Intrigue magazine issue 4

Editors letter issue 4

2008-05-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hello guys and gals! We are here once again and I thank God that I am still living and breathing. Issue 4 is now here and I am proud to announce that we have a new columnist who goes by the name of Miss Lucy! She is a very talented writer and she will be bringing you thought provoking articles and features and telling us what's hot and what's not! So please do show her some love and welcome her to the Intrigue team.

We talk to one of North London's up and coming rappers Waterboy and also have features on DJ Smallz and Charlie Sloth.

I really hope you enjoy this issue, and once again we are giving away prizes so make sure you enter our competitions!!!

Lastly I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the magazine so far and to all those who have showed their unwavering support. Shout out to Gee, Waterboy and Ram from Roots Entertainment, Danielle from Underground Promotions, Dave and Steve from Feed me Music, Ian,Ione and Michael from Mind studio and last but not least my big sis Adelaide who is going to be the next big thing in the art world. Keep your eyes peeled!!!! Don't blink you might miss something.

Miss E.J

Can't get enough of Gee By E.J

2008-05-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

The UK Hip Hop scene is dead!! Well this is what I have heard all too many times in the past few months! I agree with this as there has been nothing breathtaking come out of the UK in terms of Hip Hop for the longest time but there is plenty of talent out there! We are loving the lyricists that are coming out of North London at the moment, I mean I only have to say Wretch 32 and you know what I am talking about.

Since the inception of this magazine we have showed love and support for the boys from Roots Entertainment, they have been grinding it out performing at venues in London and we would just like to show a bit more love, we feature Gee and catch up with Waterboy and find out what he is has been up to.

Gee is still slowly but surely making waves in the UK scene, the past month has seen him become a featured artist with award winning promoters Feed Me Music, he performed at the world famous Clapham Grand (Look out for pics) and wowed the crowd with his live performance featuring Lucy Lawrence on Keys and Roy Pfeffer on drums. The night was amazing! We also saw him perform at the Radio 1 fringe festival with Lucy Lawrence, and that too was a spectacular evening. Those of you who haven't seen Gee perform live yet are missing out so you need to get yourself down to the next show!!! This year will see the release of Gee's debut mixtape "Positive State of Mind" So we cannot wait for that! Coming soon we have pics from the Clapham Grand performance and much much more!! Look out for those

For now you can check him out @

http://www.myspace.com/rootsentg

In Conversation with Waterboy! By E.J

2008-05-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

We caught up with Roots Entertainment's Waterboy! let's hear what he had to say.

Intrigue: Introduce yourself to the readers

Waterboy: What’s good everyone? I go by the name of Waterboy, I’m 21 and I’m a rapper from north London! I’m Part of the most talented group of hip hop artists in the UK, Roots Ent. You’re definitely gonna be hearing a lot from us in the future!

Intrigue: Tell us how long you been rapping and when did you first decide you that music was what you wanted to do?

Waterboy: I’ve always had a way with words and when I was younger I was always making up little comedic rhymes. But about 2 years my friend took me to a studio in someone’s house round the corner and I started to make full tracks. After a while I started to notice that I was improving so rapidly that it got to the point where I felt that I was as good as the rappers who I like to listen to. I guess it was at that point that I really decided that music was what I wanted to do with my life!

Intrigue: Who are your musical influences?

Waterboy: I try not to see myself as a rapper but more as a musical artist and I’m therefore influenced by a wide range of musicians. I love listen to other rappers like 2pac, Mos Def, Wretch 32 & Nas as well as other artists such as Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse and even Coldplay or Nirvana. But I would have to say that I get most of my inspiration from other members of Roots Ent, I mean just being around the likes of Gee, Ram and Shokka inspires me to better myself as an artist!

Intrigue: Who would you most like to work with in the industry?

Waterboy: I’ve got a lot of ratings for the Movement at the moment & I’d definitely like to cook something up with them in the future. I’d also love to work with a really soulful female vocalist, someone like Amy Winehouse or Leona Lewis! I think I would also enjoy creating something unique with someone like Jools Holland who could bring something completely different to the table.

Intrigue: Give us a rundown on your current musical projects

Waterboy: At the moment I’m currently putting the finishing touches to my first proper mixtape “Quench Your Thirst”. In total there’s gonna be 21 tracks on there, and believe me you need to kop that, cos I went IN!!! I’m also doing a lot of groundwork and networking at the moment to try and make a name for myself within the industry. & I’m also doing the odd show to promote myself to a wider audience.

