Hollaboxx TV Blog
Beach barbeque!
Posted: 2 days ago
On Thursday 16th September 2010 Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach returns to Watergate Bay for the fourth year.
The event, sponsored by Joules Clothing and Midas Construction, involves a
hair-raising performance from players from England and other professional teams
right on the beach at Watergate Bay, Newquay.
On the Joules team is Andy Burgess from South West Polo, and Jamie Le Hardy and Richard Blake Thomas, both professional England players.
On the Midas Construction team is ex
England squad player Ed Olof, Tim Vaux, an expert arena player and Andrew Blake
Thomas, an international England player and brother of Richard Blake Thomas.
The event starts at
6.30pm and will consist of four, 7 and a half minute periods of play called
chukkas, but get there early and you could enjoy the hospitality of a delicious
beach barbeque which kicks off at 5.00pm.
The best news is the event is completely free for
spectators so you can go down and enjoy the exciting match from anywhere on the
beach, be it from the fab Beach Hut café or from surfing in the usually good
waves.
Come rain or shine
this event is set to be smashing and with a line up this good you are going to
want to be there!
Get to know... Aruba Red
Posted: 3 days ago
Dub Reggae artist Aruba Red has been touring Cornwall at the start of this month, including a spot at the SAS Ball. I spoke to Aruba before her gigs on behalf of Hollaboxx TV and cornwallscoolest.com to find out more about this upcoming star.
1. Hi Aruba! Firstly, please give us an idea about yourself, talk the readers through how you first got involved with music right up to where you are today.
Hi, thanks for having me :) essentially what I do is write songs and sing about what inspires me... change, rebellion, passion and all the things that come with it. Love, pain and back again. Music has always been a part of my life and although it wasn't something I intentionally set out to do as a job, after performing at a lot of open mic nights and basically creating a vibe I ended up collaborating with Nitin Sawhney for his latest studio album and things snowballed from there. I've put out an independent album which got featured in the iTunes 'best of' section as well as 'Hottest Homegrown' on BBC Radio 1 and 'Best Alternative' on Radio 1Xtra. I got to tour with Natty twice, Fat Freddy's Drop and do a lot of shows and I fell in love with the journey. I have been lucky enough to collaborate with some amazing artists including Jah Cure, Mad Professor, Jah Mason, Nathan 'Flutebox' Lee as well as many more and I just love the creative process and getting the vibe out there to the people. What I'm doing right now is touring Cornwall, I just got back from performing a couple of live acoustic tracks for BBC Cornwall and am looking forward to playing the SAS Ball, WIg and Pen and the Gylly Beach Bar, and The Taphouse was a wicked opening night to the tour.
2. Who were your influences, in the music world or otherwise, growing up?
My influences come from everything in the world around me, vibrations I catch in the air, things I see on the news and obviously other musicians and artists. Some of the biggest musical inspirations on me have been Erykah Badu for her vocals and style, Tricky for his production and experimentation, Bob Marley for his insight and the ability to get millions of people all around the worked dancing to songs of freedom and revolution and the rapper Immortal Technique for the truth and realness that he brings. Also my father for reading me amazing books and introducing me to important political issues and so many musical styles and genres.
3. Your music is very much about the lyrics. What is the key message you hope to portray to listeners through your songs?
I never set out to write rebellious or political music but I guess it's just what comes out. I'm just about trying to encourage people to question things and not always be taken in by what is put in front of them by the powers that be. Voicing the voiceless as well as just letting people know that they are not alone in their frustrations. I think it's really important to be able to come together and party for freedom and peace! I don't like preaching, it's about bringing a positive and good vibe mixed with a bit of knowledge and passion about the truth.
4. What has triggered your return to Cornwall? How much does it differ to London in terms of playing gigs and the audience?
I played at the Princess Pavilion in Falmouth back in May when I opened for Natty and it was an amazing gig! We had such a wicked time that night and the audience were on fire. When the promoters at SW1 got in touch to book us for our own mini tour, we couldn't wait to get back to Cornwall. It's great to be able to travel. I love London but it's always nice to spread the sound further and if you can do it in a beautiful place like Cornwall then why not! We're staying right by the surfers beach in Porthtowan and feel very happy to be back.
5. Describe your style of music for those thinking of coming to your Cornish gigs.
Rebel soul music with twists and turns. The best thing to do is to come down and check out a show and make up your own mind. All the solo gigs we're doing in Cornwall this week are free and we've also got some limited edition copies of the 'Aruba Red Live & Unplugged EP' with us, which you can only get at our shows. Plus I'm sponsored by the ethical clothing company THTC and they've given me some really nice T-shirts to sell on the road so you can come and have a fully musical experience as well as take some really nice pieces home with you, all wrapped up with a dose of good karma :)
6. I’ve read you plan to visit Jamaica to release and promote your single ‘Light Up Light Up’. When are you releasing the single, and why Jamaica?
