#e) be a tastemaker come on

[antimony-medusa]

I think we should all start writing fic rec posts again. I think it would be fun.

[greensparty]

Talking with Marq Evans

In 2017, I interviewed WA-based filmmaker Marq Evans about his documentary The Glamour and the Squalor about influential DJ and tastemaker Marco Collins. In our interview, I was super excited when he mentioned that his next film was going to be a documentary about Will Vinton, the father of claymation and known for such characters as the California Raisins, the Noid, and the PJs. When I was a kid in the 80s, I was a big fan of Vinton’s innovative clay animation, so this project remained on my radar. Sadly in 2018, Vinton passed away at age 70. Evans completed the documentary and after some festivals in 2021 (including Tribeca Film Festival), ClayDream was released by Oscilloscope Laboratories earlier this month to a very positive response. It is one of the most visually enchanting documentaries I’ve seen in a long time.

director Marq Evans

I recently caught up with Mr. Evans via email about ClayDream. This marks the second time I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Evans.

Me: When I interviewed you in 2017, you mentioned at the time that you were working on a documentary about Will Vinton. I took an interest immediately because I used to love Vinton’s claymation when I was a kid in the 80s. How did this documentary come together?

Marq E: In 2015 I was finishing up my previous film, The Glamour & The Squalor, and looking for projects. I came across an article called ‘How the Father of Claymation Lost His Company to a Rapper Named Chilly Tee.’ The headline forced me to take a look, and when I saw pictures of Will Vinton and his characters I was immediately interested. I grew up watching the California Raisins and the Noid and watched the Claymation Christmas Special every year. And being from the Pacific Northwest I knew the name Will Vinton and knew of the guy with the great mustache, but I didn’t know his story. When I read this article, it felt like a movie and pretty quickly I got obsessed about making it. I found an email address for Will online and reached out. He got back to me pretty quickly and told me that we could meet, but that he wasn’t interested in doing a film. We hit it off pretty quickly but it took about six months before he finally agreed to the film. By the time you and I spoke in 2017, I would have interviewed him a few times and about 30 other people. 

Me: Did you have a favorite claymation from Vinton? I loved California Raisins and the Noid, but my favorite was Festival of Claymation, where the dinosaur film critics Herb and Rex showed various Vinton shorts.

Marq E: I loved all those as well, but my favorite has to be Great Cognito. It just hits on all levels. The metamorphosis of the claymation is great, the writing is sharp, the picture and sound editing is so tight, and the performance is spot on. I just love that show. We’re getting the bonus materials gathered now for the blu-ray release, and I’m happy to say we’re going to be able to include most of the early Vinton shorts with 2K and 4K scans that were preserved by the Academy.

Will Vinton surrounded by his claymation creations

Me: In October 2018, Vinton passed away at age 70. Where was the documentary at that point (mid-production? post-production?)? How closely did you work with Mr. Vinton? Did he see some early cuts of the film before he passed away?

Marq E: We were pretty much done with production when Will passed. In fact, the footage of him getting treatment at the end of the film was the last time I saw him. I knew he was sick, but as you see in the film he never let on to his actual condition, so I didn’t think that would be the last time I saw him. After that, I kind of got away from the project for a few months, just being sad and not knowing exactly which way was the right way to proceed. But then we picked ourselves back up, got a couple final interviews that were important and started to work towards completing the edit. I’m happy that Will got to see a rough cut of about 15 minutes of the film. I know it changed a lot from what he saw, but it was at least in good enough shape for him to like it and feel like his story was in good hands.

Me: This doc is clearly a respectful and affectionate tribute to Vinton and his legacy of work. Was it hard for you to complete the film following the passing of your subject?

Marq E: We took a couple months away from the film just to mourn a bit and be able to come back to it with clear eyes. And I didn’t know how to best tell the end of the story. At first I wrestled with if he should pass away in the film or not. But after he died, it was even more important and urgent to get the film finished and released. One thing I was kind of surprised about when we did release it was that most people have never heard of the name Will Vinton. They know the characters and the work of his studio, but not the man. I’m glad that is changing with this film. 

movie poster for Claydream

Me: From a cinematic standpoint, you are documenting a visual medium. So much of Vinton’s work was eye-popping and exploding with creativity. But in addition to being a doc about an animator, it is actually a doc about a business and showing what worked and didn’t work and you framed it through the lawsuit. Can you tell me about the legal challenges you faced in what you were able to show in this doc?

Marq E: We had great lawyers at Donaldson Callif that we worked with every step of the way to make sure we were protected. The deposition footage for the suit between Will and Nike founder Phil Knight is an interesting story. I always knew that part of the story would be in the film, but I didn’t know how we would tell it. It wasn’t until about two years into the project when Will casually asked, “Did I give you the deposition?” I thought he meant a transcript, and then he told me that he had hired people to shoot the whole thing. So he gave me a big box of beta tapes and I had them digitized. I knew when I got the footage back that not only did we have the perfect way to tell that part of the story, but it was also something that was really going to elevate the film. 

claymation version of Marq Evans

Me: Your previous doc The Glamour and the Squalor was about Seattle radio D.J. Marco Collins. This one is about a Portland-based animation studio. What do you think it is about the Pacific Northwest that attracts so many artists and creative people?

Marq E: The Pacific Northwest is a great place to be an artist, and I know a lot of people like to point to the weather and say since it’s raining all the time all artists do is stay inside and create. I’m not sure if I really buy into that, but Seattle and Portland have great cultures for artists and there’s lots of like minded people around to collaborate with. And being from the area myself I’m attracted to stories from this part of the world that may be overlooked.

Me: What’s next for you?

Marq E: I have about 10 projects in various phases of development right now, but a few I’m most excited about and that are looking good are a baseball documentary, a true crime story based in Kodiak, Alaska in the 80s, and a Dracula film that is so hard to explain you’ll just have to see it when it comes out!

For info on Claydream: https://www.claydream.film/

[sothischickshe]

1 pretty please

1. How did you learn to stop striving for perfection?

an EXCELLENT question, ty my dear <3

hmm, i guess.... experience, kindness, openness & a desire to protect my ~sanity...?

i deffo think i have some perfectionist tendencies, im prone to rereading drafts (of w/e, including work emails) a buuuunch, im easily embarrassed by e.g., typos, im inclined to fact check etc etc etc & i think there's an obvi link btwn that & stress/anxiety. and i dont like being stressed!!!!!! i like having fun!!!!! so i think the desire to not be overly stressed out by something i enjoy is an important factor!!!!

further! perfection is clearly an unrealistic aim! and actually....kind of a depressing one? perfection is... stasis. and not even like homeostasis type stasis really bc if you're having to modify to account for changes....is that perfect...? perfection is death! perfection implies no more learning, no more growth, no more...anything really?! and whatever the fuck perfection means...assuming it was achievable (which...i mean i assume it isnt but definitional criteria blah blah blah), if you managed to hit it once, surely that becomes then an albatross round the neck? i can't see how a desire for perfection can lead to anything but arrogance (upon assuming it's been achieved or even neared) or distress (bc not achieved or neared). that's ugly!!!

so much of (the joy of) writing is, i think anyway, in improving and learning!!! a belief that perfection is something that can or should be reached denies that!!! nothing more to gain or learn?! where is the fun in that??? and there are SO many aspects to writing.... so so SO many! i feel like ppl tend to be drawn to one or a few initially bc that’s what they find most interesting or that’s what they’re good at or w/e, & yea maybe perfection seems like a reasonable aim if your lens is fairly limited but the more that lens widens to Understand and Identify and maybe even Unidentify allllllll these facets & form your own approach/es.... the further away and inherently sillier the notion of reaching perfection must become, no?!

fur!ther!!!! perfection for whom???? perfection for oneself? ok, arguable a sensical concept i guess. for other ppl? hmm. for everyone??? illogical by default. hi, tastes are obvi not homogenous!!!! annnnnd even if snipped back somewhat to be: for ~the masses or ~the critics or ~the tastemakers or whatever the fuck............ like..... who & what are the arbiters of good taste, or the ‘correct’ way to do things, & why? this is obviously underpinned by structural societal forces sooooo........ do you want to be bogged down by ~mainstream notions of ‘perfection’ or even ‘good’ necessarily, yknow?

