Monday 31 December 2012

ESP Yearbook and Blog Awards 2012!



With less than 24 hours to go, the end of 2012 is nigh and everyone - including Yours Truly, is in that retrospective frame of mind.

It's been an absolutely MASSIVE year for this blog; beyond comprehension in every way and every single feature has been memorable. Never in a million did I imagine being nominated for one award, never mind two. I didn't need, or expect to win, the unexpected audience nominations were more than enough! As for your kind attention well; it was a proud moment to receive that 30,000th all-time visitor hit for the last 15.5 months, 5 days ahead of tonight's midnight target. Since just under 27,000 of those were this year alone, you can imagine my bewilderment at now being only a few hours away from reaching that 30-spot just for 2012. The very concept of either boggles the mind and all I can say is the biggest of THANK YOU'S for taking the time out.

I'm not mad enough to think that you stop by here for me though! You love the people I'm featuring (which is good to know, so I shall endeavour to keep up that calibre in 2013). In light of that, I thought I'd first of all give you a little behind the scenes look at YOUR Top 10 Most Read Features of 2012:

  1. #ESPspotlight Review: 'Hotei at The Roundhouse'
  2. #FindOutFriday with StooShe!
  3. 'Queens of Diamonds' (10 Deer Oh Deer HarleQueens - #ESPspotlight Jubilee Special)
  4. #FindOutFriday with Charli-Anne Shirley!
  5. 'Remember HIS Time' (Michael Jackson #ESPspotlight Special)
  6. #FindOutFriday with Kevin Writer (Def Jam US Artist & Producer)
  7. #FindOutFriday Valentine's Special - 'Battle of the Sexes'!
  8. #ESPspotlight Interview: Andy Piccos of 'Stitchin Business'
  9. #FindOutFriday with Beckii Cruel
  10. #ESPspotlight Review: HYPER JAPAN Part ONE: 'Friday HighDay'!
I find it fascinating to see your favourites, but for my last post of this indefinable year, I also wanted to bring you mine. If you've been with me all year, then you know I'm not one to do things the 'normal' way; so I decided to say Thank You for all of your support with a little downloadable offering...

Enjoy 2012's 'Best Bits' from my perspective in the first ever EricaSharlette Ltd. Promotions Yearbook and Blog Awards! I hope you enjoy it - let me know if you're feeling the nostalgia too!


On behalf of the entire ESP Family, we wish you an abundance of Health, Happiness and Prosperity for 2013.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
EricaSharlette ;)



Sunday 23 December 2012

#ESPspotlight Review: HOTEI at The Roundhouse



It takes a lot to impress me. To render me starstruck, you need to belong to an elite group of talent's 'Most High' and your career needs to be a story (tabloid tell-alls do not count).


ES in the P with a British ICON - Suggs, lead singer of MADNESS
(and also one of THEE Coolest People on The Planet...)
So when I attended Hyper Japan last month and came face to face with a man who's work not only helped shape music and film history, but also change an entire cultural view and provide a gateway for the generations that followed, I obviously had to have a word. That word led to my rocking out in my leathers with another legend you may recognise at the Roundhouse in Camden on Tuesday night...


Tomoyasu Hotei is an Icon that six weeks ago, I didn't know I've been a long-time fan of. 'Battle Without Honor and Humanity' may be his signature track; but his setlist full of original catalogue mash ups with Rock classics that we all know and love (Bowie's Starman, Steppenwolf's Born To Be Wild and Eddie Cochran's C'mon Everybody) had me and my new pal going, well...MAD!


The audience on the ground floor were predominantly Japanese, with my fellow upper level Rockers being of mixed descent. The reason that struck me is because what I picked up on, was the overwhelming sense of unity through music. I don't know about anyone else, but that's what I consider the mark of a true gift. Almost all were completely caught up in the reverie of  what Hotei and his arsenal of a band were serving. 'Oddly' enough the few who were not, were instead scribbling away furiously in notebooks - go figure...


Far more seasoned in the field than I; it was clear they were unimpressed with Hotei's vocals - something the fans of the music did not seem to notice, or care about. As someone who's publicly stated that singing is not his first love or main skill, what he did with each guitar took precedence and rendered the majority dumbstruck. He changed over a few times, but when he picked up that trademark monochrome electric sword, you knew he meant business. The way he made that guitar cry in the final strains of his encore, under a white, ethereal spotlight, was like nothing I've seen live, bar Michael Jackson at the close of his Dangerous Tour in 1992. By that I mean, when you watch a Master make their craft look as easy as breathing, you can't help but be reminded who you're in the presence of, your station in life and exactly what us 'ordinary humans' cannot do. We had been well and truly SCHOOLED.


