Sunday 29 April 2012

#ESPspotlight Special - Introducing Lisa Ella








A few months ago Sophie Horne (DoubleM Entertainment) introduced me to this amazing new singer who had applied to join the Musicalize performers waiting list (incidentally, did you know the show turned 1 this week? I hear DoubleM are planning a small celebratory soiree on the 18th May...). Seeing a great opportunity for some Artist and Brand Development, she put us in touch and we instantly hit it off over drinks and bad pizza. Take note Match.com, I think you'll find that's how it's done...

Fast forward to Present Day and one Lisa Ella is settling in amongst her new #ESPfamily. Launching her brand new interactive blogsite 'L.Ella' this weekend, what better opportunity (or excuse) to get her into the Spotlight hotseat for a grilling?

Regular followers and #TheSauce readers will know Lisa and I have been working on a few things of late - some of you have even asked when her turn was coming - you knew it had to happen! Some may call it an 'initiation', but I'm going to go with the far more friendly 'Getting to Know You' approach! Whichever angle you prefer, pull up your comfy chair and let me introduce you...









1. Welcome Missy! I had the pleasure of welcoming you to the #ESPfamily a few months ago now; but for those unfamiliar – who is Lisa Ella, where are you from and what do you do?






I'm a born and bred Northern Singer/Songwriter, from the infamous "Manchester la la la, Manchester la la la"



- fellow 'Mancs' will appreciate the chant! 




2. You like to blend your roots into your writing and vocal style; who are your strongest Artistic influences?

I would say I’m versatile with my music collection. My inspiration from the Caribbean culture come from Janet Kay, Brick and Lace, Alison Hinds and Collie Buddz to name a few. Some other Artists you'll find me listening to are The Arctic Monkeys, Drake, Chase & StatusLudovico Einaudi, Little Comets...the list is endless, I love such a variety and can’t get enough!




3. Acoustic sessions are taking over the Performance circuit at the moment. Taking the Pop and Dance elements of your music into account, why does it's appeal outweigh a recorded backing?

I wouldn't say it completely outweighs a recorded backing track...acoustic sessions and performing with your live band / backing track, give off completely different vibes. People like the stripped back intimacy that comes with live music, so to speak. Acoustic sessions for me are purely about creating the ambience and taking your music to a different place and mixing it up.




4. You’re a Northern-native doing things a little bit differently from the norm. Why did you make the decision to split your time between London and Manchester and how are you finding juggling work between the two?

You get the best of both worlds working down in 'The Big Smoke'. It's different to most places. I like to refer to it as Marmite; you either love it or hate it, I'm yet to make that decision...although the many times you're squashed like a fly against some ones armpit or train window on the tube makes you think twice...

Photo courtesy of Andrew J Shirley Photography, Cover Design by Jelli Ltd.

All jokes aside, I would say if you have the opportunity to get out there and meet people and get your music heard, I say go for it and make the most of your time, you never know who you’re going to meet along your travels out and about. There are people out there who want to help.


5. There's a reason why one of my descriptions for you is 'Little Miss Sporty'; please elaborate for the lovely readers:



I have been a dedicated Hockey player for twelve years. I very much enjoy being part of a team, the Sporting culture, and the good banter as well! Skiing I also LOVE; you’ll often find me down at Chill Factor (indoor ski slope) wishing I was in Val d'Isère....



Photo courtesy of charitygiving.co.uk

On the 20th May I'll be taking part in the BUPA 10K Run with some mates, raising money for charity and to reveal how unfit we are! Then at the end of 2012 we're aiming to complete the '3 Peaks Challenge' - walking up the highest mountains in EnglandScotland and Wales within 24 hours...sounds ridiculous but we actually achieved it when we were 16 but that was in three days...all I can say is wish me luck, I’ll keep you posted!


6. Aside from your AMAZING talent, one of my favourite things about you is that scarily intelligent brain! What sparked your interest in Law and Criminology?






Watching too many episodes of 'The Bill' and 'Police, Camera, Action'...I've always had a interest in the Criminal Justice System and wanted to study the diverse legislations and Policies of Judicial Decision. Criminal and Employment Law were my areas of interest.


7. Sports, Smarts and Beauty – you my dear, are what is known as a Triple Threat! Back to the Music though. We have some interesting projects coming up in the next few months, fancy sharing some details on what you’re working on at the moment?

