Bestival is on it's way...

One of my favourite rappers Dizzee Rascal, alongside The Flaming Lips, and Hot Chip-who impressed me at a live gig in Dublin- are amongst the first names to be confirmed for ‘Bestival’. This Glastonbury-like festival returns to Robin Hill Country Park, Newport on the Isle of Wight from Thursday 9th until Sunday 12th September 2010.

Bestival can't wait to go Bonkers for the UK's biggest pop star Dizzee Rascal, and, The Flaming Lips' have built a reputation for putting on a mind-blowing spectacle following their triumphant 2008 Camp Bestival appearance. With this in mind, expectations are sky high. Hot Chip will also be making a mammoth fifth Bestival appearance, along with arch disco infiltrators LCD Soundsystem.

With masses of Bestival magic sprinkled across the entire site there'll be new areas such as the Wishing Tree Field and Castle in the Sky Bonfire Extravaganza to discover.

Not to mention the array of delicious foods, and, of course, lots of tea and cake. As you get to travel on a ferry to and from this festival it is like Dizzee's guaranteed 'holiday'. Surely, this is one event not to miss out on this summer.

Sponsored by Red Funnel; http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/bestival

Exclusive interview with Dave Berry on his New XFM gig

Interview with Dave Berry:

What can we expect from the new breakfast show?
A steady mix of a croaky voiced South Londoner, bloody good music and three grown men making fun of each other all morning. Oh, and lots of special guests too!

How did you get in to radio?
My radio journey at Xfm began with the “Dave Berry Saturday Show” (I came up with the name all by myself!) which was a steady mix of sketches, football and general shenanigans. To be honest, I’ve been pretty much doing the same for the past 2 years!

Were you surprised to be asked to move from drive time?
I had been asked before but a combination of a deep, deep fear of early mornings and loving my afternoon show meant I had to pass. When the boss man said he just wanted me to move everything I’m doing on the show now but to the mornings and then pointed out I can’t live my life only doing radio and TV work that allows me to lay in till 11am, I realised he was right! I also want to look back on my career and be able to say I did a breakfast show, and they don’t come much better than Xfm’s.

What makes you get out of bed?
I think for the first couple of weeks of doing the show I’ll go for the old “early morning flight back from stag do” tactic and just stay up! The only other thing that gets me out of bed in the morning is signing for my next door bloomin’ neighbours post.

What's your favourite breakfast?
Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, tinned tomatoes with white toast and a tea with milk and one sugar, brown sauce is a must too.

What's your New Year resolution?
Don’t mess up the Xfm breakfast show.

Would you ever take part in reality TV?
I could never be trapped in one place for 2 weeks, big spiders getting into my sleeping bag is a life long fear; I won’t wear a Lycra jump suit and can’t sing or skate. So sadly, even if I wanted to - that discounts all the ones on offer.

Who would you most like to interview?
I’ve been very lucky to tick a few “dream guest” boxes over the years, including a Beatle, half of Oasis, the mod father, Sir Michael Caine and all of the Charlie’s Angels. But I wouldn’t say no to half hour with Mr Tarantino.

What's the strangest interview you've ever done?
I interviewed the Killers a few years back, the strangest thing about it was they refused to say anything! Oh, and of course that time I weighed all of the Pussycat Dolls at Windsor race course but that’s far too long a story to get into now.

What's your favourite drink?
Morning: Tea, milk one sugar. Afternoon: Sprite. Evening: Beer.

What's your favourite pub?
The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich SE10.

'Srikey' is all about 'keepin it real'

An ordinary trip to Barclays bank panned out to be none other than unique. After a discussion with a charismatic lady and staff member, Krupas filled me in on her other half 'Strikey'.

Comparing him to Sean Paul and other top-artists that I admire, I was determined to check him out. With various sites and sounds that are pure-class, Stikey is destined one way. Upwards...Here what he has to say about his journey to date;

At what age did you know music was more than a hobby?
It was actually in 6th form, at this moment i was on radio regularly every Friday and was performing randomly in clubs around London with my group at that time (fmk) and it all really started to sink in that I was actually good at this and people who gave me a chance and listened to my music were fond of it too, so the obsession to succeed became unstoppable!