If the applause and numbers that milled around to congratulate Hotei San after he had changed into one seriously sharp, crushed velvet black suit, with white shirt and black tie - the man rocks dapper threads like he rocks a riff - were anything to go by, then Yours Truly wasn't the only one impressed. Bette Bright, former Deaf School lead singer (and Mrs Suggs), was as entranced as I at "all the twists and the way he mashed it all up; he made it all come together so beautifully!"

(l-r) Phil Manzanera (ROXY Music), Hotei Tomoyasu, Andy Mackay (ROXY Music), Suggs (Madness)

Touched and honoured that he remembered me from our 5-minute interview after his Hyper Japan performance with Samurai Sword Masters KAMUI almost a month prior; I was once again struck at the sheer humility of a man who just held an entire venue audibly captive, went on to chew the fat with the likes of The Cure guitarist Reeves Gabrels, only to then greet me like a long-lost friend straight afterwards.

Hotei Tomoyasu with The Cure guitarist, Reeves Gabrels



















The lovely Hotei San indulging a wayward fan...




Definitely a blueprint for today's artists to emulate both musically and personally in the way he treats everyday people, I for one, cannot wait to see and hear what this one-of-a-kind trailblazer does next...








ES ;o)

Friday 21 December 2012

'Grandeur Pulse' The Instrumentals Mixtape by Lekhem (playlist)

Loving EVERY minute of this; haven't stopped listening to it since it landed in my Inbox last Friday - our resident Jamerican did WELL!

Preview 90-second snippets of all 12 tracks individually OR, the whole mixtape in under 5 minutes via Lekhem's YouTube Channel; whichever your preference, just so long as you DON'T FORGET to DOWNLOAD #GrandeurPulse in full!


Thank me later! Or better still, thank Lekhem directly...

Enjoy!
ES ;o)

Sunday 16 December 2012

#ESPspotlight Review: Soneni & The Soul's 'Million Miles Away' EP


Right. Well now I want to go out on the town.

I've just had my first listen of 'Million Miles Away' - the dĂ©but EP from Afrosoul band, Soneni & The Soul and it's left me in the mood for some Sunday night wine bar action. VERY bad influences, they are...

If you caught their #FindOutFriday interview back in March, then you'll know that these four are one of my favourite UK sounds, thus making the EP's release a highpoint of my year. Imagine my grumpy annoyance then, at being kept away from their release party Thursday before last, by the most annoyingly spiteful, entertainment-foiling, inconsiderate of my personal joy and life-living bout of Influenza in recorded history. In case the meaning of my words are more blocked than my nose, what I'm basically saying is, I was slightly irked.

Alas, I tried to mentally relive the night on my lonesome just now. As a result, I now fully place blame upon the group, for no longer wanting to sit here and work the rest of the evening away as my to-do list requires, oh no. The bass from the first bar of opening track, 'We Can Go', now has me tempted to hitchhike to quiet Country lanes where I can really put some poor, innocent driver's subwoofers to good use, before heading back to that aforementioned bar, to Azonto the night away until my little heart's content. Now I'm not going to pretend that I actually know how to do the Azonto; but if the band can play the track in a field, then who's to stop me learning in one? The pastime is officially required.




EP title track 'Million Miles Away', is a strong contender for the mixtape's best. A glimpse into the all too familiar struggle of being stuck in a job that grinds you down mentally and crushes your inner spirit - you don't even need to be the creative type to relate to this one; you just need to repel the suffocating conformity imposed by 'The Laws of The Suit'. With smooth vocals from Soneni that could be likened to singer Estelle in places (sans the ego, with the added bonus of a likeable personality); the entire track does what it says on the tin - adds mileage to your cognitive state. Just be glad it's not literal distance, no-one can afford this journey at today's petrol prices...

Now I'd like to think that 'God Bless The Creators' is a tribute that even I can take part in. The first 'Spoken Word' track in the collection, the rhyming Prayer unites all those with passion and means for turning their ideas into reality. Also a motivational speech of sorts; it's an encouraging reminder that whilst what we do may be a labour of love, that doesn't automatically make the ability come easily or naturally - and that difficulty frustrates, but connects us all.

