RADAR returns!

MusicConnex, ILUVLIVE and Music Week present:

RADAR

7pm Wednesday 5th March 2014 at Under the Bridge

Rascals / Ghetts / Joel Baker / The Lottery Winners / Ayanna Witter-Johnson / Glass City Vice

On Wednesday 5^th March, industry showcase RADAR returns to Under the Bridge, London with performances from Grime MC, Ghetts, and award winning cellist, Ayanna Witter-Johnson.

Born from a collaboration between Music Week, ILUVLIVE and MusicConnex and backed by new event partner, BIMM, RADAR gives the best unsigned and newly signed UK music acts an opportunity to perform in front of key music industry influencers.

Alongside the hotly tipped acts, the second instalment will include new slot, ‘BIMM Breaking’, an exclusive opportunity for BIMM Group’s industry ready students and alumni perform at the multi-million pound Chelsea venue.

Hosted by Music Week editor, Tim Ingham, RADAR once again aims to present some of the country’s brightest and freshest artists to a diverse and influential industry crowd.

Vaseema Hamilton, Principal of BIMM Brighton, Bristol and Manchester said, “At BIMM, we provide a range of music courses across production, management, business and performance but our mission is not just to educate; we aim to give our students the platform they need to launch long term careers in the industry.
Partnerships like this are another key component in enabling our students to make real industry contacts and showcase their talent to the industry and beyond.”

Jon Mansfield, CEO of MusicConnex commented: “After a very successful first event in November of last year, MusicConnex, ILUVLIVE and Music Week return with another exciting line up bringing with it the same level of entertainment and quality.

RADAR is designed to support artists who have already done an impressive amount of ground work and events such as this one hopes to propel the artists we the organisers believe will breakthrough in the coming months.”

Rachel Bee, MD of ILuvLive also commented: “There is such a need for industry platforms of this kind as demonstrated by almost ten years of ILUVLIVE and it's fantastic to be working with both MusicConnex and Music Week and creating a new platform that offers exposure both at the event and in Music Week itself.”

Are you on the RADAR? For more information about MusicConnex, RADAR and to purchase tickets, visit: www.musicconnex.co.uk
* Missed the first RADAR? Watch the highlights here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAHz1wX4SVU
* For more information about ILUVLIVE visit: http://iluvlive.co.uk/

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

* Members of the press and photographers are invited to attend. Please email info@purplereignpr.co.uk with your name, publication you represent and a contact number.
* MusicConnex provides a platform to network, develop skills, showcase and inspire. Its aim is to support and encourage artists and creative business minds to best position, manage and monetise their music career.
 * BIMM Group offers its students a broad range of course levels, from diplomas through to BA (Hons) degrees across all five colleges.  With over 3500 students courses include guitar, bass, drums, vocals, songwriting, live sound and tour management, music business, music production and event management.  Delivered by over 100 trained active professional tutors, all of whom have touring, performing and session experience and a background in the professional music industry. 

* Music Week has combined with ILUVLIVE and MusicConnex to launch a night showcasing the best unsigned and just-signed talent to the UK music industry. The aim is to make the night the go-to industry showcase, with Music Week not only publicising the event, but also providing extra exposure for artists.

* The Acts
GHETTS
Renowned British MC Ghetts is set to release new album ‘Rebel With a Cause’ in March 2014, following the unveiling of lead track ‘Rebel’. RWAC’s identity is born straight from Ghetts’ journey. A rebellious streak as a young man – which Ghetts describes as vibrant, energetic, and live or die – is tempered by his new Cause, a maturity that comes with age, hindsight, and his daughter’s birth: “It took a fair bit of me growing up; a fair bit of living to get here.”
Hailing from a religious, musical family, Ghetts was exposed to gospel music and jazz long before he tapped into the underground garage scene infiltrating East London’s airwaves and backstreets. At just 12, Ghetts locked in to jungle and garage, breathing in PAYG Cartel, Heartless Crew, and the raw mixes of friends and peers destined for the A-list. Before a stint in jail, Ghetts admits his own music had little focus or direction, labelling his efforts “just messing around”. Locked up, Ghetts embarked on a music and drama course to hone his skills. Friends on the outside assured him there was a space for his music and, on release, he joined local N.A.S.T.Y Crew alongside Kano, Stormin and infrequent guests like Dizzee Rascal, Durrty Goodz, and Wiley.