Intrigue: If you had to name one UK hip hop or grime underground artist that you think is going to be the next big thing who would that be? (apart from yourself that is) and why do you think they will be the next big thing in the industry?

Waterboy: I don’t wanna single any one person from Roots Ent cos I think there’s a few of us who deserve to blow, so instead I’ll go for someone else. I would really like to see ghetto break into the mainstream, I think he’s a brilliant lyricist and his flow is just overly mental! If he can drop another mixtape or album on the same level as Ghetto Gospel, then I don’t see how he can’t make it past the underground scene.

Intrigue: Do you write all your own lyrics? And if so what inspires you to put pen to pad?

Waterboy: Yeah I write all my own lyrics, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t! In my eyes any rapper who doesn’t write their own lyrics doesn’t deserve to touch mic! Everything around me inspires me to write, I can’t go a day without writing even if it’s just to get some shit off my chest!

Intrigue: How would you describe your music?

Waterboy: I ’d describe my music as a breakthrough in UK rap! I don’t wanna sound too cocky but I really do think I’m that good. I’m a very lyrical rapper & I like to use some seriously messed concepts! Basically, you’ll like my music if you’re a fan of real hip hop!

Intrigue: Tell us where you see your music taking you in the next 5 years ?

Waterboy: If I grind properly, then in 5 years time I would aim to be well respected as an artist, not just in London but nationwide and ideally in other countries too. I would like to have released my first full album by then and also have collaborated with a number of other artists. I would also like to break into other areas of the entertainment industry. For example I have recently been writing a couple of movie scripts and would love for them to go into production.

Intrigue: Do you think UK so called urban music is ever going to reach the status of the

American industry?

Waterboy: I personally don’t think UK urban music will ever flourish properly until we stop comparing ourselves to artists from the states, we’re different and we need to embrace that! We also need a lot of people within the industry to start showing some love to some more UK artists, I mean how many British rappers have ever won a MOBO, it’s ridiculous!

Intrigue: Will you be performing anywhere in the next few months?

Waterboy: I will be performing a verse for Gee at his performance in Clapham on the 15th May. I plan to start performing more often later in the year when I start to properly promote my mixtape!

Intrigue: Penultimately anyone you would like to shout out in this interview

Waterboy: I’d like to give a big shout out to all the Roots Ent man, watch out for “Positive State of Mind”, “Hit & Run” and “Don’t be so Shocked” from Gee, Ram and shokka! & also nuff love to EJ and everyone else at intrigue doing their thing to support the UK scene!

Intrigue: Lastly where can we find out more info about waterboy?

Waterboy: If you wanna find out anything else about me check out my MySpace page www.myspace.com/waterboytg. Listen to the tracks and don’t be too shy to holla, I’ll always get back to you!

DJ Smallz Feature By E.J

2008-05-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

DJ Smallz is the 22 year old DJ from Florida who has become a worldwide success in an extraordinarily short space of time. His top notch turntable skills and innovative marketing techniques have seen him become one of the United States' premier DJ's.

Smallz passion for southern Hip Hop music led him to pioneer a worldwide brand "Southern Smoke" in 2002 which has become a global marketing tool for many up and coming southern artists. His globally recognised brand has given him the opportunity to work with major names such as Big Boi from OutKast,Master P and the Oscar Winning group Three 6 Mafia. He has also collaborated with internationally recognised and mutli-platinum selling artists such as Lil Jon and Ludacris.

DJ Smallz can be described as an international businessman, an entrepeneur with the Midas touch. He set up his own radio station "Southern Smoke Radio" which broadcasts live to more than 3 million listeners on Sinus Satelite radio(Channel 40 Hip Hop Nation) and Dish Network (Channel 6040) As if all this wasn't enough DJ Smallz is still working hard and showing us all how it's done! He not only has a plethora of awards to his name he is also busy building up his already successful multi-media company SouthPromo.com, which is a rapidly growing marketing and advertising firm which caters for major record labels and other popular brands. Smallz also has the time to run his own artist development company and Southern Smoke TV, a reality television show in conjunction with "Beef" series creator QD3. 2008 will also see the release of his much anticipated "Southern Smoke" album, so it looks like DJ Smallz will not be slowing down any time soon.

