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Saturday, 22 November, 2008

PLANETNOTION TELEVISION!

CAMERA-FOLK AND FILM EDITORS WANTED!

Planet Notion is looking for guys and dolls to film and edit features for its new TV channel, PNTV. Accompanying Notion to artist interviews, gigs, fashion shows, festivals and international events, you will be skilled, passionate and full of ideas about how to produce shit-hot video content. Camera-folk will be experienced and ideally have their own equipment, or at least access to equipment, while editors must be able to turn projects around quickly, and with stylistic flare. If you can both film and edit content, we would especially like to hear from you! These casual, unpaid positions would be ideal for those looking to develop their showreels, and to get the chance to travel, film major artists and top events.

Please email lucy(at)musichqmedia
(dot)com if you’re interested in getting involved, cheers!

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Shorty

PLACE OF BIRTH: C Shorty – Leeds, Me – Hammersmith. D: London DATE OF BIRTH : C The band was born in 2001 Shorty are currently defining UK hip hop, with their unique and experimental blend of funk and rock with an occasional dip into American jazz and soul. They are made up of seven members, with Celeste on lead vocals, Cisco (MC), Ducane (MC/vocals), Jim Reynolds (guitar), Dan French (bass), Hudge (DJ) and Charlie Taylor (drums). The band are already well-known in certain circles, winning the Diesel-U-Music hip hop award, making appearances on MTV and an international advertising campaign for Pepsi. They have spent the past few years working with some of the UK’s best hip hop producers and touring around Europe supporting the likes of Roots Manuva, although they have sold out a crowd by themselves in London. Their totally unique yet iconic British sound never fails to win over a crowd and they have now become renowned for their live performances. They have recently signed to Gravy Records, which led them to billings at a whole host of the summer’s festivals. QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY DAN AND CISCO. What do you do to chill out after a hectic night performing? C - Straight after gigs we tend to hit the bar, drink and talk to people. It sounds quite narcissistic but face-to face you can really tell what people think even if they tell you you’re great! What is your biggest achievement so far? C - Apart from not killing each other I’d say this year has been great for us. We’ve started to get the Shorty name out there and receive more acclaim for what we’re doing. Playing 02 Wireless and Ashton Court were mind-blowing. We’ve always seen ourselves as a live act more than anything else, so getting to do what we do best at this level just felt right... if not a little nerve-wracking. Who are your musical heroes? D - Originals and Innovators. Artists with longevity who stick to their guns, take their own route and who aren’t distracted by fads and trends. C - I’ve always been influenced by Jimi Hendrix and early hip hop and rock acts. I remember stealing my brother’s cassette copy of an early KRS 1 album and thinking, “man, I wanna do this!” I like people that take risks musically and lyrically and that won’t conform just to fit in. What are your plans for the future? C - I think the vibe at Shorty Central is one of expansion. We’ve got our foot in the door now and it’s definitely time to kick it open and let people know we’re here. We know we can hold our own in the festival scene so we want to push that more and start doing bigger and better ones. We live for that stuff! On top of all that, we’re writing new material, gigging more, and recording the second single and the album. Are there any artists you would like to work with? C - There are loads but right now I think it’s important we concentrate on getting our sound out there as us. I’m not saying we’re not interested in guest spots and collaborations but with seven of us throwing ideas in already it’s tough enough. D - For me, there’s loads. Stevie Wonder being one but he’s got some explaining to do after that Blue business. What is your recipe for success? C - All of us fighting like dogs until we finally agree on something special. I don’t think we’ve really mastered our recipe yet, but we’re definitely on the right track. What makes you happy? C - Jack Daniels and home cooking. Honestly though, I’ve yet to experience anything that can meet the buzz of playing live music with the others to a large crowd. There’s something crazy about it. What makes you angry? C - Spam email, loyalty cards, adverts in papers for literacy classes, things like that drive me mad. What was the last CD/record you bought? C - The last lot I bought were Amp Fiddler, The Kooks, and Rage’s first album that somebody stole off me If not a DJ/producer/artist then what? D - Drawing, designing, inventing and being creative - a gardener? C – I would be a depressed, bored, and grumpy old man, with six similarly depressed friends who all meet up at least twice a week and dream of what could have been SHORTYS DEBUT SINGLE ‘I TRY’ IS AVAILABLE NOW. CATCH THE BAND AS THEY TOUR THE UK THIS AUTUMN. TOUR DATES AND A FREE MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD (PRODUCED BY BABY J) CAN BE FOUND AT SHORTYONLINE.CO.UK AND WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SHORTYONLINE.

