Sunday 31 March 2013

The Grand Finale: 'Lost In Music' Special, March Music in the ESPspotlight


Today marks the end of the month-long dedication to all things Musical here on the ESP blog. Exploring all facets of my personal favourite form of expression, the past 31 days have been an introspective snapshot into Understanding, Creating, Performing and Promoting Music - four aspects that go into helping those with an interest in gaining a new perspective, as well as Artists creating a fully interactive journey through their package

Now whilst a slight interruption put a bump in the road with this week's competitions, I decided it was only right to round up the month in style, by offering up one last 'Food For Musical Thought' to set you up nicely.

Don't drop a bomb on your own career...
(Photo courtesy of sayskakodkar)
There's a particular mode of thinking that I will go to my wooden box swearing that all Artists need to adapt to - Pronto. Gone are the days of thinking about Music promotions as just standalone singles and album projects. If you caught my '2 Justins & A Beyoncé' post last weekend, then you will recall my talking about the evolution from the 4Ps of Marketing to the 4Es. People, ie. Artists are the new 'Product'. In today's social culture, Artists have to realise that their message and ideal is what audiences are buying. Every tweet, every facebook status, every single message in the public domain, weighs your brand scale on a specific side, adding or killing a potential sale.

The time to enjoy the process in making your music is before and after the Promotional phase. To shine your own spotlight in the right direction, then momentarily at least, stop thinking like a Creator - the promotional period is when you Think Like A Brand...

How many times do you post status messages in a fit of rage or just a plain old bad mood? Have you thought about who might be reading them? The label representative who likes your work, but is keeping a silent eye on you to see what cons come with your pros? The Music Promoter looking to book the lineup for their night, with the Police's Risk Assessment form 696 first and foremost in their mind? Or how about the established Artist who's heard great things about you, likes your work, but has no intention of bringing a whiff of scandal to their name? Each one of those options carry infinite, life-changing opportunities if your public persona is managed correctly. Many will want to argue that basic freedom of speech means that Artists can do and say what they want and, the fact that they are Artists makes them twice as right. Wrong.

Compare the losses of controlling your online appearance with the potential losses of a single one of the above opportunities...which is easier to let go of?

Think about it now!

For the very last 'Lost In Music' offering, I'm leaving you with something Inspirational from one of the most talented lyricists that Music has to offer. You are the key to your own career paths people - tread wisely...




Not just for kids - aspirations exist in all of us, use the lessons from the past month to turn them into a reality. I know YOU can!

Enjoy your Bank Holiday everyone (save me some chocolate)!
ES ;)

Tuesday 26 March 2013

Artist GPS: Can Your Audience Find You? + 'Lost In Music' Competition, March Music in the ESPspotlight


Yesterday I was interviewed for an upcoming white paper on Marketing. One of the questions touched on a topic I've been itching to bring you for awhile now. In working on another project this weekend, I came up against what is probably one of my Top 3 Pet Peeves in this Industry! Whatever your talent, if you are a Creative of any kind, WHY do people need heat-seeking missiles to find you?

This weekend, I met an Artist. When asked where I could find some of his work, he gave me a web address and forewarned: "I need to add some stuff, though...". Fair enough, when you're a one person band, it's not always possible to update everything you need to, as often as you need to do it - I can attest to that! Venturing onto the site yesterday though, I discovered that not only does he need to "add some stuff", but the only thing on it was his profile name!
Music Releases are NOT Covert Ops - they should only be a secret if you're BOWIE!
A similar occurrence happened recently, when another Performer said that I wouldn't find him or his work online, because he doesn't "like to be too 'out there', y'see...I don't like to be that accessible..." I (don't) see. Just last month, whilst scouting artists to fill some open slots in the next #FindOutFriday cycle (Coming Soon, Stay Tuned!) I eventually stopped finding it amusing and incredulous, and instead began finding it increasingly ANNOYING that so many of you have websites and profiles with NO music on them! There was contact information for bookings though... In my best McEnroe impression, I gotta say: "C'mon! You CanNOT be SERIOUS!"