Watch this space.

To find out more info on DJ Smallz go to:

http://www.djsmallz.com/

http://www.myspace.com/southernsmoke

Charlie Sloth:In the Spotlight By E.J

2008-05-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

"One of the UK's Finest"The Source

Hailing from Camden North West London, Charlie Sloth has been making waves in the UK Hip Hop scene, this year has seen the release of his debut project; "In the Spotlight its's hard being good"

He is well known for his "Guided Tour of Camden" video, which was awarded the most original video at the Craigfest festival in Canada. Sloth has chosen not to fall into the stereotypical box of Hip Hop and chooses instead to fuse the comical with the consious creating a simplisitic yet intricate unique and unforgettable sound.

Sloth's music has been heard on every major Hip Hop show in the UK such as, BBC 1Xtra and Choice Fm to name a few. He has become very popular in such a short space of time, having 600,000 Myspace plays in just under a year, he is becoming well known for his hard work and dedication to his art, having worked with Hip Hop legend Craig G on his latest release Sloth is spreading his wings not only in the UK but on a worldwide stage.

Charlie will be launching his merchandise brand in conjunction with "In the Spotlight" and is reperesenting the release as a free music download, as he predicts a world of free music, Charlie Sloth is definetely one of the ones to watch in the UK.

For more information on Charlie Sloth go to: www.myspace.com/charliesloth or www.charliesloth.com

Miss Lucy's corner!

2008-05-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

Well I guess now would be a good time for introductions; I’m Miss Lucy, and in each issue, I’m going to share with you my views on fashion, music and culture. And believe me, I have one or two opinions so I’m sure we’re never going to run out of things to talk about. I love hearing your opinions so please, comment or email any feedback you have on what I write or what I have to say – healthy debate is always welcomed but, as our beloved Editor Miss E has already made you aware – no haters please.

I’m starting off our relationship with a real borderline subject that I’m sure (and hope!) will spark some debate. As you must all by now be aware, Estelle hit number 1 in the charts, knocking off white female vocalists like Duffy and Adele. Now hold on 2 secs before you start jumping on me because I said “white”. There’s a point to all this. I understand and appreciate that Estelle’s initial argument was not about black and white, or race in any way, shape or form. However, following a comment about vocalists like Adele and Duffy singing “soul” music, and having to go to the US to be appreciated in the best way, Estelle followed up with the interesting statement, and I quote: “As a songwriter, I get what they do. As a black person, I’m like: you’re telling me this is my music? F*** that!”.

Now correct me if I’m wrong (and I’m sure there will be those of you that think I am), but to me, that sounds like a blatantly race-related comment. Why does soul have to be “my” music – implicitly implying that soul music is “black” music? Now here’s the funny thing about it all. Personally, I wouldn’t call what Adele and Duffy do “soul” music either. I think that vocalists like the aforementioned, along with the Amy Winehouse’s of our world, don’t fit a particular genre of music. I think one of the reasons that those artists are so popular is that their music spans several genres, immediately making them more accessible to more target audiences and, ergo, more successful. But equally, I was surprised and disappointed to hear Estelle’s comment. It doesn’t say much about the progress that we are all trying hard to make in breaking down racial boundaries within the music industry, does it?

Okay, gripe number two is more of a question to be fair. What do we think of Mariah Carey’s new single, Touch My Body? I was really excited to hear about her being “back on the scene”, as it were, but I’ve got to be honest with you, I was a little disappointed. It’s a “good” song, but honestly and seriously, if she wasn’t who she is, would you rush out and buy it? I saw her perform on TV the other night, and it was just same old same old – Mariah with a low cut black dress and perfect hair. It’s kinda boring, don’t you think? When you compare her to artists like Madonna (okay, not a vocal comparison), there IS no comparison. Madonna is a musical chameleon – every single brings a new image and a new slant. Okay Mariah has the voice of an angel, but there’s no growth, no change, no revolution. I just feel that in this day and age, you can’t just be a good voice – it’s not enough. What do you think?

So, now you want to know what’s hot this month, right? Well, who can not love these sneakers? I say ‘sneakers’ as opposed to ‘trainers’ because these are a truly American product.