Most definitely! I like to call it Studio Lock Down, at the minute I'm working on new material; writing, recording and making sure it’s at its best before I share it with you all. I'm loving the vibe we've got at the minute and can’t wait to showcase performances with my band...

As well there will be more action on the video performances that I'm calling my 'Acoustic Sessions'. I'm having a play around with songs and stripping them back, so keep an eye on my new blog for the YouTube links. I’ll be doing a video for one of my original tracks which is a first for me, so looking forward to that. I have had a few interviews and Live performances with local Radio Stations in the past, but in the coming weeks I’ll be gracing the airwaves again; it'll be nerve racking but such a great surreal experience!


8. So we now know what your dream is and what you would be doing if you weren't a natural Performer; but what are you absolutely atrocious at? Is there a skill you wish you had?


Anti(?) Social Networks...?
To be a computer and technology geek...in essence just to know what I'm doing! My friends will tell you and you can back me up on this, but I'm an absolute shocker when it comes to them. It doesn't help that every month there is something new on the market or updated versions of software; I'm all for keeping with the times but sooner or later were going to turn into robots! I find it fascinating how advanced technology has become and the diverse gadgets and gizmos out there...Nevertheless half the time I just like to keep it simple!


9. You have a blogsite launching today; what’s the biggest message you’re hoping to impart to your audience through ‘L.Ella’?


'L.Ella xx'

I want to invite people to come and join the journey of Lisa Ella, sit back, participate and have your say!

10. If your friends were to describe you in 5 words, what would they be?

Kind, Loyal, Funny, Creative, Clever...

'L.Ella xx' is now LIVE! Make sure you visit the site, drop us some feedback and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest updates as they happen!

Have a great week!
ES ;)

A PERSONAL INVITATION FROM MUSICALIZE (PRESS RELEASE)



PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THURSDAY 26th APRIL 2012

MUSICALIZE 1st BIRTHDAY SPECIAL SET FOR 18 MAY 2012

Musicalize will be celebrating one year in the live music business at Proud 2, The O2, London on Friday 18th May 2012.

Click for your personal invitation from the Musicalize Team...
The event features a strong line-up of UK artists that have been receiving support from all of the major players in the UK music scene over the past 12 months. Attendees on the night will be treated to performances from the likes of Loick Essien, Angel, Sway and Donaeo. Also gracing the Musicalize stage will be artists such as Amplify Dot, Baby Blue, C4, In’Sight, Lady Leshurr, Lioness, Roxxxan, Vince Kidd and Xploder. Following the live music there will also be a VIP afterparty to continue the celebrations with some special guests performing.

Also performing on the night will be the winner of a competition that the Musicalize team will be running offering an unsigned artist the chance to open the show. Speaking of the decision to do this Sophie Horne, co-founder of Musicalize said: “We never want to forget why we started doing live events. It was all about supporting up and coming artists and giving them a platform to perform alongside more established artists. By running this competition Musicalize will be able to give that one lucky artist an excellent opportunity in their career.” For this special event, Musicalize have decided to put on the event in support of a charity, Youth Music. Speaking of the decision to support Youth Music, co-founder Ben Anderson stated: “After one meeting at the Youth Music offices we knew we had to do something special with them. They are a fantastic charity and one that is using the power of music to support young people and for us we’re delighted that they saw something in Musicalize that made them want to partner with us. I look forward to a long lasting partnership with the charity.”

Michael Smeaton, partnership manager for Youth Music also commented regarding the partnership: “We love the work that the Musicalize team are doing. It’s no secret that they work with some of the best musicians and artists in the UK and their events are always a great place to network with people from all areas of the music industry. As Youth Music looks to raise its profile, teaming up with Musicalize was an obvious choice for us. We look forward to working with them on this and future events.”

Hosting the event is SBTV new boy Aaron Roach Bridgeman. Aaron is no stranger to hosting events and commenting on why he was keen to get involved with hosting the event, Aaron said: "Musicalize is a growing event with a very clear vision and focus. I was delighted to work with the team in March for the first time and to come back for this special event is something I’m very much looking forward to. I love the work that the team are doing for up and coming artists as it is something I too am very passionate about and to be doing the event in support of an excellent charity only makes it better.”