Would you hire a Photographer having seen no prior examples of their work? How about a Make Up Artist, Hairdresser or Barber with no portfolio examples? I thought not. So why in the name of all that is Holy, would you expect anyone to hire you to perform, with no proof that you have the skills to justify a hire fee?

In your defence Artists, I will say, it's not just you. The whole idea for my #ESPshowcase packages, which create foundation starter  packs for businesses who have yet to venture into the online world, emanated from my not being able to find a hairdressers in the town I upped sticks and moved to at the end of last year. The huge difference is, that as Musicians, you are not bricks and mortar shops! Their main customer base already exists for one thing - they have walk-in clientèle! For another, they are restricted by locale. There is not a market in the world that if packaged correctly, you could not sell to; so there shouldn't be a corner of it that your product is not available in.

Let me dispel your confusion once and for all: Whether you are a Musician, a Designer, or an Artist of ANY kind - when you have a product to sell (which all of you do), then there is no such thing as 'remaining mysterious', by being difficult to find online; only recurring incidents of recklessly squandered sales and missed opportunities. STOP the non-sense

There are several easy to use, free platforms for Musicians out there, that allow you to showcase your abilities. If you're not comfortable with the ReverbNations, Soundclouds or even Facebooks of the world, online forums have evolved enough now, that you can Create Your Own à la LekLane!

'LekLane' is the home of Producer, Artist, Musician and Songwriter, Lekhem
When it came to setting up Lekhem's shop, we wanted to cover every medium in a way that best reflected his personality, talents and interests. Forging his own path and following none, Lekhem is a firm believer in 'Making your Own Lane'; thus when it came time to build his online HQ, there was no question as to the title...

If you're not the most technologically savvy, that's still no excuse. That 'Practice makes Perfect' saying didn't come into existence by chance; keep trying until you get comfortable or, if it's really not for you, then ask someone for a helping hand or, better still - hire a *ahem* professional! This is the point where you run out of excuses, because I'm giving you the opportunity to resolve that problem from now until Sunday. Read on for details...

Win the biggest giveaway this blog has ever had, by answering ONE easy question! Up for grabs is a complete ESP Artist Development Starter's Package (priced at £90), consisting of the following:

AND, as if all that's not enough; quote #MarchMusic at the time of ordering and get ALL of the above for £45! I don't want to say that you'd be mad to pass up this opportunity, but you wouldn't exactly be sane, now would you?!

So now you know what you get, it's time to explain how you get it:

1. Email your answer by 10:00AM tomorrow morning.

2. Tweet confirmation of your entry to ESP Ltd. on Twitter, using the #MarchMusic hashtag.

3. LIKE EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. on Facebook.

Tell me that it could be easier than that?! Ok, now have yourselves a practice run to get warmed up. In the last competition I asked you to:

Name the clothing label that Justin Timberlake co-founded?

The answer was William Rast. See? Easy!

Today's question isn't any harder, all you have to do is take yourself over to LekLane, have a goosey gander around if you haven't done so before, then come back and tell me:

What is the name of Lekhem's MUSIC Page?

What's your take on today's topic? Are you an Artist who believes restricting your content and accessibility will help your career? Why? In what way? Tell me in the Comments Box below...

Have a good short week humpday!
ES ;)

'Lost In Music' Competition Terms & Conditions:

  • Only one entry per person, per day.
  • Review Prize refers to ONE single/EP/Album/Event ONLY
  • Applicable to Events within the London Regions ONLY. Winners outside of London and the UK will receive a Music Review*.
  • Press Release will be written and provided for Winner's use. Submissions to press contacts are NOT included.
  • Promotions Week runs from 22nd-31st March.
  • Entrants MUST complete all stages for entries to be eligible.
  • Answers should be submitted via email, with confirmation of entry tweets containing the #MarchMusic hashtag sent to ESP Ltd. on Twitter.
  • Entrants must LIKE the EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Facebook Page for entries to be considered eligible.
  • All methods of entry should contain the #MarchMusic hashtag.
  • The #MarchMusic promotional code must be applied to claim the 50% discount.
  • Entry deadline is 10:00 on the morning after each competition post, winners will be notified via email within 24 hours.

