Category: Music

Song Of The Swans

London Pajarito Theatre Company presents
Song Of The Swans
A play by Dulat Issabekov
4, 5, 6 of October 2017 @ 7pm

Song Of The Swans is the story about purity that transcends all the riches, power and aggression in this world. If your love is pure – you will find true happiness, beauty and freedom, if you are driven by blind passion and cruelty – you will be forever captured in your own barbarous creation. 

Based on a medieval legend by an award-winning Kazakh playwright, Song Of the Swans, is a unique art theatre performance. Set against beautiful animation projected on stage, its an immersive, interactive experience that will captivate your imagination and transport you into an enchanting fairy-tale where pure love survives against the will of men in another form… that of a beautiful Swan. 

Written by an acclaimed Kazakh writer, Dulat Issabekov, featuring projected sand animation by an award-wining Sand Artist Alyona Voynova, directed by Alexia Mankovskaya.

Venue

Bridewell Theatre

Bride Lane, off Fleet Street

London

EC4Y 8EQ

www.sbf.org.uk/theatre 

020 73533331




Adult: £16.50

Children £10.00

 Page

September 23, 2017

FOOTLOOSE

What: Footloose the musical
Where: Peacock Theatre, London
Who: The 1984 hit movie has spawned this musical version
When: Until September 30, 2017
Why: Lot’s of catchy tunes, loose feet and a good looking cast make this one a winner
Another revival of “Footloose,” now at the Peacock Theatre near Aldwych, and arriving into London right after a UK tour, keeps the toe tapping alive with the show about a small town that has banned dancing, and the young out-of-towner who plans to shake things up.
Rem McCormack (Joshua Dowen) and his mom Ethel (Lindsay Goodhand) move from their hometown in Chicago to the very small town of Bomont after Rem’s father left the family home to go ‘find himself.’ Rem integrates into his new school, filled with all sorts of people (though none of them, curiously, are black). His fellow students include Willard (Gareth Gates, who gets star billing) and the minister’s daughter Ariel (Hannah Price). It comes to light that the powerful minister, the Reverend Shaw (Reuven Gershon), has banned dancing in town because five years ago his young son and three others were killed in a car crash, no doubt, according to the minister, caused by the kid’s night out of having too much fun and possibly drinking.
But Rem wants to have fun, but at the same time can’t seem to hold down a job due to his motto of trying to do the right thing, and he’s gotten off on the wrong foot with Ariel’s boyfriend Chuck (Connor Going – who strangely disappears during the middle of the show but returns for the finale). The other kids end up getting Rem to speak up for them at the city council meeting to denounce the dancing ban while it’s no surprise that Rem and Ariel have the hots for each other. It’s lots of loose feet, catchy tunes, a hot and sexy cast and way too many crotch jokes that make this version of “Footloose” a slight winner.



The music and the talented cast make the show very entertaining, but the show as a whole could be better. While all the film’s hits are included (“Footloose” of course, “Let’s Hear it for the Boy,” as well as “Holding Out for a Hero”), with some of the arrangements of these songs a bit different that what we’re used to, some of the other songs make a very big thud, including the dismal “Heaven Help Me” sung by Gershon. However, “Somebody’s Eyes” is beautifully sung by most of the cast in a very memorable scene. So while there are more ups then downs, the cast at the end of show work very very hard to get their standing ovation, practically repeating, in very shortened versions, almost every catchy and lively song from the show. And even though Gates gets top billing (and he even takes his top off to reveal an absolutely stunning body), both Dowen and Price are the true stars of the show. Their chemistry on stage is very real – both very good looking with all-American looks. Director Racky Plews and Choreographer Matthew Cole have, almost, done Kevin Bacon proud.
For tickets to Footloose, please go here:

http://footloose-musical.com

Photo from Mark Senior PR
Review by Tim Baros
September 16, 2017

EMERGING SINGER-SONGWRITER GRACE MONROE RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE PAPER HEART

24-year-old emerging singer-songwriter Grace Monroe is delighted to announce the release of her debut single Paper Heart on Friday 23rd June 2017, ahead of her first studio album The Truth About Love, due for release this autumn.