HOWSOEVER! joy, love, catharsis, healing, learning, teaching........ well perhaps in and of themselves these things are not ‘perfect’, but they come pretty close, no?! i love love love having a process-oriented (rather than product-oriented) approach to writing & i would say ‘perfecting’ (as in improving, honing) HAS to be a better goal than ‘perfection’, no? i have perfected nothing, i will probably perfect nothing ever, but we can always be within the action of perfecting, i suppose? and, not to be full cheeseball, but blah blah journey > destination and it IS the imperfections which make the things that humans make HUMAN, & the messy non-linear weird journey is perhaps de facto perfection so............... well ultimately i dont think striving for perfection is in itself ‘bad’ or ‘silly’ bc well what does it even mean but i would rather strive to enjoy & grow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

write right rite

[niralijain-blog]

Best Interior Designer in Mumbai

Finding the best Interior designers in Mumbai is a crazy task involving variables more than one can actually think of. Especially in a city like Mumbai, where residential projects encompass a wide range of areas, style, and layouts, one only struggles before he makes the right choice for their home interiors. We thought it would be easy for you if we could assess and shortlist the best interior designers in Mumbai for you.

10+ Top Interior Designer in Mumbai You Need To Know — Hometown for some of the most famous interior design studios in the world, many of these companies have international careers renowned in the industry, mentors, and ultimate tastemakers.

1. My Architecture Interior Leads

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Address: Room no 75, Kartik Vinayak Chawl, Nehru Nagar, Vile Parle West, Mumbai.

Contact : 9324350106

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Collaboration is a guiding force at Design Integrated, as we believe that the best results originate from constant interaction with all stakeholders. Our practice brings together experts in architecture, interiors, engineering, and construction to create innovative and viable solutions for our clients. With our clients as our partners, we are able to find unique solutions for each and every project we undertake. We are one of the Best Interior Designer In Mumbai

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Address: 709, Autumn Grove, Lokhandwala, Kandivali East Mumbai 400101

Contact : 022-2966 1630

Email: sales@designintegrated.in

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Vikas Bhujbal Design is a contemporary Architecture and Interior design firm led by Vikas Bhujbal, We are a deliberately small practice and enjoy working closely with clients to deliver projects ranging from tiny interventions to large scale urban strategy and built form. Vikas Bhujbal Design is one of the top luxury Architecture and Interior designer In Mumbai known for its warm aesthetics & highly comfortable sophisticated style.

We provides complete design development solutions right from understanding clients space and requirements to giving finest international ergonomic and creative solutions that matches global design trends & distinctive luxury standards and help clients to fulfill their dreams through conceptual visualization to supervising the quality execution of project.

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Address: B - 105,Rustomjees Central Park,Andheri- Kurla Road, Andheri East, Mumbai - 400069

Phone: 9076170222

Email: info@vikasbhujbal.com

Website: http://www.vikasbhujbal.com/

6. Vehana Interiors

Vehana Interiors is best interior designer in Mumbai. Founded in 2011 by founder Kamlesh Phatak, the firm has a mission of balancing beauty with function, achieving a design quality.They are home architecture and interior designer company in Mumbai. They specialize in creating excellent interior design solution for residential, commercial and turnkey Project in Mumbai. They have dedicated teams of interior design consultants, decorators, experts interior designer who make sure your dream home come to actuality with modern and stylish. They have the reputation of being one of the best affordable budget interior designer in Mumbai. Their Team understand the particular needs and wishes of our clients and provide a truly bespoke service that is delivered to uncompromisingly high standards, creating the ultimate in luxury interiors.

Contact Details

Phone: +91 8108007722, +91 8108338877

Email: info@vehanainteriors.com

Website: www.vehanainteriors.com

7. Studio Elements

Studio Elements is a reputed Thane-based interior designer In Mumbai that is known for its distinct ability and thoughtful approach in designing and furnishing exquisite homes and offices. With the versatile team of architects, interior designers, visualizer, contractors, project managers, supervisors, we embrace and empower meaningful change to the space. Studio Elements has been recognized and awarded as the best interior designing and architect firm for the residential projects. Several leading organizations look to our expertise to design environments that brings about a meaningful change at all levels. Studio Elements have built a name for itself over the last fifteen years with over a thousand successful projects to its credit.

Interior design is the term that comes to the mind when you think of Studio Elements. We acquire vast and enriched experience in creating germane designs for residences, corporates, retails, developers and hotels. Studio Elements has successfully executed over 1000 projects with an experience of more than a decade. Interior designer In Mumbai guarantee a unique, original and innovative design that stupefies and satisfies our clients.

Complementing the services of interiors designs, we house the exquisite artefacts that is curated and handpicked from the various parts of the world. Placing an artefact in any place brightens the space and the cultural ambience. Studio Elements provides the platform to various artists and craftsman to showcase their products and thus encourage them to build upon their dreams. Our passion for art and creativity, makes for an equitable union bringing out the finest designs and artefacts, for one’s home & commercial place.

Contact Details

Address: Shop no.11, Puranik Capitol, Opp. Hypercity, Kasarwadvali, Ghodbunder Road, Thane (West)

Phone: 8291996675

Email: info@studioelements.in

Website: https://www.studioelements.in/

8. Somaya and Kalappa Consultants

SNK Interior Designer in Mumbai was founded in Mumbai as Somaya & Kalappa Consultants in 1978. Spanning over four decades, this multi-award-winning practice is currently led by founder and principal architect Brinda Somaya and her lawyer turned architect daughter, Nandini Sampat. SNK continues to build upon its inclusive mode of practice enabling it to take on diverse projects at all scales. Working across residential and commercial projects for both architecture and interiors designer, SNK is pioneers of the industry and is also among the giants.

Contact Details

Address: Udyog Bhavan, 29, Walchand Hirachand Marg, Ballard Estate Goregaon East, Mumbai

Phone: 2243001234

Email: mumbai@snkindia.com

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9. HS Desiigns

The expression of HS Designs inspiration is striking a balance between functionality and conceptual innovations. As leading Mumbai-based architects and interior designers, Our visions & design philosophies that are conceived into each space are thoughtful, fluid, and always accentuate the unique characteristics.

At HS Designs, our integrated interior design team collaborates throughout the design process for each individual project. All of our team member bring a unique skill set and perspective to the final design solution.

Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to forge ahead, to push our limits and to design, propose and make innovative solutions a reality for our clients. The HS Desiigns Team continues to work closely with our clients to create one-of-a-kind design solutions tailored specifically to each client.

Contact Details

Phone: 87793 56123

Email: studio@hsdesiigns.com

Address: 810, 8th floor, Krushal Commercial Complex G. M. Road, Chembur (W), Mumbai – 400089

Website: https://hsdesiigns.com/

10. Design Plus India

Design Plus is an Independent Interior Designer In Mumbai Specializing in Business and Corporate Interiors. They undertake primarily commercial projects but also have dedicated teams with expertise in residential interiors too. They offer a good portfolio of services including interior designing, project management, and construction and design. Here is how you could reach out to them. Together we Pilot a Well-Balanced Team of Talents, Specializing in Diverse Areas like Project Management, Financial Planning, 3D Design Modeling to Site Supervision and Quality Assurance.

Contact Details

Address: Gogatewadi Aarey Road, Churi Wadi, Goregaon East, Mumbai

Phone: +91-22- 29275028-31

Contact: info@designplus.in

Website: www.designplusindia.com

[therappundit]

Top 10 Rappers of 2020

The finish line of this long, surreal year is finally upon us...which means that it’s time for me to throw down the gauntlet in the ‘Best of 2020’ frivolous list race!  🙌

*Just to be clear*: this is a list of MCs who I believe turned in the best overall performances in 2020. ***This is NOT a list of the my top 10 favorite MCs***, or even who I believe to be the best MCs in the world at the moment...these are simply dope artists that put forth the strongest, most consistently interesting and important (to the genre) high-quality work in the perilous year that was 2020. 

If you think your favorite MC was slighted....well, Michael Jordan is the greatest to ever play the game of basketball but even he didn’t win MVP every year, right? I encourage you to write your own list - it’s a cool way to dap artists that are too often overlooked by industry websites, and share the music you enjoy with others that may not have given the record a spin otherwise.