Monday 25 March 2013

ESPspotlight Review: Be On The Scene, March Fashion & Music Event, The Coronet


When I first met Richard Ney, co-creator of online entertainment network Be On The Scene back in 2011, I was always intrigued to learn more about the concept of a new platform, aimed solely at Artists from all walks of the Industry, in their own social media hub. A LinkedIn for Creatives; BOTS brings aspiring talents together with brands offering the services they need most, at discounted costs for membership. With a registered base and web audience now exceeding 2 million per month, there's little question as to why so many companies are jumping on their affiliate bandwagon.

Fast Forward 2 years and I attended the now HUGE organisation's first event of the year on Saturday night. Previously streamlined to their respective avenues, the BOTS team combined the Music and Fashion events to put on a massive jam-packed showcase filled with Talent.

After stints at Jewel in both St. Pauls and Piccadilly, as well as a good few turns at the Kensington Rooftop Gardens, it was South London's turn for a taste; with the show touching down at newly refurbished, The Coronet.

Mtwo with guest vocalist
Presenter Ross Fiddes introduced beautiful acoustics from singer-songwriter Tom Price-Stephens in his guitar medley; sweet Soul from Stephen Ville, and Rap group Mtwo, who closed the show. Having only attended the music showcases previously, the fashion was a fresh and welcome addition for Yours TrulyCatwalk offerings from designers boasting an eyecatching, varied style selection. Debra Pleta's bohemian handbags, Milina Imrichova's hand-painted dresses, Aissetou Traore's ethnic heritage wear and The Boutique LNDN's gorgeous dramatic evening wear, mish-mashed well enough to make you wonder what you may have missed in previous shows. The variety offered insight into the diversity that a connection through the membership network has to offer. Changeover gaps in-between were peppered with Euro Dance, Pop and early noughties Hip-Hop sounds from DJs Renegade and Dexx Master.

Suffering from the gargantuan competition of an R&B Legends dream lineup and subsequent after parties on the other side of London; not to mention the small matter of a deluge of snow forecast in London's first weekend of 'Spring', the night did suffer from a noticeable drop in the promised turnout, in comparison with the previous events I've been to; where breathing space was a luxury. Those in attendance were determined to get their money's worth though, partying the night away until the venue's 4am close.

At only £12, with so much packed into the programme, a night out with Be On The Scene is definitely worth the ticket. See their website for details of the next event in June.

See you on the morrows for another chance to win a MASSIVE Artist Development pack (worth £90), in the Lost In Music Competition, for March Music in the ESPspotlight.

Nighty-Nite...
ES ;)

Saturday 23 March 2013

2 Justins & a Beyonce - The Good, The Bad, and The Can Do No Wrongs: 'Lost In Music' Competition, March Music in the ESPspotlgiht


This is where things change direction. We've established my deep-rooted love of all things musical, and its life-long impact on me and my career choices as a whole over the last few weeks. But it would be remiss of me to have an entire month devoted to the subject and not talk music promotion. So this week, I'll be looking at the different avenues and aspects of how to get your music product out there, with a few choice examples along the way. Stay with me - there are so many more interesting avenues to music, than what we listen to! There are the daily competitions to help you get going for starters, as well as some serious food for thought. Starting with...