Written by Sussex born Grace, alongside producers OJ (OFER SHABI) and Yaniv Fridel at Soho Sonic Studios, Paper Heart is Grace’s first foray into the industry. The track reflects her ‘all consuming’ experience of love and is melodically influenced by her passion for original material with old school jazz and soul undertones.

With lyrical maturity beyond her years, the young but talented artist takes her inspiration from great musicians past and present, including Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Bruno Mars, Paloma Faith and Corinne Bailey Rae to name but a few, all of whom have all shaped her sound today.

Grace said: “Paper Heart reflects drowning in someone else’s needs of you and just losing your whole being. But not being able to let that person go. My first true experience of love.”

The album The Truth About Love focuses on the personal trials and tribulations Grace has been through, expressing her loves, the losses in life, the people she surrounds herself with and her upbringing.

“I write songs about my best friend, my partner and anyone else who has had an effect on me – almost a love letter to them with advice and admiration,” added Grace.




Paper Heart will be available for download on all major platforms including iTunes, Spotify and Deezer.

 

August 12, 2017

NEW RELEASE …. HOLD YOU – ROACH KILLA AND BLITZ

PRESS RELEASE IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 29TH JUNE 2017

YYZ PROJECT

FEATURING ROACH KILLA and BLITZKRIEG

RELEASING 3RD JULY 2017

Keith Richards has said music is a language that doesn’t speak in particular words. It speaks in emotion, and if it’s in the bones, it’s in the bones. In light of the current music scene where music is created for commercial purposes chasing social media validation, Roach Killa and Blitz, two amazing artists with hit tracks on world charts, have come together to create music with a purpose – the YYZ Project. They are all set to launch a monologue and three music videos through Canada’s premier South Asian Urban music platform- desiFEST. This a FREE DOWNLOAD for fans and will be available via www.desiFEST.ca/roach-blitz

YYZ is the airport code for Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. The name pays homage to not only their Toronto roots but also symbolizes the fact they needed to travel internationally in order to build their careers.

 

There is  no big features, no industry politics, and no fake social media hype. It’s simply the duo doing what they do best…having fun and delivering rap lyrics.

 

“Over the last few years, desiFEST has worked relentlessly to provide a unique platform for South Asian music aficionados in all major cities of Canada to showcase their talent. We are continuing this mandate by collaborating with artists on their projects and helping to bring new music to North America and the world” says Sathish Bala, CEO desiFEST MUSIC.

 

When Roach Killa released his debut album “The Revolution”, it peaked at No.6 on the iTunes World Charts. His first single Yaara Dildara reached No1 on the BBC Asian Network charts. Possessing immense versatility, Roach sings Hip Hop, Reggae, RNB and Punjabi Music. He firmly believes in the element of originality.

 

When it comes to Indian MC’s, one name that always stood above the rest is Blitzkrieg aka Blitz. With an appeal that is global, his lyrics lean more on the emotional side and completely draw people in. His tracks are inspired by people or events in his life that reflect reality and meaning of life.

Together, Roach Killa and Blitz are back again to give fans the YYZ Project with a monologue and three music videos that evoke, inspire and entertain. Fans will recognize their signature sound and style on what aims to become the summer anthems.

 

July 25, 2017

Twilight Song

What: Twilight Song
Where: Park Theatre
Who: A play about concealed love that’s confusing and not very good
When: Running until 12 August 2017
Why: A very short running time (75 minutes) doesn’t allow this play to fully develop

You know a show doesn’t make much sense, when, after seeing it, you and your friends don’t agree on what you’ve all just seen. To say “Twilight Song” is bit confusing is putting is mildly. 

