!:: WRITER’S BLOCK CELEBRATES ITS 4TH YEAR- 20TH MAY 2012::!

WE TURN 4. YAY!

As always, details below. This is a truly momentous occasion, so bring loved ones and let’s break bread.

P.s We’re now on Tumblr.

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

• • • Feature Acts • • •

► INUA ELLAMS

Poet, performer, playwright, graphic artist and designer. Inua Ellams started performing in cafes in 2003 and has since worked in venues which include Queen Elizabeth Hall, Tate Britain, Theatre Royal Stratford and Glastonbury Festival. He has also undertaken several commissions, including those for Tate Modern, Soho Theatre and for the BBC’s Politics Show. His first book was the best-selling poetry pamphlet, Thirteen Fairy Negro Tales (2005), and in 2009 his debut play, The 14th Tale (2009), a partly autobiographical coming of age tale, won a Fringe First Award at Edinburgh Festival, toured, and ran at the National Theatre in 2010.

His second play, Untitled (2010), toured in Autumn 2010.

Just recently, Inua brought his latest stage adaptation- Black T-Shirt Collection, to a pretty much consecutively
sold out audience.

► RACHEL KERR
Having shared the same stage as US megastars Musiq Soulchild, Donell Jones, Avant, Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond, it is evident that Rachel Kerr is a loaded hurricane about to strike the UK’s music industry. The last year has seen the rising R&B popstar and songwriter being accosted by the media wherever she goes, including the US number one urban TV station BET. Rachel Kerr is the sensational new talent; certified to be Britain’s own national treasure. Rachel is proof that first-class performers are not solely limited to the United States. Her music is epic, honest, infectious and she comfortably strides the tightrope-fine line between the R&B and pop genres. Bold kick drums, fat snares and soaring synths teamed with Rachel’s breathtaking effortless vocals are proving to be a recipe for success for the rising star.

► FEMI MARTIN
Femi is a flash fiction writer and performer. She has told her tiny tales at many fantastic places including Literary Death Match, UpRise Festival, The Charles Dickens Museum, and The Southbank. Using humour and sensitivity along with a fearless honesty, Femi’s stories explore the gamut of the human condition. She is the Dickens 2012 Young Writer in Residence.

► CHOCKZ
Born in East London, with roots firmly set in the UKG and hip hop cultures, Chockz’ s lyrical trickery comprises of clever wordplay, mesmerising metaphors and impeccable diction laid out upon the smoothest of flows. Not content with just mastering lyrics, Chockz is also a poet, producer and song writers for contemporary artists, making his “I’m more than a rapper” moto more than apt.

► RAPHAEL ATTAR
Lounge lyricist. Failed poet. The bastard offspring of ODB and Tim Key. None of these things, and less, have been said about Raphael Attar. With South London roots and a newly acquired Northern twang, Raph combines deft wordplay with an eye for an absurd to talk about the things that really matter. Politics. Dinosaurs. Gary Barlow.

► AZEKEL
Nigerian-born, alternative pop artist Azekel is characterised By experimental beats laced with soulful tones. With numerous achievements under his belt such as featuring on the Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape, performing on the Roundhouse Rising Festival 2012 stage and opening for a number of UK acts, the singer-songwriter producer is about ready for take off..

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

P L U S:

► Short Film Screening from Yemi Bamiro

• • • E N T R Y • • •

.:: £5 before 8.30pm, £7 thereafter. Artists have individual guest lists, or pay on the door::.

• • • W E B A G E • • •
http:// lovewritersblock.com/
http://youtube.com/ lovewritersblock
http://facebook.com/ lovewritersblock
http://twitter.com/ lovewblock
http://Myspace.com/ lovewritersblock

lovewritersblocK[AT]gmail.com

Stay locked!

:: 26.02.12::

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

SUNDAY 26th February 2012

First show of the year! A fresh crop of almost entirely new talent for your listening pleasure. You’re welcome. x 

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
• • • Feature Acts • • •

► Deanna Rodger::
One of the most enthralling poets on the scene, Deanna makes a much welcomed return to Writer’s Block this month. A UK poetry slam champion, poetry workshop student turned facilitator and powerhouse performer, Deanna is a weighted force. Comprehensively put: “Her poems take listeners on a journey, much of the time, they don’t realise that they are on; meaning is disguised through specific words used, semantic fields and imagery- so listen carefully. She speaks HER truth no one else’s”.