Talking of Unity, I don't think it's honestly possible for me to ever get sick of 'Love My London'. The Spiritual uplift in honour of our tragic, post-riot, city was performed live for the first time at the 6th December release party. Featuring fellow Spoken Word artists Leroy Rose, Ms KG, Tshaka Campbell, Comfort and Alim Kamara; this is (not so) secretly the performance I was most looking forward to and equally, most gutted about missing.




Continuing the Spoken Word format, 'A Place Called eKhaya' makes me want to sit by a campfire at night, examining my true Spiritual path with a Warrior Chief...And I don't even do wildlife. Soneni talks the confusing juxtaposition that, looking back on her history begs the question: "Where's Home?" BEWARE that drum beneath her while you listen - it doesn't half lead your mind on 4 minutes and 7 seconds worth of one of those dream walks that you see people take in films to boost their mental clarity and all that...

'Siyahamba' feels like a coming of age epiphany set to a Soulful House beat. It takes the 'Back To My Roots' message of 'A Place Called eKhaya' and puts it into practice, by blending Soneni's British birthplace with her Zimbabwean heritage, before pouring the combination over one seriously infectious backing track; courtesy of Elmo's Bass, Andrew's Guitar and Boukie's delirium-inspiring Drums.

Going for a big finish, it's no wonder that 'The Zone' has garnered Soneni & The Soul so much additional interest since it's preview release some weeks back. Just when I'd started to calm down, I was unceremoniously transported to another place and my dancing shoes came along for the ride. I do love a truthful title. An accurate description of the entire project, the closing track is packed with more electric energy than a defibrillator massage to your 'sensitive' bits...








For a dance-filled trip beyond the outskirts of your imagination, 'Million Miles Away' by Soneni & The Soul is just the ticket.







Connect with the group via their Social Media Catalogue:


Get the MUSIC:


And last but definitely not least, ENJOY!
ES ;o)


Saturday 15 December 2012

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: StartUp Fashion Event


It's a wonderful tool, that EventBrite website. I'll confess that I often forget to read the monthly 'Picks for You' newsletter (you know we all do when the day-to-day tasks overtake us) but for some reason this month, I took a look at what was on as soon as it arrived.

When I came across the StartUp Fashion listing, I got that familiar gut instinct that stops you in your tracks. Whilst EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. is not a Fashion Brand, I'm a firm believer in always finding the lesson in everything. I've found that some of the biggest come from going back to your roots and reminding yourself why you do whatever it is that you do. The bare bones of operations management is one of those things, so already my interest was piqued.

Looking at the amazing line up of speakers though, I felt sure that such a day had to come with some extortionate price tag, so had already half left the page mentally, before I saw the fee of £0.00. That's right. ASOS, Harvey Nick'sHouse of Fraser Head Honcho's to name but a few and the bill for the day came to precisely ZERO. There was no question of where you were going to find me come November 28th...


Alison Lewy, Founder of Fashion Angel
After my usual 'Little Lamb Lost' routine - this time with the backing of three others, all as Google Mapped-out and completely clueless as I as to our whereabouts; we eventually found the Iris London venue, nestled in the Southwark's Olympic-refurbished back-streets.

Name-badged up and seated, Fashion Angel Founder Alison Lewy, had just begun giving invaluable guidance on the importance of creating the most important foundation for any company - the dreaded and scary business plan in her seminar, Planning for Success.

The company head, who provides 'Mentoring, Networking and Business Funding for Fashion Industry Start Ups', gave hope and encouragement to those in attendance, by announcing they were joining the Government's funding and training scheme for start ups at the event. Kicking off a day of standout quotes, her borrowed quip of "Failing to plan, is planning to fail" was a day-long hit with attendees and speakers alike.


Nick Wheeler's bitter pill came with a hopeful coating...
The talk by Nick Wheeler, Founder of Charles Tyrwhitt was next and it has to be said, was my favourite segment of the day. 

Hilarious yet inspirational, Wheeler did not shy away from talking about his failures, or personal mistakes. Brutally (and refreshingly) honest, one of his most interesting anecdotes was that he reads every piece of bad company feedback personally - everyday. With 21 stores worldwide and married to Chrissie Rucker, Founder and Owner of The White Company, I couldn't fathom where on Earth he must find the time...?