Now playing at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, “Twilight Song” is late British playwright Kevin Elyot’s final play. Elyot,who wrote the award winning and very successful play “My Night with Reg: (which was turned into a film in 1997), died in 2014, finishing “Twilight Song” right before he passed away. But the play itself is not a very good testament as a cap on his career – it’s a show muddled with characters and storylines that go back and forth in time that unfortunately raises more questions than answers in a play that’s a very very short 75 minutes.
Most of Elyot’s plays have direct gay themes or gay undertones (“My Night with Reg” was very similar to the groundbreaking 1969 film “Boys in the Band”), and “Twilight Song” is no exception. In a nutshell, it’s a play abut a middle aged man Basil (Paul Higgins) who lives in a North London terraced house (with an unfinished balcony) with his mother Isabella (Bryony Hannah) in the present day. Flash back to 1967 and Isabella is pregnant. But in both the present and the past (to and including a scene set in 1961), the family has secrets, secrets that they keep to themselves, and even secrets that they do not want to admit to themselves. Basil (Paul Higgins) pays an estate agent (Adam Garcia) money, not for a real estate transaction, but for sex, which happens too suddenly and out of the blue and out of character. Then Isabella unrealistically falls into the arms of the gardner (Garcia again). Meanwhile her uncle Harry (Philip Bretherton) pines for Charles (Hugh Ross), but Charles is broke because he is being swindled by a hustler (Garcia again). “Twilight Song” takes us all too rapidly through this family’s 50 year history too quickly. Throw in some cock talk, unknown origin of blood on the sofa, and a very very short running time, and it doesn’t leave us much time to get to know the characters and their motivations. Director Anthony Banks gets excellent use of his actors who all give fine performances, and a set design that’s true to it’s time (though an annoyingly loud refrigerator in their kitchen really serves no purpose and destroys the play’s tension), but it’s the storyline that doesn’t add up, and it’s shame because it is Elyot’s last work, and it’s being poorly received.
Another one of Elyot’s plays, “Coming Clean,” will have a revival at the King’s Head Theatre later this year, so perhaps hold out for that one if you can.
If you still want to buy tickets to “Twilight Song,” please go here:
Photo from Target Live
Review by Tim Baros
July 24, 2017

Lauren L’aimant performs debut single at Pure London, teaming with Million Makers fundraisers in aid of The Prince’s Trust

Lauren L’aimant
‘Family’
(Fly Boy Records)
Full release on Monday 31st July (iTunes, Spotify)

‘I wrote the song about being there for someone when they’re in need, even if
they don’t ask for your help. I want it to be a reminder that love and
togetherness is what life is all about – especially during troubling times in our
lives.’ Lauren L’aimant

‘Family’ is the first song taken from Lauren L’aimant’s forthcoming EP on Fly Boy
Records . This uplifting piece of modern pop music is Lauren’s first release as a solo artist
and clearly showcases her ever growing talent for songwriting and production.

The track is an original song written by L’aimant and recorded with members of ‘Team
Summit’, a group of dedicated fundraisers from across British media business Ascential.

All proceeds from the single will go to The Prince’s Trust as part of the Million Makers
programme.

“Family” will be available to pre-order on iTunes and will be officially released for
download on 31.07.17 on all major digital music platforms.

The song will be available to download from the Lauren L’aimant band camp page from
23.07.17 , following her performance on the main catwalk at Pure London. Anyone
downloading the song can choose their donation amount.

About Lauren L’aimant
Lauren L’aimant is a London based singer/songwriter and producer who’s been making a
name for herself by featuring on various artist & producers projects. Early 2017 saw
Lauren collaborate with Icarus on their track ‘Hiding’ which went on to be named ‘Essential
New Tune’ by Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1. This has led to Lauren signing to Icarus’s imprint
‘Fly Boy Records’ and is now working on her debut EP set for release later this year.

About The Prince’s Trust
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people to get their lives on
track. It supports 11 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school
and at risk of exclusion. Many of the young people helped by The Trust are in or leaving
care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health problems, or have been in
trouble with the law.

The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support
needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work. Three in
four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training.
The Prince of Wales’s charity has helped 870,000 young people since 1976 and supports
over 100 more each day.

