Monday 29 April 2013

Matthew Syed puts it into perspective.




British Journalist, broadcaster and Olympian, Matthew Syed, who used to be an English table tennis international and was number one for many years, shares some information with the public on the Myth of Talent and The Power of Practice. It’s an interesting talk that will no doubt leave you swimming in confidence and drive. 

 Matthew went on to write a book called ‘Bounce’; it goes into details of The Power of Practice. To highlight the gist of it, he explains how some of the top Athletes of our time have completed more hours of practice than lower skilled athletes. The old saying ‘Practice Makes Perfect’, cannot be highlighted anymore and Matthew Syed has now given us written and physical example of this.

I remember hours and hours spent with my dear mother who was always at me to practice playing the piano. I could never get it right.  I remember getting very fed up with her and thought that no matter how hard I tried, I would never be as good as my peers, who seemed to have the natural talent. I was ready to give up and try something else. What I wasn’t aware of, was that my competitor, a young girl who had always been on top of her game, had put in ridiculous hours of practice. While I spent my weekend going to parties with friends, climbing trees and forgetting about the homework that was due on that Monday, she was practicing her skill.  And I mean seriously practicing.


Matthew states that practice must be purposeful, otherwise it is useless. It must overload the current system in order to cause improvements. Child prodigies, such as Mozart and Tiger woods back up this theory, they started intensive practice at a young age, much earlier than everyone else. So the next time you are thinking of flicking on the TV or going down to the pub, stop for a minute and ask yourself…have you put in the time to hone your skill?

Romy
 

 

BOTS creates an advisory board


Following the demand from many members to have BOTS take more of an advisory role to new talents, we have decided to create an advisory board.

This board, composed of recognized industry experts, will make sure we stay in line with what our members need, as well as allowing us to provide industry knowledge and guidance.

Be On The Scene primarily remains a vehicle to promote artist work to a worldwide internet audience, and is best used by artists to release their news to a wider audience and expand their fan base; however the creation of the advisory board does make sense for us to keep helping our members.


We will be building this advisory group over the next 12 months to bring on board advisors on music, fashion, painting and photography.


Thanks for supporting us!

Rich.
richard@beonthescene.com 

Thursday 25 April 2013

Ask yourself....


 “Without limitations, by the end of the day, what do you wish would happen?”
As it is Friday, I thought today’s blog could be less informative, but a bit more thought provoking and well...to get your brain fluids going after a grueling work week. Take a moment, what would you answer?

Fifty People One Question is a unique ongoing social experiment and film series exploring human connections through people and place. The project began in New Orleans in 2008 and has since traveled across the globe, touching millions of viewers.it has managed to capture a slice of humanity, people’s reflections, people’s stories, secrets and pain. Moments that can’t be staged.


The website has captured written responses from over 1,000 cities worldwide. Everyone is invited to see, hear, and explore our deepest human connections. And they encourage you to share your response to these simple, timeless questions.

I hope you like this, 

Romy 

Wednesday 24 April 2013

BOTS Members to meet every month


Many of our Members have expressed the interest in regular networking meetings where opportunities for collaboration between our Members can be better identified.

With this in mind, and following the success of our get together in January, we have decided to organize more regular meetups.

We will now be meeting every first Wednesday of the month from 7pm, the first gathering will be on Wednesday May 2nd, then Wednesday June 5th, July 3rd, ... Venue to be announced on our website a week before the meetup.

To start with, we have decided to open these free get together for everyone to maximize opportunities for our members.

I can tell you all of us in the BOTS team are very excited to be able to meet our members more often and are looking forward to see you in may :-)

Thanks for supporting us!

Rich.
richard@beonthescene.com 

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Amanda Palmer and the simple art of asking.






 

"I can paint my face
And stand very, very still
It's not very practical
But it still pays the bills"

The video I am about to show you is a little gem I found, watching one of my favorite talks on YouTube called Ted Talks. Amanda Palmer is an American performer who rose to prominence as the lead singer, pianist, and lyricist/composer of the duo The Dresden Dolls.  She has had a successful solo career and is also one half of the duo Evelyn Evelyn and most recently the lead singer and songwriter of Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra.

Watching this video reminded me of the concept of ‘Paying It Forward’ however, Amanda had an interesting take on it. As a performer she spoke about the concept in our language. Music.  Not only does she go on to explain the importance of connecting with your fans, but she highlights a critical element to an artist on stage. There is a musician, and then there is a performer. What’s the difference? Well, it’s about how you connect with your audience, no matter how large or small it might be. If you connect with them, you let them know they exist in your music world.  Songwriters often treat writing as a therapy; they took the time to listen.
As a songwriter starting out, you might be discouraged by the small number of followers you have listening to your music, but you might not be aware of how your music might affect just one individual.  Focus on the individuals who will help encourage a gust of wind for your sails.
I hope you like this video, it’s a little long, but well worth the time.


