The mini journey of... FRUSTRATION

Yep, I'm there... Frustration mode. I don't have it so bad but you have good days and bad days. I'm trying to network my a** out there to get my face, name and profile out there. I do expect some downfalls, flops, longness, time-wasters and users. However, when the success arrives I will probably forget about these frustrating times. I really enjoy meeting people and talking to them I just need somebody totally understand where I coming from. I see a lot of young people who have no sense of trust, hope or control of their future. Although the government try to convince or promise this and the other but too many have been broken. Or shall we say they don't meet realsitic expectations. Even the work I intend to do I hope that people become inspired and determined to build on a better future for their lives.

To be honest, where I live is not the ideal place however, I make sure that the knowledge and skills I have, I'd want to pass onto the generation younger than me. Yes...I know I'm still young and still learning but I think it's so beneficial when they have a peer or just empathises with their situations I think younger people would be understood more often. This is the reason why I want my message out there for people to hear my calling, what I'm embarking will open doors for young talented people. Also, just showing there is enough opporrtunity in the world can help narrow-minded people expand their horizons.

Some people that live in my estate can't leave the place or step out of E.9 because they fear they'll get "shanked" as that what they called being stabbed or, "can't step to next man's yard". I may sound old but that language is appauling!


This is what frustrates me too, the language/dialect barrier can create people at worlds apart where it shouldn't have to be like that. Not all young people are ASBO's, scary, dumb - a lot are actually intelligent and ambitious I wish more of this was exposed in the media rather than the ASBO rubbish that seems to scare the average old lady. Even I get judged myself - without speaking! One old lady had the audacity to think I was going to steal from her so he clutched onto her bag HARRRD! Take note - I was dressed appropriately. Do I look like I could terrorise somebody? Secondly I couldn't even hurt a fly! Really annoyed me but what else can I do? Hot her up - not a good option.
Do I sound like I'm ranting? Ain't even going to lie, a lot of things I've seen can get frustrating and distract your sense of motivation especially when trying to pitch to people a fantastic idea. Can be quite mentally exhausting I tell ya. Can't wait till my ideas become a reality. As Cassie says "Gotta long way to go".

Blog ya later!
Peace.x

ARIES MUSIC CONSULTANCY

Hello and welcome back! Yep, another blog from your music obsessed girl. I have really begun the grind of running my freelancing services which has been an absolute dream for me, for a very long time. Ever since I was young, always thought that I wanted to run my own business. People from all walks of life - family, friends, associates, and people who I just meet the first time have always said to me that they 'see me as a person who would run their own company'. Knew this was true but it's about putting dreams into practice, had no idea when was the right time but... the time is NOW!

Through my observations of working within different environments, I've noticed I tend to stick out. Could be seen negatively or positively depending on which environment I'm in or the saying 'A Diamond in the Dirt'. Definitely in a corporate environment I really do stick out (always seen as the 'quirky' one - I'm not even that quirky!), never works out for me. One thing I don't like in corporate environments that it's too restrictive, non-creative, dishonest, lack of colour and soul destroying - those are my experiences no-one else. To be honest most people that work in these environments feel the same way, some just haven't taken chances like I have. Throughout my career, I've always strived for some sort of linear direction in the music industry, tried and worked in different avenues (which represent the zig-zags in my career) to be the innovator I aim to be. In my journey, I have endured emotions and experiences of frustration, positive buzz, failure, bitterness, betrayal, fun times, networking (so fun), fake and real personalities and beneficial associates (gotta be real). Fell into various roles (work experience, A&R, song-plugging, assistant for arts organisation, and licensing) throughout transition trying to find and explore the ideal role in this declining industry which I have a passion for.

One thing that was important to me was remain the same person I was when I first stepped my foot in. You come across so many people who sell their souls, fake a-holes, very genuine people and total nasty people. It's always been important to remain humble that is so vital in this game. I'm aware you need to be tough and I'm still going through that transition to become the assertive woman that I need to be which is not so easy.

I've learnt that you can't let people take advantage of you, in order to survive people will step on your toes to get that piece of cake. Maybe I haven't fought or tried enough but my intuition has always maintained that theres no way I'm changing my mentality or self-worth for anybody and a lot of people sacrifice that just to get a job. I mean a job is a job right?

Things do happen for reason, I've had so many job interviews particularly for music supervision/co-ordination that was perfect for me. Everyone around me knew I was capable for those roles, so close always in the last round but never got it. Why? We all know why innit? Lets just say there are still some barriers. However, I believed in myself that prosperity will come my way but, had to seek and create it myself.

