After the first dates were known, there were other European dates added and unfortunately, Amsterdam didn’t have the premier anymore. But that’s ok. I got to witness a 2 and half hour show from an artists I have always loved. His music, his vibe. And after a struggle, he came back, better than ever. Sure he still needs to lose a couple of pounds but that did not have any impact on his voice or his show.

There was absolutely NO flaw in his show. The band was amazing, his voice was on point, the old songs AND the new songs definitely moved me like his music did in the earlier days of his career. I made it a point to film as much as possible, but my arms got tired in the end (2,5 hours!) so unfortunately I didn’t film the new songs.

Nonetheless, for those who couldn’t witness his amazing “come back”, here’s a compilation of roughly 45 minutes that I have managed to put together. Welcome back D’Angelo! Enjoy!

Before my trip I told a friend of mine I was spending New Year’s in Manchester. This person is a pretty well traveled person but he told me he had never been there and it didn’t really attract him to go there. I told him Manchester is very beautiful, the city is picturesque with great vintage shops and lovely restaurants and lounges. He said he thought it was more industrial. Well, it is, but the city, especially the Northern Quarter is absolutely lovely.

Manchester is more than just football, Manchester United. The shopping center is great and they even have an “Eye of Manchester”. Like London does. A lot smaller of course but still. The architecture in this city is amazing and you can just see the history in the stones of the buildings. The churches, the library.

Manchester is a must see if you ever visit the UK and decide to see more than just London. The weather is pretty much shitty like in Amsterdam, but hey, its a change of environment for me, other than visiting my loved ones haha. But yeah, I recommend the summer time, even though I’ve only been here in winter time all three times I was here. The christmas market is great though. Yes, Manchester is great to spend a few days at for relaxing, shopping, good food and some history.

The menu had so many tasty things on it, that it took me a minute to decide what I wanted. I ended up going for the sweet potato with vegetable chickpeas and mango chutney. Oh this shit was GOOD! And as greedy as I am, I had a fresh banana milkshake to go with it. Not the best combination, but spicy & sweet works for me.

The food they serve is pretty much all healthy and it seemed very vegetarian friendly. Now I am not the first person people think of when they think of healthy food, but as long as its tasty, Pay is happy. And I sure was with this spot.

We went back again while I was in Manchester and had some good fresh hot chocolate milk and victoria sponge cake and banana pie. Yes, the pies and cakes in there were just as good. Definitely a spot to recommend when you visit Manchester!

Food: *****
All round restaurant experience: ***

Oklahoma
74-76 High Street
Manchester M4 1ES
Area: Northern Quarter

God has blessed me with so much in 2011. I used to count all my blessings and sum them up by month but because 2011 was just a great year all round, I’m just gonna mention my biggest ones, that have made the biggest impact on me. In no particular order.

First of all, my new job. Some may think “it’s just a new job” but for me it was more than just a new job. I heard that I got the job in March and I started May 1st. I was so unhappy and miserable in my previous job that it affected my whole life. So can you imagine that getting a new, wonderful, challenging, inspiring, motivating, stimulating new job, affected my life entirely? In a positive way! Here I am, 8 months later and I still LOVE my job and everything that comes with it. I am happy and get to do more for me, despite working a lot more. I am progressing mentally and learning a lot. Oh how grateful I am for this job.

Second, my sisters. Fyza & Rabéa. The two best friends I could ever have and who I love with everything in my heart ♡. I have had the chance to spend time with both of them this year and will make it a point to always have time for them, no matter the distance, the time zones or our schedules. I can’t even express how much these two women mean to me. They give me so incredibly much love and energy. With friends like them I feel like I am on top of the world and nothing can touch me. Although I have known them for quite some years now, this year we grew closer and I am truly grateful and blessed to have such beautiful people in my life, who I can genuinely call my sisters.

Third, my family. My dear Uncle Fried passed away in September of last year. My parents were with him in his last days and God called upon him in peace. It was a beautiful funeral with a lot of my family members who I either hadn’t seen in years, since I was a kid, or had never met at all. This sad occasion led to a beautiful blessing though. I reconnected with some of my cousins again and that feels amazing. My cousin Steve, his wife Daphne and their daughter Alecia became so dear to me. My heart is truly filled with love & joy having these family members in my life now. I’ve spent a few days with them for Christmas and it was absolutely great!