It made perfect sense that Wheeler's talk was entitled an 'Inspirational Snapshot' on the programme, being that its only downside was that it was entirely too short! The kind of speaker you would pay a full day's fee to hear; many a great motivational quote came out of his 20 minute session, with my personal favourite being:


"You can either take a beating and go and do something else, or it just gives you that little push to try harder...Sometimes you'll get bored, but you just have to
Re-find that passion,
Revisit that Vision
and FOCUS!"

Emma Brown, Mark Hammersley and Joseph Wan's
varied opinions made for a great debate
The first panel of the day - 'Promoting & Pitching Your Products' was a wealth of information, with recipes for success based on a combined experience range of 4 months to 20 years.


Milliner and Company Founder Emma Brown, Zoggs CEO Mark Hammersley and Harvey Nichols CEO Joseph Wan, all talked of the approaches that worked for them and how they went about achieving their success. What was most interesting to hear, was the variation in the preference of each. A strong social media presence versus good old tried and trusted paper print, versus a middle ground for both.

Key quote came from Mr Wan. Serving out his fourth 5-year contract with London's most high-fashion department store, he provided serious food for thought when answering an audience question on the best use of Social Media:

"Ensure you know exactly which angle you're targeting social media (marketing) from - for communications or customer service? Know what aspect of your business you want to assist before you attempt to send a message."

Fraser Smeaton's main message was to always
"Reinforce your positioning" brand-wise
Morphsuits CEO's Fraser Smeaton gave my second favourite seminar of the day: 'Standing Out From The Crowd'.

Billed as guidance around 'developing your own USP and the art of good presentation / branding and packaging'; again  it was the candid willingness to not only hold his hands up and admit fault, but talk about how his company managed turning the failures into successes that provided the most benefit


His take away quote:

"When people are confused, they don't support a product."


Claire Watt-Smith (left) borrowed a great Olympic quote
for inspiration: "You can't give up if you go wrong...
doors and opportunities will close if you do"
The Making It In Fashion Panel offered firsthand experience into the hardships of starting with just an idea and no clue where to go, from self-starters Daniel Morris (Brand Clout Ltd.), Amber Atherton (My Flash Trash) and Claire Watt-Smith (BoBelle London).

Starting out on market stalls and in bedrooms, the trio gave helpful insight into how they turned pipe dreams into profit and used social media to drive their online sales. I must admit that I never thought the day would come when I learned something important from a Made In Chelsea star, but Amber Atherton's advice on really knowing and understanding the equity versus the valuation of your product was key; along with the seemingly easy exercise of trying to pick 5 images that best describe your brand (try it, it's not as easy as you would think..).

Morris' 'K.I.S.S. Concept' (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) drew a lot of laughs with its obvious, yet overlooked basis in common sense. It was his response to the audience question asking for advice in driving online sales though, that drew the seminar's top quote:

"(If) you're treating online businesses differently, DON'T! Opening a business online is NO different to (opening) a bricks and mortar; you're all in business, your goal is to TRADE!"

Investment vs. Crowd Funding vs. StartUp Loans -
all three pitched good cases for their options...
The scary money talks followed, in the shape of the Finance in Fashion - How to source money panel with Richard Alvin, of Capital Business Media (and occasional 'Dragon's Den' venture capitalist), Danae Ringlemann, Founder of Indiegogo and Crowd Funding Specialist and Remy Jansons from StartUp Britain's own Loans Division.

What struck me most about Richard Alvin's introduction and advice, is that you don't really tend to associate venture capitalists with heart and emotion, which surprisingly, was what he was full of when talking about the people behind some of his investments. Learning that moneybags have hearts too went a very long way to making that part of the programme much less daunting for any non-finance naturals.

Danae Ringlemann gave a warm and welcome introduction to the unfamiliar concept of crowd funding and made clear why her success has been built upon social forums. Her ability to draw and hold an audience, despite a PowerPoint mishap that really should have lost her all interest, was proof that you really can take the heart of a social network offline, put it in a person and have it still work equally well, if not better.

Remy Jansons rounded up the segment, talking through the Government's £82.5 million budget for StartUp loan schemes to help 18-30 year old's get off the ground.


Talking Cash Flow...
Like most creatives, when you start talking technicals and finance, my eyes tend to glaze over and even I'm not sure whether or not I'm awake, but I steeled myself to follow the Taking Care of Money panel with Johnny Martin of small business accounting software company Intuit; who kindly made simple enough sense of Equity, VAT and basic business practice for even Yours Truly to follow. Emily Coltman of FreeAgent politely put the fear in many an attendee by breaking down exactly what's required for tax returns and accounting to Companies House. My timbres are still shivering.