THE LOTTERY WINNERS
Born in Salford and raised on romance, The Lottery Winners can be found at the exact midpoint between the North West’s dual musical mecca’s of Manchester and Liverpool. The indie-jangle-pop quartet provides a melodramatic blend of momentous melodies coupled with wistful and insightful lyrics. Although the band have played extensively live, supporting the likes of The Futureheads, The Charlatans and The Enemy and building up a loyal family of fans in the process, they have only just chosen to release any music. On their limited edition debut EP, ‘Somebody Loved You’, you truly get the sense that every lyric and guitar hook has been crafted almost microscopically, with meaning and thought behind every single sound. Each one is a sing-along classic.

GLASS CITY VICE
Josh Oliver, Edward Lytton Cobbold, Dudley Powell and Lawrie Miller make up Brighton four piece Glass Vice City have certainly made a name for themselves since bursting onto the music scene in 2011. With their critically acclaimed debut EP No Direction, their distinctive sound struck a chord with press and fans alike and led to them playing over 200 shows across the UK in their first year alone. Word spread, and their fan base expanded through multiple social media streams.

In the months that followed, the band released their second EP Limelight, which saw them gain an increasing amount of media attention and garnered further live shows supporting the likes of Xcerts and Rival Schools. The single In My Head was released along with a video shot by photographer/director Chris Stockings, their third EP, Waves followed to a rapturous reception.

RASCALS
Growing up in legendary Bow, east London’s musical melting pot and surrounded by grime luminaries such as Tinchy Stryder, Roll Deep, Ghetts, Dizzee Rascal and Wiley – who’d regularly frequented the same circles, youth clubs and record shops – RASCALS have emerged from the underground in the only way they know how; shining like uncut diamonds in chasm of MCs.

RASCALS got their first slice of street success when they were just 12 and 13 with the debut smash New Era. Since then they’ve linked with fellow east London native Ryan De La Cruz to unleash the gritty Jay-Z sampling Re-Introduce, signed to EMI, the same label as Tinie Tempah, Professor Green and Conor Maynard – who they supported on a sell-out UK tour. Key players of the music industry have also recognised their musical output too and their deep discography also includes features on some momentous tracks.

JOEL BAKER
At the age of 21 Joel Baker left Nottingham with a degree in politics, a pleasant and humble personality and a guitar case full of covers. This was the beginning of a journey that Joel Baker did not even know he was on. Deciding on a career in politics Joel began his London life as an intern at Parliament, exercising his skill for writing by preparing speeches for the MP he shadowed. However by night Joel Baker attended regular live nights performing and fulfilling his hobby as a musician, a double life that was simply separated by his guitar. With a growing desire for music, Joel Baker compiled his covers and produced an EP project to give to the virtual world; ‘Between Kings Cross and Old Street’, including a rework of Kendrick Lamars ‘Bitch don’t kill my vibe’ which has attracted more than 190,000 YouTube views and an abundance of messages from admirers all over the world that eagerly awaited more. Together with long-time producers The Confectionary, Joel unveiled ‘Long Sleeves’, his first self-penned project which peaked in the top 10 of the singer-songwriter charts on iTunes. Joel, at only 22 years old, is well on his way to stardom.

AYANNA WITTER-JOHNSON
An amazingly talented Singer, Songwriter and Cellist who is extraordinarily versatile having worked with the London and BBC Symphony Orchestras, Courtney Pine, Omar, Scored original music for Theatre productions in New York and has recently returned from a world tour with Anoushka Shankar. In 2010 she was the only non-American performer to win amateur night at the Legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Her first EP was produced by Marc Mac (4Hero) and her fans include Gilles Peterson, Jamie Cullum and Edith Bowman. With this incredibly strong foundation, she has recently released her second EP ‘Black Panther’.