Even if 2020 didn’t bring you the “instant classic” you had been hoping for, I think it’s hard to deny that this year really had impressive depth when it came to showcasing some of the most diverse music that the genre has to offer.  I can’t speak for music in general - sadly I’m just The Rap Pundit, not The Music Pundit - but I can say that it has been an impossible task to keep a playlist less than 500 songs deep at a time, because for every truly great release in 2020 there seemed to be 30 very good releases. 👌

So how did I come about these 10 MCs (and Honorable Mentions)? Before you get huffy about who I snubbed (and that is pointed directly at my jury of older head peers that consider themselves tastemakers, but also haven’t opened their minds up to any new takes on rap styles since the year 2000)...here are the five chief pieces of criteria that I put into finalizing my list:

- quality (whatever lane you’re in, how often did you ‘own it’?)

- quantity (at least 10 very good-to-great songs released, and 3-4 verses that stand out as a ‘must-hear’ for any rap music fan)

- consistency (not just 4-5 great features and a few forgettable solo tracks, will I want to keep at least 7 or 8 of your own new songs released in 2020 in my rotation for 2021?)

- impact (are you so vital to the type of rap music you make that if you stopped rapping tomorrow, there’s no one else in the game that could fill that void?)

- “it” factor (are you carried by a co-sign or an elite production team, or did you bring a style/talent to the table that could carry a record in and of itself?)

Got it? Then here we go...

1. Conway the Machine

I hope 2020 was the type of year that Conway the Machine had been hoping for since he first began his journey with rap music. After years of scraping and hustling towards music industry recognition (and not just cult figure status), at year’s end we see Griselda’s top Lieutenant holding down a rare balancing act: champion of underground hip-hop, and most requested feature by any mainstream rap star looking to add some tough-talking muscle to their album.

While much of Conway’s content has always been driven by surviving an attempt on his life in 2012, much like 50 Cent, Conway’s way with words and perspective manage to elevate the quality of his material to a higher tier than most. And where - at least in his heyday - 50 Cent benefited from an indestructible super-villain persona, Conway’s success can be greatly attributed to a larger-than-life heart.  With every braggadocious act of gunplay, there are moments of gratefulness to still being alive to share success with his brethren, as well as a painful longing to be with close allies that are no longer with him (at least not in the physical form).

Above all else, in 2020 Conway the Machine did what he has always done throughout his career: delivered well written, passionate bars about coming up in an impossibly challenging environment and coping with loss...only now his craftsmanship and understanding of how to channel all of those feelings into a more polished final product have yielded the most well-rounded solo project of his career in From King to a God. Progress is a slow process, but the long and winding road has finally taken Conway a step closer to that G.O.A.T. status he will hopefully continue to reach for...

Best Evidence: FKTG, and a countless number of scene-stealing verses alongside rap acts ranging from deep underground to household names

2. Freddie Gibbs

I don't use the word "sauce" all too often (this may actually be the first time), but if there was any MC guaranteed to bring sauce to any rap record right now, it's Freddie Gibbs. 

Forever existing somewhere between gritty gangsta and syrupy old soul, the flavor that Freddie brings to every verse is malleable enough to work on virtually any type of record, which was certainly proven in 2020. Anyone foresee a Gibbs & Alchemist Grammy nomination heading into 2020? It’s a testament to how high quality work, through consistent reliability and dues paid, can elevate a project from underground niche following to critical acclaim. While his work with Alchemist may not reach the lofty levels of his heralded collaborations with Madlib, Alfredo represents the best that “quarantine music” can offer...two talented friends saying one day, “hey we should finally drop a full tape together, why not?” - and then BOOM, it happens.

Too many fail to remember that Gibbs already has a long accomplished body of work behind him...so the fact that he may just be entering his prime now, is scary.

Best Evidence: Alfredo, Machinedrum’s “Kane Train”

3. Boldy James

Comeback MC of the year, and no it is not close (but big shout-out to Grafh, another dope MC who had an amazing year).

I'm old enough to remember when folks like Roc Marciano and Ka were seen as sleepy, monotone rappers with little hope of reaching permanent rap icon status (flash-forward to today, and they are widely consider geniuses). For some, the quieter, less hook-dependent approach to making rap songs, was....well, not great rap music. They were wrong then and they’re wrong now, but similar to how the coolest, smartest cat in the room is rarely the loudest, it can take some time and patience before everyone learns what’s what. Time is what is required to appreciate Detroit’s Boldy James, a veteran that has been through it - both in terms of the ups and downs of the music business, as well as the streets through which he draws his stories and inspiration.

Boldy makes it seem all too easy, rapping his verses with the cool, casual tone of telling old stories to a close friend over drinks. Dropping multiple projects (with one still to come) in one year can often lead to over-saturation. Even the most dedicated fans/stans can begin to feel less enthusiastic about new releases when they have already received a healthy portion of more of the same...but most rap fans are not necessarily Boldy James fans. Boldy fans (much like Roc Marciano and Ka fans) are already aware that knowing what type of material to expect from your favorite MC can be a blessing if that MC takes pride in the execution of the final product, rather than the noise leading up to it. 

The beauty of his collaboration with The Alchemist (big year for that guy, huh?), The Price of Tea in China, is that it celebrates the more subtle nuances of boom-bap, proving that great MC and producer chemistry can trump the “shock & awe” of more uptempo rap music. The shock in Boldy James’ lyrics sits within the detailed descriptions of the cold world he grew up in...so monotone or not, how can any music could be more gripping than that?

Best Evidence: TPOTIC, Manger On McNichols, a long list of consistently perfect feature verses

4. 42 Dugg

I would say this is more of a longterm investment rather than the celebration of a rapper already within rap’s inner circle, but 42 Dugg didn’t just steal the show on every feature this year, he also displayed maturity in his ability to craft well-rounded, high quality rap singles. I’m talking joints that work just as well on the street tape level as they would at the radio level. That is especially rare to see from a rapper that is still relatively new to national conversations. 

So much more than just a co-sign of Lil Baby and Yo Gotti, the Detroit eastsider has already proven that he can craft a full solo album with the swagger of a far more seasoned MC. 42 Dugg combines a Boosie-esque, "oh you think you’re better than me??” chip on his shoulder with the unpredictable bombast of Lil Wayne. What he may lack in punchlines he makes up for in musicianship, his voice bringing one of the most nimble touches to trap music that I have heard in a long time. 42 Dugg music is hard and soulful, with the natural hunger of a rapper that knows me might be one smash away from superstardom. By this time next year, I’m betting he will be. 

Best Evidence: Young & Turnt 2 (Deluxe), features on high profile records like Lil Baby’s “Grace” and “We Paid”, and a growing stream of attention grabbing solo loosies

5. Rome Streetz

In 2020 it was almost impossible to be an underground MC with a great project unless you landed a Rome Streetz verse. 

Rome has been bubbling for a while now, but in 2020 he unleashed an onslaught on the game. At times he seemed like the hardest working MC in underground circles, busting his ass to not only make as many appearances as possible, but also to own any song he guested on. He raps like every verse might be “the one” that gets him a huge contract, and that’s a level of hunger and consistency that will likely land him more than one huge contract someday. In spite of that laundry list of strong features, the young Brooklyn MC still managed to release multiple dope solo projects, all flashing a rap style that feels at once a throwback and the fresh voice NYC rap needs. 

Rome is clearly from the same school as many of the New York City greats, because he has the capacity to deliver dark, potent bars with the sharp intellect of a Harvard lecture (think AZ before “Sugar Hill”). While he sounds most at home when he’s rhyming over instrumentals that run more coldblooded than a horror flick, it’s easy to picture him popping up in more places in 2021...if that’s even possible.

Best Evidence: Noise Kandy 4, Kontraband, The Residue, and at least 50 incredible features with a who’s-who of the underground’s finest

6. Stove God Cook$

No one saw this coming....well, maybe Roc Marciano, Lord Jamar, Busta Rhymes and a few more NYC heads in the know - but I guarantee you, no one else saw the Stove God coming!