I recorded this track and shot the video in Jamaica with Jah Cure so it feels like the natural place to go back to to release it. The video for 'Light Up Light Up' is up on youtube and we're waiting for the right time to officially release it. It's going to get put out on a big compilation label in Jamaica first and then I might do a limited edition vinyl release over here. There's also a special acoustic version on the new EP which you can get a sneak preview of on my Reverb Nation page: www.reverbnation.com/arubared
7. With one self-titled album under your belt so far, what are you currently working on, and what are your future plans?
Right now I'm working with some great writers and am going to come back with some really exciting news and new sounds in the new year. I'm just feeling grateful that I've had the opportunity to do what I love and I'm busy enjoying the journey.
8. What do you feel has been your biggest achievement to date?
That's a difficult one, I'd probably have to pick between collaborating with Nitin Sawhney on our song 'Last Train to Midnight' or getting to travel to Jamaica to record with Jah Cure in the legendary King Jammy's Studios. Then again the thing I am most proud of is being featured by the Morning Star newspaper as well as staying true to my beliefs and getting to work with some really amazing musicians, especially my current band, Charlie Laffer, Camilo Tirado, Chantelle Nandi and Julie Iwheta. One of the best things about all this is getting to meet some really amazing people.
9. Where would you like to be in 10 years time?
Happy, peaceful and still making music I love and preferably somewhere sunny and warm with nice food, family and good friends!
10. And finally, I’m intrigued, where does the name ‘Aruba Red’ come from? Apparently it has something to do with pirate legend?!...
Aruba Red was a legendary female pirate from the Caribbean, my sister Kyla chose the name for me. I was drawn to the story of this strong, rebellious woman. I also like the piracy aspect of the name... I think piracy plays a huge part of the modern world of music, some for good and some for bad. My music is also a melting pot of different sounds which I have interpreted from around the globe, i see it kind of like collecting treasure but instead of keeping in stashed away buried somewhere, we're all about sharing the wealth :)
Hope that's cool! Many thanks and much love, Aruba x
To find out more, please visit:
www.myspace.com/arubaredmusic |
www.reverbnation.com/arubared |
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aruba-Red/15269017341?ref=ts
Or, if you have any pictures or footage from one of Aruba’s Cornish gigs, why not upload it to Hollaboxx TV? :)
Charlotte O'Connor speaks ahead of her Cornish gig dates
Posted: 4 weeks ago
Ahead of her camper van tour of Cornwall this month, Hollaboxx TV and cornwallscoolest.com caught up with upcoming Blackburn singer/songwriter and Quiksilver ambassador Charlotte O'Connor, who spoke about her musical journey, her debut album and her fear of wind turbines.
1. For those reading who may not have heard of you, give us a little insight into how you started your music career, and how you got to where you are today.
It kinda started when my dad booked guitar lessons for me behind my back, I wasn't up for it at all. I always thought that guitar was a lad's instrument when I was little, but after a few lessons I started to really love it, and as I got better at playing, I started writing songs.
Then my dad signed me up to this summer school at LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts) which taught me a lot about song writing and working with other band members, and whilst I was staying in Liverpool with close family friends, they told me about Myspace and what it was all about.
So I signed myself up and when I got home I recorded some songs in a studio near where I live and uploaded them. That's how my management found me. They posted a bulletin asking if anybody knew of any acoustic artists and a lad from LIPA sent my Myspace link. Later that week I signed with them.
After signing with my management I started writing a lot, gigging, co-writing with others and then started working on the album, finding the right kinda vibe that I wanted my music to have, and just learning loads.
I started meeting record labels in New York and the UK and whilst I was in New York my management got a phone call from Columbia Records. I think it was a pretty good phone call, because later that month (16th of December to be precise!) I signed to them. Best Christmas present to date!
2. You cite many different influences to your music on your various internet pages. Who has been the biggest influence and why?
I have two main influences. One of them is Alicia Keys. She was the first person I ever went to go and see live. I was just spellbound by her and it made me realise that's what I wanna do.
The other main influence is Freddie Mercury. I used to watch Wayne's World a lot when I was about 6 and my favourite scene was where they were in the car listening to Bohemian Rhapsody and I'd rewind it constantly. When my mum and dad had dinner parties I used to mime it. Some people found it funny, others didn't, but I massively enjoyed doing it!
Freddie's music and the way he was on stage really inspired me.