The last blessing, definitely not the least, that I want to mention, is my reconnecting with God. Its been a long and tough journey but He has definitely shown me that there is no other way than His way. The past months I have been praying a lot and building my relationship with God. He answers all my prayers and there is no doubt in my mind that He is responsible for everything amazing, wonderful and great in my life. Whenever I feel confused, sad, frustrated or upset about something, I put it in His hands and everything is how it should be. No worries, no stress. Just Love. Because God is Love.

I can’t express how grateful I am for everything that has come my way the past year. All the blessings that I have received are still working through me. Those who have known me for a while, know I have been dealing with a lot of health issues over the past 10 years. I can happily say that I have not been sick ONCE the whole year. I have not seen the doctor’s office or the hospital. For that I am also grateful to God. Nothing but good things for those who have faith in Him.

In the end, the blessings that I have mentioned is what it’s all about. Doing something you love to do, friendship, family and faith. Those are the things in life that make life wonderful. Now 2012 is upon us and like I said, I expect it to be even better than last year. His word is Truth. If He says it will happen, it WILL.

Blessings & Love. Always.

We are living in the internet era. People download music or buy their music from iTunes. Nine out of ten times, the producer’s credits are not as well mentioned through this channel, as they are in the booklets that came with the physical product. I like reading booklets. Seeing out of what components a song is built. Seeing who added value to a song, production-wise, vocally, instrumentally, all that.

I come across so many producers, struggling to get value for their music. Not so much “respect” or “love” or even “compliments”. But when it comes down to it, a lot of artists want the music for free or as cheap as possible, not really valuing the addition to their own art enough, to gladly pay for it. After all, when your song becomes a success, it’s not just because of your part. Not just because you are a dope songwriter. The music speaks for itself. If you loved it enough to get inspired to write to it, why not appreciate the producer? Maybe because in this digital era, it’s a lot easier for people to “become a producer”, therefore causing over-saturation of the market, thus lowering prices for production?

J. Rawls (Lone Catalysts) points out his concern about this, yet doesn’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing:  “Nowadays everyone seems to be putting out music, which makes it tough to get your music heard. Even someone with my experience can get drowned out because the market is so saturated. However, it is a good thing that people are creative and the ease of making beats now has made it so that everybody can produce. It’s not a bad thing, but it does make it harder for the public to be able to keep up.”

Domino (Hieroglyphics) agrees with it not necessarily being a bad thing as he states: “I believe it’s good that more people have easier access to recording devices in the digital age. Certainly it gives a platform for many who may not be ready or deserve it, but it also forges opportunities for some who have the talent but previously wouldn’t have had the tools to be heard. In my book exposing these gems is a worthwhile exchange.”

I definitely agree with Domino on the gems. With these tools, its more likely to discover a talent you may not have known about otherwise and discovering creative talent in an art form such as producing, is “music to my ears” (literally in this case as well). But it also appears that good music is now becoming some sort of fast moving consumer good, as 14KT (producer) adds the relevance and time aspect when it comes to putting music out, in regards to the value of the product. “Many fans and consumers are multimedia consumers, so when they cop an album, it seems more like a preference at the moment. Some buy vinyl and buy CD’s, but most of them download, listen, and check for new music digitally. The digital era has sped up the demand and quantity of music from artists. For artists to feel they are staying “relevant”, they have to consistently release material, so their listeners won’t forget them.”

Creativity also seems to become more of a struggle with the above mentioned over-saturation, as J.Rawls admits that “keeping it fresh” is one of his biggest struggles as well, especially if you have been doing this for years. Posdnuos (De La Soul) approaches the lack of creativity from a more technical point of view, as well as pointing out the talent-factor. “Production can appear very empty soundwise, because the modern producer makes music that works on headphones opposed to large speakers and since there are always updates to the tools we use, as well as just new programs, a lot of producers don’t master the one program they have due to moving on to the next. Everyone having tools to produce still doesn’t outweigh the fact you need talent and a large level of creativity to make these tools do something the other person with the same tools can’t or won’t do but it has made it easier for someone to just upload their work to the world at large opposed to certain filtering that existed back then.”

The “empty sound” that Pos is speaking of, is something that I hear more often myself as well. Like I said before, I am a production gal. I also love live music, bands, instruments. With certain digital tools and music maker software, none of that comes into play anymore. It makes it easier for people to press a button, instead of actually recording playing a live instrument, for the production. “Making (or creating) Music” gets a whole different definition when we think about this.