Product, Pricing, Placement and Promotion. I first discovered 'The 4 P's of Marketing' created by Jerome McCarthy in 1960, in  the book 'Confessions Of An Advertising Man', by the late Advertising legend, David Ogilvy. It seemed liked kismet then, that when I was factfinding for this piece, I would come across a brilliant article by Brian Fetherstonhaugh on ogilvy.com, completely rewriting the concepts, and instead replacing them with 'The 4 E's':
  • from Product to Experience - going beyond your standalone product; instead considering how its overall experience will draw in your (buying) audience.
  • from Place to Everyplace - no longer just about 'store bought access', consider 'intercepting' your target audience in the places most likely to match, recreate and repeat the above Experience.
  • from Pricing to Exchange - today's buyers are bought and sold with more than just financial currency; consider the other, equally valuable forms of sale that you can profit from.
  • from Promotion to Evangelism - not quite a Religious turn,  this facet is about creating the mission to brand experienceinspiring engagement through a call to action, eventually leading to consumer uptake.
For the first Music Promotions highlight, three particular stories dominating the entertainment wires over the past month made me want to touch on that old, misused and misinterpreted adage: 'There's no such thing as Bad Publicity' to ask - is it really true?

The not so simple answer is Yes...And No. And that is because today's culture feeds on controversy - of the right kind. Depending on who you are and what you're doing, the right kind of controversy - even disguised as 'wrong', will do the very thing that every brand covets; it will get people talking. If there's one thing that any PR or Marketing Rep will tell you, it's that 'Word of Mouth' is the most powerful sales tool there is. If people are talking, then people are watching. If people are watching, then you have their attention; if you have their attention, then you have a platform to promote your product. Sales and Marketing 101...Right?

The idea for this feature first started forming when Justin Bieber toured the UK recently. I think we all know by now that Usher Raymond's YouTube sensation is a marketing dream of the non-dry variety. There is nothing that will not sell, so long as his name is attached, so strong and all-encompassing is 'The Justin Experience'. Once a wholesome innocent, the 'bad' publicity from his antics caused controversy and got people talking - Everyplace on Earth. Everyone had an opinion on his turning up ridiculously late for stage times, questionable 'health issues' and brawling with paparazzi... 





The day after arriving 2 hours late for one of his London shows, the press were outside of his hotel, coaxing responses from anyone they could find, including his Manager. The footage of a teenage girl verbally attacking an ITN News reporter, before said Manager could respond to the reasonable request for a comment on the incident was TV gold. The little madam was a perfect example of fan mania (and bad parenting - it was a school day for one thing, no way was she old enough to be out of the classroom; couple that with her rude behaviour and you had a screeching advert for Supernanny Jo Frost...or a good West Indian matriarch). Add the drama surrounding his hospital stay, that had his teen legion frantic with worry, and the paparazzi scuffle for a touch of badboy icing to the mix and what you have is a gourmet blend. You cannot buy the marketing Exchange that those few days and less than 4 total minutes of video provided. 





The 'Belieber' Army waged war through social media and online sales thus Evangelising his 'Greatness' and Bieber's brand management team smiled, a lot. The entire world knew which leg of the Believe tour Justin was on - but did you notice that he personally didn't bother to apologise for any adverse effects, and barely any of the press reported on his actual performance? Justin covered all 4 E's described above, and some may think that the negative press questioning whether or not he's gone off the rails has harmed him. Yet the world is still talking and more importantly still buying - so has it?

Then there's that other Justin

In the run up to the release of 'The 20/20 Experience' - his first studio album in over 6 years; Justin 'JT' Timberlake engaged in a very quiet and sombre promotional marketing strategy. Or did he?

No longer 'Justin Trousersnake', but a happy, settled down newlywed; the peripheral shenanigans were muted in comparison with previous albums. A week-long Saturday Night Live hosting gig with live performances, provided a full insight into the JT Experience. The week-long free music stream of the full album on everyone's favourite fruity music shop, made sure the product was available Everyplace in the world. The whiff of 'Kanyetroversy' hand delivered the Exchange, by providing a laugh and social talking point at the Rapper's expense, whilst the combination of all, kept the world Evangelising about the release throughout. As I said, Quiet, but effectively done - don't you think?