tags: | shorty | celeste | cisco | ducane | jim reynolds | dan french | hudge | charlie taylor | more...

PING PONG BITCHES

PING PONG BITCHES

PLACE OF BIRTH: EMILY Edinburgh. LOUISE London. DATE OF BIRTH: EMILY July. LOUISE St Patrick’s Day. PERSONAL MOTTO: EMILY Live fast die old. LOUISE Party on forever. STYLE OF MUSIC (IN FIVE WORDS): EMILY Electro Ragga Rock Disco Boogie. LOUISE Sexyelectroraprockthing DESCRIBE YOURSELF (IN FIVE WORDS): EMILY Hard as hell but soft inside. LOUISE Excitable, ludicrous, smiley, adventurous and lucky Their hobbies include: riots, hard-drinking, sex, high heels and teenage boys – and all before breakfast. It could only be the notorious Ping Pong Bitches, back on the scene and snapped up by Mark Moore of Umami records, the only man fearless enough to work with them. Their new single ‘Roc Ya Body’ hit the streets in September – a song inspired by blonde vocalist Louise Prey’s lustings for a young man she met on a bus to Manchester. Moore explains why he was so eager to take on London’s baddest ladies. “When I first saw the Ping Pong Bitches I fell in love. I thought this is how the Shangri-Las would sound if they were brought up on a diet of Acid House and The Ramones.” This new invention of the band sees the Ping Pong Bitches morph from a trio of girls singing over a backing track, to a live band featuring keyboards and guitars. Hong Kong’s Mandy Wong has departed making way for two live instrumentalists Danny Noise (guitars and production) and Sister Hell (keyboards) who have helped bolster the sound. The Bitches are renowned for their unapologetic couldn’t give a fuck attitude. They cite influences as diverse as Sex Pistols, Satan’s Slaves and Joan Jett as well as Lil Kim, Notorious B.I.G, Serge Gainsbourg and Kraftwerk. Some describe them as “punky disco hell cats”, they describe themselves as Jekyll and Hyde at an after-party. Their music fuses raucous rock’n’roll, bad ass rap as well as original 80s electro beats. Since their last release, the Ping Pong Bitches have performed around the world playing with the likes of Coachella, Pukkelpop, Popcomm, Revolver and supporting the Scissor Sisters U.S. Tour. Most recently they provided vocals on the Prodigy’s latest album, ‘Always Outnumbered Never Outgunned’ including the hit single ‘Girls’. Just to prove they can be nice, the Bitches have kindly answered a few questions we at Notion nervously put to them... What do you do to chill out after a hectic night performing? EMILY : Take a fast ride into the night LOUISE : Occasional cigar and plenty of hot chocolate What is your biggest achievement so far? EMILY : Not experienced it yet. LOUISE : Giving up teenage boys (it was tough). Who are your musical heroes? EMILY : Iggy Pop, Dee Dee Ramone, Joan Jett, Keith Richards,69, Daft Punk LOUISE : Serge Gainsbourg, Rolling Stones and Lil’ Kim. Tell us about your new projects... EMILY : Putting ‘Alphadog’ out. LOUISE : Putting a tour together. What are your plans for the future? EMILY : Rocking out. LOUISE : Who knows what the future holds? Are there any artists you would like to work with? EMILY : The Neptunes LOUISE : Notorious B.I.G., Divine and Deedee Ramone. What is catching your ear at the moment? EMILY : Spank Rock LOUISE : Monsiour Gainsbourg You’re having a dinner party. Who would you invite and why? EMILY : Family friends and dogs because it would be fun. They know how to have a good time. LOUISE : Jack Black, the girl from the Gossip, Blondie, Marilyn Monroe, Vivienne Westwood, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliot, Donatella Versace, Dodi Alfayed, Princess Diana and Serge Gainsbourg. Catering by Lebanese restaurant Maroush. What is your recipe for success? EMILY : I wish I knew. LOUISE : Don’t ever stop doing what you’re doing! What makes you happy? LOUISE : Writing songs and Harrods. Sometimes at the same time... What makes you angry? EMILY : Sickness LOUISE : Meanness What is your favourite song? EMILY : The Stooges 1969 LOUISE : ‘Je’ taime moi non plus’ If not a DJ/producer/artist then what? EMILY : Mark Moore D LOUISE : Shoe Designer THE SINGLE ‘ROCK YA BODY’ IS AVAILABLE NOW WITH AN ALBUM TO FOLLOW EARLY NEXT YEAR