'Til next time,

Romy
romy@beonthescene.com
 



Friday 19 April 2013

Creativity Takes Time



I wanted to share this adorable video with you for a little bit of encouragement, when you might be writing, or under a time pressure. I got the video from a subscriber on Youtube, Thank you for that!
Share the love!

Romy

BOTS to launch online music contest


We are always trying to find new ways to best promote our Members online, and get them in front of our worldwide audience. We are therefore please to announce the creation of an online music talent competition!

Musicians are able to enter this competition for free, and get their music promoted all around the world, as well as having the chance to win our prize worth over £500! The winner will also be invited to headline our next live gig in London.

We require artists to upload at least 2 tracks (either on audio or video file) on their BOTS profile. They will then be voted in, or out, by our web audience over 4 rounds taking place over 6 weeks. Artists participating are more than welcome to encourage their family and friends to vote for them and possibly become our grand winner!

Voting visitors are not left out of the competition, as we have also allocated free tickets to our next live gig, to be won by our voters. Every time a visitor votes, he or she will have the chance to win a free ticket.

The contest registration opens on April 22nd so update your BOTS profile ASAP to for the best chance to win. The number of participants will be limited.

Thanks for supporting us!

Rich.
richard@beonthescene.com

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Operation Soho!






A wise man once said, “What i like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” the man behind the words is non other than Karl Lagerfeld. the genius behind one of the most highly captured brand.
Instagram, Pintrest, photo shop, you name it, everyone is capturing photographs and adding custom filters to it and calling themselves photographers. Now for those of you that have a general passion for capturing moments, unexpected moments, moments that stop your breath for a Milli second. i found something that might tweak your interest and get you out, seeing opportunities all around you. well all around Soho that is.
This is the chance to have your work displayed in an exhibition at The Society Club. Yelp, has decided to host this competition for individuals to photograph everything they think is Soho.
“What does Soho mean to you? Is there more to it than stylish shops and quirky cafes? What makes Soho so cool? Fix up your shutter speed and keep your eyes open, as we're looking for full disclosure and long exposure - it's time to get your camera out and let us know! - Yelp"


To enter this competition and for more information, simply visit www.yelp.co.uk/events/london-yelp-captures-soho-a-one-of-a-kind-contest


Friday 12 April 2013

Rolling with the punches





That awkward moment when you are on stage, the lights are blinding and all eyes are on you... you dropped a note, or you messed up your lines. Not to worry, some of the best moments in the history of film have been created due to the art of improvisation.

The Wiki definition states that improvisation is the practice of reacting in the moments and in response to the stimulus of one’s immediate environment and inner feelings. This can result in the invention of new thought patterns and new ways to perform. A director’s dream.

I remember I did an audition in film school and the rehearsal space consisted of two key people. The scriptwriter and my lecturer.  I had rehearsed for weeks for this part when unfortunately for me; our school was doing a show around for future students. About 60 of them. They knocked on the door and asked if they could watch the audition take place. Inside, I started to panic; I got this hot cold sweat and thought I was going to throw up. Here’s me, trying to nail this audition and I felt like I wanted to run away. The professional in me spoke and welcomed them in. there was this moment when the lights dimmed and all eyes were on me. You could hear a pin drop. I started to speak, but realized I forgot all my lines.  Needless to say, I improvised; I went way off script as I couldn’t remember my direction. I was nervous and felt like I failed before I had even started. None the less, I took what I did know and that was to think on my feet. I belted out a performance from one of my favorite movies and presto, I got through two minutes of purgatory. Needless to say, I didn’t get the part and the scriptwriter- bless her soul and who will not be named, looked as if I had butchered her work of art. However, I did get a standing applause and full marks for my ability to perform under pressure.

The clip above is a collection of the greatest cinematic moments in history where actors had to improvise. Please note those who are offended by strong use of language, might not want to watch.

Hope you enjoy and feel free to share any of your stories with us.

Romy

Tuesday 9 April 2013

A little bit of Feng Shui











A little while back, I found myself having to work from home. The idea was exciting at first, but I soon realized how hard it was to create the space I need. I soon became creatively stiff. I tried going out and doing things in the city, to find the energy I needed to sit down and do the mundane admin, but this just became a distraction or an excuse. However, not being in the position to work elsewhere, I became anxious to change it around; I turned to the ancient art of Feng Shui- at this point i was desperate so nothing was to extreme.  I was going to solve my problem the best way I know how…through creativity.

 Feng Shui, the very image of spending hours moving furniture around and turning it into what resembles a yoga studio pop in to my head . Contrary to popular belief, it’s more about a state of mind and the effect the Feng Shui energy has on your intended space. That sure said a lot for the inner workings of my head.