From JT's guest Mr Carter, to the Mrs...
______________________________

'Beyoncé as Mrs Carter in H&M' (Photo courtesy of beyonce.com)
Back in January, the entertainment press was rife with rumours that Beyoncé was producing a new clothing line with high street chain H&M, after being spotted doing a 'secret' beach shoot in the Bahamas. Within a few weeks came her Superbowl halftime performance which, although partly marred by that little Presidential lipsynching snafu, was solely intended as a launching board for her 'Mrs Carter World Tour' announcement. An Oprah TV documentary and interview later, and UK tour sponsor ads by telecomms company O2 surface, with an unrecognisable theme song - right before the ticket sales caused an online frenzy. A few weeks after that, the theme tune is released online and causes instant global controversy. Within two days, she is announced not only as the new face of the retail chain that she shot with back in January, but as co-designer of the clothing line too, taking her couture label House of Deréon, to the high street consumer. Feeling dizzy after that full-circle ride? And bear in mind - it's only March...


Listen to 'Bow Down / I Been On' (Produced by HitBoy) on HotNewHipHop.com

As angry as the masses are over the song's content, if they took the time to step back and look at the bigger picture here, they would see the most sophisticated marketing strategy for quite some time in play. The purpose of the track 'Bow Down' has nothing to do with an upcoming album - I'll be very much surprised if it even makes the next selection. It's only job was to serve as a cog in 'The Mrs Carter Machine', by engaging the naysayers into propelling the concert promotion - for free, whilst bringing the concert to their own wardrobes! You may not spend silly money on a concert ticket (£85 gold dust); but you can still disparage the woman while secretly looking good (with her help) at retail costBeyoncé is the Experience here. In Music, Sports, Television or Clothing - Beyoncé is Everyplace. Her every action over the past two and a half months prompted a wildfire of Exchange that she never had to actually engage in, only fuel. Those unwitting Evangelists are the most affected here, as their cries of offence at being referred to as b*tches more times than I (could be bothered to) count in one song, only serve to grow the focus on 'The Mrs Carter Show' - tour or otherwise...



____________________________________

Now then, it's Competition Time and I'm upping the stakes. Answer ONE easy question and win yourself a complete ESP Artist Development Starter's Package (priced at £90), consisting of the following:
Does it get any better than that? Well Yes, actually - because all you have to do to win, is the following:



2. Tweet confirmation of your entry to ESP Ltd. on Twitter, using the #MarchMusic hashtag.


Yes. That's really all. Why don't you have a little practice before the real thing? In the last competition I asked you to:

Name the worldwide #1 song from Michael Jackson's Dangerous album, that has a Planet in the title?

The answer was of course: Earth Song!

All clear? Good. Now then, for today's super easy quiz question:

Name the clothing label that Justin Timberlake co-founded?

As always, feedback is welcomed and appreciated, so let me know what you think on the points raised via the Comments Box below!

Enjoy your Saturday night folks, and be safe in the snow...
ES ;)


'Lost In Music' Competition Terms & Conditions:

  • Only one entry per person, per day.
  • Review Prize refers to ONE single/EP/Album/Event ONLY
  • Applicable to Events within the London Regions ONLY. Winners outside of London and the UK will receive a Music Review*.
  • Press Release will be written and provided for Winner's use. Submissions to press contacts are NOT included.
  • Promotions Week runs from 22nd-29th March.
  • Entrants MUST complete all stages for entries to be eligible.
  • Answers should be submitted via email, with confirmation of entry tweets containing the #MarchMusic hashtag sent to ESP Ltd. on Twitter.
  • Entrants must LIKE the EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Facebook Page for entries to be considered eligible.
  • All methods of entry should contain the #MarchMusic hashtag.
  • The #MarchMusic promotional code must be applied to claim the 50% discount.
  • Entry deadline is 10:00 on the morning after each competition post, winners will be notified via email within 24 hours.