(l-r) John Lewis, Zalando UK and House of Fraser buyers
were impressed with the standard of pitches presented on the day...
The Meet The Buyers panel and Q&A was a brilliant opportunity for 3 very different, up and coming labels to pitch their collections to representatives from retailers that as small brands, they would likely never get anywhere near in everyday life.

Kim Humphries and Verity Parker from John Lewis, Kevin Rogers from House of Fraser and Lucy Dunn from Zalando UK, all listened and fed back with useful pointers that each design house in the room would successfully benefit from if used correctly.


ASOS Marketplace Editor Joanna Wiggins
Joanna Wiggins, Editor of ASOS Marketplace taught the best practice for using powerful platforms like her own to boost your Online Sales. Kindly saving the day after a last-minute cancellation; the key quote from her had to have been:


"Think about the story that you tell across a whole year - not just one season."



(l-r) Mike Salter, Zoe Boomer, Edoardo Cannarsa
and Becky Jones

Not to be overlooked, the High Street Sales panel talked through their self-made successes with pop-up shops. Becky Jones flew the flag for StartUp Britain, as did Edoardo Cannarsa, Founder of MyEdo and StartUp Britain alum. Brand namesake Zoe Boomer and Mike Salter, Co-founder of We Are Pop Up, the organisation that connects you with available space in 4 simple steps, rounded out the line up.

Boomer's comment about changing your personal mindset early in your company history got everyone thinking:


"Talk about WE instead of I - give the impression that you're bigger than you are..."


Paul Alger and the ladies of SPINNA

The final panel of the day, Support for fashion rounded up by focusing on resources. Fashion Angel's Alison Lewy returned, along with Elizia Volkmann from SPINNA (The Women's International Textile Alliance). Paul Alger flew the flag for UKFT (UK Fashion and Textiles Association).

With the emphasis on networking, membership bodies and ensuring no-one left the day without knowing that there is help, assistance and guidance out there; it was valuable to learn about some of the companies and facilities that exist, solely to help so many realise their dreams.

The post-event, the evening's drinks reception was a brilliant networking opportunity created by event co-hosts UKFT Rise. Not just for the chance to mingle with other attendees from the day, the extra time meant that I got to speak with host and organiser Richard Hurtley, Founder of Rampant Sporting about why he chose to create such a rare gateway for those trying to get a foot in the door:

"The purpose of the Startup Fashion event was to inspire and educate people about how to set up a business in the fashion industry. As the one of the first events of its kind we were hoping it would be a success, and we expected about 250 people throughout the day. We in fact got closer to 400!

The StartUp Fashion event was Richard Hurtley's brainchild

The overwhelming feedback was that people learnt a huge amount and that the calibre of speakers and diversity of topics left people feeling inspired, educated and enabled them to take their ideas further, not to mention meeting some great people. So I am really chuffed that it worked so well and will look to continue these events in the future."



Supply and demand at it's most fundamentalStartUp events are a resource that new UK businesses literally cannot afford to be without.

See you at the next one!
ES ;o)

Follow StartUp Britain on Facebook or visit the Website for more information on coming events.

Friday 14 December 2012

LekLane: #LEKNEWS: 'GRANDEUR PULSE' ARTWORK: FIRST LOOK!

#LOVE! This artwork for 'Grandeur Pulse', the new 12-trackInstrumental mixtape from Lekhem (out next Friday), designed by the man himself. It's absolutely amazing - Well Done Lek!

LekLane: #LEKNEWS: 'GRANDEUR PULSE' ARTWORK: FIRST LOOK!: #LEKNEWS: 'GRANDEUR PULSE' ARTWORK: FIRST LOOK! Here is your FIRST LOOK at the artwork for 'Grandeur Pulse', Lekhem's Instrumental mi...

A true 'Lekhem Project' from start to finishSubscribe to LekLane by MIDNIGHT MONDAY to ensure that you receive this brilliant new project (I've heard it, take my authoritative word)!

Tuesday 11 December 2012

UPCOMING EVENT: FASHBASHSOUNDCLASH - XMAS PARTY!

When it comes to Nikki and Statis Beatnik, they don't need December for it to be 'Party Season'...