3. How would you describe your style of music for those who are thinking of coming to your gigs?
Acoustic soul folky kinda stuff, I think … really hard question that!
4. How did you get involved with Quiksilver? How have they helped you?
They found my music on Myspace as well which was wicked, and they have also joined up with Gibson Guitar which is amazing!
Ever since they found me on Myspace I feel like the style of my music has been massively influenced by the French chilled out lifestyle.
5. You have played in Cornwall before and you're coming to play for us at numerous locations this month. What draws you back here? It can't be the wind turbines…!
It definitely is not the wind turbines. I have the biggest phobia of them, I am convinced they have something to do with aliens. Not a fan at all!
The reason I wanted to come back and play again is because I get a really good vibe when I'm there and I totally value their musical opinion because everyone there seems so passionate about it. I really love that.
6. How is the recording of your debut album coming along, any idea when it will be released?
I'm having a top time putting the finishing touches on it, it's sounding just how I imagined which is really top. Date for album release is spring 2011.
7. What is the most exciting aspect of recording your debut album?
I have never had that feeling of being really proud of something I've done. At school I never finished anything, so it's nice to be able to experience that feeling of self proudness (that's not even a word, but I like it!).
8. You have supported artists such as Newton Faulkner and James Morrison. Who would be your dream band or artist to support, or to support you?
They were both artists that I had always dreamed of supporting so that was an unreal opportunity. I would love to support Alicia Keys but I don't know if I could emotionally hack it. I'd cry every day! I'd also like to support Jamie Cullum. I think he is freakishly good at what he does.
9. When is your debut single Headrush due to be released?
I think it's September … well nervous!
10. Are there any other projects you are working on or have planned at this time?
I'm working with Quiksilver at the moment designing my own jewellery and bracelets, which I'm absolutely loving.
11. Lastly, do you have a message for the readers?
Don't stop, never give up, hold ya head high and reach the top, when the world seems to get too tough, bring it all back to you … haha I'm only joking!
Me, Uma (the camper van) and the band can't wait to meet you :)
For more information on Charlotte and her Cornish gig dates see cornwallscoolest.com or visit her Myspace and website.
Mike Leigh becomes patron of the Cornwall Film Festival
Posted: 1 month ago
Much-admired film director Mike Leigh has become the first patron of the Cornwall Film Festival.
Leigh commented: “My late, great producer and dear friend Simon Channing Williams was very closely involved with the Cornwall Film Festival, and so it’s with great pleasure that I follow him in having the honour of becoming a patron.”
For more information click here
Last call for entries for Cornwall Film Festival today! Click here to submit your entries.
Leopallooza V - 2010
Posted: 1 month ago
Hi Hollaboxxers,
This is Amy and at the weekend I was lucky enough to go to Leopallooza in The Wyldes of North Cornwall to review the event for Cornwall’s Coolest and Hollaboxx TV.
Having never been to Leopallooza before (it’s in its 5th year now), I wasn’t really sure what to expect.
The first field after the car park was the campsite, weekend ticket holders were entitled to free camping. The atmosphere was buzzing already, no one even got teasy when they couldn’t construct their tents exactly right!
Down the bottom was where the party started. The Leopallooza stages, bars, flammable car and most of the eateries were located in a rather small field, but this proved to be perfect to create an intimate festival feel.
With performances alternating between the Optimus Prime stage and the Beaver Bandstand, there was constant live music throughout the day and night.
A mix of local and not-so-local bands ensured the crowds supported home grown talent and welcomed bigger acts.
Highlights of the Saturday included London based band Gecko, who have many ties to the Southwest. Their cover of Outkast’s Ms. Jackson early on in the day got the crowd swaying.
Local lads Patrick James Pearson, Jamie Lawson and Thomas Ford and the Dirty Harmonys also drew numbers of people to the stage, and one of MTVs Top 25 New Bands in the World, Bang Bang Eche, also performed.
But the biggest treat of Saturday, for me, was seeing Man Like Me on the Optimus Prime stage later on in the evening. Their energetic performance really got people moving.
After a somewhat cold and damp night, everyone was up and awake bright and early for the Sunday Soother, with performances from Samuel Powell, Louis Eliot and the Embers, Steph Newton and Company B, among others.
But time flew, and it was soon time for the last and biggest act of the weekend, Eliza Doolittle, who won over the crowd with her sweet disposition.
She could be heard in the background before appearing on stage saying ‘it’s a bit chilly, isn’t it?’ and she constantly interacted with the audience, saying she hoped to come to Cornwall again soon.
After today’s performance, we hope her next Kernow appearance isn’t too far in the distant future.
Check out some of my less rainy photos in the gallery.