Bar for bar, no MC owned more rewind-worthy rap quotables in 2020 than Stove God Cook$. Dropping a solo debut with VERY little fanfare and zero features (apart from the steady, reliable guidance of Roc Marciano - low key one of hip-hop’s most reliable producers), a slow bubbling word of mouth campaign on social media eventually got Stove God verses exposed to more and more high profile ears. Such a grass roots campaign is rarely seen...I mean, a rap album slowly becoming a critical darling simply off the strength of more and more random folks discovering the music and Tweeting about it, as opposed to the buzz being calculated before the product??? It feels almost too good to be true these days, as early reviews of Reasonable Drought typically lead with something along the lines of, “hey, have you heard of this album? I have no idea who this is, but it is 🔥🔥🔥”

It has often been said that Roc Marciano has a lot of “sons” in the game, implying that Roc Marci gave birth to a style that a whole generation of underground MCs run with today. So it’s ironic (or perhaps highly appropriate?) that the next level of progression for Roc might be to have a protege, a young Jedi to carry on the tradition on Roc’s own terms, and become the next new star to be embraced by the old heads. But Stove God isn’t a clone of Roc, or anyone else, he’s simply one of the most exciting artists to hit the NYC underground in a generation. Everything from his word choice, to his fresh references and sense of humor, to his delivery and the way he structures his verses, feels like a collection of “firsts”, there’s simply no one sounding like him. And if his work in 2020 is any indication, he will continue to be in a league of his own for years to come.

Best Evidence: Reasonable Drought, spotlight snatching features alongside Roc Marciano and Griselda’s finest

7. Lil Baby

Once viewed by some as just another “Lil”, Lil Baby had been rollin’ coming into 2020, but by the end of 2020 it’s clear that he has arrived at the forefront of rap music’s most reliable hitmakers right now. 

A must-have feature on any rap album reaching for max exposure, Lil Baby’s dexterous flow, charisma, and pen that is significantly sharper than early reports indicated, made him one of the few shining stars in 2020 to consistently deliver good rap music to what in any other year would have been considered smash hits in any club.

What makes Lil Baby’s music standout is that he could easily be a “cookie cutter” MC, phoning in verse after verse just to get another check, but instead he continues to bring it - trying to squeeze in an extra catchy lyric, maybe flow in a way that breaks up a verse to make it stand out from the pack a little more - and even when he is featured over cookie cutter beats that sound like every other trap inspired beats that came before it, Baby seems eager to prove something. I think that’s what I like about him - he’s on a short list of mainstream-bred Young Thug disciples that seem to really want to put the work in to becoming one of the greats. 

Best Evidence: I mean...did any rap star have more songs in circulation this year? Dude was everywhere, but “The Bigger Picture” got his name officially into the lyricist conversation (even though personally I don’t even think it’s one of his more impressive records - at least not stylistically)

8. Westside Gunn

No one denies that the Griselda Records team had a banner year, yet somehow the vocal leader of the group managed to drop a handful of dope projects without receiving credit for being a great MC in his own right. Great artist, great album curator, great business man - sure, but great MC?? That credit is rarely given to the FLYGOD. He might not even understand how natural he is as a solo MC, waxing unpredictable flows and half-bars that stick in your mind in place of catchy hooks or predictable song structure. He might call himself an artist first, but I still call him one of the most prolific rappers today (regardless of whether he retires after the ball drops).

I can’t believe I have to tell rap fans this in the year 2020...but......you all know that message and punchlines are just part of the art of rapping, right...and not the only thing that defines who is a dope MC and who isn’t?? Play any solo cut from Westside Gunn and filter out the “doot-doot-doots” and stream of conscious hooks and what you are left with is one of the most distinctive voices in rap music, attempting off-kilter flows and phrases over some of the most impressive production in rap music today, and to me that sounds like my kind of rap music. What the Buffalo floor general lacks in diversity of subject matter he makes up for with a relentless imagination.

That’s why it’s not all that surprising to me that Westside Gunn enjoyed more mainstream attention in 2020 than he ever has before. All he needed was a window of exposure and he certainly capitalized on it, pitching his sound and his vision in all the right places, without compromising his style or vacating his lane. So strictly as a MC, I would consider him the Young Thug of the east coast underground scene, and if 2020 does turn out to be his final year of recording solo projects, I am thankful that he already has a long list of quality projects with high replay value to revisit again and again. But don’t wait - give this man his flowers now.

Best Evidence: “Euro Step”, “Rebirth”, “327″, “Shawn vs. Flair”, “Michael Irvin”, and YES he even had a more than worthy verse on “$500 Ounces” alongside Freddie Gibbs and Roc Marciano

9. Benny the Butcher

Who else is more reliable to deliver a dope feature verse than Benny?

By now you must be muttering at least a few things about me, so let me just make two points: YES, I am a big fan of Griselda records, but NO I do not consider that an unreasonable bias because even on paper according to a large variety of sources, it’s clear that Conway, Boldy James, Westside Gunn and Benny are true specialists when it comes to the quality of the work they distribute. Its not a fluke or a trend, they’re just that good at what they do...I have been saying this for almost 5 years now, but in 2020 the rest of you sleepy heads finally just stopped hitting snooze.

Benny the Butcher already possesses the writing capacity, attention to detail, and skills of observation/personal reflection to put himself within special company as one of the nicest pens in the business today. But in 2020, he dialed things up even higher...or perhaps word of mouth just finally caught up with the rest of his peers? The tribute to the classic Roc-A-Fella era that was his Burden of Proof project with Hit-Boy helped expose Benny to a much larger audience, and it has been beautiful to see so many more folks quoting and sharing his lyrics on Twitter, because I recall when he had about the same amount of Followers that I do, because it wasn’t all that long ago (I just hope they go back to experience all of his prior work - I’m still partial to his incredible verses on “Shower Shoe Lords” and “Pissy Work”)! 

In my not so humble opinion, I do think some of the more dramatic pomp and circumstance on the BOP album was more suited to a Rick Ross or Meek Mill than Benny, so I’m actually more excited to hear what Benny has in store for 2021. He truly sounds at his best over more minimalistic production that lets his lyrics fill the spotlight...but still, tracks like “Timeless” and “Legend” do remind me of some of my favorite moments from old JAY-Z albums...blasphemous, maybe, but true.

A shot to the leg last month seems to have done nothing to slow his momentum, so if you didn’t board the bandwagon by now, you are inexcusably late.

Best Evidence: Burden of Proof, mercilessly slaughtering every verse on every Griselda projects, and a ton of show-stealing features

10. Drakeo the Ruler

What a journey it's been for the L.A. rising star. 

Flexing a penchant for placing local slang into his music and delivering dark verses with a clear sense of humor, it's easy to see the appeal of Drakeo's style. If Thank You For Using GTL was an inspiring attempt to do anything possible to keep his buzz going (in that case, recording his verses over a prison phone), the quick release of We Know The Truth shortly after he regained his freedom seems to have given him a 50 Cent-esque teflon aura at the moment. 

But this is about more than just Drakeo himself, it’s about what he represented before incarceration, and what he represents now. As one of the more visible forces in a new generation of west coast hip-hop, Drakeo was a few key features away from exploding onto the national scene. Now after surviving his ordeal, likely with a great deal more to write about, his ceiling has only been raised - and along with his growth potential, so rises the potential for the current rap scene out in L.A. right now. Mark my words: by this time next year Drakeo’s flow will be one of the most flagrantly jacked flows in rap music coast to coast.

A sincere welcome home from the rap world, Drakeo the Ruler. Hopefully the worst is now behind you. 🙏

Best Evidence: We Know The Truth, Free Drakeo, Thank You For Using GTL

*Honorable Mentions*:

Che Noir, Ka, Ransom, Billy Woods, Royce Da 5′9″, Jay Electronica, Fly Anakin, Curren$y, Lil Uzi Vert, Roc Marciano, Skyzoo, Black Thought, Tee Grizzley, Your Old Droog, Flee Lord, Lil Wayne

[notrodolphus]

GENERAL INFORMATION ➤

Full Legal Name: Rabastan Entlain Lestrange  Nickname(s): Rab, Rabunctious (from himself), Rabblerouser (from himself), Mr. Vanity (from himself), Ugh Him (everyone else)  Age: 18 Gender & Pronouns: cisgender male, he/him Sexuality: disaster poly pansexual prince.

