I am a London-based Digital PR/Social Media/SEO Consultant, music producer/anorak, deep sea diver, avid cyclist, worldwide traveller and football-loving technology bod! This page functions as a kind of online scrapbook/resource featuring my favourite blog posts and news items as well as my own personal reviews and recommendations in the worlds of music, sport, travel and technology!

Tuesday 29 September 2009

Headspin Flyer final - 09

Headspin Flyer final - 09: "- Click pic for bigger - Did my last Headspin flyer today, kindo weird I've done them for years and a lot of folks had known my work from them, mainly because I pretty much had free reign on the drawing as long as it suited the mood of the club, which is very rare. Also out of a lot of the club flyers it's a place I'd actually go to. Will be good to see what the next dude comes up with.
"

Nike: philanthropy or branding?

Nike: philanthropy or branding?: "

Either way, a cracking film by James Jarvis/Richard Kenworthy. Really fantastic animation.

And top tune too - released in the UK as Crayon by Manitoba years ago, on my mate Tony's Leaf Label. Great to hear that get the credit it deserves too.

Posted via web from Chris Reed - ginger and proud

"

Monday 28 September 2009

Weekend Roundup

Weekend Roundup: "English football is bursting at the seams with goals at the moment, and even the notoriously negative and defensive top flight is making a valuable contribution, with 33 goals scored in the Premier League this weekend.

Premier League

On Saturday, Birmingham City went down to a 2-1 defeat at home to Bolton Wanderers, while Aston Villa went 1-0 up at Blackburn Rovers but lost 2-1 thanks to a late David Dunn penalty despite Rovers having a man sent off. Robin van Persie's goal was enough to secure an Arsenal win at Fulham. Fernando Torres scored a hat-trick and Ryan Babel got two late on as Liverpool thrashed Hull City 6-1. If I didn't know better I'd say Phil Brown's days in charge at the KC were numbered. Liverpool's neighbours also won, Everton picking up a 1-0 win at Fratton Park. Dimitar Berbatov and John O'Shea scored the goals as Manchester United won 2-0 at Stoke City. Robbie Keane went one better than Torres, scoring four of Tottenham Hotspur's five against Burnley. Jermaine Jenas got the other. The sending off of Petr Cech for bringing down Hugo Rodallega gave Wigan Athletic the chance to go 2-1 up against ten-man Chelsea. Rodallega scored the penalty and Paul Scharner added a third at the death to end England's only 100% record. In today's game, Sunderland were pegged back to 2-2 by Wolverhampton Wanderers but ran out 5-2 winners. Kenywne Jones scored one of two Sunderland penalties before adding another. Michael Mancienne and John Mensah exchanged own goals.

Championship

Newcastle United lead the second division, overtaking West Bromwich Albion with a 4-0 win on an emotional evening at Ipswich Town, Kevin Nolan grabbing a hat-trick. Albion lost at home to Crystal Palace, and Preston North End move into third with a win at Leicester City. Middlesbrough dropped points again, drawing 2-2 with Coventry City thanks to a 95th minute goal for the Sky Blues. Plymouth Argyle are bottom of the pile with two points, losing again at home to Nottingham Forest. Ipswich are 23rd, while 22nd placed Barnsley were thumped 5-2 by Queens Park Rangers. Reading drew at home with Watford, and catch Peterborough who were beaten by two early Blackpool goals. Derby County beat Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday beat ten-man Cardiff City, and nine-man Swansea City held on to beat Sheffield United. Scunthorpe United drew with Doncaster Rovers who also had two sent off.

League One

Leeds United stay in control of League One, beating ten-man MK Dons with a stoppage time winner. Charlton Athletic did enough to see off Exeter City and stay second. Bristol Rovers drew at home with Brighton & Hove Albion, also - and these are starting to rack up - down to ten men. A stoppage time equaliser against Carlisle United drags Southampton to minus one. Tranmere Rovers also gained a point, drawing at home to Colchester United. Third-from-bottom Wycombe Wanderers also drew, picking up their sixth point at Swindon Town and leaving them three points behind a clutch of clubs on nine. There were wins for Hartlepool Town against Walsall, Leyton Orient against Millwall, Oldham Athletic against Southend United and Yeovil Town and Brentford. Gillingham drew with Norwich City, and Huddersfield Town with Stockport County.