July 23, 2017

DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND, AND AFTER PLAYING SOLD-OUT SHOWS TO OVER 75,000 FANS GLOBALLY IN 2017, POP ICON

ADAM ANT BRINGS HIS PHENOMENALLY-SUCCESSFUL ANTHEMS-THE SINGLES TOUR TO LONDON’S ROUNDHOUSE FOR ONE FINAL SHOW ON 21ST DECEMBER

Tickets go on sale on Friday 21st July at 10 am

(LONDON) 19th July, 2017 – Due to overwhelming demand, and after playing sold-out shows to over 75,000 fans around the world throughout the UK, North America, Australia and New Zealand, pop icon Adam Ant has saved the best for last by capping the year with one final homecoming performance of his phenomenally-successful ANTHEMS – The Singles tour at The Roundhouse in London on Thursday 21st December.  Tickets will be available from The Roundhouse, www.BookingsDirect.com, 24hr Ticket Hotline at 0844 249 2222 and select authorised ticket agents.

Adam will play his classic chart-topping singles as well as rare singles, B sides and personal favourites.

From his early days in London as an underground, post-punk artist with a cult-like following to his explosion on the world stage that would lead him to become one of the most iconic artists of the 80s, Adam’s musical career spans the course of nine albums and 25 chart-topping singles around the world.

Adam has sold more than 40,000,000 albums and had eight singles in the Top 40 in one week, globally.  His debut album, ‘Dirk Wears White Sox’, was the first number-one album in the UK on the newly-created UK Independent Albums Chart that debuted in 1980.  His follow-up album ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ catapulted him to the world stage, spent 12 weeks at number one in the UK (being crowned Best Album at the 1982 BRIT Awards), produced three chart-topping singles ‘Dog Eat Dog’, ‘Antmusic’ and ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ and featured his trademark Burundi Beat style of Central African drumming, a musical signature that remains to this day.

As Antmania continued to sweep the nation, his third album, ‘Prince Charming’, introduced his landmark single ‘Stand and Deliver’ that topped the UK Singles Chart for five weeks.

His fourth album, ‘Friend or Foe’ with its massive hit ‘Goody Two Shoes’ and follow-up hit ‘Desperate But Not Serious’, turned him into a household name and earned him a GRAMMY nomination for Best New Artist in 1982.

With his crack five-piece band behind him featuring two drummers, Adam Ant live is no excursion in nostalgia.  It’s a thrill ride through some of the most dynamic and thunderous pop music ever recorded.

 

July 19, 2017

Shystie – Wake Up Music Video

LABEL / STAR WORK MUSIC

RELEASED / 15/07/17

Shystie is an ever-changing chameleon, from her music, image, modelling and acting, she has evolved before our eyes over the last decade, constantly hitting the mark. The MOBO award winning rapper, singer, songwriter and actress has an impressive legacy to her name and following her successes in varying fields has recently taken some time out to complete an album, which will be the next addition to her lengthy catalogue.

Her time out makes for a head-turning burst into Summer 17′ with the release of her D&B smash ‘Wake Up’, which premiered as Mistajam’s ‘Jam Hot’ and has since become his record of the week, record of the week at Westside Radio and added to the Kiss Fresh playlist. Produced by Ads Valu, ‘Wake Up’ is vibrant, soulful and unpredicted; highlighting how engaging Shystie is as an artist. Shystie’s soft, sweet vocals dance melodically over a magical, island inspired instrumental before the beat drops and the bass kicks in. Prepare for tropical infusions and layers of African ad-libs that are brought together by a hefty drum section from the infamous D&B producer Cyantific.

The cinematic visuals are a powerful short-movie set across a theme based around modern slavery, something that Shystie feels very strongly about. There are up to 13,000 victims of human trafficking in the UK and this shocking statistic is something that inspired the idea. This deep narrative once again showcases Shystie’s acting skills, which once graced us in the culture defining series ‘Dub-Plate Drama’ Directed and produced by female duo Xiphi films ‘Wake Up’ immerses the viewer into London in the near dystopian future; the pound has crumbled and Chinese influence has spread heavily in the icy society. Tower blocks are packed in next to each other, creating London’s own version of the Kowloon walled city. The dark web has grown in popularity and people can buy with anonymity. This increasing black market economy has created a free flow of trade One negative implication of which is that human trafficking is now out of control.