Domino (Hieroglyphics): “The main issue I have with the relative ease of recording via digital means is, too many artists are satisfied with you emailing a track and recording their parts without you ever being present. This takes away the value of a true producer, someone who you can add and exchange ideas with and who can bring the best out of your performance. I’ve always felt my strength was not just in making a track but adding to the concept and idea of a song. Not being a participant in half of the creative process certainly reduces that value.”

Rakaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples) says the same thing and puts into perspective the difference between a producer and a beat maker. “I’ve come across quite a few beat makers, some very talented at that art and craft, but I’ve only met a handful of actual Producers. In most styles of music (outside of Hip Hop and the different flavors of electronic), there is a trusted and / or respected person that comes in as an objective ear and voice to make sure that the band is in sync with one another and with the vocalist. I am not saying that we need that exact approach, but I feel that we need to respect the role of a Producer as something independent of making the beat if we want the music of this culture to continue to evolve. Beat makers should learn to produce or be willing to bring in someone else for that purpose. MC’s and record labels know this too, which is why certain people are repeatedly called to resurrect careers or build bridges to new markets. These are people that do make dope beats, but the fact that they have the vision to see the potential in something and the technical and communication skills to make it happen is much more valuable right now.”

Scrapdirty (manager of producer Young RJ) also addresses the difference between a producer and a beat maker. He also points out that the same has been happening to DJ’s, with the coming of Serato. “Managing one of the top underground producers, it seems like the past 8 years established producers are underrated & the simple producer is overrated. You have a producer & then you have a beat maker. A producer makes his own sounds & may call in someone to play strings or drums on a record. A beat maker will throw a few sounds on a track keep it moving without a thought. That’s the way the production game is watered down now.”

DJ SoulClap (producer) agrees with Rakaa on the working together aspect. As Rakaa stated that one should be willing to bring other people in, in order to create the valuable sound, SoulClap feels that producers should help each other more in every way, instead of sticking to self because of fear of competition.

On top of that, not only is there the aspect of adding value to the music-making process as mentioned before by Domino and Rakaa, there is also the study of music that adds to the value of the producer himself/herself. 14KT: “It’s crazy because many don’t have any type of musical background, they just stumbled upon a software program and launched a career. What bothers me is the fact that now everyone thinks it’s so EASY to make music. I am a firm believer that studying music theory, being able to play or understand instrumentation, and developing expertise on recording, mixing, and engineering is VITAL to success as a producer. Regardless of how “easy” it is to create music, those are the ones that will have longevity, evoke change, and have a lasting effect on their generation of music.”

As a producer, being a creative person, you don’t want to put out your hard work, your creativity and originality, just to get robbed from it. It’s easy nowadays to connect through the internet and put beats online, hoping your name will get out there or you will sell your beats through the internet because its easier for them to be heard that way. This points out another danger for producers when it comes to their art as Dae One (producer) says that its great to be accessible and be heard by many through the internet, you have to beware of getting robbed from your art through music-ripping programs for YouTube and such.

As one of the solutions of not getting snowed under by millions of “home-producers” due to the music maker software and tools that are out now, Erick Sermon (EPMD) points out the importance of having your own crew and support system. “As we know the music industry has changed a lot. Some would say for the worst. Its true that producers come a dime a dozen now cuz its so easy to make a beat due to the technology that is available for anyone to become a producer. Artist no longer have to call for a brand name producer cuz so many people make beats so they can get hot shit online for cheap and own it. Plus a lot of crews are click-ish now so they stay within the camp. This makes it hard for producers who really know their craft to get any work. All I can say is if wanna succeed in this new era find your own group so you can put your sound through and promote hard on the web so that people hear u make sure its dope and new and that might give u lite over all the fake shit that’s out that’s what worked for me. I had my own crew so I didn’t have to go looking for work. I was hot so work came to me.”

Most producers and industry people that gave me their thoughts on the digital age in regards to their art, are not so much against the easy beat makers with the coming of software and tools, but moreso against the loss of value of the music itself. The fact that producing is no longer seen as a true form of art that requires the proper knowledge, study of music and creating of real music. They all admitted that this age brings a particular type of struggle for them, but they are confident enough in their own talent and creativity, to know they are the ones that have longevity. Because that is really what it is about in the end (as 14KT also pointed out). Same goes for rappers and singers. A quick buck for a one hit wonder, is just that. Real music however, is known forever. Producers stand equally with talented artists in this digital age. As long as both of them are respected and valued, there will always be appreciation for their art. At least by genuine music lovers, such as myself.

