I was lucky enough to attend the "official" opening of The Hard Rock Cafe in Darling Harbour Sydney. WHOAH What a night it was! It started out the front of the venue where a huge stage was erected and there were some great rockers on stage. A crowd gathered to see what all the fuss was about with Sydney's Darling Harbour as the back drop it was a great setting! The outdoor stage was hosted by Radio host Mike Goldman, he's ok - it's a hard job.
The stand out for me was Sarah Mcleod, the woman is one "helluva" HARD ROCK chic, tattoos and all!
We did miss Stan Walker's performance, but I purchased his CD and wished him well. In keeping up with the true Hard Rock tradition they held an official guitar smashing ceremony! The CEO, GM of Hard Rock Aus and some musicians including; Hamish Prosser from the Vines, the current drummer in Guns N' Roses Matt Sorum, Stan Walker, Sarah McLeod and more took part. It was a great thing to witness, pieces of guitars flying everywhere, it looked like fun!
Check out Sarah McLeod smashed that guitar to pieces.
After that it was off to the red carpet. LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION. We then waited near the ROCK SHOP down stairs before being let loose upstairs.
On the walls and ceilings and in cabinets in the Hard Rock Cafe upstairs there garments, photos and memorabilia from music legends plastered and placed everywhere.
I was excited when I found a dress Beyonce wore in one of her shows in a glass cabinet.
The rest of the night was fabulous, although the food took forever to come out it was plentiful and there was an open bar all night long, with some great flair artists showing off their tricks!
During the night I bumped into some of my friends, including; Max Markson, my boys Nacho Pop & Malik D and my friends my Mi Society:
Angel & Mad Max Markson
Mi Society
My boy Malik (on the far left) and 2 of the Sydney Kings players with Aaron Moldovan
I also met some great people including, DJ Lethal from Limp Biskit, Short Stack & some Sydney Kings players.
Throughout the night the Hard Rock stage hosted a huge ROCK concert, which featured many rock artists including, Matt Sorum, Mark Evans from ACDC, Angry Anderson and the one and only DOC NEESON. He was just awesome! I have never seen him live but wow what a performer he is. Doc was so theatrical and still had a great voice! I got to talk to him before his set and I think I said "Wow Doc, you are still rocking on" and ROCK ON he did!
Doc & Mark Evans ACDC
Doc Neeson
It was a great night! At the end of the night I found my personal universal message I have been preaching to the world: ROCK ON! Angel x
In a world where radio stations saturate the airwaves with commercial pop crap which has no meaning and the same ol' beat, and in a country where they fail to support good home grown Aussie talent and Soul and R & B music, I am happy to say we finally have in our midst a "breath of fresh air" a real artist, a true "Champion" who has stayed true to his passion and style of music and who is bringing to us the sweet soulful sounds which our ears so long to hear. I am ecstatic to present this candid interview with the one and only MIKE CHAMPION. A star born a Champion, born to brace the stage, to entertain and here to share real music with the world, Mike Champion could definitely be Australia's first real R & B and Soul artist that would assist our country in producing an international chart topper in his genre of music.
Born and raised in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia and of South African descent, Mike Champion has spent the past 10 years mastering his craft and slowly building a huge underground following in the Australian urban music scene, 10 years on, he is still going strong.
For the purpose of this interview I wanted to focus on Mike Champion in the year 2011. Mike, thank you for your time, you were a very busy YOUNG BOY in 2011, with the release of your debut single "Luv Mathematics" and follow up instalment "Allie Kat" from the album "Young Boy, Old Soul (YBOS), please tell us more about what you got up to in the year 2011. No problem, thank you for taking out the time to interview me. 2011 was a great year for me. I just worked hard at establishing my music and giving people a taste of what to expect from me this year. I was blessed to release my debut and follow up singles which were both received well through Aus and the abroad. I also was blessed to do an official tour. I performed at over 20 venues in 4 different states across Oz. 2011 was really about laying the foundation and 2012 is go time.
Wow that is great...So Mike how does it feel to be finally sharing your music with the world? It is honestly a wonderful feeling to be able to reach people through music. I know music has the power to play on emotions and to be able have that connection with people you might not even know that well, to me that is a powerful thing. I am blessed and thankful to be able to share my music with the world.
Yes you are definitely able to connect with people of all kinds through your music and on stage. I think that is an amazing natural gift of yours...
"Allie Kat" is an interesting name for a song; can you please tell us how did you come up with the name Allie Kat? The original song concept was meant to be about me and my nature, similar to an Alley Cat flying under the radar in most instances. Penning the track though took me on another journey and the track eventually ended being about a girl named Allie Kat who is bad all by herself.
Where did you come up with the inspiration for this song? The flow and vocal definitely was inspired by the beat and swing in the rhythm. As for the concept of the track, it just came from within. I just went with the flow on this one.
What is your definition of an Allie Kat? An Allie Kat is an elegant, classy, sexy sassy woman who can do bad all by herself.