tags: | ping pong bitches | mark moore | umami | many wong | danny noise

Ferry Corsten

PLACE OF BIRTH: Rotterdam, The Netherlands DATE OF BIRTH: December 4th PERSONAL MOTTO: “Create your own path, be yourself, and strive to make a difference.” STYLE OF MUSIC: Loud, electronic, ferocious and electro-trance. DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Passionate about music and a workaholic Ferry Corsten has been in the music business for 17 years and he’s only 32-years-young. Add this to the fact he is currently ranked number five on the world’s top DJ list – well you don’t have to do your sums to see this record-spinning master is hot property. Everyone’s favourite Dutch DJ has had an outstanding year, with a string of achievements added under his musical noted belt. The release of his second artist album, ‘Loud. Electronic. Ferocious’, was met with joyous acclaim. He’s packed arenas at a whole host of festivals including Global Gathering and Creamfields, led the Zurich Street Parade and conquered South America. Still not content, the insatiable DJ is about to embark on an unprecedented US tour: The Road To Voodoo. Ferry is bussing it through 20 states and 27 cities, from coast to coast and across the Midwest, where he’ll perform with the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wu-Tang Clan, Duran Duran, The Flaming Lips and My Chemical Romance to name drop just a few. What do you do to chill out after a hectic night performing? I’ve had a pretty hectic schedule this year, producing the album and travelling at the same time, so It’s been pretty much going straight to the hotel . But , if I’m not too tired, I’ll treat myself to a few drinks and check out an after party. What is your biggest achievement so far? I guess finishing my album whilst I was travelling and performing. A lot of people think I have the easiest job in the world, but producing your own music combined with moving around and gigging is hard work. I’m glad that the album has got great reviews. It’s great to see a personal job well done. Who are your musical heroes? I am definitely impressed with the production of Missy Elliot. Her tracks are always fresh, cutting edge, with a bit of the old school hip hop which I like. Tell us about your new projects... I recently started a couple of new labels - Flashover Recordings and Aleph recordings. I have signed a couple of artists, Rafael Frost, Mason, and Breakfast. You’d better watch out for them. What are your plans for the future? I think I’ll be producing a lot more in the future. I definitely still want to DJ as it is a great way to interact with crowds, check out your new records, and see the latest trends in different markets. Are there any artists you would like to work with? There are definitely a few that we’re talking to at the moment for my next album but I’d rather keep it a surprise. What is catching your ear at the moment? A track called ‘Hurt of Intention’. It’s been going off on all of my sets. You’re having a dinner party. Who would you invite and why? I’d invite probably all the heads of the U.N. and ask them “what the hell is going on down there?”, and try to get them to work these issues out . The world is going through so much hardship due to politics and greed. What is your recipe for success? I have one, but I won’t share it ...hence the greed in this world! What makes you happy? Coming home after a long tour and chilling out in my own home with my wife. What makes you angry? Piracy. We producers work very hard to bring out quality music. Have some respect please. What was the last CD/record you bought? It’s been a long time since I actually purchased a CD, you get too many freebies in my line of work. I think the last one was the soundtrack of the film ‘Garden State’. What is your favourite song on your album? I love all the tracks but if I had to name the top five it would be: ‘Fire’, ‘Junk’, ‘Into the Dark’, Beautiful’ and ‘Freefalling’. If not a DJ/producer/artist then what? I’d probably be an electric engineer. Well that’s what I studied to be. ‘JUNK’ BY FERRY CORSTEN FEAT. GURU IS AVAILABLE NOW THROUGH POSITIVA

tags: | ferry corsten | the road to voodoo | rafael frost | mason | breakfast | more...