This is the reason why I created my Aries Music. Now the name obviously from my fascination of astrology and I'm a complete dreamer, optimist, driven, and passionate about what I do. The Aries sign encompasses who and what I am - a creative enthusiast. Music - the word speaks for itself my first passion, ever since I was a little girl I knew I was destined to work in music no matter what. It's embedded in my DNA!!

I look back and I'm pretty glad I stuck to my guns, no matter what struggle I've endured whatever industry you work in you have to work hard regardless. My parents are typical Ghanaians at times that they rather I pursued a career in law, sciences, economics - boring stuff (sorry to offend) but those subjects are no interest and doesn't mean you're less intelligent just because I'm not in that profession, hate that mentality.

My intellect comes from music and strategy, so all those ignorant folks who thought what I was doing was pants, stick a remote up your arse. Sorry but I don't fancy sitting in a glass ceiling office with stiff folks.

The whole point of my consultancy is to work with art organisations inner London to create new initiatives and I mean new initatives that haven't been done before and for real I have finally found my niche. I'll reveal no more, as you will see from my actions and results. For now I'm working in small steps.Watch this space people, I will not be defied... my time is now. As Obama said, 'Yes I Can!' I'm really looking forward to this new journey and I have every confidence in God will protect me and enable success come my way.

Till next time, blog ya later.

BLESS!

Get Familiar with this...

Hey I'm back y'all! Yeah, yeah trying it with the American slang. As promised I'm blogging more often as I have a lot to say... OMG - flashback, just got back from Canary Wharf shopping center, walked into Ted Baker and I was mesmerized by this chick's hair, I soooo have to do it like that! Once I get the hair did tomorrow it will be on display for all to see!

Anyway back to the seriousness of the blog...I am in such need of another holiday but this time on the beach for real. Had enough of the city breaks, Rome and Paris which I did enjoy but the beach is calling me! Off to Portugal in August for my other half's b'day which will be absolutely nice, ooh can't wait!

Once again the randomness kicking in, remember I said I will be continuing my quests from the previous months?? Well let me start with my birthday I turned quater of a century. WOW how exciting!! To be honest I really wasn't bothered. Didn't want to make a big deal of however, I my good friends treated me to a shopping spree which really brought my spirits up. Those who know me know I LOVE TO SHOP! Can you believe they had the cheek to blindfold me in Bond Street H&M to Selfridges, ain't gonna lie it was frightening but I was overall happy :)

Skipping to July, I went to the wonderful WIRELESS festival! To be honest, all I cared about was Q-Tip, even though he was better in Paris plus the crowd @ Wireless were teenyboppers so they knew nothing about him, all they knew was Kanye West - blah!

Seen Kanye West at the O2 and he was fantastic and wait for it...the Wireless afterparty hosted by Reggie Yates was off the hook! Good Lord, it was absolutely surreal. My girls and I of course rubbing shoulders with Kanye, Young Jeezy, Mr. Hudson, Shingai from the Noisettes (so have to see them again) and of course I met Mr Abstract himself Q-Tip! I will never forget that moment, I have the upmost respect for this man and I had to say him how much I appreciated him and how much of an influence he is to me, maaayne I was going on and on.

He replied 'Aww thank you', so humble... :) Bless his cotton socks, his DJ set was good as well. Talking of DJ's, Reggie Yates was fantastic, for God sake why so short? His set is the music I love to hear! GHANA represent, EEEY! The 'Ol Skool' is my obsession, it speaks to me. Wow... what a night it was!

Just a taster track for you to enjoy by Young Jeezy, 'Go Crazy' really summed up my weekend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtleR4veJCM&feature=related

On a real to end on this note, get familiar with this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiAbFJT2WsQ

ENJOY! Blog ya later!

CATCH UP!!!!

Wooooweeee! It's been a long time since I've blogged on here for a while...so much has happened in a space of a year and a bit. Changed hair again, and changed jobs again... but this time this was something that I was going to make use of for my consultancy. I've done it! Now I'm ready to set out and go on my own. It's what I'm destined for, I honestly cannot work for someone elses vision and direction... I have my own I want to fulfill and now the experience is there, I must admit I feel VERY UNIQUE!

Well I left a LIFELESS job, a recruitment consultancy as an... Administrative Assistant - how boring that I had to go. Honestly it was good for money but career-wise I felt absolutely crap! No the one! Afterwards went to Corfu with my girls NOLA, one of the best holidays I've been to. We met lovely people out there and it was such an adventure.