#MCXTALENT2013  #EVENTREVIEW by Gaynor Tutani

One of the biggest mistakes that one can ever do is read a review of an event they intend to review. I am sure you can all think of many reasons why it is not advisable, yet I found myself reading Claire Cripps’ account of MusicConnex’s Showcase held on the 1^st of June. Was it a mistake? Absolutely not! I actually pictured myself having a conversation with her about the performances over a few glasses of wine if not bottles, trying to explain the amazing experience I believe we both had from the marvellous musicianship presented on the night. Claire’s ability to review all 7 acts microscopically yet concise is admirable. She successfully painted a vivid picture of the night and as I read it I felt like I was back at the Flyover, being surrounded by similar souls; music lovers, and people driven by passion. Like she said, “the atmosphere was electric” and it left me buzzing for days. I have never been to such a showcase whereby each act is pure perfection. Some might view this as maybe an exaggeration, however, I can assure you that it is far from it, MusicConnex know their stuff when it comes to music and I am not surprised given their history.

As I arrived, Honey Larochelle the headline walked passed me, smiled, and said “hello” casually like she knew me. I coolly greeted her but I will not deny that I was surprised. She had a bubbly buzz far from a diva and this was the prelude for all the artists. They were all pleasant and sociable with captivating stage presence, bold personalities which somewhat had an effect of reflecting who they are through their music and this is what stood out for me. I believe that the effect or rather essence of quality music can reveal one’s own identity so it was such a good feeling having the artists share parts of themselves.

Charlene the first act and host had a feminine poise that calmed me. Her sound was soothing, and her music has a feel good factor which makes you think of love or rather what it can be. The follow up Nate Williams has ‘the boy next door’ look so you can easily underestimate his ability but his vocals awakens you and you just cannot help but smile from the surprise once he starts singing. He is like that unexpected gift whose humbleness makes you admire his talents even more. As for Sherry Davis, apparently she was ill on the night. I am not denying her illness but it did not resonate what so ever! Artists that show up and deliver regardless of any setbacks, coupled with sweet melodies deserve respect and she earned mine. At this point all three acts had me reeling with joy. The music was just absolutely incredible. I have no favourite performance however, Izzy Bizu’s set stuck with me. The night before I randomly saw her on a train but I did not know her then. She had a skateboard next to her, with her ripped jeans revealing scars on her knees. As I sat opposite her I found myself admiring the care free attitude that boasted from her demeanour thus when I noticed that she was the girl from the previous night, I was at awe. Not only because of her incredible vocal ranges but because she had the same alluring element that exudes stardom. She is definitely one to watch out for!

The following three ladies took the night to greater heights. Tasita D’mour takes the stage as her own home. It all appears natural to her that one can think singing is simple. I felt like I was at a Diana Ross and the Supreme concert, her voice is just a power house. At this stage, as I write I am not sure how I will describe Acantha Lang and Honey, and I feel that I may not have the words to express my own excitement. They were just born to perform! Acantha is full of emotion given her blues background. Every song has a story that you wish you could have a day with her just to find out more. She is that type of artist that you may not know her music when you first hear her, but after, you cannot be anything but a fan.

Honey blazed the night, with her red hair, red lips, everything about her was fire! She has a playful persona and she is very open too. She knows how to engage with a crowd and just be herself. She definitely gave me the “Yes Feeling” with every song she performed l related to the words and the meaning behind the songs which I am sure many people did. She loves, she lives and she is just comfortable with who she is that one cannot help but love her.

It has been 2 weeks after the showcase yet I am still able to visualise it, the whole night was a fantastic experience including the vibrating crowd and I have to give credit to the house band. I will definitely not forget it and I am already looking forward to the next showcase; 20^th July I know where I will be!