I really love the video for "Allie Kat", I need to watch it over and over again. I hear you did the video yourself, what an amazing achievement, why, when and how did you learn to film and edit video clips? Thanks. Producing Music Videos is something I was forced to do as a result of not having the funds to have somebody else do them for me. My fiance` Tiana Canterbury and I are both pretty creative people naturally, So we sat down and thought up a way we could make it happen with no money. By not knowing we studied videos on YouTube, observed and asked questions to people who knew the answers, and then got hands on and did it ourselves. With the editing, I literally sat down and learnt via youtube how to do basic things in Final Cut. And then went from there. If you have the vision and know what you want, once you focus, you can always achieve it.
Let's take a look at your efforts....
WOW! Great colours; grading; beautiful people; and a good theme and story.
How
long does it take you to edit a clip?For me...anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. haha.. It depends on the footage and getting what I want out of the footage.'
Where did you come up with the inspiration for the Allie Kat video?
From many hours on youtube studying footage that I liked. There are so many great videos out there to draw inspiration from. I watched alot of Euro-type videos, to get that classy feel I was looking for.
Who helps you with the video clips?
My number 1 partner in crime is my fiance', Tiana. We have a media company called "Bizniz In Bed" together, we sit and brainstorm our ideas and come up with the concept. Then we involve who we need to get it done. In the past we have worked with The Viking Lounge Mastering, MYLC Media, Renee Sayed & Miss Tez Make Up, Carl Allen Media, plus alot of great friends and family.
Where do you find all the beautiful people you have in your video clips? They are mostly close friends and
family. My music videos are honestly an insight into my life. I really want to
keep anything regarding my music as organic and as real as possible. What you
see is definitely what you get!!
Nobody
really, I just wear things I would normally wear out.
Let's give the people a look at your very first clip! Your introduction to the world ......"MIKE TEQ NIQ"
2 HOT! You've definitely already improved.
Are you planning to make a career from this?
Thank you, I appreciate that Angel. It is definitely something I am
already doing alongside my music career. My music will always come first but I
do have a love for delivering hot music videos. So Hype Williams is an
Inspiration to me as well :). I heard you won an award last year for Allie Kat, that's great credit to your work, can you tell us about that?
Yes. I was recently asked to
perform at the AAMMA's (African Australian Movie & Music Awards). I was
unknowingly read out in the nominations for Best Video and then went on to win
the Award for Best Video for "Luv Mathematics". It was a great
accomplishment to win the award as this was the first music video I had shot,
co-directed and edited myself.
You are quite stylish on stage in your shows, I think you have an eye for fashion; do you have a passion for fashion? Most
definitely, my mum says I have always been that way. I just love clothes
especially when its one off type gear. I don't spend alot buying clothes though. I
always look for a bargain. I really believe its how you wear it that makes the
outfit fit right.
What
do you think of the music today?
I
think the music of today (in the commercial world) is very different to what it
once was. Because of the pressure major record labels are under, they seem to
now follow a set formula when it comes to releasing artists, as opposed to
allowing the artist to have control of the creative aspect. Therefore the music industry is
swamped with alot of artists who come and go without really leaving their mark.
In saying that though, the part of industry I belong to (The Independent) is thriving
with educated, gifted song writers, singers and entertainers who have been able
to make a career out of releasing the music they love. The Music Industry
today is in a great place because the Major and the Independent are now on the
same playing field and there is more music on access to listeners then there
has even been in the past.
What
are your favourite tracks out now?
I
listen to alot of music and I gotta say I am a big fan of the producer Zo! He
has a few records out at the moment, some old some new but all timeless. A few tracks on
my playlist right now are: Eric Roberson - "Talking Reckless" & "Happy Summertime", Zo - "This Could Be The Night", Phonte - "NotHere Anymore". Plus all the
classics, A bit of Maxwell, D'Angelo, Dwele.. You know...That baby making
stuff!!!
Mike,
you have been going strong for 10 years and are commonly referred to as the
“King of R & B” and one of the hardest working artists in the Australian
music scene, you write and produce real music, you have a huge following, yet
you have still not received the recognition or support from the major
labels or radio stations why do you think this is so?
They
don't know what to do with this baby. haha...Nah just playing. I think good
things come to those who work hard. Though I haven't received this support I
have managed to have a career doing what I love for the past 10 years, and for
that I am truly thankful.
What would you say to others out there trying to make it? Love What You Do, Do What You Love. Be Innovative, but most importantly do it with Love in your heart and with intentions to do something good in the world. Leave your mark.
What will be the next single of your upcoming album Young Boy Old Soul?
It's my favourite on the LP. A romantic slow jam entitled "Beautiful".
Will there be a video released for this? Most definitely
When can we expect YBOS to be released? In the next 2 months
How would you primarily describe your sound now? Sweet Soul
Will this sound filter through to your future projects? Most definitely, you never know fully where your mind might take you in the future, but I know what I love so I know I will always put that love into my music.