► Ellie Lawson:: 
Ellie first pricked our ears on SBTV.co.uk ‘s A64 series with her gorgeous acoustic rendition of quick-witted tune, ‘Why?’. An independent Folk-Pop Singer Songwriter, Ellie released her debut album exclusively with Barnes and Noble bookshops in the USA after an appearance and stamp of approval on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Ellie’s recent projects include a Dance album and a new acoustic EP ‘Lost Without You’. 

► Mr Disfit::
In the history of popular music, the most successful twosomes have been those who have said what the people were feeling and said it in the loudest voice. Wanting to add themselves to the list of outspoken greats is Mr.DisFit. Mixing gospel-tinged vocals, chunky guitars and an introspective lyrical content this twosome have concocted a definitive debut effort that promises to leave listeners rocking to the rhythms of their recklessness.
With their forthcoming release ‘The Line’ set for a mid-2012 release, Mr.DisFit intend to cement their position amongst the leaders of a new generation of self-sufficient artists, writing, producing and composing their own material, and doing so at their own pace.

► Ego-Ella May::
19-year-old singer and self taught guitarist Ego-Ella May, has already been tipped by Soul legend Omar as one to watch and we can see why. Her distinct vocals and atmospheric production caused much excitement when her songs landed in our inbox. Citing neo-soul and jazz as musical influences, Ego-Ella boasts a rich, mature sound coupled with playful experimentalism.

► Paul Raj ::
An exciting new musician hailing from South East London, Brit School Alumni Paul has a keen ear for music and velvety vocals likely to leave you transfixed. Unabashedly conveying vulnerability, with classic melodies paying homage to the great soul singers of times past, Paul offers a smooth, tender touch to the Writer’s Block show.

► Favour::
Favour was initiated into music artistry as one-half of the formidable grime duo, Surrender. Since going it alone, this North Londoner is often heralded for his hard-hitting delivery and conscious rhymes. Priding himself on his lyrical integrity, Favour was a standout performer when we recently witnessed his live show. We like, and hope you will too.

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

P L U S:

► Short Film screening from Filmmaker Yemi Bamiro and poetry video screening from Dean Atta.

► Food available!

• • • E N T R Y • • •

.:: £5 before 8.30pm, £7 thereafter. Artists have individual guest lists, or pay on the door::.

• • • W E B A G E • • •
http://lovewritersblock.com/
http://youtube.com/lovewritersblock
http://facebook.com/lovewritersblock
http://twitter.com/lovewblock
http://Myspace.com/lovewritersblock

lovewritersblock@gmail.com

♥

ellie lawson

04.12.11- Writer’s Block Tipped For Oh12 Show.

Facebook RSVP>>>>> http://tiny.cc/WBDecember4

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

SUNDAY 4th December 2011

Writer’s Block::: Tipped For Oh Twelve Show
@

Concrete, Shoreditch High Street.

Oh hello, us again! Another spanking instalment of Writer’s Block, the last of the year, no less. In the spirit of renewal, there’ll be a lot of newness in the advent of 2012. New venue- Concrete, 56 Shoreditch High Street, and we’ve hand picked a fair few Writer’s Block virgins who we tip to take their art to great heights next year and beyond. As always, come one, come all. Big love. Big cake slices.

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
• • • Feature Acts • • •

 ► Kaleem Taylor:: http://www.kaleemtaylor.com/
20 year old Kaleem, has a refined, rich vocal tone that definitely precedes his years. Already pricking the ears of BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra et al with his smooth soul, we’re privileged to have Kaleem at the tipping point of wonderment.

 ► Jodi Ann Bickley ::: http://www.youtube.com/jodiann1
Bold, brassy Brumie beauty Jodi brings warmth and familiarity to spoken word like no other. A certified Roundhouse poetry slam champion, she breathes fun and witty lyricism to verses and will be a welcomed addition to the bill.