Marc Ecko began designing in the mid-80s and now has 12 separate (hott!) apparel lines, a video game AND a multi-media entertainment division! So the man definitely knows what he’s doing. His unique footwear (and many other styles) can be found at http://www.shopecko.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3045308&cp=2933875.3065975&parentPage=family (or http://www.shopecko.com/) for the bargain price of $64.99 (which is around £50).

Music-wise, it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to what’s hot. The UK has some serious talent – which I’m sure the discerning Intrigue readers are already aware of. I scoured myspace and have found the most incredible vocalist that I know you are going to love.

Rox hails from South London and, after a “reinvention” break in Mexico, is back in the UK making seriously sexy, theatrical, jazzy music. Her vocals are soulful, heartfelt, fresh, and most of all FUN. With a string of live performances under her belt, including singing Valerie for Mark Ronson, this is a young lady we should all be looking out for. You can take a listen at www.myspace.com/roxmusik, and there will be a full interview with the lady herself in Issue 5 – so watch this space!

Do your own PR by E.J and Lara Winters

2008-05-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Do your own PR

PR for an artist or fashion designer or anyone can be a very scary word!! It does not have to be though because it can be as easy as you make it. Many artists don’t have the money to get a professional PR rep on hand or may not even know what PR is. Most people I have spoken to seem to think PR is short for promotions and that it simply involves handing out flyers and placing a couple of adverts and that’s PR taken care of. Newsflash guys, this is so not the case!!! PR is the planned process of getting a message across to your potential publics. Meaning the people who will be or who already purchase your product or service. In order for people to want to purchase a product they must have some product knowledge and be aware of what it is they are buying. Therefore PR comes before advertising and it can be a very broad subject area. Although I could focus on many aspects of PR in various different fields, I will be focusing on PR for musicians. Working in music PR for a few years now I have found that many of the young artists that ask me for my help do not have a clue when it comes to this area, well listen up gals and guys and take notes.

What you need to do your own PR

Before you jump into doing your own PR you must put together a brief plan, making sure you have a timeframe and you stick to it. Decide what you want to achieve from your PR plans and make a clear and concise outline of what you are going to be doing. PR involves generating press interest, creating a buzz, networking, keeping the public informed by setting up mailing lists and updating potential fans and existing fans on everything that is going on. Even updating and keeping Myspace pages and websites up to date is very important.

Decide on your image and the kind of message you want to put across with your music and stick to it.

You now need to put together a press pack this will be given to the press, venue owners and event organisers, agents and even people in radio.

Your press pack should include photos therefore it will be a good idea to invest in getting some professional pictures done.

Press pack materials

Bio (this is like an outline of what you have done and are doing as an artist)
Press release (one or two paragraphs of something that is actually news e.g. an album release or performance at an event. Make this short and interesting)
2 press photos printed A4 size with contact details on the back or paper clipped to the bottom of the photo (all materials must have contact details on them so they know who it is from)
Flyers with your myspace and or website details plus e mail and or phone numbers on, make them postcard size and make sure they are effective and easy on the eye.
Business card, this is not always necessary as you can just use the flyers for this purpose but it does make things look a lot more professional
List of up and coming shows and an invitation to the next one
Press clippings, if you have had any media coverage at all, include a press cuttings sheets so people know there has already been interest in you.
CD, you must put some of your material in the press pack, it must be up to date material, well your most recent release anyway. (make sure it has contact details on the sleeve so they know who it is from, there is nothing worse than sending out a press pack with no contact details on it at all. The journalist or whoever you are sending it to will be very annoyed and will just chuck it!)

The press pack should be in a nice folder with a picture or logo on the front with contact details visible. These days with the internet you may not always have to send a physical press pack but it is always nice for them to have something in hand. If you want to cut costs by e mailing press info over to the recipient. Make sure you know what to send.

If you want to e mail it send the following:

Introductory cover e mail stating who you are and what you are sending and attach the relevant info
Bio
One or two press photos
Press release
Press cuttings if you have any
Flyer
List of up and coming shows with an invitation to the next one
Links to myspace page or website so they can listen to music or even you tube link if you have a video on there. (again make sure you put contact details on every page so they can make contact with you)

Try and put everything in one file so it can be viewed easily.
Press packs can be made pretty cheaply but you have to know who you are sending the info to.