Date of Birth: 11 August 1960 Horoscope: Leo Hogwarts House: Slytherin Nationality: Dual Citizen of the UK and France  Occupation: Having received explicit permission to do whatever the fuck, Rabastan has decided to do exactly that after graduation. It’s not like he actually has to earn money. In his heart of hearts he would love to do something relating to animals (professional hippogriff cuddler?) but, realistically and -- more importantly -- easier, modeling is a path already paved in offers for him. There’s an endorsement opportunity for Rogues Robes that he’s been considering for a while.   Summarized in One Word: Extreme

APPEARANCE ➤

Faceclaim: Rome Flynn Height: 6′1″ Hair Color: Brown Eye Color: Brown Noticeable Features: Broad, giddy smile with a side of dimples. Also dat ass.  Typical Outfit or General Fashion Sense: loud patterns, has never once worn a solid color that wasn’t offensively bright, and a distinct preference for androgynous styles. He clearly borrows (enlarged) blouses from Narcissa when he’s looking to be formal. Does not own sweatpants.   

HISTORY ➤

Hometown: Rabastan was born in Paris, France but spent most of his childhood traveling everywhere else. The estate in Wiltshire, however, holds the fondest memories of playing with friends from other important families while their parents were busy doing whatever parents did. The expansive, lush, secluded hills were the perfect playground for them to teeter within that delicate balance of growing up too fast and not at all.    Financial Status: disgustingly rich  Spoken Languages: French and English, bits of Italian and Spanish from his travels. He’s also fairly decent at Mermish, but doesn’t know it because the Great Lake mermaids refuse to let him know it.  Bad Habits:

Drinks too much

Addicted to nicotine  

Never brings his own quills, if you sit next to him bring extra or he’ll annoy you about it the entire lecture

Cannot stop himself from touching other people’s stuff

Will not be the one to move out of the way if you’re on the same path coming from opposite directions

FAMILY BACKGROUND ➤

Mother: Melisende (née La Trémoille), a pureblood witch and Beauxbaton alumni. Met Tiernan Lestrange one time when she was fourteen, and married him when she was eighteen.She is a fixture in every society event and created the Protego Omnis Foundation in an effort to fund and research magical maladies as well as spread awareness and the potential dangers of muggleborne diseases.

FC: Anika Noni Rose Father: Tiernan Lestrange, youngest son and heir of Corvus Lestrange VI and Clarisse Tremblay. Works as an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries. 

FC: Colman Domingo  Sibling(s): Rodolphus Lestrange. Despite their wildly contrasting differences, Rabastan loves and looked up to his brother immensely. He only competed with him in childhood because he thought it would be the thing that brought them closer together. He trusts Rodolphus’ judgement more than anyone else’s in the world and would follow him anywhere.  Pet(s): A very fat, very tiny fieldmouse named Señor Mortimer von Theobald. Usually found in Rabastan’s pocket or scampering around in his little ball that Rab got one of the Ravenclaws to make for him (charmed to repel owls, cats, and acromantulas).  Grandparent(s): Corvus VI and Clarisse Lestrange have since retired to the Paris family estate where they drink wine all day and prepare for the time they will willingly waltz themselves down to sleep forever in the Cimetière du Père-Lachaise Lestrange Mausoleum.  Cousin(s): Wiped from any significant record, Corvus Lestrange VII, the eldest son of Corvus VI and Clarisse, does not have children and if he did Rabastan would never have met them. ‘Do not associate with burnt stains on the tapestry’ is a rule he actually follows. 

MAGICAL ABILITIES ➤

Wand: English Oak, Unicorn tail, 13’’ and supple Patronus: While Rabastan has the capacity to produce a patronus he does not yet have the skill to produce a corporeal one. He’s got a plethora of memories to choose from though, as anything and everything that can be remotely deemed ‘happy’ is bathed in blindingly amplified light. If he ever manages to focus down enough to learn how to cast a full one, it would be a hummingbird.  Boggart: Rodolphus, but colder and harsher than ever. Rodolphus, but in an image of strength and power and darkness that he can’t ever hope to mirror. Rabastan doesn’t like thinking about it much, but when he’s drunk and spacing out sometimes his mind wanders and begins to piece together the distressing realization that his greatest fear is that he’ll never be of the same caliber as his older brother, that he couldn’t keep him from going too far down that path – and that that might just get him killed someday. OWLS:  

Care of Magical Creatures - O

Herbology - O

Charms - E

Potions - E 

Transfiguration - A, begged McGonagall to consider him into the sixth year NEWT class but dropped it in the middle of the semester 

Defense Against the Dark Arts - A, continued through the NEWT course anyways because the professor in their sixth year was a family friend

History of Magic - E

Ghoul Studies - E

What Kind of Magic do They Excel at: Magic that he can feel is what Rab loves the most. It’s why he does pretty well in Charms despite his careless view on studying; magic that feels like an accomplishment, that has fantastical results intrigues and captivates him. He loves to take pleasure in what he can do. 

PSYCHOLOGY ➤

MB Type: Entertainer - ESFP-A Entertainers love the spotlight, and all the world’s a stage. Utterly social, Entertainers enjoy the simplest things, and there’s no greater joy for them than just having fun with a good group of friends. Though it may not always seem like it, Entertainers know that it’s not all about them – they are observant, and very sensitive to others’ emotions. People with this personality type are often the first to help someone talk out a challenging problem, happily providing emotional support and practical advice. However, if the problem is about them, Entertainers are more likely to avoid a conflict altogether than to address it head-on. Entertainers are welcome wherever there’s a need for laughter, playfulness, and a volunteer to try something new and fun – and there’s no greater joy for Entertainer personalities than to bring everyone else along for the ride.

Enneagram: Type 9 - 98% Match Type 9 is also called The Peacemaker. Nines like to keep a low profile and let the people around them set the agenda.

Type 7 - 88% Match Type 7 is described as The Enthusiast. Sevens want to have as much fun and adventure as possible and are easily bored.

Type 2 - 87% Match Type 2 can be described as The Giver. Twos want to be liked and find ways that they can be helpful to others so that they can be loved and belong.

Moral Alignment: True Neutral A neutral character does what seems to be a good idea. They don't feel strongly one way or the other when it comes to good vs. evil or law vs. chaos. Most neutral characters exhibit a lack of conviction or bias rather than a commitment to neutrality. Such a character thinks of good as better than evil-after all, they would rather have good neighbors and rulers than evil ones. Still, they’re not personally committed to upholding good in any abstract or universal way.

Archetype: 47% Performer Taking center stage comes naturally to the Performer, whether at the water cooler or in front of an audience. They are magnetic and know how to inspire.

37% Caregiver Friendly, sincere, and compassionate, the Caregiver finds their reward in helping others. No one could ask for a better best friend.

16% Tastemaker The Tastemaker is always on top of the trends—or starting their own. Their sense of style is second to none and their taste, impeccable.

Temperament: Sanguine Sanguine people are boisterous, bubbly, chatty, openly emotional, social extroverts. In our distant past, the sanguine members of the pack might have played a supportive, encouraging, social role. They would have been the glue that kept the group together. In modern society, you might see them as entertainers, singers, dancers, or perhaps simply as the energetic people at parties.

[bandmanagertips-blog]

5 Tips to Aid Your Band End Up Being Successful

1. Follow Success-- Replicate What Functions

Practice as well as tape where effective, neighborhood, authorized bands practice as well as tape.

Have a look at what successful bands do for discount, the venues they play etc, and afterwards do something similar, dip into the very same locations etc. You do not require to exactly copy the suggestion, simply the activities entailed. Get to know various other regional bands. This allows you to gain from each other's experience and also calls.

As an example, a band has a job in a brand-new area as well as they have a really effective advertising and marketing effort, causing a job with a sell-out attendance.

Get the response to these inquiries:

Collecting knowledge of this kind from bands you recognize, meet etc can be a really, extremely beneficial method to enhance the probabilities of your own success. See to it you ask the right concerns as well as write down the responses. It's most definitely worth your while.

2. Get Smart

Inform on your own on standard music sector procedures, companies and also procedures. You can obtain a lot of assistance and also assistance, source financing etc plus get an understanding of contracts and just how the numerous music industry organisations connect.

