BTS WITH J WARNER AND GRIMINAL "FUTURE"

http://www.d-fam.co.uk/

J Warner getting a "touch up" from the "glam squad"

Singer/songwriter J Warner invited Miss Lala for a "behind the scenes" sneak peek look at the video to his new single "Future", which features up and coming grime MC, Griminal.  J warner was discovered by UK production team Music Kidz early 2010, produced by Ring Official. 

The shoot took place in "deepest darkest" East London in what can only be described as an "abandoned warehouse.  The set was buzzing with people, stylist Mark Haddon (shouts out to Pure Garms LTD) from the film crew to to the entourage of both J Warner and Griminal, to the video chicks (some having a moan about being on set from early, and not being in the shoot, awww lol).  None the less, both J Warner and Griminal got on with the job at hand and put in a great performance for the video.  I got the chance to sit down with both artists and chat with them about the new single, what they want to achieve in the music industry, plus loads more.

Miss Lala with J Warner

Interview with J Warner

Miss Lala: Explain to my “blog” readers what your new single “Future” is about?

J Warner: My first single inspired “Future”, that single was called “Dream World”.  That track was about meeting that one person who could only imagine being part of your dream world. I wanted the single “Future” to be taken to another level from “Dream World”, meaning that the girl that I meet in my dreams will be the girl that I see a “Future” with.  I wanted to say that in a cool way, which is why I wrote the song.

Miss Lala: Do you only perform R&B tracks?

J Warner: R&B music is my main influence, but I do other genres of music.  Most of the tracks I do are R&B, but I do get influenced by other genres of music in my writing?

 

Miss Lala:At the moment UK music is riding the crest of a wave.  Within the last few years R&B singers have taken a backseat, with more UK grime acts achieving success.  We have UK R&B artist like Jay Sean and Taio Cruz doing really well in the US.  Does their success make you feel more confident about your own success as an R&B singer?

J Warner:I think more UK singers will progress and get better, I have a few other friends/artists doing R&B and there supporting and pushing UK R&B.  I think it can only get better, there’s a door that open now.  There wasn’t really too many UK artist doing R&B before Jay and Taio , apart from Craig David.  I feel like my generation is really stepping up and coming through, I feel really positive about the movement.

Miss Lala: Is there anybody out there that you would give your right arm to work with?

J Warner:There’s a writer called James Fauntleroy who’s signed to ROC Nation (wrote tracks like “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga and “Take You Down by Chris Brown).  His writing style inspires how I approach my songs.  The way he puts his songs into words, it’s so simply but very effective. He’s probably one of the best writers that we have in the industry. 

Miss Lala: What would you next like to achieve within the next 5-10 years with your music?

J Warner:I want the respect of being a UK R&B artist.  I don’t think there has been anyone from the UK that has been considered as an iconic R&B artist.  That’s what I would like to achieve.

Interview with Griminal

http://www.myspace.com/griminalmc

Miss Lala: You feature on J Warners new track

Griminal:Yeah it’s called “Future” (Lalalalala, singing my name during the interview lol)

 

Miss Lala: For my bloggers that don’t know who you are, explain to them a little bit about yourself?

Griminal:I’m Griminal, just an MC doing my thing.

Miss Lala: Where did you get the name from?

Griminal:I was in a Hype Party, with loads of my mates.  The music was blaring really loud. I heard someone shout “Griminal”.  I asked everyone if they heard, they all said “what you talking about?” I said “that’s a name, Griminal!” Afterwards, I made up the terminology for it. I do “Grime”, “Criminals” do “Crime”, I do “Grime”, so I named myself “Griminal”.

Miss Lala:So your clearly well known on the “Grime Scene”.  A lot of grime artist coming through the mainstream at the moment.  We have the likes of Roll Deep and Tinie Tempah with their No1 successes. Is that something you’re looking to achieve?

Griminal: Most defiantly, that something that I want to achieve right now, some mainstream success.  I’ve done my thing on the “underground”, I’m going to continue to do my thing in the “underground” scene.