The main people who you will be sending your press packs to will be journalists therefore you have to identify the right people to send them to. If you are an up and coming artist, there is no point sending your press pack to a top glossy because they get thousands of press packs through the door. The best place to start would be:

Local newspapers
Student newspapers
Local radio
Small cable channels

These publications are always looking for new stories and material for their pages and for their channels so do not shun these and go straight to the top, start off gradually and build up a buzz. This way you will get the much needed media training and you will fill up your press clippings sheet

Try and send your press pack and press releases at crucial times like when you are about to release an album or mixtape, also if you are going to be performing at a particular event. Especially if it is local make sure you stress the local connection and you will most definitely get a slot or a quarter of a page in your chosen publication.

Once you build up a buzz and a bit of a following aim at the bigger publications, at this stage you may find that publications are coming to you for stories and features instead of the other way round.

You should also hand your press pack to event organisers, agents and other people who could help push you forward in the industry.

Mailing lists

Set up mailing lists on your myspace page and website so people who want to keep up to date with your activities can put their e mail info in and always be informed. You can also collect mailing list details at gigs and wherever possible to make sure as many people are informed about your activities as possible. Be sure to give people on your mailing list special privileges, for example people on your list will get to purchase your mixtape or album first at a cheaper price than people who are not on it. Make your mail outs look attractive so people will remember your professionalism and want to purchase your product when it comes out.

Networking

Many people think that this is not part of PR but it is, as whoever you are talking to are your potential public, therefore the more people you talk to the better. You must always present yourself in a professional but friendly manner and people will remember you. Make sure you interact with the audience at events and talk to people who are interested in your music. Give out your business card or flyers if people are interested. Do not just hand out flyers aimlessly because this is fruitless talk to people and if they seem interested give them your contact details. You never know who you could meet, remember you are always doing Public Relations at events where you are performing or at music industry events.

Websites and social networking sites

If you have a website make sure you always keep it up to date with the relevant information like up and coming shows and releases. Make sure it always looks good and that it represents your music in the best way possible. If you don’t have a website or you do and also have a myspace page or something similar, do the same and keep it up to date. Don’t just make thousands of friends and then not keep in touch with them. Place comments on peoples pages and send the odd message so people will remember you. Keep the design looking fresh and relevant to your music, make it easy for people to see information on your page, and try not to make the page too cluttered. Update your pictures and music regularly to keep the page fresh and keep people hungry for more.

I think I have given you enough information now don’t you???? This kind of info should not even be free….so be grateful the little I have given you and make sure you digest everything that you read.

Good luck guys and dolls !!!!

Run your own record label by E.J and Lara Winters

2008-05-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Making it in as an artist

These days so many young boys and girls wish to make it in the music industry as artists. Many do not understand how difficult it really can be to make an actual living in such a competitive industry. Talent is a major factor but you cannot get by with talent alone in this business. How hard can it really be? I hear all you ambitious musicians out there saying!!!! Well like any career or business it requires hard work, determination and a lot of learning. Many artists these days are going down the independent route and shunning the majors, being an artist has become like running a business and like any other business it requires knowledge of your field and plenty of hard graft. Essentially being an independent artist is running your own record label, and this is not impossible if you do it properly. There are so many aspects to the music business that you must consider as an artist, whether you would like to go down the independent route or you are seeking a major label deal. To make it easier for you guys I am just going to give you a run down on setting up and running your own record label.

Running your own label

One of the first problems you will come across running your own label will be finance, not just start up costs but ongoing cash flow. To press up 1000 CD’s can cost from £750 to £1000, but then there are additional costs. Promotion, your own basic living expenses etc etc. The music business is a very risky business and investors more often than none don’t get it. Unless you have your own capital from some very rich family members then when it comes to finance you will find it very hard. The best thing to do for finance would be look for a benefactor who has always been interested in the music business who will be willing to lend you the money. There are other ways to generate small start up capital, such as the Prince’s Trust, if you are 16 or over and have a business idea you can get up to £5000 to put in to it. This money does have to be paid back but it is interest free money, so this is a great option.

Once you have set up your label, you can go to distributors, but they will want something concrete, as in finished product. They like to see some track record to instil confidence, it is a good idea to set up as a limited company as distribution companies like to see this and it limits your liability in any court case that may arise. This all may be going over your head but it is very important you know these details if you want to set up as an independent artist and release your material on your own steam.