Thursday 21 March 2013

DANGEROUS: 'Lost In Music' Competition, March Music in the ESPspotlight


For the final Performance Week highlight, I have to revert to someone I covered during Creativity Week. That really is the burden of being The Greatest Entertainer of ALL Time, it means there's not a topic that you can't be referenced under, so really, the choice was out of my hands!

My first ever concert experience set the bar. I wasn't told where I was going by my trusty chaperone, aka 'The Mothership'; I just knew that I was to be at her office after school ON TIME, for one of her infamous 'Blockbuster' Rounds. Now for my non-Brit audience, I'm not referring to the now bankrupt film chain. In the 80s-90s, Blockbuster was a TV quiz show aimed at Secondary School students, presented by Bob Holness, that Mother Dearest quickly learned was a useful means of amusing trickery, when it came to getting me to do things she wanted. I personally hated the show however, since compulsory entry had won me everything from sauce on my spuds at dinner to trips all-around Europe; so I learned early on, that it was in my best interest to comply with the torture.

Michael Jackson on the Dangerous Tour
(Photo courtesy of mjjcommunity.com)
In this particular instance, my suffering won me a ticket to see Michael Jackson live, on his Dangerous Tour. For me to properly set the scene, you have to understand that when I learned my ABC, it was recited with Motown Soul. How I didn't enter the world with a pre-shaped afro (plus pick)...or curls coated (dripping) in some Soul Glo even, is beyond me. I had watched every tour video he ever released a few million times over, but one thing had always bugged me about them. Those crazy screaming, fainting, spirit-possessed females! What was wrong with them? Why couldn't they control themselves? I had always swore blind that you would never catch me acting such a damn fool if I ever got the chance to see MJ live. I was a quarter of their ages at least, and yet I had more common sense, in my humble opinion. Then he jumped out from beneath the stage in a blaze of fireworks and just stood there...stoney-faced and statue-like for what seemed like an eternity. I've never screamed so hard in all my life. The degree of sheer infectious hysteria in the air was a completely new experience; I was literally beside myself. As was my Mother, who was almost forced to sedate me (with a slap)...

The two-hour plus show that followed, was just another anchor moment that sealed my love of music, the stage and of course the incomparable MJ for life. Even after he buzzed off out of the stadium in that mini-helicopter space backpack thingy (seriously, the man flew out above our heads), and the announcement was made that "Michael Jackson had now left the building", I still didn't want to accept it, I was that caught up in the spectacle that I had just witnessed.



Whilst Bad, Dangerous, HIStory and This Is It were productions of a calibre that cannot be replicated, to this day, I fully believe that if Performing is your goal, then every time you step on a stage, you should be approaching what you do with a 'Showman's Mentality'. You, as an artist, should be aspiring to create your latest masterpiece, each time, in the first instance, but in the second, you should aspire to leave your audience wanting more of you after you've gone. When it comes to the people who have given up their time and energy to support your art, you should always endeavour to give those people what they paid for. Because when all is said and done, they came to see a Show...

Michael Jackson, Dangerous Tour 1992 (Photo courtesy of taringa.net)
________________________________

What a monumental week this has been! Have you enjoyed the different aspects? Need a recap? Oh alrighty then. Here's a round up of your Performance Week, from Friday to now:

'Nobody Does It Better?' - the Creativity to Performance Week crossover; I talked the lose-lose situation of Cover Songs, and had way too much mischievous fun in 'Battle of The Betters'...


Actress and Singer Cynthia Erivo was in the #ESPspotlight; fresh from her Nationwide-stint in the lead role of Whoopi Goldberg's Sister Act co-production...

'All The World's A Stage' - Getting you set for your Saturday night, I talked the Art in treating those DJ decks right! Legendary EPMD MC Erick Sermon's 2011 set at London's XOYO was the source of my inspiration...