Miss Lala: How do you feel about a lot of “grime” artist being accused of going down the “commercial route” to get that mainstream success?

Griminal: I do think that people are going to feel a certain way, if you have been doing your thing in the “underground” scene, then you stop and do something else, but as a fan of music, especially underground, you have to understand, there’s not a lot of money in it, not as much as people think there is.  For us to make some real money in this industry we are going to have to do music that appeals to a larger market, its that simple. You can expect “grime” music from me.  I can only speak for myself, but everyone else will do what they do.

Miss Lala: You’re on this collaboration with J Warner, what would be your ultimate collaboration in any music genre?

Griminal:Weezy F Baby (Lil Wayne)

Miss Lala:Hmm, maybe when he’s released from prison you can “hit him up”

Griminal: Yeah, in about 3 months

Miss Lala: Do you look to the US as a market you would like to break?

Griminal: That would defiantly be something I would enjoy doing. Because it’s so much bigger than England, it’s simple mathematics.  You go No1 over there, you have to multiply that by whatever you make over here.

Miss Lala: What’s your plan for breaking the US market? What’s going to make you stand out from every other UK artist?

Griminal: I got my English accent and my lyrics (laughs!).  Don’t know if that’s going to do it! I’m just gonna work hard.

Miss Lala: Your very young, your 20 years old.  What were your influences when you were growing up?

J Warner: To be honest my main influence was Michael Jackson.  When I was young, I remember when my mum had a video tape of Michael Jackson when he was young.  I used to think I looked like him when he was younger.  His talent was just “ridiculous”.  Growing up I started to develop a better ear for music, my three main influences to date would be Brandy, Beyonce and John Legend.  Listening to them helped me to develop my own style.  I’m now opening my eyes and ears to other artists like Cold Play and One Republic.

MISS LALA WITH.........MELEKA, "MISS ME" VIDEO SHOOT

www.meleka.co.uk

www.twitter.com/melekamusic

www.myspace.com/melekamusic

Miss Lala had the pleasure of being invited to the set of the latest video shoot for the UKs newest rising star, Meleka.  Having already set the clubs on FIRE with her single "Go", Meleka is ready to further her success with her new single "Miss Me".  The shoot took place in a "secret location" in the deepest darkest North London, on set for the day I bumped into fellow fashion stylist Denise Brown and comedian, Eddie Kadi. Denise brought some great pieces for Meleka to transform into, getting dolled up by her "glam squad", I was able to interview the very chatty singer (see below).  Ever the professional and typical multitasking female, we talked about what the single was about, what direction she would like her career to go in and who she would love to work with. 

I also managed to secured my video first video debut.  It's less "video vixen" and more "prop vixen" than anything else lol.  But I was happy at the fact that they paired me with some "boy toy" for the scene I was in (NICE!!)

The single "Miss Me" will be released 26th Sept.  Pics and single below

25. Crazy Cousinz ft Meleka - Miss Me by T Gully

 Meleka looking glam with Miss Lala 

1.  Your last single "Go" was a huge hit on the UK Funky House scene.  What can the fans expect from you this time round with your new single "Miss Me"?

With this single were still "man bashing". Well, not exactly "man bashing", more gloating.  The message is more "OK, you dumped me, but guess what, I'm doing better without you!"

2.  Is this the message that you promote to people that have been treated poorly by there partners?

If a guy cheated on me and I found out, I would be "Ok, that fine, lets keep it moving".  I'm not necessarily telling other people to do that, each to their own.  You never know what's going to happen, but I do support standing up for yourself.  Men, women, transgender, black, white, whatever.  Do what's good for you.

3.  What other projects are you currently involved in?

I'm writing for alot of artists at the moment.  I have collaborations with a a few people.  I also have an album coming out at the beginning of next year

4.  Is there any artist that you would give your "right arm" to work with?

Mary J Blige or Brandy

5. Any Uk artists that you would like to work with?

I've been lucky enough to have worked with quite a few already.  Ive worked with Chipmunk, Basement Jaxx and Tinie Tempah.  I'm hoping to work with "Boy Better Know" (Skepta). 