I wanted to share a brief summary of my experience with you as it worked for me. I was writing again, i was finding things i never would of had the patience to look for. I was singing- I don’t do very often as I consider myself lacking in the nicest possible way, tone, but someone once said to me that singing was a sign of being happy and content, regardless if you are hitting the right notes. I found I was able to work more effectively as I knew where everything was and that there was a general feel of flow. I know they say that theirs beauty amongst the chaos, but my chaos was getting out of hand, so maybe it’s now “method behind the madness”

Here’s how I did it.
“The ideal Feng Shui planning of a creative space will be able to hold both rhythms, because the creative process has both rhythms - the germination/dreaming/planning time and the actual manifestation time.”
If you are setting up your creative space, be it a recording room, rehearsal space or drawing studio you need to cultivate a different type of energy, a more vibrant one to support the creativity flow.Ones home has seem to become a place to drop your things and keep moving. not enough importance is placed on how it makes you feel when you walk in.
Let’s get the idea, that you are living in London and like most travelers, you share your space. If I look around my “space” I see Books, magazines, ashtrays, reminders of the fact I should grab a cloth and some Preen. The daunting task looms ahead. But I’ll give it a go,

I started with the obvious, I threw out all things lying around that I promised myself would have a place, you know? those quirky clippings from magazines, that event flyer I was adamant I was going to go to, the napkin i wrote down a brilliant idea on and never put it to action. I then swept, polished and shined 'til I could see my reflection in the hardwood floor.  

Now, London in the winter may have certain disadvantages such as not being able to be one with nature so the closest thing I was able to do was bring my pride and joy and the only plant I haven’t killed, inside from the cold and place it view of my work space. You could do this with anything that is a reminder of the outside world. A collection of interesting stones or crystals can do the job.
If you are an artist, hang collections of your work that bring the feel of movement in, hang your favorite piece of work as a vision of the end goal. If you are a musician, play your music to create an atmosphere, with the mindset that it is still work.
Clearly organize all the tools you need. Sort out any messy cables from your instruments and laptop.

Create a clearly defined "no-rules" area. Make it as big or as small as your space allows and let it contain various items you deem necessary with no restrictions. The only rule, though, is to revise and clean this area at regular intervals.

To sum it up, the Feng Shui of a creative space will evoke the same energy that describes the creative process - the balance between the quiet energy of dream and the full bloom of active, strong manifestation.
By applying basic Feng Shui tips and guidelines you will strengthen the Feng Shui flow of creative energy and create a Feng Shui space to support, as well as promote, your brilliant creativity!
let me know how you get on or if you have any other advice that would feel will help our members, feel free to comment.
 
Romy


Friday 5 April 2013

Urban Arts Market


                                                   "Phed"- image courtesy of Freshlymade
 
To all our artists and community members, here’s something to different to do this weekend!
Head on down to the Truman brewery in brick lane on Saturday, to celebrate all things urban art. Freshly Made returns to this iconic Sunday market venue with live graffiti writers and music.

I have always had a fondness for graffiti. It may be that the skill behind it is so mesmerising, so meticulous- i mean have you ever tried to work with spray paint? Its not easy to get the curve of the letter or slice or even to shade the perfect hue. Living in the city we do, we are often exposed with designs in all forms, the simple yet cheeky Tagger, the more well known- and thanks to Banksy -stencilling. we then get to the big, bad pieces you will find scaled up a 7ft building. Yes, there is defiantly something there. So join me and others this Saturday to watch the wonders of design with these individuals.

 I wanted to share the website, go check it outfor all the information and pictures of what’s to come! www.freshlymade.net

Romy

Tuesday 2 April 2013

Fashion Share


                                               There's, Nothing to Lose. There's Nothing to Prove



Often times, when i need a creativity boost,  I find myself indulging in Art House films. Films  that run over the time it takes for my brain to lose interest, lets say a shameful 120min to short ones that before i think i get the gist of it, the credits roll. I seek out films that one would have to spend ages scouring the artistic corners of the Internet for.

Now I love music, I love fashion; I love movement in any possible art form. I enjoy things that have a certain edge about them and out of the norm.I love it when two mediums collate. Now this may have been around for longer than i am aware of, but I started to watch fashion shorts when I was a student in film school, that's a good couple of years ago,  whilst figuring out what I draw inspiration from. I find that this video might not be educational, but after an enjoyable Easter weekend with an unfathomable amount of chocolate coated eggs, I wanted to show you something beautiful.

This video, directed by Dominique Palombo and choreographed by Jermaine Browne for the Rachel Roy spring collection called ‘Move’, which won best picture at the 2011 La Jolla fashion Film Festival. The message behind the short was to encourage shoppers to buy things that make you move, what a better way to demonstrate this than with real, unique people? The film at times can be dark, with dancers perfectly choreographed but with this puppet effect that creates this eerie feel, but as you continue to watch, you will hopefully see the visual masterpiece I see.

I hope you enjoy this and feel free to comment or share any other videos you might have with me.

Romy