►Wilson ::: http://soundcloud.com/wilsonsings
The vocal equivalent of hot chocolate, with cream and extra marshmallow. December 4th 2011 marks Wilson’s Writers Block debut and with the release of a new E.P set for early 2012, it won’t be long till he’s in astronomical demand.

 ► Debbie Aramide:: http://www.facebook.com/DebbieAramide
Brand new to Writer’s Block and soon to be eternally impressioned on your heart. Debbie does smooth R&B/Pop, and we can’t get enough.

► Imhotep Oyortey:: http://www.myspace.com/imhotepoyortey
Delectably blending poetry and comedy is Imhotep’s forte. Having performed at Writer’s Block during our wee infancy, it’s about time we welcomed back this young man, who’s continued to establish himself as one of the Capital’s most innovative wordicians.

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

P L U S:

► Short Film Screenings

► Cake cake cake cake! Courtesy of our hostess come Nigella, Miss Tracey D.

• • • E N T R Y • • •

.:: £5. Artists have individual guest lists, or pay on the door::.

• • • W E B A G E • • •
http://lovewritersblock.com/
http://youtube.com/lovewritersblock
http://facebook.com/lovewritersblock
http://twitter.com/lovewblock
http://Myspace.com/lovewritersblock

lovewritersblock@gmail.com

::14th ‘Hide Yourself’ Video

Our lovely show host Tracey Duodu, is one half of  dynamite duo 14th. Herself and band mate/ certified hottie Tom Barber been honing their craft for a few years now, putting on enthralling shows across London and producing songs that are as stunning as they are haunting. Natural bias aside, what sets apart 14th is their hands on approach. Songwriting, composition, production and even video editing is done themselves and unlike the spawn of self-propelled YouTube stars, 14th are anything but amateur. They’re currently unsigned, but it won’t be long till they’re rightfully scooped up.

Enjoy their debut  video to ‘Hide Yourself’:

http://14thMusic.com
http://Facebook.com/14thMusic

Audio Snip:: Cynthia Erivo ‘American Wedding’

Sunday saw a fantatstic Writer’s Block live show featuring a lovely array of talents. One of which was London based actress come songstress Cynthia Erivo. Listen and download her rendition of Frank Ocean’s ‘American Wedding’, recorded live at Writer’s Block.

(That rift at the 1.55 mark. Chills!)

Enjoy!

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀​▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀​▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

♥

:: 17.07.11::

RSVP>>>>> http://tinyurl.com/wbjuly17

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

SUNDAY 17th July 2011
@
THE CAMP, OLD STREET
…
Summer’s here (in theory at least) and as are we, with another line up of sizzling live music, spoken word and short films from some of London’s finest.
This comes hot off the tail of the release of our debut eBook. If you haven’t already, check that out here: http://wp.me/peDKo-mn

*Pictures linked to artists’ websites.*

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀​▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
• • • Feature Acts • • •

►TANYA AUCLAIR:::

Tanya recently released a new EP ‘Origami’ to phenomenal reviews. Rewind 12 months and her debut solo release, EP ‘Thrum’, came out to rave reviews internationally. An excitement for music made from ‘minimal means’ has given rise to Tanya’s distinctive sound and compelling one-woman-band show. She builds her songs live, sampling her voice with a loop pedal, playing ukulele, guitar and percussion. The multi-instrumentalist has worked with the likes of Matthew Herbert’s Big Band Ensemble, Andreya Triana, Laura J Martin and Aristazabel Hawkes.

► AKS :::
There’s no denying that there’s been a real sense of collective support and palpable excitement around lyricist AKS in the lead up and post the release of his lyrically rich Bus Stop E.P. A well orchestrated body of music, The E.P’s title track,’Bus Stop’, for us at least, is one of the most raw and relatable UK rap tracks to do the rounds in recent years. AKS is the guy next door and his visceral rhymes and resonating hunger are testimony to every man’s internal struggle. We’re recent converts and hope you will be too, if not already fully on board.