6.  Most UK artist want to break the US market.  Is that also a dream of yours?

Definitely, if you do something and you want to be the best at it, you should "go for it".  The US is somewhere I would like my music to go. 

                                                        Being prepped by her "Glam Squad"

                                            Stylist Denise Brown and comedian, Eddie Kadi

My pretend "date" on the shoot. The lovely "Khy".  We had a good ol chat.  Hopefully I have resolved his many issues with women.

                        Miss Lala catching a shot with Melekas "love interest" for the video, Kevan.

MISS LALA WITH.....ROYSTON LEGORE

http://www.officialroyston.com/

http://www.massivecreation.com/

Miss Lala sat down with singer/actor Royston Legore.  Royston has worked with some of the top names in the music biz, from Estelle, Kanye West, Sugababes, Jamelia, Ashanti and many more.  Having started in the business at the tender age of 13, by acting, presenting, dancing and singing (phew!) Royston shares his wealth of experience with The Lala Report.  He talks about his love of the industry, the state of UK black music and his love for a particular strip club in Houston, Texas (HUH!)

1. You started your career at a very early age. What was it that drew you this industry?

To be honest I never really had the industry in mind as a career I was just a hungry achiever and singing, dancing etc was what I loved and after chasing it with what I could find to express it I ended up working from it

2. What advice would you give to any youngsters wanting to pursue a career as an actor or a singer?

To be in the industry at a young age is always a hard one. But I think if that's what you really wanna do go for it but take your time and learn as much as u can. Be honest with your elders to express to them where your trying to aim so if they can't help you can put you in the right hands that can.

3. What and who inspires you and why?

Wow I have to say my mum. She just let me do my thing and grow on my own, she never held me back and at the same time never boosted my ego. I could be touring the world,on huge award shows and she'll still be like. "Have you eaten, u got clean clothes" lol

4. How hard has it been to get people interested in your talents?

That's a good one cause even though I'm proud of all my achievements I'm personally not even half way where I wanna be yet. It can be hard to get people to maybe be interested but what I've found and more grateful for is that I'm respected. And that's what keeps me going.

5. Many UK artist who traditionally do R&B/Hip Hop (Estelle, Floetry etc), seem to leave the UK to pursue their careers in the US.  Do you feel there is a lack of support for these genres in the UK?

I would not say there is a lack of support I just feel the market has not been as open as it is in the US. America in general is so big that there.  They can push certain music, and if you have the sound that's universal you got the whole states. Where with UK I feel they want to do certain things but maybe don't know how to execute it as well, and follow blueprints for other company's/acts that may not always work.

6. The UK seems to have had a really great year for music in 2009 from grime artist.  Why do you think this is? Do you think it will continue into 2010?

I think it will and only get better, Grime has always been around and it was only in due time was gonna get its due. Just like Garage it had a big craze and acts like Craig David, Mis-teeq, Daniel Bedingfield took it to the international level. The one thing I would say is that its all good to make music but you have to come with the whole package. Have a concept and plot and go full force. That's what gives u longevity.

7. Do you think the current singers from reality shows are having a positive or a negative effect on the music industry?

Hmmm, I have to say both, the reality shows are a great outlet for singers that in the UK would never be seen. But then due to the cheesy fun part of TV we have a few random's that play games with music and audiences think its fun. That's the part I don't like.

8. What has been the best experience working in the industry?

I would have to say travelling the world and being able to provide, and also just doing what I love.

9. What has been the worst experience?

LOL... NO COMMENT!! LOL

10. What new projects can we expect from you in 2010?

Right now I'm just pushing full force with everything I have a desire to do. From music, tv and also the business side of things. Its gonna be a great year. So look out lol

11. Have you had any embarrassing moments while performing?

Loads, from forgotten words to ripped pants to dropping the mic while performing lol..