So with another strong line up and the promise of some good networking opportunities it would seem that on Friday 18th March 2012 the place to be is Proud 2, The O2 to celebrate what is hopefully the first of many years to come in the live music business for Musicalize.

Quiet Times...


Well what a week it's been.

'You grow through what you go through' is a favourite saying I heard a few years back, that I immediately adopted as one of my mantras. I firmly believe that if you don't get a personal message out of everything you do, then you're wasting your precious time on this Earth. This week, my lesson was a very simple one learnt in the hardest of ways: my world is scarily dependent on technology - more specifically, my laptops! 


You just don't realise how reliant you become on tools until you have to (try to) function without them! I time-travelled to the Dark Ages this week as I tried to run the ESP Ltd. HQ on barely-functioning 'technology'. Fried hardware on one and corrupted software on the other - yes, at the same time - have meant that all has been uncharacteristically quiet on our external front.

Though we're still delayed in the IT equivalent of Customs at Heathrow whilst I try to have the issues resolved, you will have noticed that the weekly features (#FindOutFriday and #TheSauce) are running a bit behind. My sincere apologies to those of you looking forward to both; I take a lot of encouragement in knowing that you're appreciating them enough to actually drop a line and enquire if all is well!

Rest assured, I will have an #ESPspotlight Special for you shortly  - this one's a doozy so you won't want to miss it; there might just be a little something extra special announced...Technology willing, our weekly ESP Family Digest will follow as soon as possible afterward.

With thanks again for your patience and continued support, especially.

See you in a few!
ES ;)

Friday 20 April 2012

#FindOutFriday with DJ MELODY KANE!







...DJ Melody Kane

Welcome loyal readers and newbies to the latest #ESPspotlight Interview! If you know the history of ESP, you will understand what I mean when I say that for the 15th #FindOutFriday of 2012, I've finally come Full Circle! I'm sitting down with the second Lady to give me a shot when I was just starting out, forever making her an honorary Family Member.

DJ Melody Kane is the kind of influence that you learn from. In the near 18-months that I have known her, she has trailblazed far further than many of her male contemporaries, to the point where it was actually quite hard to cut my questions about it all to 10 (as you will see)! Worldwide traveller, SB:TV Official DJ and Pioneer of the first Female club movement of it's kind, she brings the Female DJ Takeover back to Shoreditch in May, after a successful launch in February 2011.


I caught up with her fresh off her Resident Bang 103.6FM Lunchtime decks for an interview in the style of one of her sets, hitting as many topics as it's possible to cover in 10 Questions! so spend a bit of time with us both as I 'turn tables' on the DJ for a mix all of my own...















1. Welcome Ms. Melody, it's an honour and a privilege! Diving straight in...I know you were a Performing Arts student Once Upon A Time. What was your chosen field and what else did you study in college?

iWhoreTees are one of Melody's event sponsers for
The Female DJ Takeover
How Random! I didn't think I'd ever said that to anyone in an interview! I mainly concentrated on the Drama; I used to be quite musical when I was young so I used to play the Piano a lot and a few different instruments, but I was more into the Drama side of things. I used to love performing, I used to love acting. I also did Music Studies for a spell.





2. One of the earliest lessons I learned from shadowing you was that there is a general consensus amongst ALL DJs, male or female, that there are a lot of people making a small pond into a puddle - especially on the Female DJ circuit. What kind of training did you have to undergo to get to your skill level and how long has it taken you?

That's like, my pet hate! Basically, it took...I would say a year of practising at home, so not playing out anywhere, just literally perfecting my Art at home. Then I would say, it took another year doing warm up gigs and parties, stuff like that. So I would say it was kind of two years in the process of practising and learning until I felt really, really ready. I did play in clubs after the first year, but I didn't feel like I was really good at my craft yet; for the second year, I stayed in my 9-5 and DJ'd at weekends. Then I felt ready, like I was good enough at what I do to be a full-time DJ. I'd say it's been about 5 or 6 years now?

And did you find it easy to transfer your skills from decks to radio?


It's been good doing radio shows because primarily I was a DJ and being on the radio has made me work on being a Presenter, which I'm really enjoying. I think it just comes from being comfortable? As long as you're comfortable in what you do, then it's not hard taking your club skills and putting them to work in radio. As you said, I do use the Mic in clubs, so there should be no reason why I can't make it work. I like radio, I enjoy it - it's fun!