When it comes to negotiating agreements, this level of understanding is indispensable. If you are going to trade something away, you should what it is and also any kind of worth affixed to it.

Collect market intelligence regarding your nationwide and local scene. Knowing the key places in not only your area is inadequate. Become knowledgeable about the essential venues generally cities you would like to play in. Be familiar with where are the new bands damaging on the scene? What places do A&R men, tastemakers, song pluggers, Music press, regional stars as well as bands most likely to? Where do they all go to see brand-new and also exciting bands? Those are the locations you ought to end up being acquainted with the venue, the team, and regulars.

3. Networking

Networking and expanding your neighborhood as well as music market calls can not be ignored. You require to Schmooz.

Who are the essential people in your area? That are the DJ's and radio program controllers, music journalists, band supervisors, marketers, representatives, music legal representatives, indie labels ... even music gear suppliers!

Get to know them! Go to parties, jobs and occasions where you can mix with these individuals. The even more you most likely to, the more you get invited to. These are not merely possibilities to celebration.

Remember you are there for organisation factors, not to obtain drunk.

Networking offers opportunities as well as contacts. Opportunities that you would certainly or else miss out on. So, make certain that you network!

4. Develop Your Fan Mailing Listing

Make and also keep in contact with your followers. Inform them your band information directly. This is among the best means to construct an energetic follower base and to minimize the impact of prohibited downloads on your recording based earnings.

Construct your fan newsletter online, and also by obtaining people to sign up at your gigs. At gigs get an extended band member (manager, roadie etc) to man a "stall" with details concerning the band, any merchandise, and also finalizing followers as much as your mailing list using their email addresses. Preferably, give net gain access to and straight add the e-mail addresses to your fan mailing list.

5. Build Your Visibility Both Online As Well As Offline

It doesn't need to be one or the other, develop both!

Make all your initiatives pay off in both globes. You can utilize your fan newsletter to obtain followers to a gig, however video the gig and after that publish it or parts of it online. Construct in the advantages of being a member of your fan newsletter. As an example, make one song available to the everyone, while booking the mass of the video for the members of your fan mailing list.

Develop your band internet site. Consist of music, video clips, photos, information, as well as any kind of special deals for your visitors and also fans. Usage social networking, online forums, blog sites to get the breadth and afterwards concentrate on one at a time to construct deepness. Consider working with an online music promotion service to aid promote your band.

If you are a room artist undoubtedly the web uses the more evident choice to obtain your name and also music out there, but you should perhaps think of what you can do in a real-world sense, even if that is playing unplugged or acoustic jobs. Video clips of these can after that be become a wonderful benefit for fan club members, and they can likewise be utilized to elevate awareness of your music on an extra regional basis.

Adhering to The 5 Tips To Come To Be An Effective Band

It didn't take long to draw up these tips, yet it takes devotion, effort, creativity and time to apply every one of the above ideas and to maintain using them. That is exactly why bands recruit people to assist!

Nothing assurances success yet you can be sure that your opportunities of success will progressively enhance if you use, and maintain using, all "5 Tips To Help Your Band Become Successful".

[salfordiansiren]

Interview Questions for Ren Harvieu, God is in the TV ‘In Conversation with…’article

We do like to ask some ‘off-the-wall’ questions, also some slightly tongue-in-cheek and left-field ones not connected to the music business at all. There are also a few multiple questions and I’ve mixed them up a bit so that the subjects keep changing. Many of them are open-ended, giving you the opportunity to be as verbose as you wish.  Please ignore any question you do not wish to answer.

Hi Lauren, my name is David Bentley, I write for a UK-based e-zine God is in the TV (GIITTV).

The objective of this interview, which will be published in GIITTV within a week of receiving your responses, is to introduce you to a new audience in the UK and abroad and to promote your forth on ming album.

The interview will also feature some embedded videos and/or audio unless you ask us not to do that.

There will be an ‘introduction’ to the interview but that will be written after its completion.

Thanks for agreeing to take part.

So, here we go…

 

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. How are you?

I’m in a great mood today thanks. I had foot surgery last week and so I cant leave the house or really move for 6 weeks but I feel strangely calm about the whole thing, I dont mind bein

 

For the benefit of readers who may not be familiar with you, how would you describe yourself as an artist, in a paragraph?

 

 

You have released two singles, ‘Teenage Mascara’ and just now ‘Yes, Please’ from your second album, ‘Revel in the Drama’ which is scheduled for next April and the first one was well received by broadcasting ‘tastemakers’. How does the album differ from the first one, ‘Through the Night?’

 

The difference between Revel In The Drama and Through The Night is that this is a much more personal album. I spent the last couple of years honing my songwriting craft and these lyrics have come straight from my gothic salfordian brain. Its darker, more intense, stranger but still has the beauty of Through The Night. I think both albums sit nicely together.

 

 

Since 2015 you’ve been co-writing with Romeo Stodart of the Magic Numbers and he appeared on stage with you at your recent concerts. Will that relationship continue? Do you prefer to control the songwriting process yourself, or are you content to work with other music or lyric writer(s) into the future? If the latter, who has the final say?

I’ll keep writing with romeo till I die if he wants to. He’s the best of the best, and he understands me. I never really felt understood as an artist till I met him. I feel so comfortable in his presence that I let it allllll out, not just the versions of me t

 

You signed with Universal, a huge corporation, as a 17-year old. Is that too young, or are there any benefits in being ‘bloodied’ in the industry at such a tender age?

I think I was too young, although Universal were great that wasn’t the problem. But there was a lot going on behind the scenes that I was dealing with. I wasn’t a show biz kid from a showbiz family and I had real problems that seemed bigger than singing about about being dumped by some boy. I felt too young and overwhelmed but also too streetwise and smart for it all. It was a confusing time.

They say that everything happens for a reason. In 2011 you suffered a life-changing event, just as your debut album was about to be released, and one which set you back several years. Eight years on do you think the dreadful accident in which you broke your back has had any positive repercussions?

I think there had been positive repercussions,I dont think I would have started writing if it wasn’t for the accident. I dont

 

What attracted you to signing with Bella Union for your new album?

Well

 

Do you have any role models in the music business? A hero or heroine? Anyone you would enjoy being “mentioned in the same breath” with? (Dusty Springfield comes to mind, also perhaps Shirley Bassey).

 

I really admire Fiona apple because she does whatever the hell she wants. And her records are stunning, unique and completely un compromising.

You are compared occasionally with Elkie Brooks (I’ve done it myself!), a different kind of singer perhaps but a highly respected one who hails from the same city, and even the same suburb as you. And she’s still performing, in her seventies. Is there anything you feel you can learn from her and, indeed, are you ever in contact with her?

I dont know Elkie personally but I love her shes a legend. Rising Cost Of Love is my jam!

 

 

You left Salford and relocated to London a while ago. Do you miss it? How did the move impact on your creativity?

I really miss the north, everything about it but I needed to leave because I was really sad and I knew if i didnt do something soon I was going to slip down the back alleyof my mind and maybe disappear forever. I have memories on every street, bus stops make me emotional. Corner shops where me and my friend would try and get booze in our school, theres just memories everywhere and I needed a clean break. To create some distance so I could write about it

When you’re writing, how do most of your songs start life? A piano part? A chord? A melody? Does inspiration simply come, or do you have to seek it?

I feel inspired everyday by everything. When writing a song I like to visualise it, like a film, frame by frame. Sometimes I move around, dance, put on voices. Romeo will play something off the cuff that’s so beautiful that I’ll just start shouting and laughing and hugging him. Its the closest I get to spirituality. Writing wise, I want the narrative to have as much depth as possible, I want to feel something and I feel it is my duty to give the emotion and the stories the respect they deserve. I take it very seriously.

 

Do you see yourself as a live artist, or a recording artist, or both?

I see myself as both. I get to appease the introvert in me by being in the studio and attend to the outrovert by playing live.

 

How would you personally measure ‘success’? By ‘breaking’ America? Or something more modest?