League Two

AFC Bournemouth are four points clear at the top of the bottom division, picking up yet another victory against Burton Albion. Dagenham & Redbridge and Rotherham are behind them on 20 points, after drawing with Morecambe and beating Barnet respectively. Last-placed Darlington drew at Grimsby Town with ten men before sacking their manager. Torquay United are four points ahead despite losing at Macclesfield Town, and Northampton Town and Hereford United are five points off the bottom. The Cobblers were beaten at Shrewsbury and Hereford thrashed at Rochdale. Aldershot beat Cheltenham Town, Bradford City defeated Chesterfield, Bury beat Lincoln City and Notts County won 3-1 against Port Vale, whose manager Micky Adams has placed the entire squad on the transfer list.

Non-League

Oxford United continue to run away with the Blue Square Premier with a win at Gateshead. Kettering are eight behind after thumping Ebbsfleet United, and sit one point ahead of Stevenage, who drew with Altrincham, and Mansfield Town, who beat Hayes & Yeading. Chester City's point at Wrexham gives them -14, while Grays Athletic join Hayes on seven after losing at Forest Green Rovers. Luton Town won an epic 4-3 match at Cambridge United. In the Blue Square North, three teams are at the top with 21 points. Droylsden have been pegged back after drawing with Corby, and Southport after losing to Farsley Celtic who remain bottom but now have three points. Eastwood Town are third, drawing with AFC Telford. Vauxhall Motors are second-from-bottom with nine points, beaten on Saturday by fellow strugglers Solihull Moors. In the South, Dover lead after beating Bath City. Newport County are just a point behind after victory at Woking. Thurrock are third, winning at third-from-bottom Worcester City. Below them, Weymouth are rock bottom after losing to St Albans and Lewes are level on six points with the Dorset club having been beaten by Maidenhead United.
"

Noodles

Noodles: "- - - Click for boogers - Been doodling some stuff, colours are a bit over saturated but you get the idea. Quite enjoy how easy the lines come with the gel pens, instant bright colour.
"

Who wants to go and see the Mormons?

Who wants to go and see the Mormons?: "

133

These days, circuses are more about the animals than the bearded child, the twelve-foot transsexual, and the pederast midget. This has left a gawp-shaped hole in the entertainment industry, one which, in America, is currently being filled thanks to Warren S. Jeffs. The recently incarcerated Mormon polygamist leader is the hot shit in America’s tourist industry. Ever since a raid on his Yearning for Zion Mormon ranch last year – which involved the confiscation of over 400 kids following accusations of wacky sexual traditions – the American west has become the epicentre of fundamentalist polygamist tourism. Man, England has such shitty cultural oddities; going to watch morris dancers just isn’t as good as visiting religious rape factories. (...) Read the rest of Who wants to go and see the Mormons? (204 words)


© Viceland.com, 2009. Permalink Add to del.icio.us Post tags: , , ,

"

Amazing Animation by Blu & David Ellis

Amazing Animation by Blu & David Ellis: "

Check out this amazing stop motion animation in Italy. A collaborative animation by Blu and David Ellis and produced by Studio Cromie. Great work...

"

Portishead Working on New Album

Portishead Working on New Album: "Fans had to wait 11 years for Portishead's 2008 LP, Third, but their fourth record is already in progress, according to member Geoff Barrow. 'We're going to start writing and if all goes well it could be [out] in a year's time,' he told the BBC. And since the group is currently label-less, Barrow hinted that the new music may not be released as a traditional LP, telling NME that Portishead have 'big plans' for a new project coming 'from a different angle.' It doesn't get much more vague than that, but hey, good to know we won't have to wait until Obama leaves office for something new from these guys."

Beautiful Music Performed by Mexican Jumping Beans (Really)

Beautiful Music Performed by Mexican Jumping Beans (Really): "

jumping beans & .tape. from la bisogno on Vimeo.

What might a jar full of Mexican jumping beans sound like if composing their own ambient music? Scott Worley points us to a musical experiment by his labelmate Daniel Romero aka .tape, on netlabel yo.yo.pang!. .tape programmed a sound environment in the free multimedia patching environment Pd (Pure Data). Contact microphones listen for the beans to jump, then use Pd’s onset detection (an analysis for transients) to trigger the sounds. Daniel reports the technique is “easy, but wholly effective.”