3. What are some of the most struggles, issues and most common misconceptions that you have experienced and still face?

Everyone's a DJ now and as a Female DJ; I'd say it seems to be about 90% based on looks. Obviously a lot of the 'Model turned DJs' are out there...but I think once you get to a certain level where you're comfortable with your craft then those people don't really matter...In terms of the everyday; I'd say I probably face the same problems as all DJs - nothing to do with being male or female. All of us face the same problems of 'Bedroom DJs' undercutting them; doing it for hardly any money, or playing in clubs for free and so Promoters and clubs booking them over people who have practised their craft...I'd say a big problem as a DJ now, is that in the old days it used to be about who's got a certain tune first; but now all tunes are accessible to anybody, whether you're a DJ or not. So everybody can just click a button and download a track. You have to find ways to stand out and that definitely has to be about the skill that you put to your craft, because pretty much everyone is playing the same thing, whereas  perhaps in the old days, DJs stood out because they had a different record collection. I don't think that's really applicable now. People pretty much these days, don't want to hear new music, unfortunately. It's just about finding ways of sticking out. Being a full-time DJ is definitely hard; one week I could be DJ'ing five times, then the week after I could not have any gigs...It's definitely a tough industry and people don't take it seriously. 

So does that mean that you feel DJs need a trademark to stand out now? If so, what's yours?

I've kind of been given the unintentional trademark of my hair! Having quite big hair - it's never a trademark I gave myself or set out to have, but people tell me it's my trademark! I hope my trademark is that whenever I DJ, I really like to dance to the music, really vibe to it. Hopefully to just always be happy and come across like I've got a lot of energy and I'm enjoying it, because I am - I love what I do.




4. You have one of the most striking and individual fashion styles that I've ever come across. How important is 'image' in what you do and how did you go about developing your personal style?

I love my earrings! Somebody once told me that because I'm quite large in the bottom area, I always need to carry a big bag and wear big earrings to make everything else look smaller so I do - I've heeded their advice! I'm trying to minimize everything else by larging it all up, hence the hair and the earrings! I think in the world of Female DJs, image is definitely important. It's a shame that it seems to be very important to look a certain way, which I definitely don't. I try to just work with what I've got! I just try to accentuate that. I've never been comfortable trying to go down the 'Sexy' road so I just work with what I'm comfortable with, which is to just be a bit funky and have fun with my clothes. I really like colours, so I try to just go in with them...a lot of colours and BIG stuff!


5. Your talent has taken you all over the world and opended doors that I'm sure even you never imagined would exist. Can you share some standout memories from your career so far - Good and/or Bad?

Melody became the SB:TV Official DJ in 2011
I'm a travel bunny...I really, really, REALLY love travelling, so any time I go abroad, I'm happy; just being paid to go and DJ somewhere hot and beautiful, to a crowd that's really up for it - because whenever you DJ abroad everyone's on holiday, it's in the Sun, everyone's happy, it's a nicer vibe. When I'm getting old and grey, I'll probably just jump on a plane and DJ as many places abroad as I possibly can! Anything to do with SB:TV I always really love; they've got such a respected name within the Industry and outside of it. They're a really good brand to be associated with; everybody wants to be involved with SB:TV, so whenever they do an event, there's always really exciting artists on the line up, so I absolutely love being involved with them.

6. How did you end up as SB:TV's official DJ and what exactly does that entail for the average lay person?

Melody with SB:TV CEO & Founder,
Jamal Edwards
I actually ended up DJ'ing at the SB:TV website launch party, which was at Nandos early last year. A friend recommended me to DJ there so that's where I met Jamal (Edwards) and the rest of the team. It was just such a good event and we had such a good time that Jamal asked me to DJ at his birthday party. Then I DJ'd at a couple of other events for SB:TV and Jamal asked me if I'd be the Official DJ; that's kind of how it came about.

Being the 'Official DJ' basically means that I DJ at all their events; when it comes to mixtapes I review them, for example there's a new one coming out in a few week's time. SB:TV's got a stage at the Camden Crawl which is happening in a few weeks, so we're just working on a mixtape now for that. Also supplying the guys in the office with a little bit of tunes

Your mixes / compilations are legendary; how do the Unsigned make it onto your playlist?