Success to me would mean I get to create and perform music for all time and make a living on it. Success to me would mean that people are touched and moved by my music. I would love to be a voice to someone that can comfort them, just as say Rufus Wainwirght was to me when I was a depressed 14 year old. I’m not doing this just to stroke my own fragile ego, I genuinely want to reach o

 

When I saw your show at the Deaf Institute in Manchester recently, in one song (I think it was ‘Cruel Disguise’), you reached and sustained a note that convinced me and those in my company that you could probably tackle opera singing. Do you have any ambitions to perform in that or any other genre?

I would love to learn opera. I think

 

Back in 2012, while you were recovering, you performed several James Bond film theme tunes with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, including ‘You only live twice’ and ‘Nobody does it better’, both of which arguably could be applied to you. Do you picture yourself as a ‘Bond girl’ in the sense of recording the theme to a future movie, or do you even have any acting ambitions to actually play such a role? After all, the new album is constructed so that you can “revel in the drama of my life” as you say. (Incidentally, a female friend of mine – also from Salford – commented that you look like a 1950s Hollywood movie star).

Tell your friend I said thanks a lot! I would love to sing a Bond theme, I feel like it could happe

Acting wise I’m open to it, why not?

 

I saw one of your Christmas Special shows at the Soup Kitchen in Manchester in 2015. During the show you told a story about how a school choirmaster prevented you joining a musical assembly on four occasions for no better reason than that there was something about you that he didn’t like. Your rejoinder to that was “Well, fuck him” and of course you soon went on to release demos on MySpace which were picked up by a local manager and sent on to Amy Winehouse’s producer. The rest is history. A new song, ‘Little Raven’ was written cathartically as one to your younger self when you had no label and didn’t know if it would ever be recorded. What advice would you give to young people who find doors being slammed in their face as that schoolmaster did to you?

If anyone is picking you, school teachers, other kids, parents, anyone i would say to

If schoolmasters are singling you out and picking on you, its probably because your different and they cant stand

 

 

What touring plans do you have to support the release of the new album?

We are organising a tour right now around the UK, quite a big one its really exciting. I also cant wait to tour outside of England, I’ve never done that.

 

If you weren’t a musician what would you be? Do you ever aspire to being ‘something else’ entirely (model, politician, footballer, train driver…?!)

I think I’d try and be a fiction writer. I love books and stories and characters. I heard Donna Tartt say something life ‘as much fun as it is to read a book, writing one is one level deeper’ There’s something about losing myself into another world entirely that really appeals to me.

 

The environment. Whose viewpoint are you closest to? Donald Trump or Greta Thunberg?

 Greta or course.

United or City?

United

 

Coronation Street or EastEnders?

Corrie

 

Thanks again and good luck with the album and your future career.

[tabloidtoc]

TV Guide, July 8-21

Cover: Suits -- Gabriel Macht and Sarah Rafferty 

Page 2: Contents 

Page 4: Ask Matt -- Designated Survivor, MacGyver, Your Feedback, Coming Next Issue -- 40th anniversary of Hart to Hart 

Page 10: Race for Gold -- Here are the name Matt Roush hopes to see on the Emmy ballot 

Page 11: Pawn Stars by the numbers, Hollywood Dispatch -- David E. Kelley developing The Lincoln Lawyer, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn’s series called Making the Cut with judges Naomi Campbell and Nicole Richie, The Office leaving Netflix 

Page 12: Tastemakers -- Ted Allen 

Page 14: The Roush Review -- Stranger Things 

Page 15: I Love You, Now Die, Florida Girls, Grantchester 

Page 16: Cover Story -- Suits 

Page 20: Apollo 11 50th anniversary 

Page 29: What’s Worth Watching? Week 1 -- Battle of the 80s Supercars with David Hasselhoff -- Erik Estrada, Dirk Benedict, Catherine Bach 

Page 30: Monday, July 8 -- Divorce -- Scene stealer Molly Shannon, Antiques Roadshow space exploration-themed show, American Pickers, Holiday Baking Championship: Christmas in July, Major League Baseball 

Page 31: Tuesday, July 9 -- Bring the Funny with Jeff Foxworthy and Chrissy Teigen and Kenan Thompson, Love Island, Animal Kingdom, Biography: Farrah Fawcett, Pose, The Disappearance, General Magic, Out of This World, Major League Baseball 

Page 32: Wednesday, July 10 -- Neal McDonough on Yellowstone, The 2019 ESPYs, Snowfall, The Handmaid’s Tale, Rough Night 

Page 33: Thursday, July 11 -- Siren, Dr. Pimple Popper, Christmas Camp, Hollywood Game Night, Capernaum, Friday, July 12 -- Shangri-La, Jett, The Shawshank Redemption, Pacific Rim: Uprising, Gone With the Wind 

Page 34: Satruday, July 13 -- Injustice with Nancy Grace, Ghost Adventures, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, A Dog’s Purpose, Tennis -- Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles Final 

Page 35: Sunday, July 14 -- James Norton’s last days on Grantchester, Top Gear, Apollo’s Moon Shot, Sweetbitter, Tennis -- Men’s Singles Final 

Page 50: Streaming Guide -- Netflix -- Good Witch, The Last Czars, Family Reunion 

Page 51: Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Point Blank, High Seas, In the Dark 

Page 52: Prime Video -- Trapped, All or Nothing: The Carolina Panthers, Apollo: NASA’s Journey to the Moon, In the Shadow of the Moon 

Page 54: Hulu -- Apollo 11, Harlots 

Page 56: New Movie Releases 

Page 57: Series, Specials and Documentaries 

Page 59: What’s Worth Watching -- Week 2 

Page 60: Monday, July 15 -- Molly of Denali, American Ninja Warrior, Vaporized: America’s E-Cigarette Addiction, Alien: Covenant starring Michael Fassbender on FX 

Page 61: Tuesday, July 16 -- Biography: JFK Jr.-The Final Year, Behind Closed Doors, Pandora, Drunk History, Stan & Ollie 

Page 62: Wednesday, July 17 -- Pearson with Gina Torres, 8 Days to the Moon and Back, Doctor Who, Golf 

Page 63: Thursday, July 18 -- A Boyfriend for Christmas, Elementary, The Last Man, Friday, July 19 -- The UnXplained with William Shatner, Today with Kacey Musgraves, Killjoys, Hunter Killer 

Page 64: Saturday, July 20 -- From the Earth to the Moon, Frankie Drake Mysteries, The Madam of Purity Falls, Major League Baseball, First Man, A Night with Murray, Road House 

Page 65: Sunday, July 21 -- Instinct with Travis Van Winkle, Burden of Truth, The $100,000 Pyramid, Big Little Lies, Heroes and Survivors, Golf -- The British Open 

Page 84: Cheers & Jeers Reality Edition -- Cheers to Gordon Ramsay, Alec Baldwin, Bethenny Frankel, Bachelor in Paradise, Jeers to Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Love Island, The Real World: Atlanta

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London Afternoon Tea Rooms: 10Best Tea Room Reviews

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London Afternoon Tea Rooms: 10Best Tea Room Reviews

Tea and Britain go hand in hand. It’s the national drink which solves every problem, accompanies every life event, and can – at times – be synonymous with unabashed luxury. Visitors may have to get used to its cultural weight (serve the wrong type of cream with your scone and you could be banished from the kingdom forever), but a proper afternoon tea carries the kind of charm and calm that feeds a lifetime of period drama fantasies. Maybe you planned ahead and got to that one spot that requires a bit of time on a waiting list. Or maybe you’re into something a bit more cross-cultural. Maybe you’re staying in the outer neighbourhoods, dreading a journey into Zone 1 and longing for something a little bit low-key. There’s an afternoon tea to fit any mood and agenda, and no visitor has experienced true Englishness until they had their fill of egg and cress sandwiches, berry jam, and all manner of goodies served on a fancy ol’ platter or brought by on a trolley cart. So put on your pearls and get your cravat in order, book your town car to Mayfair and be sure to bring your camera. London’s afternoon teas are unforgettable, and they absolutely exceed the hype.

While most would head west to Mayfair and beyond for their 3:30pm tea appointment, savvy media types may need to stick to Soho for theirs, and there’s no better place for celebrity spotting and a proper stylish sit-down than the Dean Street Townhouse. Afternoon Tea includes a selection of “fancy cakes” and buttered crumpets, as well as creams, jams, scones, and sandwiches. High tea is another matter entirely – think more savouries like macaroni and cheese and a scotch duck egg. The Townhouse’s lush interiors will make you feel like you’re meeting Kate Moss between shoots, and you could positively nod off in their lushly upholstered seating.