Next job, the UK licensing body MCPS/PRS! I must say this was a very challenging role and I did enjoy it, but it came to a point when I missed being creative. It's not about the music when you're chasing invoices from various record companies (ain't no flipping accountant), ain't about the music when answering endless calls to clueless licensees who range from dumb to dumber, lol. Those who read this will absolutely know where I'm coming from. Ain't about the music when there is no creativity whatsoever... I love working with creative people and developing talent - thats who I am. I'velearnt that through various jobs you'll know what you're destined for and God has showed me. Well he showed me ages ago, I just needed the licensing knowledge to break free.

Whilst fighting with my inner demons I've been to Paris to see Q-TIP!! My other half took me there for my b'day pressie. I must tell you, those who are not into him, you have to be, this man is a Hip-Hop legend bigtime! Love this guy! The man has mad charisma onstage and the album 'The Renaissance' is fantastic, my favourite track is 'You'.

I must say very meaningful chord structure in that song! Got more to follow about this man, read on... Plus, Paris is a beautiful place love it! Would go again.

I also went to ROMA... Well first to Milan because my beloved mate Janine (yes I'm exposing you hun, lol) was late to the airport so we missed our flight! Maaaayne, I was boiling but really composed myself... I was ready to give up and go back home but Janine in her right mind fought for us to get a free flight. Her lovely Aunt 'Pam Pam' paid for us to stay in Gatwick Hilton Hotel, I will never forget that, so lovely of her to do that! Rome is an interesting place, aesthetically beautiful, romantic, and the men HA... lets say they're not use to seeing attractive ethnic women and get boring at times. Plus, the trip made me realise that Italian is not one of my favourites foods. Pure pasta, lasagne, pasta, McDonalds, McDonalds...pasta and pasta! Naaah getting to much for me,was always bloated, I must say out of all the people I know Janine has the highest energy level EVER!

Man I can go on forever gotta meet a friend, so Imma holla back. TONIGHT!

Caribbean Scene, I actually thought I was there!

Welcome again to another dosage of my life you occasionally experience. On the lovely long weekend we had I decided to treat my mates to dinner (quarterly we do this) to this restaurant called Caribbean Scene. We were in desperate need for a good meal and good scenery. One thing I can definitely say about this restaurant is that it is uniquely tasteful with it's interior decor and food presentation. Not the usual massive pattie all cracked in cheap packaging, and hot heater with a rude individual behind the counter. This is upmarket baby! Every meal here is detailed with craft and passion for its aromatic spices and delicious cocktails.

I must admit this restaurant is a hidden gem of East London, forget Mr Jerks in Soho that restaurant is so 90's. The music gives it charismatic feel as well as the waitresses dressed in traditional Caribbean attire. However, it does seem a bit haunting, reminds me of the 'big-momma' servants who were aloud to be indoors of their master's plantation home. The service absolutely great, very friendly especially the manager he told to smile even though I was in immense pain from cracking an acrylic nail, huh the price girls pay just to maintain upkeep of nails! I must add the yummy cocktails... Nothing else can be said hmm...

Caribbean Scene is one of the new Restaurant ventures every exotic tongue must encounter. It's located at Royal Victoria Dock, for those who have no idea, it's near Canary Wharf. A little word of advice it ain't cheap, yes it's Caribbean but don't expect to be paying £10 per meal. A new one will open in Stratford later this month, so those who fancy paying around £15 for a meal, head there. If you want to get away from the so-called 'rif-raf', and fancy a lovely view, you're better off at the Victoria Royal Dock or even Chelsea Bridge restaurant. For four people including drinks and desserts, the bill was serious pounds, you get what you pay for. Al la Carte style food... but this time with flavour. I give it a 8/10.

Check out the website: http://www.caribbeanscene.co.uk

CANCUN BABY!!!!!!

Ola senors and senoritas!!!! I know, it's been a long time while indeed. Lots of changes lately, got another job is better than the last but still not my passion so I'll keep trying to get there. Besides that, I've experienced the best holiday with my other half... Cancun! I must say that place is absolutely surreal! Just got back last Monday, and I didn't want to come back. Me and my other half were so upset to come back. We were only there for 7 days in a 4* all-inclusive resort called Barcelo Costa in the ever famous Hotel Zone for £743... It was absolutely worth it!

Have no idea where to startwell magical holiday began in an unimpressive start. The pick-up van dropped us at the wrong hotel! Sense the lack of organisation playing on my mind since the tour operators were Olympic Tours (been to Corfu with them) and they were really bad. Anyway, we finally arrived and the room was nice, beautiful view of the ocean too. I just couldn't get enough of the surreal environment I was in. Couldn't believe it, well it has been 3 years since I've been in a hot location. Egypt was the last one in 2005! So yes, Mexico was a well deserved break.