What does the future hold for Mike Champion? Excitement and positive thinking. A European tour & South African tour. Lots of new music.
In terms of your music, what is the most important thing to your right now? Most important thing is delivering music that I feel is true to the person I am. Honesty in the message is important to me
What do you want to say to your fans? Thank you for supporting the cause.
Where can your fans catch you next? Keep an eye out for My Album Release Party. It will be in the next few weeks. So there you have it!
An up close and honest interview with a young man working hard to achieve his dreams and goals whilst sharing beautiful music with the world.
Mike inspires me everyday with his determination, patience and positive approach in such a challenging industry.
I wish him all the very best in his career and all life has to offer.
Make sure you guys support a local artist and very talented young man and grab a copy of YOUNG BOY OLD SOUL!
It is a long time coming and it has definitely been worth the wait!
I recently attended an event with my good journo friend, James Gorman called POP LIFE!
I actually had no idea what the event was I was just told that the theme was 80's so I had to dress that way!
Naturally, since I feel like I am stuck in the 80's I rushed to put an outfit together! With thanks to my sister in law Tiana Canterbury this is what we managed to come up with! My partner in crime decided to opt for the legendary MJ outfit, which he had ordered in from China!
I was quite surprised James had gone to such lengths for this event so naturally was looking forward to an eventful night! Only thing is that on arrival James and I and two other girls were the only people dressed for the occasion! We had a good laugh!
It was only after scouting the room that I realised we were at a book launch.
We were immediately greeted by the author of the book called "POP LIFE" - Marc Andrews who shook our hands and said "Love your outfits". I felt like hired entertainment.
The one free drink we received took me back! It was a drink that went dancing off the shelves in the 80's called
"Passion Pop" it tasted exactly the same as it did back then only
worse - Vomit in a can with bubbles!.
Back in the day it was in a bottle, now a
can, but I guess it was an appropriate sponsor fitting in with the
"POP" theme.
Marc Andrews, Claire Isaac and
David Nichols were all writers and editors in Australia's biggest selling POP
magazine "SMASH HITS", which was printed from 1984 - 2007 before its
demise into digital world.
POP
LIFE is an unofficial "insider's guide" to all the
happenings at "Smash Hits" magazine head quarters Australia and the
adventures of the writers and the amazing interviews they and people they met.
The book talks about the creation of
"Smash Hits" magazine, an in-depth description of its content and
different sections and it takes you on the journey of their experiences, and
what Australia was like in the 80's whilst POP music was thriving.
There is a section in the middle with pictures and autographs and excerpts which really remind of you of the original "SMASH HITS".
Each chapter is the name of an 80's tune and the writers really give an honest insight into what went on in "SMASH HITS" headquarters and it uses the dialect that they created for the magazine, of which you might see used in this blog.
It's just "POPTASTIC, POPERIFFIC and POPILICIOUS"!
The event was fun for me. I loved being one of the only
people dressed up. It was hosted by the very entertaining Jane Gazzo from
Channel (V).
We got to see performances by none
other than the 80's sensation and 2 hit wonder (well that's all I remember - 2
hits) Melissa Tkautz who by the way is looking amazing in her 40's and has
apparently released another single.
Here's a secret I actually got to work with Melissa (back in
the day when I was studying Drama) in a play where she played the Queen and I
played her regal servant I had to stand beside her fanning her with a palm! I
was so excited! My dad on the other hand was completely disappointed you could
imagine what it was like living in "not so" multi cultural Australia back in those
days!
We also heard the amazing David
Campbell belt out two 80's tracks sounding just like Jimmy only more soulful. "Crumbs".
Also, the "Introvert
Extravert" guy attempted to 2 sings 2 songs one which he apparently learnt
the night before and the other his own song, both of which he had to read the
lyrics and failed to make eye contact with the audience. I walked to get a
drink half through his performance.
The lady who stole the show on a
performance level was definitely "Chrissy Bray from We Go Bang Bang"
she "Pumped Up the Jam" and "Pushed it Real Good" on the
stage and got the crowd going.
I just love 80's music!
Other "girls" that were present on the night were 3 of the original members of the group "GIRLFRIEND" - remember them? I loved all their music well their 1 album! Robyn still looks amazing.
Here's another secret I was in a group back in the 90's when "Girlfriend" were around, I was 16 years old, we had a recording contract on the table with "Regular Records" ("Kate Cebrano's label at the time) they wanted us to take on "Girlfriend", but the deal fell through.
I may have been on the cover of "Smash Hits" magazine. Boing!
My favourite part of the "SMASH HITS" magazine was the pull out posters!
I could not wait to pick up a copy so I could cover my walls and school books in posters of my favourite artists.
If you like me are a child who grew when you waited for "SMASH HITS" magazine to hit the shelves then make sure you grab a copy of "POP LIFE".
I was lucky enough to be given a copy for this review and Marc & Claire signed it for me.
So grab your copy, it will take you on journey way back "back into time".