Recommended for Afternoon Tea because: The spot is as versatile as it is hip – it’s perfect for dinner, drinks, or a traditional tea.

Arianna’s expert tip: Branch out to more rare teas, like the “smoky and mysterious green variety Lapsang Souchong.

Read more about Dean Street Townhouse →

The Bluebird is a Chelsea institution, covering a goodly chunk of prime real estate on the King’s Road and offering everything from fine dining to boutique shopping and casual drinks. Their low(er)-key cafe offers up casual, chic nibbles and drinks, including a proper afternoon tea. At £22.50 per person, you could enjoy assorted finger sandwiches along with a choice of tea (Flowering Osmanthus? Darjeeling 2nd Flush? Blackcurrant and hibiscus?) and take in the sights – mainly socialites with tiny dogs, that sort of thing. Add £7 for a glass of Moet & Chandon Brut. Go on – you’re in Chelsea now.

Recommended for Afternoon Tea because: It’s a more al fresco alternative to the normally cosy afternoon ritual.

Arianna’s expert tip: Sit on the outdoor patio in the spring and summer. Even in the chillier months, they are well equipped with all manner of heating device.

Read more about The Bluebird →

Sometimes the only cure for shopping exhaustion is an afternoon tea fit for a Regent’s Street LOL (lady of leisure). Fortnum & Mason offer all the goodies a visitor to London could hope to stuff their suitcase with (tea hampers, chocolates, fragrances galore), and stationed a mere stairway away is a restful and elegant teatime haven. Enjoy “Rare breed hen egg [and] mustard cress” sandwiches, wild blueberry scones, and Tumsong Tumsa Devi Temple Darjeeling tea (and a wide variety of classic blend and single estate teas) all for £44 per person. It’s the perfect day out, and the perfect way to recharge your batteries to haul your loot home.

Recommended for Afternoon Tea because: No one in London knows tea like F&M, and their afternoon tea is hard to beat.

Arianna’s expert tip: Pick up your afternoon’s tea from their ground level emporium.

Read more about Fortnum and Mason →

Drink, Shop & Do is the kind of tea house designed by your seven-year-old niece after her third Capri Sun. We mean this in the best possible way. At front is a craft shop with neon yarn, stylish accessories and a sneaky stairway to downstairs bar Drink, Dance & Do. Beyond the bright entryway is the afternoon tea arena where you can enjoy Saturday and Sunday tea of the classic or the “boozy” variety. (The latter includes a half-bottle of prosecco, all for a very reasonable £28 per person) It’s quirky, crafty, and vibrant – you almost expect a fistful of glitter on your way out the door. Perfect for a hen do (bachelorette party) or just a catch-up with a dash of Technicolor.

Recommended for Afternoon Tea because: It’s the most fun you’ll have in the presence of a Lady Grey.

Arianna’s expert tip: Rent out the back room for large parties and special events – far from the hustle and bustle, but just as colourful.

Read more about Drink, Shop & Do →

Though their tea game may be flawless, it’s easy to forget that England did not in fact come up with the entire concept. Chaya Teahouse in Notting Hill brings its guests a stunning insight into Asian tea traditions, creating a beautifully inventive approach to the traditional British afternoon snacking ritual. Resident “tea artisan” Pei Wangsnow brings his Singaporean-Chinese roots to Chaya: “In Chinese tradition it is through the medium of food that mothers express their love, philosophers reflect on moral well-being and healers cure the sick.” With the Icho-go Icho-e afternoon tea you can sample skin marzipan with guava, warm scone with clotted cream and rose petal jam, garlic miso-pickled cream cheese with cucumber and shichimi pepper, and a pot of their rare and delicate teas, all for a very reasonable £30.

Recommended for Afternoon Tea because: You’re not likely to find a more authentic Asian tea experience in west London.

Arianna’s expert tip: Branch out and go for an aged tea like the cantaloupe Oolong.

Read more about Teanamu Chaya Teahouse →

Photo courtesy of The Dorchester

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in the magnificent entryway of the Dorchester Hotel, it is unlikely that you ended up there by accident. Whether to stay overnight in one of its breathtaking suites or to shimmy underground to Chinese Art Deco hideaway China Tang, you’ve ended up in London’s iconic hotspot for upper-crust tastemakers. So while you’re booking that spa treatment below ground level, why not book afternoon tea in the hotel’s stunning Promenade? At £49 per person you could enjoy classics like scones and clotted cream with a selection of teas. But if you feel like splashing out on the authentic experience, The Dorchester offers a limited selection of seats on its balcony overlooking the Promenade, and trolley service serving British specialties like ham hock with Piccalilli and mustard cress on sourdough crisp, rare teas, and a glass of Laurent-Perrier Vintage 2004 Champagne. For £59 per person it’s the closest thing to time travel an afternoon tea is likely to provide.

Recommended for Afternoon Tea because: Elegance, old world authenticity, and tastiness take center stage at The Dorchester.

Arianna’s expert tip: Sneak around the premises if you get a chance, or better yet, get a drink in The Bar – ask for Giuliano!

Read more about Dorchester Afternoon Tea →

In its almost 100 years standing, The Ritz has never wavered as the city’s most extravagantly monument to London’s place among the world’s greatest metropoles. Every inch of it is ornate and more or less unchanged since its inception, and afternoon tea in the Palm Court is no exception. Serving 400 people daily, you’ll need to book well in advance for one of the daily time slots (at least four weeks for their 3:30pm tea), but once you’re in, you’ll be ensconced in the famous pink-gold light that was said to make the lady clientele glow (The Ritz was indeed the first hotel in Britain which allowed women to enter through its doors unchaperoned), and treated to their famous cakes, teas, and sandwiches for £50.00 per person.

Recommended for Afternoon Tea because: After tea at The Ritz you’ll have a lifetime of bragging rights.

Arianna’s expert tip: Pop over into the bar for a cocktail in a shoe! Tallulah Bankhead famously drank from her own slipper upon arrival at the hotel, and the bar has done its own, slightly more hygenic interpretation.

Read more about The Palm Court at The Ritz →

Rou Nen, matcha sponge, wasabi cured salmon: These are not exactly items we’ve come to expect on English afternoon tea menus, but we couldn’t be happier at the prospect of a much-needed cultural twist. And what better way to experience something new than on level 35 of western Europe’s tallest building. Go for the “Classic” menu for £49 and indulge in Earl Grey scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, as well as smoked salmon sandwiches with yuzu crème fraîche. Or go for the Asian menu (with a glass of champagne, c’mon) for £62 and try Cornish crab, chive, and curry mayo in a steamed bun, vanilla macarons with cinnamon-infused cream and pear compote, and Tie Guan Yin Oolong tea.

Recommended for Afternoon Tea because: It’s a much-needed alternative to the classic English afternoon tea. (There are so many cucumber sandwiches we can enjoy.)

Arianna’s expert tip: Choose your cardinal direction or choice in advance – you can see virtually all of the city from that high up.

Read more about Ting at Shangri-La →

To try to describe Sketch is like trying to paint a smell. It requires a sort of synesthetic language, one where egg-toilets, artist cutlery residencies, and sniper crosshairs in an enchanted forest are core to the vocabulary. To put it simply, Sketch is an experimental restaurant and tea room, one in which have had guest curators like David Shrigley and Martin Creed. Afternoon tea is available in all three of its main spaces: The Parlous (“Lounge on a variety of Louis XV seating in the quirky and eccentric patisserie, restaurant and bar from breakfast, through comfort food and afternoon tea for up to six persons until the last drink before home”), the Glade (a “half-remembered and yet completely contemporary” woodland-themed sitting room, and the Gallery, where guest curations take place. Truly there is no place like it one earth, and guests could lose afternoons peering into its hidden mysteries and vividly displayed curiosities.

Recommended for Afternoon Tea because: An afternoon at Sketch is less like a tea outing and more like an immersive theatre experience.

Arianna’s expert tip: Check out the bathrooms – egg cubicles with barely-whispered poetry playing on a hypnotic loop. Utterly bizarre and unforgettably magical.

Read more about Sketch →

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