12. Tell me three things the about you that the WORLD does not know?

1. I love to cook

2. I'm a sucker for Janet Jackson

3. And I love Strip clubs in Houston, Texas lol...

13. Is there anyone in the industry you feel should just “GO AWAY”?

There are a few but who knows I may have to work with them one day! So ill keep that to myself. Lol

Quick Fire

1) Bath or Shower- shower

2) Nights in or Nights out- nights out

3) X Factor or Strictly- x factor

4) Couch Potato or Action Jackson- action jackson

5) Team Naomi or Team Tyra- ooh team tyra

6) Health Freak or Junk Food Junkie-bit of both

7) West Indian take away or Chinese  take away- wa yard food all the way!

8) Make Up on or Make Up off- make up on

9) To Weave or Not to Weave- no that's the question lol. Little don't do no harm

10)  Sunny days or Winter days- sunny

11) Skinny Jeans or Baggy jeans.- skinny but not tight tight.

MISS LALA WITH.........KIRISA SAMUELS

Professional dancer Kirisa Samuel speaks to Miss Lala about her career as a dancer.  Kirisa has worked with some of the top names in the industry including Ne-Yo, Kanye West, Pixie Lott, Cheryl Cole and many more. With a heavy body of work and her obvious passion of dance, Karissa shares her experiences as one of the hottest dancers in London.

1.  How long have you been a professional dancer? 12 Years

2.  What’s the best job you have booked as a dancer? Well I would say Whitney Houston. I did the Brits, MTV Awards and Top of the pops. At the time I was new and quite young in the business so it was a very exciting time.

3. Is there anyone you haven’t worked with that you would give your “right arm” to work with? Janet Jackson

4. What’s the most difficult thing about your line of work? You have to be thick skinned and be able to let rejection and critsism go over your head.

5. Do you specialise more than one area of dance? Yes, I’m trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, modern and street dance.

6. A lot of dancer see the US as a place they want to build a career, is that something that you aspire to? If so, why? If I was 10 years younger I would definatly go over there to dance. There just seems to be a lot more opportunities over there.

7. Who’s choreography excites you and why? Priscilla Samuels, no matter what you’re dancing to, the moves she creates sits with your body perfectly and flows. Her choreography is amazing

8. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to be a dancer? Make sure you get training in different styles, so if a choreographer throws anything at you, you’re able to do it and your able to book a variety of jobs.

9. If you were not a professional dancer, what would your chosen career be? I probably would of persued my singing career.

10. What are your future goals? I would love to open my own dance school.

Quick Fire

1)      Bath or Shower: Bath

2)      Nights in or Late nights out: nights in

3)      X Factor or Strictly: x factor

4)      Couch Potato or Action Jackson: action jackson

5)      Team Naomi or Team Tyra: team tyra

6)      Health Freak or Junk Food Junkie: health freak

7)      West Indian take away or Chinese take away: west indian

8)      Make Up on or Make Up off: make up on

9)      To Weave or Not to Weave: to weave

10)   Sunny days or Winter days: sunny days

Check out some of the videos Kirisa has been in

MISS LALA WITH..... RACHAEL WILLIAMS

Miss Lala had a chat with up and coming model Rachael Williams.  Rachael has been causing quite a stir since she was first introduced into the modelling circuit.  Having worked in the London, Miami,  New York, Rachael has become a firm favourite in the modelling industry. Not just a pretty face, she also heads up her own company called "We Girls Rock".  I sat down with Rachael to talk about her career in modelling, her beauty secrets and plans her for 2010.

1.  How did you get into modeling?

I always had a passion for modeling, ever since i was 14 years old. I saw an advert in my local newspaper for an agency that was recruiting new models. I made an appointment to attend a test shoot with them, and saved up for weeks just to pay the £100 registration. I waited for months to hear back from them, but never heard anything, so i decided to godown to the agency only to find that they never existed! I never received any pics or my money back.

After that my parents were skeptical but i kept on going; to build up my confidence i did lots of unpaid university fashion shows and photo-shoots to build up my portfolio. Then i took my book around to the London modeling agencies, i was rejected by all of them. So i was in two minds about continuing so i held back a little while while i finished college.