SUPAFLY INC

PLACE OF BIRTH: MISTER P London. ONE Ghana DATE OF BIRTH: MISTER P 2/5/71. ONE 27/12/73 PERSONAL MOTTO: Do you what you feel and try to get somewhere with it. STYLE OF MUSIC (IN FIVE WORDS): Dance, funk, downtempo, electronica, hip hop. DESCRIBE YOURSELF (IN FIVE WORDS): Goodhearted, friendly, motivated, passionate and stubborn. Mister P (Panos Liassi) met One (Andrew Tumi) when he was looking for a vocalist for some of his ongoing productions. The pair hit it off immediately and worked together for three years, before deciding the time was right to officially form Supafly Inc. After deciding to move to Australia, they continued to work on music and develop the live Supafly Inc shows, where Andrew would hype up the crowd and Mr P would DJ. “Our live and DJ shows are all about keeping it funky and sexy, while trying to break down musical boundaries,” explains Mister P. “We just think - why can’t we play hip hop in a house set and visa versa. We just like give to crowds what they want.” It was while in Australia that the inspiration for their signature tune, ‘Let’s Get Down’ was born. Written on one of the hottest days in Melbourne’s history, it captured Supafly Inc’s carefree party vibe perfectly and was released on Eye Industries last year. “Supafly Inc is all about using the energy and power of music to affect people in a positive way,” explains One. “We do this through our records, our productions, DJing and live performances. Musically we’re a complete mix. As long as we’re feeling it, we’ll release it for people to enjoy.” ’Movin Too Fast’ samples the riff from Phil Collins’ ‘Another Day In Paradise’, and loops it over a chunky house beat, replacing the slap-headed songsmith’s melancholy tones, with an anthemic vocal that tells the tale of a relationship gone wrong. QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY DAVE GERAGHTY AND DOMINIC PHILIPS What do you do to chill out after a hectic night performing? Sleep or watch animals on TV (Discovery Channel). What is your biggest achievement so far? Being alive and been able to make a living doing what we love. Who are your musical heroes? Prince, James Brown, Jimmy Hendrix, The Doors, Beatles, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Missy Elliot. Tell us about your new projects... Straw Dogz is my new project. The first track ‘Young & Lonely’ features the vocalist Diane Charlemange who did the vocals on the drum and bass classic ‘Inner City Life’ by Goldie. It’s a feel-good project where I’m free to do anything I want. ‘Young & Lonely’ is one of my most favourite tunes I have produced and co-written. What are your plans for the future? Release this album, make more albums and have more fun! Are there any artists you would like to work with? Prince You’re having a dinner party. Who would you invite and why? Jesus Christ, The Devil, Richard Pryor, Hitler, Marilyn Monroe, Malcolm X, Prince, Madonna, John McEnroe, my family and friends, The Pope, Hugh Hefner (and all his friends) and Einstein. What is your recipe for success? Hard work, more hard work, networking, more hard work and a lot of luck. Not to mention you have to make a good tune! What makes you happy? Good food, good sex and lots of sunshine. What makes you angry? People who let their ego get in the way of their life and yours. Also the congestion charge. What was the last CD/record you bought? Chocolate Puma – ‘Always and Forever. Wicked tune. What is your favourite song? That is a really hard question. Too much good music out there. I really don’t know but one of them would be ‘Girlfriend’ or ‘Sign of the Times’ by Prince. If not a DJ/producer/artist then what? Maybe a funky bar somewhere on the beach or be in some kind of business. I don’t like 9 to 5 jobs so I would have to be self-employed. THE SINGLE ‘MOVIN TOO FAST’ IS AVAILABLE ON DATA RECORDS NOW. WWW.SUPAFLYINC.CO.UK