I’ll say – the music winds up being quite lovely, and rather than having a boring software-based random event generator, there’s something mesmerizing about watching the beans. You can download a free MP3/OGG file of the track, as well (and it sounds as though more projects may be coming):

pet-o-matic [asociación cultural la bisogno]

Descripción original en Español:

empezamos esta serie con la picante unión entre el músico Daniel Romero (aka .tape. ) y Pancho, Emiliano y Marcos, tres frijoles saltarines mexicanos

Sonidos y programación por .tape. secuenciación en directo por los 3 frijoles saltarines mexicanos micrófono de contacto + un “onset detection” en pd para disparar los sonidos. fácil pero rotundamente efectivo.

In other Pd news, the creators of the RjDj interactive/generative iPhone music app, which employs Pd patches, will be holding another sprint. This one will be located in London October 2-4.

"

Sunday 27 September 2009

Neve Campbell Will Return for Scream 4! Wes Craven May Direct

Neve Campbell Will Return for Scream 4! Wes Craven May Direct: "

So I do not really care for this bit of news but it is Friday and so the lack of good stuff puts me into the position to have to write it up. So there is a Scream 4 in development. We know the Arquette family is back now it appears the main star from the original films, Sydney Prescott (Neve Campbell), will be back for the fourth installment in the horror/thriller franchise.

Bob Weinstein has confirmed that Neve Campbell has signed to return as Sidney Prescott for Scream 4. The sequel series will start production in April or May as the first of a new trilogy, and the company is talking to Wes Craven to direct, Weinstein reports.

Everything we know now pretty much harbors back to the announcement of the project back in January. At that time all we knew was that Kevin Williamson (writer of all three SCREAM films) was writing the film, Wes Craven may or may not direct, but there was a very good possibility he would return and lastly this will be a younger version of the SCREAM movies.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Related posts

"

Richie Hawtin - 'that twitter thing' video & Twitter DJ for Traktor Pro

Richie Hawtin - 'that twitter thing' video & Twitter DJ for Traktor Pro: "

Richie Hawtin has recieve a wide-variety of criticism and praise for his use of Twitter to instantly feed his play lists to fans worldwide during his live performances. Some view it as a vanity exercise, some think it helps level the playing field, but nobody has really been quiet about their opinions.

Hawtin has recently released Twitter DJ for Traktor Pro, the result of a collaborative effort between Minus and Native Instruments, which will allow DJs to provide their set lists in real-time to Twitterers around the world. Our friends at Future Music wrote a great review of the product, so be sure the check it out.

At our Live 8 U.S. Sessions Tour Stop in NYC, Rich was there, and talked directly about the 'twitter thing.' We got it all on tape, so enjoy, and be sure to check out the other Richie Hawtin & Ambivalent videos we made as well, in which they discussed production, performance, and the music world in the 21st Century. There's still one more to come as well, so stay tuned...

"

Pop Life - Art In A Material World

Pop Life - Art In A Material World: "New exhibition opening soon at the Tate Modern includes the special coloration piece by Pharrel Williams and Takashi Murakami Takashi MURAKAMI / Pharrell WILLIAMS “The Simple Things” 2008-2009 Glass fiber, steel, acrylic, wood, LED and 7 objects made of gold (white, yellow and pink) set with rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. 74 x 43.3 x 39.7 inches Placement of the objects made by Jacob & Co in the mouth of Mr Dob high on mushrooms:

Handcrafted in 18k gold and inlaid with over 26,000 diamonds, sapphires, rubbies and emeralds.
Picture 7 Picture 9 Picture 10 1st Oct - 17 January 2010 More info on artist who will be exhibiting work in the commencing days. Loving bntl like a fat kid loves cake.
"

10 badass social media visualisations

10 badass social media visualisations: "

When it comes to social media you might be busy trying to separate the opportunity from the bullshit, such are the interstellar levels of hype and associated jargon that are plaguing this space.

Nevertheless, I for one believe that a solid social media strategy can make a real difference to your business, helping you to drive engagement in order to boost customer satisfaction, retention, and profits. But that's not to say it will be easy: there's a lot to figure out and each company has different needs (and challenges to overcome).

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I thought I'd aggregate a few of the social media visualisations I've spotted in the past few weeks to help you make some mental leaps of faith, or use in your internal pitches, or otherwise determine that it's all a bunch of hot air, as you see fit.

Caveat: some of these are more badass than others!

