl from shop to shop looking for work or evening wear, trying on several different outfits in various shops to see if they fit!This is where Arthur & Betty enter the market.

Lauren Lewsey came up with the concept in September 2010, after hearing from her friends and colleagues how much easier life would be if they had one outfit for work that with a few tweaks, they can wear straight out in the evening! Lauren approached her very talented friend, Eva Georgiou and asked her to be Chief Designer for the brand. Since then Lauren & Eva have been busy working hard to create a stunning ready to wear range, for all you fashionistas out there!

The first collection comprises of luxurious tailored skirts and trousers, made from the finest wool and cashmere, through to stunning evening dresses and jumpsuits in elegant silks and satins. Many pieces from the collection have been designed so you can wear them to work and then simply by accessorising and changing your hairstyle or make up, you transform your work wear into glamorous party wear! We are also very pleased to announce that the stunning Imogen Leaver, from Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model, is the face of our first collection!

Their mission- Contemporary, retro clothing with a funky edge for work and play.
WORK HARD PLAY HARD!!!"

If you want to see more check the website for their debut lookbook, but if you can't wait, be sure to catch them at "Essex Fashion Week" tomorrow....



Thursday 27 October 2011

Smith and Burrows


Andy Burrows (I Am Arrows/ ex Razorlight) and Tom Smith (Editors) announce a joint collaboration project Smith and Burrows. The duo are pleased to reveal their Christmas album ‘Funny Looking Angels’ will be released on 28th November 2011- it features guest vocals from a variety of musical friends including rising Danish star Agnes Obel. It also includes an eclectic range of cover versions from Yazoo’s ‘Only You’ and Black’s ‘Wonderful Life’ (which they performed together some years previously) to The Longpigs ‘On and On’ and cult Birmingham band Delta’s ‘Funny Looking Angels’, which also gave them their album title and is an affectionate nod from Tom to his formative musical years in the city.

The album will be released on 28th November, but you can catch a preview track ‘Funny Looking Angels’ right now via the Smith & Burrows website:

www.smithandburrows.co.uk\\

PYRUS


CAPTAIN COAT
£ 270.00


"This ultra luxe wool coat is guaranteed to turn heads for its elegant,sophisticated style. With its big draped collar to keep the neck insulated throughout Winter, putting on Captain is like being wrapped in sheer delight. The faux leather belt and pocket trimmings add to the otherwise plain woollen style; creating a subtle yet lavish effect."


CELINE TROUSERS
£ 175.00

"These luxuriously soft cropped trousers, look fabulous teamed with a shirt tucked in and pumps for an understated chic, day look."


TARO CAPE
£ 190.00


"This ultra on trend cape has already been featured in Vogue and is the perfect extra layer to keep you looking fierce this season. Studding on the shoulder adds a modern element to a classic look."

CAMDEN CRAWL EARLY BIRD TICKETS



4TH – 6TH MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND
MUSIC * FILM * COMEDY * VISUAL ARTS * INTERACTIVE
3 DAYS * 50 VENUES * 1 TICKET * CAMDEN TOWN

www.thecamdencrawl.com
@thecamdencrawl / #camdencrawl / #variety / facebook.com/thecamdencrawl

CAMDEN CRAWL 2012 EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE 9AM WEDNESDAY 26TH OCTOBER

Early Bird tickets for the 2012 Camden Crawl, which takes place 4th – 6th May, go on sale at 9am today (Wednesday 26th October). For the first time in its history the Camden Crawl will expand to a three-day event kicking off with an opening night party featuring six live acts and a special edition of Club NME on Friday 4th May from 5pm at KOKO. A full music and arts programme will run from midday on Saturday 5th May until the early hours of the following bank holiday Monday.

Tickets for the Friday 4th May opening party at KOKO and reduced price Early Bird weekend passes for Camden Crawl will go on sale through www.thecamdencrawl.com at 9am on Wednesday 26th October.

CAMDEN CRAWL 2012 PRACTICAL INFORMATION

DATES:
Opening Night Party at KOKO: Friday 4th May 2012 5pm – 4am

Camden Crawl Weekend: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th May 2012 (May Bank Holiday Weekend) 12pm – 4am both days

TICKETS:
» Early Bird Weekend Tickets £57.50 (£10 off standard ticket for limited period)
» Early Bird Weekend Tickets + Opening Night Party £62.50
» Opening Night Tickets @ KOKO £20.00

** ON SALE 9:00 AM WEDNESDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2011 **

Tickets available from the following outlets: 24 Hr CC Hotline 0871 2200 260 / See Tickets 020 7403 3331 OR buy online: www.thecamdencrawl.com

Tickets are to be exchanged for wristbands which allow unlimited entry to each of the participating venues as individual capacities permit. Ticket price includes lanyard programme guide, festival magazine and 2012 compilation album.