Activities varied from snorkelling which was beautiful, going in an individual submarine which I found very pointless, knew it was a waste of time freezing underwater! My boyfriend was so onto it, however, he was very disappointed. We received aterrible DVD, catch this no sound, in black and white just pure slack imagery. We left the DVD in the hotel... It was such a shame. Did some watersports the crazy jetski's, banana float (that was mad) and boat pedals. Went on an excursion to Chichen Itza a Mayan village in the mainland, that was amazing. I really enjoyed learning about the history of Mexico and how their civilisation helped form the country and it's people. These were buildings built before Christ, right before my eyes! The pyramids were beautiful, dropped by the sacrifice well, and the fall where people jump from a cliff level into the pool. To be honest it looked great but I'm such a girl, didn't fancy getting my hair messed up (how typical) and I was scared. We went on a Caribbean Cruise that was spectacular and romantic. What I noticed about Mexicans is that they're very passionate and colourful people. Love their energy and charisma when they want to show their guests a good time.

The food was delicious, with such extensive range from Italian, Spanish, Caribbean, Fast food (which I didn't touch), obviously Mexican and Seafood. All delicious and healthy, one thing I can tell you I definitely took advantage of the all-inclusive food at in great amount and time. No need to worry about what time I have get back from lunch like I do at work back in grey London.

Clubs in Cancun are so charismatic on a different scale. We went to Congo Bongos, and I will say it was one of the best club I've been to. Appealed to a wide a range of people from their 60's maximum even! I'm sure they headed out of the club once the shows were over.

Thought it was very funny when they had the knock-off versions of Wacko Jacko, Madonna, Beetlejuice, KISS, Beyonce and even Jay-Z (that was hilarious!). After the show, I was invited on stage obviously because, I had such top-notch moves and I didn't have the care in world when I was strutting my stuff. Even the Michael Jackson impersonator was hugely impressed! So people it's written in stone, I think I should look into being an entertainer, what do you think?

Overall, my holiday to sum up was 'surreal paradise' for me. I honestly didn't want to return back home. Cancun is great for singleton's, girlie holidays, couples, honeymooners etc... Mind you the flight was long, over 10hrs on the way, and just over 9hrs returning back. I give it a 10/10 despite Olympic Tours being slow (I give their service 4/10 because we got our money back). On a whole I've realised through this trip that travel is a passion as well as music and fashion. This year is the time to re-evaluate what I really want to do creatively... It can be very confusing at times when you are a 'jack of all trades', it's a task to focus on your main product, skill or goal for that matter. I'm already pretty much inspired to learn Spanish... SERIOUSLY! Picked it up while I was out there so I might as well, lol.

Already planned my next holiday... Sorry will tell you when I get back. So next till time cyber-pets, I'll write another blog.

BLOG YA LATER!!

AMERICANS

Ello, ello my people! Been a while obviously because, I'm seeking my dream creative role right now. Yes, I've decided to tell that I no more belong to a corporate machine. Absolutely free from that environment... an experience but absolutely not for me. To be honest, I felt like an outcast, the people were a bit too quiet for me, I like a bit of banter and music in my background, nice relaxed environment which absolutely makes me work productively.

Funny enough, I had the strangest interview a couple of weeks ago, the interviewer appeared very nervous and uneasy. The guy couldn't even look me in the eye. Hmmm... that shows some sort of guilt. I wonder if anyone has had any odd interviews and strange behaviour. Either he was guilty about something or he simply cannot interview properly. However, I didn't fell I was myself I was even afraid to break a smile! Glad I didn't get the job though, not creative enough, and I would've been absolutely bored.

I've also noticed how people can be, especially in this day and age. The things people come out with these days it's absolutely ridiculous. Still feel we're in the 1950's or something. I was watching some funny quiz show on you tube, and you know what the British think of Americans already... Well these contestants clearly don't know anything about the world apart from knowing about the USA! One idiot thought that an Elephant was bigger than the Moon! Can you actually believe that, even a 6 yr old would know that. However, you can't blame them.

Apprently only 20% of American's have passports plus, their media is soooooo saturated and bombarded with American culture, they can't even learn about anything else. Particularly in their history lessons at school, they just learn about American history which has only lasted 200 years still a recent country. Some don't even know where London is, thats how bad it is out there. However, there are some people like that in Britain just so stuck to their old beliefs. LET IT GO!! Move on!

Hmmm. What do you make of the presidency palava in the US?