Social Media ROI

[by Intersection Consulting]

Social Media Landscape

[by Ivan Walsh]

Tools and Methods of Social Media

[by deanmeyersnet]

Social Media Laws of Attraction

[by Intersection Consulting]

Five Step Social Media Program

[by Gauravonomics]

20:20 Social Media Approach

[by Gauravonomics]

Everything I Learned About Twitter I Learned In Grade School

[by johnny goldstein]

Brands and Social Media: Characters and Evangelists are Touchpoints

[by Stefano Maggi]

And finally two for the cynics...

Social Media Venn Diagram

[via pecatello]

Timewastrs

[by andrewcherwenka]

All images republished under Flickr's Creative Commons licence. Some of these visualisations are available in larger sizes via Flickr (but not many, alas).

"

Gourmet

Gourmet: "The Sneaker game in the last 3 years has definitely changed up, as we see more and more relatively newer life style fashion orientated brands come through trying to battle it out for our feet, trying to go along side some of o.g power houses that having been running the sneaker game for years. Picture 12 So with that said, I cant lie I haven't really been feeling to many of the up and coming companies that having been producing there own in house kicks. But in recent months I think I've come across one of my favorite newer companies who producers sneakers, and they are a company called be Gourmet. I can't lie I'm most probably am a bit late to company and its roots in fashion etc, as I only found out about them through this blog a few months back. But actually seeing them on a few people out and about over the summer months and inspecting a pair a few weeks back in a show room. I must say I'm very very impressed with them. The brand uses influences from Italian and Italian-American culture, from old world Italy and its grand tradition of men’s wear tailoring with luxe fabrics and trends that have driven the fashion market. (Many of us may remember the Gourmet drop some time back down at Good Hood) Picture 7 What I like about the brand is ability it has to match quality with good looks. Which Isn't as easy as it seems, which we evidently see through a lot of other brands who haven't really been able to grasp that skill of producing both style and quality in one shoe. I must state a few companies are waking up to this factor now though, peep the Hundreds Johnson Mid in mid Grey, straight fire in my opinion. I've been looking for that sneaker other than a pair of vans authentic's which I can actually put with a smarter looking outfit. And I must say many of the Gourmet shoes easily fill that void. Picture 9 Ok maybe I'm just being extra there is quite a few simple shoes out there that work with smart fits, but I don't think they ooz as much quality as most of the Gourmet collection does. Many of the shoes in the fall collection would sit perfectly with a pair of chinos and a shirt or some dark denim and heavy outer piece such as a pea coat or parka. Picture 8 The Gourmet footwear collection epitomizes the brand’s duality and ingenuity by referencing iconic American casual shapes and remixing them in high-end fabrications. The line combines technical and athletic elements like air technology and memory foam insoles that mingle with epi leather from a french tannery, hand-woven custom canvases, crinkled high gloss-patent and pig skin leathers. the results are signature Gourmet wholly new yet vaguely familiar. All images except the first, have been taken from the Gourmet fall 09 look book. there are a lot more styles and color ways within the collection. Picture 11 Available now over at Good Hood and many other outlets including Selfridges and Poste but if you want more information or knowledge on where to pick up a pair. info can be obtained from girl Annoushka through email (annoushka@anumberofnames.org) or by just (click) Loving bntl like a fat kid loves cake.
"

ALIX PEREZ - Producer Masterclass 2009 (Part 1-4)

ALIX PEREZ - Producer Masterclass 2009 (Part 1-4): " 'On the rise drum n bass producer Alix Perez on prepping drum sounds for a session, recording your own drum sounds and sweetening the individual sounds for a cohesive mix. From the 2009 annual drum n bass Computer Music special, part of their Computer Music Producer Masterclass series.' click youtube.
"