I then won Miss Black Britain, which was a big confidence booster and gave me a little more recognition as a model in this industry. I learnt alot in this year about the modeling and the industry and after i finished university, I decided to model full time and since then I have been working full time. I have travelled to Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York Greece, Turkey and many more places, working at fashion week, for well known designers and brands!

2.  What’s been your most memorable job and why?

My most memorable job was when i was doing a a job for an African Magazine a few years back. I was so excited as this was my first ever spread in a magazine so just like any new model i wanted to look perfect for the shoot. So i read up on tips on 'how to prepare for a shoot' on the internet and one of them was to eat little to stop yourself from bloating. So i thought i wont eat at all. Halfway into the shoot i felt very weak and fainted. The ambulance rushed down to the shoot and ran tests on me, luckily my sugar levels were low so i just had to eat! This was very scary as i had never fainted before and to do so on a shoot, i felt a little embarrassed. So now i make sure to eat breakfast before every job and bring along a few snacks....just incase!

3.  Has your current experience as a model of colour been mostly positive or negative?

Overall my main experience as a model has been positive, Im my own boss, i decide on all the work i do, i get to travel nearly every month, all the jobs are different, im always meeting new people, there is no routine and sometimes, i get to keep the clothes!! On occasions i do experience negativity from clients, agencies and the even general public in regards to my weight, my complexion, my attitude, my style e.t.c but  i dont let any of that bother me as i know where i am going and i do not need to entertain that along the way.

4.  Have you found that there has been an increase of other models of colour since you started, or does the modeling industry still have a long way to go in recruiting models of colour?

When i started out, what attracted me to the industry was that there was quite a few models of colour that actually working within the industry despite all the negativity surrounding it. So i aspired to be like them. As i have grown within the industry about 80% of those same models have disappeared of the scene! Im not sure the reason behind this as there could be many but what i do know is that this industry will  try to break to purposely break you down. But you have to keep on fighting for what you believe in, and for those of you who have done i say thank you, as i would not be where i am if you had not made the impact that you have.

However, although there are many models colour 'breaking' it in this industry we still do have a long way to go before the agencies and the designers will begin to recruit them based on their individuality, not just their race!

5.  Being a darker skinned model, have you found that amongst black models there is still a divide when it comes to skin tone (light skin vs dark skin).  Why do you think this is?

I believe that the industry is moving on and this debate is becoming history. Darker skinned models are becoming noticed just as much as those who are lighter skinned.

6.  Which other model has inspired you and why?

I have been inspired by Tyra Banks entrepreneurial skills, Naomi Campbell's determination and Heidi Klum's continuity.

7.  What advice would you give to other aspiring models?

Do not take to heart criticism. Enjoy every job that you do. Network as much as you can.

8.  Where would you like your modeling career to take you in the next 5 years?

I aim to be recognized as an international, Fashion and beauty model and I would love to travel more (one of my aims in life is to visit every country...so i hope modeling takes me all around the globe).

9.  Give us one of your top beauty secrets?

I love to make my skin and hair care using natural products. here are my top 3.

1. A honey face mask- I mix together Honey and olive oil and lave on my face for 15 mins once week.

2. Heated Hair Oil- After i have shampooed my hair, i use a combination of natural oils that i just heat in the microwave and leave in my hair as i blow dry.

3. Sugar Scrub- I exfoliate my skin using brown sugar and olive oil 4x a week to remove any dead skin cells and promote glowing, soft skin.

Quick fire

Bath or Shower   BATH

Nights in or Late nights out NIGHTS IN

X Factor or Strictly X FACTOR

Couch Potato or Action Jackson ACTION JACKSON

Team Naomi or Team Tyra TEAM TYRA

Health Freak or Junk Food Junkie JUNK FOOD JUNKIE

West Indian take away or Chinese take away WEST INDIAN TAKEAWAY

Make Up on or Make Up off MAKE UP OFF

To Weave or Not to Weave NOT TO WEAVE

Sunny days or Winter days SUNNY DAYS