October Books, the well-loved independent bookshop in Southampton, UK where I work was facing a rent increase and an uncertain future towards the end of 2017. What to do? My colleagues and I started to look at alternative premises in the local area and the city center in early 2018. We first viewed the former chemist next door, which had a smaller retail space and a lower rent, so we registered our interest. But it was not to be – someone else got in before us.
Month: January 2019
Drop everything and create
Everyone has a story. Complicated, joyful, challenging, and beautiful. This is mine.
I am an independent artist living and creating music, films, and installations in Los Angeles. Born in Russia and emigrated to the United States seven years ago at the peak of my career as a journalist, I dropped everything and started my life from scratch. Some people may say I waited too long, but I say the magic happened when I was ready and the time was right.
The story of Austin, TX power-pop feminist band, Mean Jolene
by Jolie Flink
In the aftermath of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and the end of a long-term relationship, I was on a manic tear and writing songs at lightning speed. At the time, my late-night escapades included a lot of flings and raging substance use — this was the only way I knew how to manage my symptoms at the time. I wasn’t exactly treating my bipolar disorder with traditional medicine or therapy.
Nature Poetry
“Nature Poetry” (the album!) is the striking byproduct of the dance performance “Nature Poetry” by Križaj / Wehrli / Gisler. With inexhaustible eager, the choreographers Jasmina and Simon, and the musician Daniel jump into the bushes and transform their naiveté into a virtue. To be listened with closed eyes or while traveling alone – and one or two songs can even boost your party!
What Warped Memory Does for Your Impression of a Place
by Alex Southey
This song, We Have Been Here for a Week, is about the perceived personality of the city of Vancouver.
From the reclusive “Artist” to the “Rock Star”
When I’m playing or listening to music time stands still, and the outside world doesn’t exist. My imagination runs free. That’s what I most enjoy about being a musician. I like to spend time alone which gives me plenty of time to write songs, but then performing in front of an audience is an entirely different thing.
A Discovery of Being Understood
by Heath Church
When I play a song for you, I want to create an experience that sticks with you. I want to take you to a place in your mind where you feel accepted and understood in a unique way that you haven’t before. That’s what music does. It understands us. I think everyone needs a chance to feel understood.
My crazy adventure as a street musician: a life-changing year
by Iris Johner
It’s lost and heavy-hearted that I decided to settle down on my own in south Portugal in November 2017. After three years of travels around the world and a summer back to my hometown realizing time was flying and driving my dreams away from me, it appeared to be the perfect deal for a start over – as the one place I would most likely call home.
Heno – Fragments Of A Memory LP
by Heno
Hello, my name is Heno from London UK. I’ve been producing music for ten years, and I just released my first album called “Fragments Of A Memory” on Monday, available in all digital outlets.
Recording My Album: The Will to Succeed
After years of performing in funk, jazz, blues, ska, Top 40 and big bands, I found myself and the voice that I wanted with my music in the world. I realized, after traveling and living in all parts of the country, the music that best represents me, is Pop!