New video: Crystal Fighters 'Champion Sound'‏




Crystal Fighters are pleased to announce a video for their forthcoming single ‘Champion Sound’ starring Luke Treadaway (Brothers of the Head) as the lead character.‘Champion Sound’ is undisputedly one of the highlights from Crystal Fighters’ much lauded debut album ‘Star Of Love. So It’s fitting that it will be the last single before they head off to the Basque country, whose folk music and culture has been such an inspiration, to write their much anticipated second album.

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Photos





Subway's New single ‘It’s A Party’



Released November 21st

Welwyn Garden City’s youthful musical ambassadors The Subways follow the recent release of their third album ‘Money And Celebrity’ - and the Radio 1 A-listed track ‘We Don’t Need Money To Have A Good Time’ - with a new single in the run up to Christmas.

“We wrote this track about each and every one of you” exclaims singer Billy Lunn night after night on tour. ‘It’s A Party’, the opener on the album has over the course of the band’s summer exploits across Europe become a (if not the) live favourite culminating with massed frenzy at venues across Europe not least at the band’s recent sold out show at London’s KOKO which witnessed Lunn leaping from a first level balcony into the moshpit…

The Subways see no shame in proclaiming their appreciation for what they do and this is expressed more than ever with ‘It’s A Party’ as anyone who saw them on their recent UK dates will surely testify. The adoration is reciprocated on stage and a celebration of the band’s relationship with their loyal and ever increasing following.

Produced by Stephen Street and given the once over by Adrian Bushby ‘‘It’s A Party’ is released through Cooking Vinyl – the full listing is:

1. – ‘It’s A Party’

2. – ‘It’s A Party’ (Adrian Bushby remix)

3. – ‘It’s A Party’ (Adrian Bushby remix – Instrumental)

4. – ‘Psycho Collective’ (bonus track)

www.thesubways.net / www.cookingvinyl.com


Sunday 23 October 2011

Rico Genest Go Beyond the Cover








Panorama- Britain's Child Beggars






BBC 'Reporter John Sweeney uncovers the truth behind the children begging on Britain's streets, and tracks down the begging gangs to luxury homes in Romania.'


Watch the full version here.http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b0169lg6/

Have you got The Voice?



Some might say this is another XFactor taking over their screens for Saturday night entertainment. However they have suggested it is all about the vocals and that is it. But will have to see about that one. 'Only the most unique and distinctive voices will make it to the filmed auditions and get to sing for our celebrity coaches.'

You think you have what it takes. -Apply to audition now-https://www.bbcthevoiceuk.co.uk/application

London

Monday 31st October 2011
Tuesday 1st November 2011
Wednesday 2nd November 2011
Friday 25th November 2011
Saturday 26th November 2011

Birmingham

Saturday 5th November 2011
Sunday 6th November 2011

Cardiff

Wednesday 9th November 2011
Thursday 10th November 2011

Glasgow

Monday 14th November 2011
Tuesday 15th November 2011

Manchester

Friday 18th November 2011
Saturday 19th November 2011

Belfast

Tuesday 22nd November 2011

Here is the US version

Monday 17 October 2011

Friday 7 October 2011

Bombay Bicycle Club - 'Lights Out, Words Gone'




Lights Out, Words Gone' is the second single to be taken from the band's third album 'A Different Kind of Fix'.

The band are currently out on a full UK tour.

Friday 07-Oct –Manchester Apollo
Sunday 09-Oct –Lincoln Engine Shed
Monday 10-Oct – Norwich UEA
Tuesday 11-Oct – Oxford Academy *
Wednesday 12-Oct – Bristol Academy *
Thursday 13-Oct –Birmingham Academy *
Friday 14-Oct –Cardiff University Great Hall
Sunday 16-Oct - Southampton Guildhall *
Monday 17-Oct - Nottingham Rock City
Wednesday 19-Oct –London Brixton Academy *

General Fiasco introduce a new release for Autumn


General Fiasco - Waves by Dirty Hit


Northern Ireland’s GENERAL FIASCO return with a brand new EP set for release this autumn and dates in late October. The band released their debut album ‘Buildings’ in March 2010 and have consistently toured including playing festivals all over Europe, ending this summer with a headline appearance at Reading and Leeds Festival on the BBC Introducing Stage where they played the coveted returners slot.

They headed straight back into the studio to start work on the follow up and the first release from this session will be the ‘Waves’ EP released on 14th November 2011 for new label ‘Dirty Hit’. One track from the EP ‘The Age You Start Losing Friends’ has already caught the attention of Radio 1’s Huw Stephens (sitting in for Zane Lowe) who instantly made it his ‘Hottest Record In The World’.

The band, from Bellaghy, Co.Derry, General Fiasco are Owen Strathern on bass, brother Enda on guitar, Stephen Leacock on drums and new guitarist / keyboard player Stuart Bell.

14th November WAVES EP

(Waves / The Age You Start Losing Friends / German Roads / I Wanna Eat Her)

22 October DUBLIN, Academy 2
23 October BRISTOL, Thekla
25 October GLASGOW, King Tuts
26 October BIRMINGHAM, Rainbow
27 October LONDON, Academy 2
29 October MANCHESTER, Deaf Institute
30 October BELFAST, Queens