► HIP HOP SHAKESPEARE::
Founded by MOBO-award winning hip hop artist Akala, The Hip-hop Shakespeare Company (‘THSC’) is a music theatre production company aimed at exploring the social, cultural and linguistic parallels between the works of William Shakespeare and that of modern day rappers. It’s an initiative we’re excited about and know will bring an innovative literary dimension to this show,
The show will feature THSC’s spoken word artists who will be joined onstage by the infamous THSC live musicians, undiscovered young talent & special guests all performing a medley of songs inspired by scenes/poems from famous Shakespeare plays.

► CLEMENT MARFO AND THE FRONTLINE::
This group recently blew us away with their SBTV outdoor live session of their original composition ‘Champion’. We watched in utter awe as this seven piece band, fronted by rapper Clement Marfo, with gutsy vocals from Kojo Virham, delivered a fiery, self assured and highly engaging performance. The band uniquely blend punchy rhymes with a live band set up that playfully skims across genres and results in music brimming with passion, energy yet with mastery of musicality that precedes their years.

► CYNTHIA ERIVO::
Cynthia Erivo is without a doubt a phenomenally talented singer. Her powerhouse vocals coupled with her impressive RADA training has meant that the actress/singer will be playing the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier in the UK theatre tour of Sister Act. We first came across Cynthia when she belted an impromptu rendition of ‘His Eyes are on the Sparrow’, absolutely wowing the crowd of a West London restaurant (really). After recently opening for American Idol Fantasia Barrino a the IndigO2, London, Cynthia has been busying herself recording, providing backing vocals for fresh R& B talent Mike Hough, while perfectly honing her craft(s). She’ll be a delightful addition to the Writer’s block bill.

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀​▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

P L U S:

► Short Film Screenings

► Cake! A splendid array, courtesy of our host Miss Tracey D.

• • • E N T R Y • • •

.:: £5 all night::.

• • • W E B A G E • • •
http://lovewritersblock.co​ m/
http://youtube.com/lovewri​ tersblock
http://facebook.com/lovewr​ itersblock
http://twitter.com/lovewbl​ ock
http://Myspace.com/lovewri​ tersblock

lovewritersblock@gmail.com

::It’s HERE. Click Through & Download::

View this document on Scribd

::.Maybe It’s Because I’m A Londoner.:: LV x Josh Idehen ‘Routes’.

You know when you sleep on something (figuratively), then subsequently realise how thoroughly ILL that overlooked thing was, and kick yourself for not being on the ball? As far as LV and Joshua idehen’s Routes album, released in May, is concerned,  it’s very much a case of that.

LV are a trio who’ve produced some highly acclaimed experimental electronic music under the Hyperdub label and are back with Routes, a stellar album that’s as playful as it is punchy. There’re so many complementary though seemingly contrasting elements to this album. Spoken word, meets rap phonics over electronic, bubbling xylophone percussions, for a start is a rarity. Then we have Joshua Idehen’s culturally ambiguous dialect over a distinctly London backdrop. The album explores journeys, as their 2010 album 38 did similarly, and from the guffaw inducing silliness of ‘Northern Line‘, through to the moody demenour of ‘Never Tried‘ and utter brilliance of ‘Deleted Scenes‘, the various passages Routes takes are always easy on the ear.

This really is  a Londoner’s soundtrack. Cultural exchange, frustration, desire, abandon, ambience… this album’s brimming with vibes- the ballsy kind that’re recognisable to any Big Smoke dweller.

The bassy yet bubbly production on Routes is good enough to eat, so the sounds would do well as a purely instrumental offering, yet Benin City frontman Joshua Idehen’s narrative is such a welcomed addition. Josh has a way of saying exactly what you weren’t thinking, but engaging you anyway. He’s witty, has an absolutely delectable way with words and masters a perfectly balanced cocktail of bravado and sensitivity.

It’d be easy to throw in a Mike Skinner comparison- many would, but we know better. This is a distinctly stand alone LP.

“Bare drama here, no actors, ’cause talent without grind would die on X Factor”.

Stand Out Tracks: Melt, Northern Line, Deleted Scenes, Murkish Delights,

Routes is out now via itunes

-Words::Felicia Okoye

♥