How would you describe your style?
The definition of ‘real’

Would you say ‘the industry’ is an easy one to break into?
Hell no!!! I’ve been doing this since I was 8 years old and professionally since 18 and now I’m 24, so look how long it’s taken for me to get this far. Mind you this is me doing this myself from scratch with no help and no finance to support me.

I’m sure if I had ‘links’ and ‘contacts’ and had an unlimited bank account I would have countless video’s, mass promotion and made friends easily, but in reality that wasn’t the case. I always say, true talent prevails! It’s all good getting to the top, but a true respected artist stays there!

What motivates you? Other artists? People? LNDN life?
My mum, my family, the sheer will to succeed and the negativity!

What do you hope to achieve in next few months? Also, long-term goals over next few years?
In the next few months even if I can gain one extra fan, that would make me happy. Who knows in a few years I may have a few more.

You're lucky to have support of your family, friends etc. How important is a support network for you & other artists?
Without support no-one can do well in this industry, period! The pressure and abuse will crumble any human, so support is a must. Also if I didn’t have support from my fans I wouldn’t have a career.

What advice would you give to others starting out?
Don’t follow the crowd, be unique and true to yourself and write from the heart. Always remember dreams can come true!

Last but not least. Where did ‘strikey’ arise from? How important is it to have an original name as a musician?

The name strikey was actually a mistake!

My initial alias name was 'strike 3' because i used to street battle a lot and we would normally have three rounds. By then, I would have beaten my opponent but with a group of friends one day one accidental said ‘strikey ‘and it caught on ever since.

In my eyes ‘strikey’ also means 'straight to the point' no rif raf and that’s exactly who I am. So to have an original name that defines the artist is important to showing character.


STRIKEY
Strikilios Ents ©
www.strikey.co.uk
www.myspace.com/strikey1
www.youtube.com/officialstrikeytv
http://www.facebook.com/pages/STRIKEY/7251171078?ref=ts

XFM's Christmas Wonderland

The lights are up on Regent Street, ice-rinks are frozen-over and festive stockings are being worn and bought. Amongst this season shines XFM's Christmas Wonderland...

This wonderland is in it's sixth year running, welcoming acts such as The Fratellis, The Scissor Sisters, Ash, Babyshambles & Bloc Party. A diverse and dynamic mix of course.

On December 16th, the O2 Arena will be filled with Razorlight, who return from the US to share their outstanding talent. Alongside the upcoming rock band Temper Trap. Not forgetting the Big Pink, who have soared the stations with their latest hit 'Dominos'.

Whether you are an XFM listener or not, a fan of Christmas or not...this is a gig not to be missed out on!

Women 'Step up' at the UK BBoy Championsips 2009

It was not long ago when women burnt their bras in hope for an equal world. Although the debate about sexism is still pervading the news, it appears through dance and performance women are hedging forward. Movies like 'Step Up', 'Honey' and 'Save the Last Dance' can now be seen in live action.

Sony Ericson's annual BBOY or Breakdancing championships, running since 2007, allows groups around the globe to compete for the world tital. A two-day knockout show was filled with bumping music, funk-style fashion and intense passion from the competitors and their crews alike.

American BBoys 'Endangeared Species' winning this years world-title. Meanwhile, there were Awards given to World's Single Best BBoy, Worlds Locking title, and World's Best Bopper-being a young lady might I add. Let's not forget the 3 on 3 B-Girl battle winners. A special moment for all present.

With that in mind. I'm calling all the so-solid ladies to get on board and form a crew of your own. BBoys better watch out in 2010!

Sports against Racism events are a knockout...

As I walked around the football pitches of Europes largest open-air 'Phoenix Park', the energy was contagious. With it's 13th year in place, the 'Sports Against Racism Irish Soccerfest' was undeniably a hit.

On September 12th and 13th, Childrens' painted-faces were transfixed by the clown and entertainemnt show. Whilst the 'Concern charity kitefest' filled the sky with an array of colour-filled kites. It was a profound moment for anyone who was present.

Cloaked behind the innocence of the angelic smiles, the noteworthy passion and determinated of the players was seen. Varying from the 'All-African Insaka' and 'Moldovan' teams to that of ladies from 'Raheny' and 'O'Devenney'. Every individual involved both on and off the pitch, including myself, had their own reasoning to back up this cause.