You will need to sign a distribution contract, but before it can even get to this stage you need to make everything look as professional as possible, for example a company logo and stationary, not to mention a good selection of tracks. The manufacturing process goes from the music mastering to cutting, by now you should be organising your artwork , going through test pressings and getting your initial promotion sorted as well. You then need pressed up promo copies of your material for DJ’s and press. Once you have built up a buzz within the night clubs as this is where it all begins and where it counts, you should be picking up some radio airplay by now (for original material or legit covers) then you should start trying to distribute to shops followed by full on radio promo. From manufacturing to release should normally need 10-12 weeks.

Distribution is very important, you can go around to the shops on your own but it can take a very long time and you will find that it will be a fruitless task. Most shops do not pay much and you will end up with sale or return. You need to know what the distributor specialises in in terms of styles of music. It is a good idea to approach a company with a demo initially.

Now you have a distributor and agreed number of your product in stock what comes after this ?

Promotion. In general there are seven stages of promotion but it is not always the same in every genre of music, but this is just a general frame for music promotion. Start with the clubs, if you have a good DJ contact this is fantastic as it will create the vibe needed to. Then the radio, know who the specialists are and then thirdly the press. Know who the papers and magazines are who are into your type of music. From this we go to live performances, you now have to back this up with advertising, flyers, t shirts and other promotional material. The sixth step should be television as in making a video and trying to get it shown on any of the channels the play your kind of music. However as a start up avoid like the plague channels that ask you for money to play your video. Make sure if you have directed and produced the video yourself that you join Video Performance Limited (VPL) the company that collects your royalties each time your video is played. Lastly there are licensees, if you can get your tracks licensed for compilations in all the various territories you can build up a steady income from this.

I hear you say, this all sounds like a foreign language! It may well do sound like that but you need to know all this if you even think you are going to have a fighting chance of setting up your own label to release your own material.

You need to make sure you are registered with the mechanical collection and performance collection societies (for collecting royalties) PRS and PPL and MCPS. You are required by law to be a member of MCPS to press records. (Google these societies you cant expect everything to be handed to you on a plate now can you!!!! Lol)

Guys and gals!!! Do you still want to set up your own record label???? This might change your minds! What if I told you that it can take a minimum of two years of spending money and not getting any in return. In the music business like any other business you have to establish yourself before you can expect to start making a real profit. If you are running your own label and you are also the artist you will have to work really really hard! There are office hours then club hours, then time in the studio. Essentially you are running your own business and the buck will always stop at you. So think very carefully before committing to setting up your own label and learn the business before you throw yourself into it. There are many downsides to setting up and running your own label but it isn’t all bad news and you shouldn’t dwell on these disadvantages because nothing good ever comes easy.

The upside to going it alone is that, you are doing what you want to do with no one telling what to do, it can be really good fun and working on your own project and seeing it through to its finality can be extremely satisfying. If you are an artist you have all the freedom in the world when it comes to your music, therefore you don’t have to answer to anyone when it comes to creative expression. When you are signed to a major label they are dealing with the masses therefore if your song is not what they think is the next big thing it will get knocked back. However going it alone you can serve your own niche market and stay ahead of the game.

There are some things that an independent label may not want to deal with such as packaging and boxing of the finished product. There are brokers that deal with this and it can save you a lot of time, these companies act as production departments for independents, from cutting and mastering to delivering the finished product to the distributor, they can also organise the printing, these companies can get involved at any stage in the manufacturing process that the label doesn’t want to be involved in.

Running a record label is not easy but it can provide the artist with the freedom to what you want creatively and in the long run it can benefit you highly financially. As said before nothing good ever comes easy so work hard and do the necessary learning before jumping in head first and your business will be a success.

If you want any help and advice do not hesitate to contact me via e mail and I will try my best to help you with contacts and any questions you may need answered.

intrigueonline@yahoo.com

Happy business running guys!!!!!!!!!!!! Always remain positive and you will make it!!!!

Who to look out for! By E.J and Lara Winters

2008-05-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hey guys and gals!! once we have once again come to the "who to look out for" section. We usually just do artists but this month we have included a young aspiring female model....so here goes!