Kahua Radio Mix: September 09

Kahua Radio Mix: September 09: "September's radio mix saw Strakes joined by Nick Dare, a mighty fine DJ and deep/tech house producer from London, who has releases on Lost My Dog, Detour, Wiggle and several other leading labels.
1. Harold Heath - Lovebird (Lost My Dog)
2. Fabio Tosti & Francesco Taranti - Get Up (Fabio Tosti Under Club Mix) (Transport)
3. Mazi ft. Colette - Do You Want Me (2020 Vision Vocal Mix) (Brique Rouge)
4. Latenight Society - Do It Right (Lost My Dog)
5. George Cochrane - Teh Key Is In The Lock (The Littlemen Mix) (Unpopular)
6. Molisans Brothers - 600 Entry (Big City Beats)
7. Junia Ovadose - Pizza The Hut (Lost My Dog)
Nick Dare Mix:
8. Maunuel Sahagun – Pieces Of Me (Bambino)
9. Julian Sanza – Maldito Dimitri (Lost My Dog)
10. Terry Lee Brown Jnr – Everyday (Plastic City)
11. Alex Celler, Anthea – Playmaker (Dyed Soundorom Cougar Remix) (Freak N Chic)
12. Eddie Leader feat Red Eye – Brace Yourself (Hudd Trax)
13. Stimming – The Kiss (Diynamic)
Mix 8 - Sept 09 - Strakes & Nick Dare by Kahua Music
"

The Hidden Benefits Of Music Promotion

The Hidden Benefits Of Music Promotion: "
In this article we explore the various benefits that promoting your music can offer. We look at the immediately obvious advantages - such as DJs providing comments you can use in your marketing - and also consider some of the less immediately obvious ‘hidden’ benefits, such as licensing and additional work offers. These benefits are all things that I have experienced firsthand at Kahua Music Promotions.
DJ and Radio Plays
One of the key advantages of promoting your music to club DJs and radio DJs is that they will play it and hence put it in front of potential customers. There is such a wealth of music available now that recommendation is becoming increasingly important when people make purchases. Therefore having your music played in clubs, used in DJ mixes and podcasts, and played on radio is a great way of reaching a large audience and taking advantage of the endorsement from respected individuals.
DJ Comments, Charts and Magazine Reviews
In exactly the same way as having the music played out, getting comments from DJs, being included in charts and being reviewed in magazines is another great form of recommendation. DJ comments can be used in your sales notes for stores and distributors and also in your own marketing materials. DJ charts, particularly those on download stores are big sales drivers and inclusion in these can have a massive influence. Similarly magazine and website reviews are an excellent source of recommendation as well as being read by thousands of potential customers.
General Profile
While music promotions are often targeted towards boosting a specific release, the impact it has on your overall profile and reputation should not be underestimated. Consistently sending your music to tastemakers helps to build a relationship and will improve the chances that they will support it.
Professional Appearance and Credibility
Investing money to promote your music means greater professional credibility; those who receive it will view it in a more favourable light because of the way the music is presented. Spending money on promotions demonstrates that you are serious about making a success of your label and artists, and therefore should be treated with importance.
Larger Scale Radio and Magazine Features
One way that building up your overall profile, appearance, credibility and trust with tastemakers can manifest itself is in requests from magazines or radio to run larger features on your artists or label. This may include interviews, guest mixes and profile pieces; all things which can have a large impact of spreading the message further.
Licenses
Compilation licenses can prove a very valuable source of income for record labels and naturally DJs compiling such mixes are often looking for upfront material. By consistently promoting your music you can increase the chances of your music being licensed. Several record labels promoting their music through Kahua have seen that the income generated from a license can easily cover the cost of undertaking the promotional activities. Furthermore, if you are successful in having a track synchronised to film/TV, an advert or computer game the income generated can be much greater.
Remixes and Production Work Offers
Sending your music to other DJs and producers (who are often record label owners as well) can also lead to additional offers of work. At Kahua we are regularly contacted by record label owners and artists asking to be put in touch with other artists they have heard and liked through our services.
"

YouTube Feud Ends: U2, Madonna and Green Day Videos Set to Return

YouTube Feud Ends: U2, Madonna and Green Day Videos Set to Return: "

u2YouTube and Warner Music may finally have settled their differences and come to a deal that puts music from major artists back on YouTube.

CNET reported last week that an agreement will be announced in the “next few weeks”, while AdAge claimed Friday that the deal is now signed.

The move ends a long feud between the two companies: since December 2008, when talks broke down, videos featuring Warner artists have been blocked and/or muted on the site, including some cover versions.

In one very notable case, Death Cab For Cutie saw videos for songs from the albums Plans and Narrow Stairs pulled from their own website. We’ll say that again: songs were removed from an artist’s own website because the group used YouTube embeds. Meanwhile, YouTube users posted angry responses after seeing their videos muted or deleted.

It’s good news for everyone, then, that the spat is finally at an end. An official announcement is yet to be made.

[Image credit: Massygo]


Reviews: YouTube

"