With the worth and appeal to attract both underground rap fans through to D&B and rhythmic pop fans, ‘Wake Up’ is set to build on the success of Shystie’s previous releases. Expect to hear this one throughout festival season, clubland and the super clubs this Summer.

 

SHYSTIE // WAKE UP

Official Links: Twitter: @IAmShystie || Facebook: facebook.com/IAmShystie||

July 18, 2017

SORAYA DJ

Soraya is 21 years old and always had an undeniable passion for music. Soraya’s parents are a huge reason to why she became a DJ. Her Mother and Step Father are huge festival fans and the euphoria and enjoyment which they got from experiencing music was a key factor to why she pursued a career in music. It gave her the encouragement to study urban dance, drumming and later on in life, Djing. The results of music and the thrill in performing and giving people a happy experience made her dedicated on this career path. Soraya’s father was a stage performer in Iran, which is where she thinks she gets her artistry and confidence from.

In June 2015, Soraya took a trip to Ibiza, where she fell in love with the music scene completely. She paired up with Deep House DJ and Producer, Colin Pereira. He taught her the basics of Djing and performing and they began to DJ back to back for various bars and clubs in West End. Colin’s excitement for beats encouraged Soraya to follow this path.

Soraya left University in order to follow the musical path. She joined London Sound Academy for Djing and Production. Her tutor was a big fan of the HipHop Music Industry and had a residency at an underground HipHop Club in London. She became torn between House Music and HipHop after studying the art of both genres. Soraya developed her skill in mixing and played alongside Radio1 DJ’s. Soraya specialises in House, R&B and Hiphop.

Actually she plays in the best London fashion and trend clubs as Drama Park Lane and Radio Rooftop Garden. Her 2017 summer is planned with djing in Europe that start with the tour on 19th May at O2 Academy in London.

Management & Booking Agent contact:  Stefano Pugnali [email protected]

 

June 10, 2017

IZZIE GIBBS // OK

LABEL: DICE RECORDINGS

RELEASED: OUT NOW

 

One of the most celebrated, new generation artists in grime culture, Northampton’s Izzie Gibbs releases the 2nd single to be taken from his forthcoming ‘Yin Yang’ EP.

Izzie comes with straight up, real talking on this trappy number produced by Spookzville. Setting pace from the get go, the emcee demonstrates his lyrical dexterity, making this a monster tune that has already received 150,000 views in its first week online.

Taken off the impending ‘Yin-Yang’ E.P release, that is set for release on June 16th, ‘OK’ follows up ‘Chillin’ featuring Donae’O, which immediately got snapped us as Rude Kid’s track of the week at Kiss FM and DJ Target’s #RadioActive on Radio 1Xtra, setting Izzie Gibbs firmly on course for his continued ascent. Whilst he already has an admirable career behind him that saw him win ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2016 Urban Music Awards and Stormzy bring him out on stage at Detonate Festival, the unrestrainable talents and determination of this young emcee are proven in his latest peppering of activity across radio and online. 2017 alone has seen him perform alongside Stormzy, Jaykae and Dapz on the Map on the Kiss Grime show, feature on Kamakaze’s Pull Up remix, drop two dope freestyles and has been co-signed by Big Mike aka Stormzy, as one to watch!

Fully aware of the savvy and hungry fans in his command, Izzie Gibbs is already a master of his craft and holds himself solely responsible for his musical output, which includes the decision making behind his E.P. ‘Yin-Yang’ features an array of experienced and rising talent including Young T & Bugsey, as well as Dice Recording label mates Tremz and Big Narstie, who he cites as one of his biggest influences on his career so far.

With his idiosyncratic style, overwhelming charisma and his lengthy list of fans and peers, eyes are firmly set on the future of Izzie Gibbs.

IZZIE GIBBS // OK

 

June 6, 2017