Do you know what, if it's good music, I'll play it - it's as simple as that. If there's good music out there, people just need to email me, it needs to be clearly labelled, it needs to be a high bitrate, it needs to be presented in a certain way. If people send me music and just say "listen to my track it's f***ing amazing!", I won't download it, I won't even open it...Just make sure that it's sent in the right way; make sure you've labelled your tracks correctly, make sure it's mastered and if I like it then I will 100% play it. I want to support UK music, I like to see people trying hard, do well.


7. Where did the Female DJ Takeover concept come from and how did you go about putting it into action?

It came about because I just used to get frustrated - even now, I would see flyers with 25 DJs on and there wouldn't be ONE Female DJ's name. There are some good Male DJs out there, there are some good Female DJs out there; the same way that there are some bad Male DJs and bad Female DJs, so it wasn't that it was particularly about burning our bras and waving the flag for female rights...it just stemmed from the fact that it seemed to be really uneven when Promoters were doing big events, it would seem that there were never any Female names on the line up, which was a bit silly...It just used to get me frustrated so I thought wouldn't it be nice to do an event where it WAS about talented Females who COULD DJ? When it comes to Female DJs, I'm not interested in whether they look really amazing; because it doesn't matter if they look really hot, but can't DJ. That's of no interest to me, it doesn't matter what they look like, it just matters how they sound. It was just about finding people who were really passionate about being a DJ - I just wanted to put together an event for the people who took it seriously. People wouldn't be coming down because they'd be wearing a little boob tube and batty riders, or whatever; they'd be coming down because those DJs play good music. They can mix and they can do their thing. 

And I remember you telling me that you had this vision of how much further you wanted to take it - into putting on Conferences and that much more...

I've definitely still got that vision...things were on hold a little bit over the last year, just because I've had so many other projects going on, so many other things that I've been working on, so I had to take a bit of a step back, but you know I still love the concept of Female DJ Takeover, I still love the idea of doing the event in different clubs around the Country...I still really believe in the idea 100%; it just takes a bit of time to put together, but I'm ready to just go IN now! 

8. Aside from the line up, how will FDT - The Return differ from The Launch and what was involved in your selection process, from DJs to Behind The Scenes?

The February 2011 Launch featured (l-r): SheJay 1E, Lady Jay Diamond,
Melody Kane, Lynnike & Sefa, Marx'si and Rocha (to name a few!)
With regards to the launch, I think I went down the road of having too many DJs...I had about 10! This will be different because it's going to be monthly, so it's kind of the 'Relaunch' event. SheJay 1E will always be DJ'ing there, she's the FDT Resident. I'll always be DJ'ing. So what we're going to do is have a headliner - this month it's Nikki (Beatnik) and then an up and coming DJ. So the synopsis is the Residents, a Headliner and then an up and coming Female DJ to do the warm up and give her a chance to play out, this time it's K Dot (Lee). And we'll always have a PA as well, this month it's NoLay.


And what about the 'Behind The Sceners'? Speaking as someone who got one of her early shots from you, what do you look for in your team?


Someone you might recognise
at last year's launch...

You were just really keen and really on it, so I thought I'd give you the opportunity. I just like people that share the same passion that I do; if people have a passion for what they do and they come to me, then I always want to give people a chance, it's just the way I work - I always want people to do well.







9. What is the longterm FDT Goal and how has it changed from your original vision, if at all?


It hasn't changed. The goal is still to run a successful monthly club night that showcases Female DJs and hopefully take that around the Country and then maybe even eventually Global

10. If you weren't a DJ, what would you be?

What would I be...I love dawwwwgs! I'd like to be a dawwwgwalker! I'd live somewhere hot and sunny and be a dogwalker!

The biggest of Thank Yous to Melody for this week's spotlight interview! Make sure you come down to 'Female DJ Takeover - The Relaunch' at Bar OneFourOne on 4th May and say Hi to the rest of the ESP Family, who will be there supporting!


For the latest, up-to-the-minute news on the FDT Relaunch, stay tuned to www.djmelodykane.com


Until then, you can catch Melody from 12-2PM, every Thursday and Friday on Bang 103.6FM!



Interact with Melody directly:


Follow her content channels:



Follow The Female DJ Takeover Movement:


And that's it for this week! As always, I love to hear what you think on the prevalent topic of the week. Got a favourite Female DJ? Tell us about her! Or maybe you think the scales are equal?

Share your thoughts in the comment box below, I will respond to all (sensible) posts!

