Tag Archives: mark ronson

The Barclaycard Mercury Prize. Plan B, Florence Welch, Mark Ronson Attend

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Plan B, Florence Welch, Mark Ronson and co celebrate after The Barclaycard Mercury Prize

November the 1st saw a whole host of music’s finest celebrate the Barclaycard Mercury Prize at The Box including shortlisted artists Plan B, The Maccabees, Jessie Ware, Ben Howard, Django Django The party featured a special performance by Marina & The Diamonds.
Florence Welch turned up dressed as Joan of Ark choosing to leave The Machines Birthday bash to party with Mark Ronson, Jamie XX and the shortlisted artists.

Celebs in attendance were 

Plan B
Django Django
Maccabees
Jessie Ware
Ben Howard
Florence Welch (Florence & The Machine)
Mark Ronson
Jamie XX
Luke Treadaway
Sam Brandon
Ty Wood
Mat Horne
Will Poulter
Marina Diamandis (our guest performer)
Grace Woodward
Charlie Speed
Isaac Ferry
Otis Ferry
Sasha Bailey
Fin Munro
Billie JD Porter
Gizzi Erskine
Orlando Weeks
Percy Parker
Will Best
Zoe Ball

Sam Sparro Return’s To Paradise.

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New album ‘RETURN TO PARADISE’ released 18th June

Sam Sparro will release his sophomore album, ‘Return To Paradise’, on Virgin records 18th June 2012. Also just confirmed are two very special UK shows in Birmingham and Manchester to celebrate the release.

Part soul crooner, part pop star with an ever-morphing, chameleon-like quality, Sam coasts a fine line between disarmingly earnest and a chic, credible cool. He has become known not only for his distinct, scale-defying vocals and epic live shows, but also as a visual artist and style icon.

Signed to EMI Australia in December 2011 Sam has spent the last couple of years working on the follow up to 2008’s eponymous debut release. With a Platinum single (‘Black & Gold’), a Gold album, a Grammy nomination and 5 Arias under his belt, Sam has also been busy collaborating with the likes of Mark Ronson and Basement Jaxx as well as writing for other artists such as Natasha Beddingfield. His fans include Katy Perry, Beyonce, Cee-Lo Green and Adele who covered ‘Black & Gold’ in the Radio 1 Live Lounge.

Sam’s new album, ‘Return To Paradise’, is a play on nostalgia and “paradise garage” – a genre derived from the hedonistic discotheque scene in New York in the late 70s that began in a parking lot giving rise to the term “garage” famous for its unique and eclectic style of disco and dance music. It has been co-produced with long time collaborator Jesse Rogg.


It took a considerable amount of time as Sam was determined to get it right. “It is the product of a lot of experimenting and songwriting – I changed direction at least 2-3 times, completely. I started doing more rock oriented stuff, then I went in a pop direction and then through the process of scrap booking stuff that was inspiring me I ended up with an album that was influenced by music from 1978 to 1984”.

The central themes are love and loss and the quest for inner joy and happiness. “A lot of the songs are about me trying to find my sense of innocence and peace of mind and things that I felt had escaped me for a while”.

Whilst drawing on influences from the 70s and 80s the album is very contemporary with a modern take on these themes.

Working between the USA and UK – Sam is conscious of the sense of disillusion and struggle many people are facing. “I know things in Australia are still pretty good but things in America – especially with the economy, people are struggling and disillusioned and looking for escapism and when times are tough people resort to nostalgia”.

During the process of making this album Sam says he tapped into a new found confidence to become a more prolific song-writer and generally more self assured. “I’m more comfortable now and I’ve left things a little bit raw and not completely polished – so much modern pop music is so polished that you lose the soulfulness and essence and human touch”.

‘Return To Paradise’ challenges this and triumphs!

Sam will head out on two UK tour dates in next month:

Thu 14th June Birmingham O2 Academy 2 0844 477 2000

Sat 16th June Manchester Deaf Institute 0161 832 1111

Tickets are £10 adv and go onsale Wednesday 9th May at 9am – www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051

Amy Winehouse Dies Aged 27

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Troubled singer Amy Winehouse has died at the age of 27. She was found dead in her North London flat by police in the late afternoon. Her death was treated as “unexplained”.

The Metropolitan police said: “Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square shortly before 16.05hrs following reports of a woman found deceased. On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Winehouse was last seen at the iTunes festival. Tributes for the Back to Black singer have flooded in.

Mark Ronson, who produced Back to Black, said: “She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life.”

Phillip Schofield said on Twitter: “Just heard the sad news that Amy Winehouse has died. At only 27, what a terrible waste of a great talent. Sincere condolences to her family.”

Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood dedicated his show on Absolute Radio to Winehouse . “It’s a very sad loss of a very good friend I spent many great times with,” he said.

A spokesman said: “Everyone involved with Amy is shocked and devastated. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. The family will issue a statement when ready.”

Winehouse has had a much publicised battle with drinks and drugs.

Sir Richard Branson and friends party at The Roof Gardens to celebrate 30 years on top in London

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Last night Sir Richard Branson hosted an 80’s extravaganza at The Roof Gardens to celebrate 30 years as one of the top clubs and venues in London.

Famous faces including Princess Beatrice, Jimmy Carr, Alexandra Burke, Sarah Harding and friends were treated to a fun packed evening including a variety of live music – which included a fantastic performance from The Overtones and an amazing DJ set from 80’s legend Boy George. Guests also enjoyed a roller disco and to round off the evening, a spectacular fireworks display with views across London

.

As part of the celebrations a live charity auction was held helping to raise money for Trekstock – a charity which aims to raise awareness of cancer in young people. Some of the brilliant auction items included a fabulous trip for two to Necker Island and a studio session with Mark Ronson and Daniel Merriweather.

It was an evening of double celebration as Babylon, the award-winning restaurant at The Roof Gardens; also celebrated its 10th birthday and regular guests were invited to a delicious dinner before joining the party downstairs.

For the past three decades, the venue which is also part of the Virgin Limited Edition luxury portfolio, has entertained and enchanted Londoners and visitors from around the world with its 1.5 acres beautiful gardens, its exclusive private members nightclub and the award-winning Babylon Restaurant.

Sir Richard Branson commented: “I am thrilled that we are celebrating owning The Roof Gardens for 30 years, I can’t believe how time flies! This evening has really celebrated everything the venue has to offer and was a fantastic way to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years.”