'Saint Intoxicate' - A 'Spiritual' Sunday if ever there was one; #StPatricksDay and a Gospel offering from a part-Irish Sangin Supahstar seemed wholly appropriate. Ms. Mariah Carey at the 2006 Grammys got the job done.

'Breakin Baby!' - BGirl TERRA is a 6-year-old dancer with immeasurable talent. Taking the world by storm in the Baby round of the Chelles Battle Pro 2013 Dance Competition in East Paris at the start of  the month. This Wolverhampton lass just blew my mind with her performance. On Monday, I dared you not to watch her in AWE...


'Prose Over Pose' - Chicago-native Kristiana Rae Colón floored her audience at the 'Chill Pill Connects...' Spoken Word, Poetry and Improv showcase at the end of last month. Another beautiful talent, Tuesday's feature looked at Performing with no peripheral distractions to hide behind. Brilliant!

'Orchestral PARAfection' - already highly accomplished, yesterday I reminded you that The British Paraorchestra do more with their abilities than most of their able-bodied counterparts. An orchestra made up entirely of musicians with disabilities, they blew the entire world away when they opened for Coldplay at last year's Paralympic Closing Ceremony.

And that brings us up to date!

As you'll know by now, daily competitions form a major part of these features, giving you the chance to win prizes that benefit your career by boosting your exposure, everyday this month. Tailored to the week's theme, #ESPspotlight Reviews of your event, or your performance at one, have been the swag up for grabs. For those who just want to go straight to the good stuff, you can claim 50% off ALL orders for the relevant week's prize, by quoting #MarchMusic at the time of booking. If this is your first time catching the feature and you want to get involved, here's what you do:

1. Email your answer by 10:00AM tomorrow morning.
2. Tweet confirmation of your entry to ESP Ltd. on Twitter, using the #MarchMusic hashtag.
3. LIKE EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. on Facebook.

Today is your last chance to win an event review, where Yours Truly will come out to your venue and write up your goings on in the honest, but entertaining way that only I can. If you're outside of London, you can still enter, but you will win a music review based on a single project that you submit*. Why not have a practice run? Yesterday I asked you:

The British Paraorchestra were introduced on a world stage when they opened for Coldplay, at the Paralympic Closing Ceremony last Autumn.

Name Coldplay's lead singer?

The answer was Chris Martin, and if answered correctly, ONE lucky person will be seeing me, front and centre at their upcoming show, notation device in hand, ready to review. For the entrants who didn't guess correctly however, they will automatically receive 50% off their next event review booking, charged at £12.50, instead of the usual £25 (entrants outside of London will receive a music review priced at £7.50, instead of the usual £15). Think you're ready?

Good, because here goes!

Name the worldwide #1 song from the Dangerous album that contains the name of a Planet in the title?

I hope you enjoyed the final Performance Week offering! Be sure to share your favourite live Performance moments in the Comment Box below. From tomorrow, we move into the final part of #MusicMonth and it's all about Promotion, with a brand new competition prize to match!

Read Me Later!
ES ;)

'Lost In Music' Competition Terms & Conditions:

  • Only one entry per person, per day.
  • Prize refers to ONE single/EP/Album/Event ONLY
  • Applicable to Events within the London Regions ONLY. Winners outside of London and the UK will receive a Music Review*.
  • Performance week runs from 15th-21st March
  • Entrants MUST complete all stages for entries to be eligible.
  • Answers should be submitted via email, with confirmation of entry tweets containing the #MarchMusic hashtag sent to ESP Ltd. on Twitter.
  • Entrants must LIKE the EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Facebook Page for entries to be considered eligible.
  • All methods of entry should contain the #MarchMusic hashtag.
  • The #MarchMusic promotional code must be applied to claim the 50% discount.
  • Entry deadline is 10:00 on the morning after each competition post, winners will be notified via email within 24 hours.