tags: | supafly inc | mister p | panos liassi | one | andrew tumi

Dani Siciliano

PLACE OF BIRTH: From 0-10 I lived and grew up in Arizona, near the border of Mexico in the south-eastern corner. DATE OF BIRTH: The 70s PERSONAL MOTTO: Always say you’re older than you are that way people will comment on how good you look for your age. STYLE OF MUSIC (IN FIVE WORDS): Original, popped out, country, funked-up ditties. DESCRIBE YOURSELF (IN FIVE WORDS): Original, popped out, country, funked-up, skinny, ditty. Singer, producer, songwriter and DJ, Dani Siciliano returns with her second album ‘Slappers’ after receiving massive critical acclaim for her debut album ‘Likes...’ back in 2004. Dani first came to the public eye as a backing singer for electronic music producer Matthew Herbert, lending her jazz-fuelled voice to four of Herbert’s biggest albums to date. She has toured with Herbert regularly, performing in both large and small intimate venues all around the world, providing her with the experience to wow audiences alone with her solo albums. Herbert also returns the favour by lending his talents as producer to this album. After hearing her first album, critics compared Dani’s voice to a cross between Ella Fitzgerald and Siouxie Sioux and this album returns to form, featuring a mix of house, disco, electronica, pop and blues. ‘Slappers’ shows an enthusiastic knowledge of familiar and obscure samples, experimental sounds, playful (and sometimes political) lyrics and generally just a lot of fun. Other projects that Dani has been involved in include Rosin Murphy’s single ‘If We’re In Love (What Will Be Will Be)’ and even recording original pieces of music for French fashion designer Gaspard Yurkievich’s shows, performing live at two of his runway shows last year. What do you do to chill out after a hectic night performing? I think it depends on how well a gig went . Sometimes you’re all fired-up and curious to peruse the evening with constitution. Other nights/days, a glass of bubbly and bed are the best tricks of the trade. What is your biggest achievement so far? My biggest achievement is being here right now. It may sound a bit corny but there is a lot of depth to one’s life and being in the moment. Who are your musical heroes? I honestly don’t have any specific musical heroes. My respect is abundant for the musicians who have traversed through time and careers and managed to maintain conviction and constitution for themselves and their music. Tell us about your new projects... I’m only writing for myself at the moment. So, no new projects have birthed as of yet. I will say that the future may hold banjos, tap shoes, and happiness. What are your plans for the future? My plans for the future are limited to my immediate future which is touring. That always has a plethora of potential spin-offs built into it. Are there any artists you would like to work with? My main rule of thumb is to work with artists for whom there is mutual respect/interest for collaboration. But seeing that this is a chance to drop some names(ha ha) I would love to work with OutKast, Missy and TV on the Radio. What is catching your ear at the moment? My earring. What is your recipe for success? One part me, three parts conviction, a pinch of dirty basslines and a heap of originality. Oh yes, and a dash of something top secret. What makes you happy? What makes you angry? Love and all its lovely components make me happy. Love and all its dirty narratives make me angry. What was the last CD/record you bought? I replaced my copy of ‘The Bends’ by Radiohead. What is your favourite song? Really? One song? My favourite song is one that was written for me. The strongest element being that I am the only one to own it – for now, that is... If not a DJ/producer/artist, then what? Shoe maker, bespoke style. DANI SICILIANO’S NEW ALBUM ‘SLAPPERS’ IS AVAILABLE NOW ON !K7 RECORDS.

tags: | dani siciliano | �slappers� | matthew herbert | rosin murphy | gaspard yurkievich