GEE

Gee is our main man and we will continue to support his music, he is fresh from becoming a Feed Me Music featured artist and performing at Clapham Grand. He is becoming known on the live circuit and soon everyone is gonna know his name!! We can't wait for his debut mixtape to be released, looking forward to pumping those tunes in the summer sun!!! Check him out...add him and show some love to him on Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/rootsentg

Lucy Lawrence

Next up we have Lucy Lawrence, this young lady is multi-talented, she not only sings but she plays the keyboard and produces her own music. She has worked with the likes of Black Eyed Peas and she is now working with our favourite up and coming rapper Gee, performing her catchy promo tune "British Chick". Watch out for her as she will be coming to a place near you!

Show her some respect and holla @ her.

http://www.myspace.com/lucylawrence

Waterboy

You read the interview, and saw what he had to say, we want to show some support for one of North London's new up and coming lyricists. He reps Roots Entertainment like our main boy Gee and we will not stop giving these guys their props! Hit him up on Myspace and keep an eye out for him.

http://www.myspace.com/waterboytg

Rox

You guys heard our Miss Lucy.....check out this amazing young songstress, she has some sexy sultry lungs on her and we would like to just give her some props. Take a trip to her Myspace page and listen for yourselves. Watch out for the full interview in issue 5!

http://www.myspace.com/roxmusik

Miss Thomas

This young lady is an up an up and coming model and she is putting the work in to be the next big thing so check her out.

http://www.myspace.com/xxsparklesweetxx

Reviews:By E.J

2008-05-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

The time has come again for us at Intrigue to give some melodies our honest and discerning opinions. We have added a new section to our reviews and it is, Myspace song reviews. Each issue we will pick a song to review from an up and coming artist's Myspace page. It could be you!

Gnarls Barkley:The Odd couple

Just over two years ago a song stunned the Nation, that was "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley it was a record breaking worldwide sensation that is already a timeless classic. Their album "St Elsewhere" was a fusion of R&B and funkadelic Pop, and it left us wondering how they could follow it up! Well they have done it and their new effort is something like a 70's revival tinged with a modern twist of bittersweet lemon. They have found their sound and we love it!

Creepy bass, suffocating synths and Cee-Lo’s quasi-religious vocals make ‘Open Book’ and ‘Would Be Killer’ both deep, dark trips into the duo’s psyche. The album is a journey into their Kaleidoscopic worlds. A description of this masterpiece would be a waterfall of many colours, an anthology of musical psychotherapy. We cannot even imagine where this "Odd couple" can go next with their music but for now lets just enjoy this feast on the ears and allow yourself to have endless eargasms!!!!

Intrigue gives this album a blinding 5 stars!!

*****

Myspace song review

Ram:Thoughts of Life

We are waiting in anticipation for Ram's mixtape Hit and Run to hit the roads but until then we got his Myspace page I guess. One of our fave songs on there is "Thoughts of Life" Ram has one of those listenable voices, he has an expert penmanship, and this song is no exception, we take a very brief glimpse into our Ram's mind and it leaves us wondering and wanting more. The tune is laid back and keeps you listening and thinking and pondering. This young man is gifted and we can't wait for him to bless us with the gift of his latest mixtape "Hit and Run".

Check out this song @

http://www.myspace.com/rameses80

We give "Thoughts of Life"

a wonderful four stars

****

Nneka:Heartbeat CD [Four Music]

This young lady has been blessed with a spine tingling soulful vocal ability and thought provoking songwriting talent. The nigerian born singer/songwriter is a rare breed, and her latest offering will not disappoint. This touching single is taken off her forthcoming album "No Longer at Ease" and it no doubt leaves you salivating for more of her delicious sounds.

No Longer at Ease: Out 9th June 2008.

Competitions!

2008-05-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Once again we are giving away prizes!!

This time we aren't going to make it too difficult for you to win some cash

First question (Win £100!)

Name the two young Hip Hop artist's on the front cover of this months issue

Second question (Win an Ipod and digital camera)

Name the title of the song we reviewed for this months Myspace song review

Send all answers to intrigueonline@yahoo.com with your name and contact details and we will get back to you if you win!!! All winners are announced end of June.

Thanks

Intrigue

Malaysian Michael Jackson impression!! so funny!!

2008-05-15T05:11:00.000-07:00

Guys as much as I love Michael Jackson I love watching impressions of him as well! This is one of the funniest MJ impressions I have seen in a long time. This is from Malaysian idol and it is soooo funny! the man cannot sing a note he must be tone death!!!