The FashBashSoundClash Xmas Party takes place Friday, 21st December

...The party is wherever they are.

Visit the G+ event page for more details.

ES ;o)

Sunday 9 December 2012

#ESPspotlight Review Part THREE: HYPER JAPAN 2012 Christmas - Sunday Funday! CHOCOLATE, COSPLAY & WA-POP!



Sunday Funday was upon us before you could ask "Who hid the sake?" A legitimate question as I had been on the hunt for the themed cocktails by a supremely talented Sommalier I recalled reading about some weeks before and unfortunately never found...

After a third watch of Samurai Sword Masters KAMUI (seriously, they were that amazing), with no sign of those elusive liquid highlights, I opted for alternative enticement: Chocolate Fusion Fun with Chocolatier, William Curley.

Filmed for the audience so that we got a close up on the big screen,
William Curley talked us through the history of our Nation's favourite guilty pleasure...
I will not for a moment pretend that I knew what the 'Fusion' part was all about; I just knew there was to be sample mixing, chocolates and spices were about to be involved and there was absolutely nowhere else in the world I was destined to be for the next 40+ minutes....

Curley's crash course in the history of chocolate and cocoa pods took you back to the fun days of Food Technology at school, made infinitely better by the educational samples given at different stages of processing. That's right, Educational. I know I learned something with each offering... They served to show you the contrast in potency between what you start with and the finished coating glazed over unheard of combinations like the rich, sweet and confusingly spicy Apricot and Wasabi Ganash; thank you very much...

That 'Ganash'. Curley explained the French term loosely translates to 'Fool'; which pleased me greatly since I had never heard the term prior to that moment. Something else I never experienced? Seeing liquefied tomatoes added to chocolate! For the intricacy involved in creating and balancing two flavours within the chocolate. Deciding only to work with natural products since opening his Patisserie in 2004, the Chocolatier said: "I think spices are fabulous in chocolates if used in the right way..."

Curley teaches regular classes at both boutiques with the Mrs...
Don't think all the illogical combinations turn out as deliciously as the ganash though; when asked about his biggest error during the audience Q&A, Curley confessed "Seaweed, every single time, comes out tasting of fish...Fish and chocolate don't work!" When I caught up with him for a chat at the end of the demonstration, I wanted to know the opposite. With recipes popular enough to sustain patisserie boutiques in Richmond and Belgravia; were there any combinations left he hadn't tried yet?

"I was always desperate to get fresh wasabi, but this year in the UK, you can actually get that for the first time. I love fresh yuzu or sudachi (Japanese citrus fruit) and again, they're only available freshly in Japan, or that part of the world. SO I suppose a lot of the citrus fruits...I would love to be more readily available here, that would be my dream."

The Kawaii Style Street Fashion Show, organised by and including Model and Actress Pixie Late, was next. 13 Lolita models of various styles walked the runway, before assembling at the designated 'photo wall' for press and a 'Meet & Greet' with fans.

I had NO idea there were so many variations of the 'Lolita' style...

Fuelled with latent wasabi fire and ready for mischief, I dragged my friend J Lindor and his trusty camera around with me for the third day of his birthday weekend. After putting him to work on the first two; it was finally time to get involved with an activity or few of the non-shopping variety. With many handmade accessory stands, the calibre and quality of the collections was at it's highest yet...

flowerie88 was one of my two favourite handmade jewellery stalls at the entire event

KamCreates was the other...What was my photog friend J Lindor insinuating by suggesting I get this ring...?!

With the 'Fun' part of the day firmly in mind, I gave the crafts area a whirl...

Become your own Manga character...























Tried out a new 'do' for size with the help of celebrity wig stylists, Hair by Mistresses...

What do YOU think? I was going for Kawaii Cute, but J said it was a little more Nicki Minaj than Pixie Late... :o/

...I even let my inner 'Gamer' loose for a little while!

POW! So that means I win, right...?! My first gaming lesson - there were buttons. I pressed them. Repeatedly.
For reasons still unbeknownst to me, I was led (quickly) away from the gaming community within earshot after a series of questions like: "Is there an actual Dragon in Dragonball Z?" "Is it based on some form of fantasy football FOR Dragons?" "Is that what a fantasy football league actually IS - one made up of computer game characters?" "Are any of them FROM Final Fantasy?" (All valid questions, I think we can agree...?)