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Orchestral PARAfection: Lost In Music Competition, March Music In The ESPspotlight


It's Hump Day, so most of us are under the cloud of those midweek blues and feeling a tad grumpy. Perfect time then, for a little inspiration, no?

I've always wanted to play an instrument. I had a piano that I didn't know how to play as a little girl (don't ask), but I would still make some racket on it til my mind eventually convinced me it sounded like a tune. The same with my Mother's guitar - that is, until I almost broke a string and decided quality of life was all the sweet music I needed. To be able to (skillfully) command an instrument is one of the greatest talents I believe that you can possess. So when I chanced across this group in the News last Spring, I was so fascinated, that I've spent the entire time since following their story and trying to learn whatever I could about them.

Founded by British Conductor Charles Hazlewood and Television Director Claire Whalley, The British Paraorchestra are a group of some of the most talented musicians that you will ever come across. More, they are also the most tenacious. Each are highly accomplished musicians, but what sets them apart is that they do so, despite battling various forms of disability. You may remember them opening for Coldplay during last year's Paralympic Closing Ceremony? Personally, I would've preferred they continued to Rock On in their own Orchestral way, rather than the band that followed, but that's just because I find them way more interesting...



Tell me that doesn't inspire you to get through the rest of your week (and beyond)! They make beautiful music and despite their barriers, they remain beautiful people with spirits that the average person can only aspire to.

One of my earliest lessons was that no matter how you're feeling, what's going on around you, or within you personally; when  you've got a show to do, the very essence of being a Performer means that the corniest of old adages rings forever true: The Show Must Go On.

The rest of your work week doesn't seem like such a hard slog now, does it?
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Here's a little something to cheer you up. Fancy something free? I thought you might. It's Competition Time! Do you have an event coming up? Are you booked to perform? How would you like to increase the reach of your audience and extend beyond those attending on the night? With an #ESPspotlight Review, you can ensure that word of your stage accomplishments will be spread to the farthest corners of the earth; with directions of how, and where to find you and your latest release.

Need an example of what your money gets you? Try this on for size:


Usually £25.00, even if you don't win, you still win! Your entry automatically earns you a massive 50% off ALL bookings for event reviews between now and the end of Performance Week tomorrow evening. Even if you don't enter, all you have to do is quote #MarchMusic at the time of ordering to be eligible. SO what do you have to do? Not much!

How To Enter:

1. Email your answer by 10:00AM tomorrow morning.
2. Tweet confirmation of your entry to ESP Ltd. on Twitter, using the #MarchMusic hashtag.
3. LIKE EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. on Facebook.

So for today's question:

As mentioned earlier, The British Paraorchestra were introduced on a world stage when they opened for Coldplay, at the Paralympic Closing Ceremony.

Name Coldplay's lead singer?

And as for yesterday's equally easy question? I asked you to:

Name either of Def Jam record label's co-founders?

If  you guessed either Russell Simmons or Rick Rubin, then keep an eye on your Inbox between now and 10AM tomorrow!

Until tomorrow folks!
ES  ;)

'Lost In Music' Competition Terms & Conditions:
  • Only one entry per person, per day.
  • Prize refers to ONE single/EP/Album/Event ONLY
  • Applicable to Events within the London Regions ONLY. Winners outside of London and the UK will receive a Music Review.
  • Performance week runs from 15th-21st March
  • Entrants MUST complete all stages for entries to be eligible.
  • Answers should be submitted via email, with confirmation of entry tweets containing the #MarchMusic hashtag sent to ESP Ltd. on Twitter.
  • Entrants must LIKE the EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Facebook Page for entries to be considered eligible.
  • All methods of entry should contain the #MarchMusic hashtag.
  • The #MarchMusic promotional code must be applied to claim the 50% discount.
  • Entry deadline is 10:00 on the morning after each competition post, winners will be notified via email within 24 hours.