Upheld by Ken McHue and their board of directors at 'Sports Against Racism Ireland' are working to curb the societal issues of racism and Xenophobia. Always working from the grassroots up, such annual events allow for their awareness to spread. The positive response to this event suggesting the mark that they are making on the Irish public.

Despite this, racial intolerance is an issue that spreads across the globe. Thankfully 'SARI' and 'Show Racism the Red Card' in the United Kingdom and Ireland are doing a remarkable job at confronting this issue. Once again, proving that Sports can not only provide jobs, businesses and entertainment. It can breakdown impassable walls that nothing else can.

Let's hope their success continues for the SARI '10Km Crookfest run on November 7th' and for all events which are sure to follow suit.

Emma Ledden communicative courses curb Glossophobia

Glossophobia, otherwise known as fear of public speaking, ‘is believed to be the single most common phobia-affecting as much as 75% of the population’. Speaking with TV Presenter Emma Ledden, this was never the case. Cork-born Emma started out as a model. At twenty-one years old, she surpassed thousands of European hopefuls and landed the job on ‘MTV Europe’. Following this, Emma replaced the role of Zoe Ball, when she was hired for the BBC Ones children’s show ‘Live and Kicking’. Like many presenters, Emma has faced highs and lows with regards to the business. Yet, meeting with her years later, it is clear that she upholds her career with her most recent role being a judge in the search for Ireland's 'Xpose' presenter. As the interview unfolds, two factors become apparent an unquestionable talent and a passion to teach others how to overcome ‘the fear’.

To date, Emma has trained in Media and Communications and being an expert in this field and has set up her own company. Fundamentally, she ‘prepares people for auditions where they have to speak in public’. Her training varies from ‘presentations, job interviews, conferences and events’. Not to mention, her work with individuals in the media ‘who are preparing for their appearances on radio and television’.

Proficient in her skills, Emma endorses the importance of public speaking in as far as to say that ‘people lose jobs, promotions and opportunities because they did not develop their presentation skills’. Additionally, she points out the similarities between training individuals who are presenting to camera, to those speaking in school or at events. Essentially, they are all mediums of communications, with the key aim being the person's ability to transfer a message to a broader audience. Subsequently, ‘talking to camera, understanding television and what is required as a presenter is where the difference comes in’.

Speaking with an expert, one must ask the requirements of this role? Emma symbolises ‘being a good presenter is like learning to swim. Anyone can learn the technique, but not everyone likes the water. Some people are afraid of it, some people can’t be bothered getting wet. Others, no matter how many lessons they take, only ever manage to front crawl.’ However, like in every skill ‘there is one or two, who love it, work really hard at it and have a natural talent for it’.

With this in mind, Emma suggests that ‘the sooner you start the better you will be’. At present she coaches ‘individuals from both the public and private sector and many students’. Evidently, there is no boundary to which the fear of public speaking can reach. Hence, one integral part of Emma’s job is helping her clients to embrace these nerves and to channel them into the presenting experience. Enjoying the moment, whilst communicating the message is the end product she hopes to achieve.

Whilst public speaking is something that Emma has always delighted in, I moved onto the serious topic of on-camera pressure of ‘image’ and size-zero weight, even for men. As a media coach, these are issues that must be taken into consideration. Emma admits that ‘there is a pressure for people in the public eye to look a certain way’. Sadly, ‘when they put on or lose weight it is reported in the news’. She posits the questions as ‘Who is to blame? The celebrities, the media, or the people who buy the magazines?’ ‘I don’t know the answer to that’, she concludes.

Despite the fact that Emma has had a long-lived media career and has a new company in the pipeline, her modesty still remains. ‘I still feel blessed when I am offered an opportunity to present or contribute to the media’. With a down-to-earth and honest approach to her career, it’s no wonder that she still soars above many of her peers. Her hard work ethic reflects the reality of the fast-pace media business to those interested in entering into this field. Having ‘hands on experience, you learn and understand the business in a way no book could ever teach you’. No books, no rules and ridding this fear, the ideal tutor that she is.