BELL XI

PLACE OF BIRTH: DOMINIC PHILIPS Ireland. DAVE GERAGHTY Out in the Wild West. I rode into town on a horse with no name and stayed ever since. DATE OF BIRTH: DP 12/12/73 DG Mind yer own bleedin’ business. It seems wrong to be promoting the truth. PERSONAL MOTTO: DP No regrets. DG Never reveal your age’s true identity. STYLE OF MUSIC : DP Camp-fire disco. DG In the winter, some corduroy slacks with perhaps a matching cravat. If it doesn’t hinder movement too much while performing, an evening jacket from a different but suitable ensemble. And in the summer time – what with the heat and all, jeans and a t-shirt. DESCRIBE YOURSELF : DP Quiet, easygoing, happy. DG Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau having a domestic. Already a household name in their native Ireland, Bell X1 consists of frontman Paul Noonan, Dave Geraghty and Brian Cosby on guitar and keyboard and bassist Dominic Philips. Their third album, ‘Flock’ has already entered the Irish charts, back in October 2005, and went straight in at the top spot. The band formed in 2000, with their debut album as a four-piece entitled ‘Neither Am I’. Before this, the band went under the name Juniper and had a fifth member, none other than Damien Rice. Juniper created a lot of waves in Ireland after only a couple of singles, but when Rice decided to leave, the others were determined to re-name and get back into the recording studio. And they have never looked back. They actively chose to change their style, writing elegant and majestic lyrics with a sound resonant of Talking Heads. Their second album, ‘Music in Mouth’ was released in 2003 and to great critical acclaim, raising them to stardom in their native isle. Since then, they have performed to massive crowds at the SXSW festival in Texas, and ‘Music in Mouth’ has gone double platinum in Ireland. However, it is with ‘Flock’ that they hope to further their success in the UK and even further afield. QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY DAVE GERAGHTY AND DOMINIC PHILIPS What do you do to chill out after a hectic night performing? DP Go for a drink with band/friends. Creamy pints and whiskey. DG A good Isley and an episode of CSI Miami. What is your biggest achievement so far? DP Musically, proud of the albums we’ve made. For the blow-you-away factor our gig at Oxegen this year ticked a big box. DG Opening my eyes at the top of the ferris wheel at Oxegen. Who are your musical heroes? DP Johnny Cash, the Beatles and Radiohead. DG I idolised Phil Lynott when I was younger. What are your plans for the future? DP World domination (small steps!). We’d like to continue to make records and tour, wherever people will have us. DG To continue what we do best. But better. What is catching your ear at the moment? DP Razorlight’s ‘In the Morning’ - I like it a lot. You’re having a dinner party. Who would you invite and why? DP Bob Geldof - I saw him speak recently and he’s captivating. Marilyn Manson - I think would be great for dining conversation. Anthony Hopkins - Mmm, very nice, very tasty. Jim Carrey, Tommy Tiernan and Eddie Izzard. Oh dear it’s all men! Edith Bowman, Kathy Bates, Kate Winslet, Sugababes and Eddie can come in drag to even it up a bit. DG All of the above and maybe the Olsen Twins. They look like they could do with a good feed. What is your recipe for success? DP Knowing what’s important. If I’m happy I consider myself successful. Keeping a variety of interests. Keeping things fresh is always a good thing. Surrounding yourself with nice people. Being as active as possible. Cooking nice food. Enjoy everything, but not too much of anything. DG Keep yourself challenged –to be like Macgyver except with music. What is your favourite song? DP ‘Grandma’s Hands’ by Bill Withers. I can picture my Nana’s hands when I hear it. It really gets me. She was an amazing and special lady. If not a DJ/producer/artist then what? DP Mathematician. I’ve a bit of a mathematical mind. Always looking for something to solve. I like the idea of passing the time in some oak panelled University room pondering the Riemann Hypothesis. They say music is maths. BELL X1’S CURRENT SINGLE, ‘ROCKY TOOK A LOVER’, IS TAKEN FROM THE ALBUM ‘FLOCK’. BOTH ARE OUT NOW. CHECK OUT ROCKY’S BLOG AT WWW.ROCKYTOOKALOVER.COM

tags: | bell xi | damien rice | juniper | paul noonan | dave geraghty | brian cosby | more...

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