Well anyway, taking our seats by the main stage for more Cosparade results; hosts Brandon and Kat got the group competition stages underway next, kicking off with winners from some of the previous day's uncalled categories. Once again, it helped to have a gaming / manga / anime fanatic with me, to explain the accuracies of costumes that favoured characters straight from the gaming screens I had just been banned from by my own friend. I of course recognised none.

Kyle Whittington and his 'Kuma from Afrosamurai' costume won the last Solo heat of 2012. He will go on to represent the UK at the European Cosplay Gathering in 2013.

Thankfully, past winners-turned-Judges Nomes, Mathoz and special effects artist Adelaide Filippe all knew significantly more than I on the subject which, to be fair wouldn't be hard; rendering them a tad more qualified to consider the victorious entrants in the European Cosplay Gathering preliminary...

Classically trained TOMOCA includes all acoustic instruments
to support her musical style...
'Wa-Pop' by TOMOCA kept the audience entertained while all in attendance awaited the Judges' decision. The second fusion of the day - this time modern pop with traditional Japanese instruments instead of chocolate with spices; the sub-genre was a good cultural burst for the youth in attendance, delivered by one of their peers. Sound issues aside, it was a very nice, powerful performance from the former 'Miss Ni Hao', as we were informed during her interview by main stage compère, Stuart Adams.

Originally trained as a Classical singer, TOMOCA described her music as a "mixture of Harmony, Peace and Unity." Featuring all acoustic instruments (Shime-daiko drum, Koto strings and Acoustic guitar), the special London performance was arranged by her guitarist.

Sacrificing my prime photo position to personally lead the lost lamb and her Manager to her fan 'meet and greet'; I made it back to the standing room only sidelines just in time to catch Kyle Whittington named UK Solo Representative for his 'Kuma from Afrosamurai' costume - complete with hidden camera - at the European Cosplay Gathering in 2013. Now I'm not going to pretend to know who, or what 'Afrosamurai' is, but I can honestly tell you, that hidden camera was one of the most ingenious things I saw all weekend! Kyle will join my personal favourites from the Group category - Lord of the Rings cosplayers Lettie Shiels and Claudia Maow at the Gathering.

And so it was time for Stuart Adams to close the show when I took my opportunity to speak with him on how he thought the whole event had gone:

Main stage Stuart Adams did a wonderful job of keeping things flowing smoothly
"I thought it was great! It was my first time at Hyper Japan...Obviously being the Emcee, I was a bit nervous to start with...But all the guests have been absolutely brilliant; even the big stars.

That's one thing I was really worried about, I thought they might be a bit Prima Donna-ish, but they were ALL great, really, really helpful.

I didn't really get the opportunity to get up and see stuff, which was a bit of a shame; I think if I'd have been a little bit more comfortable with what I was doing here, I might have done, but I was always worried that something was going to end really quickly...so I spent most of the time sitting here, eating Jelly Babies! But it was great fun. I really hope they get me to do it next time!"

And your personal highlight?

"My highlight was definitely KAMUI! The troupe leader? He was great! Again, because he's a star, I expected him to be really flash, but he was a REAL Samurai, really mild-mannered and polite. I mean I loved the sword scenes anyway, but knowing in advance that they were the ones who did Kill Bill and that Hotei was going to be there...It's a long while since I've been studying, living in Japan, working...I know very little about Japanese stuff, but I KNOW Hotei! I've got some of his tracks on my iPod, he's THAT legendary, so that was amazing. And I'm really pleased that he spoke English as well as he did, because I was sure that if I had to interpret for him, that I would get it all wrong!

There were loads of great things, but for me, they were it!"

Couldn't have agreed more. There was just enough time left to lap the stalls once more and talk to some fascinating exhibitors that you should expect to see right here in 2013; before the doors to this mysterious and whimsical land closed for the last time this year, on A Very Kawaii Christmas.







Arigato Hyper Japan!


Catch up with the first two instalments in this #ESPspotlight Review Trilogy:

Part ONE: 'Friday HighDay!'
Part TWO: 'Super Saturday!'

View photos from the event (updated regularly, please credit EricaSharlette for ES Promotions Ltd and / or J Lindor for Rawline Ent when sharing / reposting):


Video performances from throughout the weekend are available to view via the ESP YouTube Channel - don't forget to Subscribe!

With Special Thanks to Yukiko Takahashi for press arrangements and J Lindor for photography.

ES ;o)