Use those 'Share' buttons!

See you soon,
ES :)

Wednesday 18 April 2012

FEMALE DJ TAKEOVER IS BACK!!! 4TH MAY, BAR ONEFOURONE, SHOREDITCH

You have NO idea how excited I am to tell you about this one...

The long-awaited Female DJ Takeover returns to Bar OneFourOne in Shoreditch on the 4th May and I for one, cannot WAIT!


The Deck Squad for this highly-anticipated return led by FDT Pioneer and SB:TV DJ Melody Kane herself features No.1 Resident SheJay 1E, Kane's fellow Bang 103.6FM host KDot Lee and a headline set by Yours Truly's other personal fave Spinner who just happens to be RnB star Kelis' personal Tour DJ and friend of Deer Oh Deer, the LEGENDARY Nikki Beatnik!

Also lookout for a killer set from Top Grime FemCee - NO LAY!

Make sure you come decked out in your finest, as the Fabulous Lipgloss Lu will be snapping on the night...

Email to register for the £5 guestlist (or pay £8 on the door). For more info visit the Facebook Event Page

Will we see you there?
ES :)

Saturday 14 April 2012

#FindOutFriday with POETIKA





...Poetika


I was first introduced to Poetika roughly a year ago now, at a (then) new live music night where ESP's own Lekhem was performing. Like the rest of the audience during his performance, I recall being transfixed by his powerful wordplay and skill at commanding the room with Spoken Word on some pretty heavy topics that you would expect to lose a crowd in that environment.

Take a trip into the world of an overlooked artform this week as we #FindOut more about what's coming straight outta East London!

Introducing Poetika...















1. Welcome to #FindOutFriday! Let's start by getting to know you, the 'Poet' part is self-explanatory, but what inspired the rest of your name?

Thank you for having me! 'Poetica' means 'Poetry' in Greek; but I didn't get it directly from that. There are a few ancient principles that I like; one of them is called 'Hermetica' - ancient teachings and principles that people used to go by. Originally from Egypt, I thought I'd change it and add the 'k' for a twist. It was supposed to be an online Spoken Word magazine but I performed one day and ever since then it became my name. It just means that I'll have to name the magazine something else when I bring it out later.



2. Words quite obviously have a firm grip on you; with a Creative Writing BA and a career in Journalism. Tell us about the first thing you wrote; what ignited the 'Buzz'?


I used to read a lot of plays in college and I've always liked poetry. What did I first write...I don't know if you remember when you used to get those text messages...there's one that I will always remember:


'If dreams weren't dreams and dreams came true;
I wouldn't be here I'd be next to you.
Distance is one thing that keeps us apart,
But you''ll always remain in my heart.'


When people used to send out those generic messages to their friends or their girlfriends, I thought 'I could write that'; and this is when I was young, still in school. I always used to attempt to write them but I couldn't do it because it didn't come from the heart. Reading is what really got me started with writing because I think they go hand-in-hand with each other. I  never studied Sociology, but I loved reading about society, civilisation, poverty, racism...I first started with poverty; I used to write so much about it and it wasn't poetry to begin with, it was just anger. I used to write about racism but that wasn't poetry; it wasn't articulate. To begin with, I didn't know Journalism was what I wanted to do; when I studied Creative Writing, we'd learn about novels, poetry, prose...everything in terms of Literature. I started reading up on different Poets that I never knew about; Poets I used to hear about but never really paid attention to, like Maya Angelou. Then I started writing really heartfelt stuff and thought 'This is Me'. The only problem was that I didn't know how to perform it, or say it. Because I always used to look at it as performance and I could never do it. But after awhile, I realised this is stuff that I actually speak about with a passion, so why don't I do that with my poetry? Then I heard Gil Scott Heron. When I first heard him, I realised I could do this. I can't sing, but the things he talks about and the way he expresses himself in his poetry and music, made me realise I can really do this. 

3. So Literature has clearly had a huge impact on what you do; can you talk about some of the works that resonated with you the most?


'1984' by George Orwell; 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, 'A Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley; Sister Souljah - 'The Coldest Winter Ever'...after awhile I thought, I don't want to read novels any more because they all sound the same; they were all about coming up from struggles to success, back to struggling, back to successes...I started to ask myself where does the whole thing come from? Especially within Black communities and families. Then I started reading up on Black History; when I say Black History, I don't mean Slavery; I mean Black History before Slavery. That is when it opened up a lot more doors for me. I was no longer confining to a 'London-state of Mind'. I started reading books on Egyptian Mythology, Greek Mythology , Chinese principles and teachings and more.


4. Politics and World Affairs are quite heavy topics for a young man of your age to focus solely on. What is it about them that inspires your work?


The word Revolution comes to mind. I think it's so cliché; but when I say 'Revolution', I don't mean the (London) Riots because I feel that it means 'Mind before Action'; if we retrained our way of thinking, then that's a revolution in itself. The world at the moment, the way it's shaped, it's such a cycle - there's no Peace. I think there's no profit in peace because it's far too expensive for there to be World Peace - War employs too many people. Stuff like that is what intrigues me and I feel if I can write about it and just one person reads about it, then that's ok. It's our duty to address things like that because we feed into it if we do nothing about it.





5. You're not all about the heavy-handed topics though - what makes you smile?




Seeing people do well...Sports...Anything Social, where people are together. If I didn't play football, I wouldn't know as many people as I do now. There's teamwork in Sports and I think that brings people together.







6. You have a website launching next week; what can we expect to find on there?
The website is launching next Friday. With my poetry, I'm trying to collaborate with more Musicians and do some more videos. I want to advertise and promote poetry. Over this next year, I plan to popularise Spoken Word. It will have articles by me and others; it 's going to have Arts in collaboration, I worked with Dee Sinke, a Lithuanian artist who drew pictures and did paintings for poems that I've done; then I wrote poetry to certain things that they've done as well. I wanted to do something different. In Renaissance times all the creative artists would merge everything together, whereas I feel that now everyone's on this "I'm doing my own thing" attitude. I really like Art; whenever someone says 'A picture tells 1000 words', I want to write those 1000 words...If someone can read my words and gets a different interpretation - I want an Artist to get a different interpretation and paint a picture. That's exactly what we did. I try to only collaborate with people who share the same vision that I do. 






7. You've told me previously that Journalism is your main goal, which surprised me because you're so comfortable performing - how did you end up on the stage?


That's because I used to do Performing Arts when I was in college. When I'm on stage, the reason I'm comfortable is because the majority of stuff that I talk about, I'm really feeling. That's why I don't even feel like I'm 'performing'; I feel like I'm just having a conversation with you behind closed doors, but I promote it, kind of like a one-way conversation. A few people have asked me how I go about poetry, they write but don't know how to go about performing. I've always said that if it's something that they write and something that they really feel, then they should have no problems having a conversation about it. We don't realise that every time we speak, it's Poetry. When we've got a sense of humour - it's Poetry. When we're laughing about things, telling jokes and doing things we don't even realise we're doing - it's Poetry...

8. You mentioned Gil Scott Heron earlier. Who else inspires you and in what way?


There's not really many people, it's more books that I've read. The Prince by Machiavelli inspired me a lot. Sun Tzu wrote The Art of War; The Prince is kind of like 'The Art of Power'. It tells you how to manipulate people and get them on your side. It's helped me a lot. Just in the way that it was written, it's very poetic.



9. So we now know about your Poetry and your Journalistic aspirations, but there was almost another career path...Tell us about your International Pro-Football exploits:


When I was younger I played for Leyton Orient; I played semi-pro for Clapton then after Uni, I  went to play in Portugal - that's when I had my knee injury. I had an operation out there, then when I came back to England my friend told me about trials in America; that was for Chicago Fire. My knee problems carried on though. They were 2-day trials and I got through the first day but I was in doubt for the second. They could  see I wasn't doing well because of my knee problems so I didn't make it through. Another trial came up for Colerado and I went through to the final stages of the trials. I really enjoyed that one even though I didn't get a contract. I came back here and played Semi-Pro up until about 5 months ago when I had another injury and I just said forget it. I've played District League football from then on.

10. Can you tell us one of your own favourite quotes?

"A wise man uses his mind to create the environment around him."
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As always, a massive Thank You to Poetika for braving this week's hotseat - it was another fun one! Do make sure you STAY TUNED to the exploits of this extremely talented Artist, by connecting via his Social Media:



And don't forget - Poetika's earlier-mentioned website launch:


Hope you enjoyed this week's feature folks! Whether you like it or you don't - Speak your Words!

ES ;)