Note: Thanks to everyone that gave me their thoughts and feedback on the subject.

When the European Union was founded, its purpose was to strengthen the economical position of Europe and its countries. When the euro was introduced, 10 years ago, this was also the case. I remember very well having to change all our currency into the euro. Ever since the introduction of the new currency, I have been “broke” and struggling. Not just me, most people.

Of course we had no choice but to go along with the decision of the EU, and our prices got doubled and our salaries cut in half. (1 euro = 2,23 guilders) Can you imagine how that is? All consumer prices going up twice as much, but you make half as much money. We had no choice but to accept it as a nation. I am sure other European nations had the same situation.

Now, 10 years later, Europe is in a severe economic crisis. The stocks went down, the value of the euro went down and countries in Europe are in crisis. (Greece, Portugal, Spain, Hungary) They have actually been considering letting the euro go and going back to the guilder. Are you kidding me? Do we have to go through another situation like that again? Not to mention, how realistic is that really? And we all know that we, the people, will be the victims again of all of this shit. We will be screwed over again.

In the end, WE are the ones paying for stabilizing the situation. I pay hundreds of euros on taxes every year. Now the idea is that we all have to save Greece. Hungary also asked the EU for financial aid. I am all for helping eachother, not a problem. But when we, as the working class, are also struggling to make a living, when we are victimized by our own system (paying more taxes, more health care, more things ourselves), without having the equal opportunity of earning more, how are we supposed to help others?

The critical condition of Europe’s financial and economical situation has now spread to the more healthy and strong countries, such as Germany, France and The Netherlands. Yep, that would be me, I live in that last one. I can’t complain. I found a great job earlier this year and I love it. I make a decent living and I get by. But, I am seriously planning on a strategy for emigration within the next few years. I’ve always wanted to move, but that was more for personal reasons. Now I have added economical and living conditions to those reasons.

The United States hasn’t really been an option anymore for me for the past few years. I would only take a huge step back moving there, unless I would find an equally good job over there, before I move, securing my personal situation. But that’s not likely to happen, seeing the economical situation over there. A few months ago, I was asked to be a part of a business project involving China, its a great opportunity so I said yes and have been working on that since. China wasn’t my first thought for emigration, but it has a more healthy economical environment with a lot of potential. Not to mention that the business we are doing will be booming in 2012. So I am not ruling that option out at all. Let’s see what happens in the next year.

Who knows, I may end up chilling on an island somewhere in the tropics. Right now, I am getting my strategy together, which will not be a 10 year plan, trust me. Aside from everything I wrote, I love Amsterdam. I really do. I love this city and it’s my home. It’s just such a shame that political & economical war (not even physical war) can drive a person to freely (!) leave the place they call home.

Blessings & Love.

Here’s the European Crisis, mapped out in one chart.

*Who is Radio Galaxy?
Spacebunny: Radio Galaxy is a triad of audible & ethereal awesomeness, consisting of vocalist Spacebunny Jefferson and dynamic producers King Midas & DJ Cozmos – collectively known as King Coz.

*How far did you guys have to travel to get to Earth?
Spacebunny: I believe you earthlings refer to it as light years. Yes, well…we’re even further away than that.
King: We have mastered the art of Time Travel so neither distance nor time are factors for us.

*What is the biggest difference between the (artistic) environment here and where you come from?
RG: Where we’re from, everything is made of sound so we have a deep appreciation for it. It has the power to incite change. It’s how we communicate. We’d like to teach the hue-mans here on Earth this new way of communicating and experiencing life.

*What made RG decide to take your music to Earth?
Coz: Partially because of the aforementioned reason. We’ve come to show you a new world, a new life. . . a new way. . . a beautiful new way.
King: When one galaxy suffers we all suffer… The Universe is only as strong as its weakest galaxy. We were sent here to assist our brethren HISD in The Weakend, also known as Cranberry.

*How would you describe your music?
Spacebunny: Spaced. When LIFE falls asleep and it dreams…this is the soundtrack that plays.

*Do you have a purpose with the music, bringing it over here? Other than putting out your creativity?
Spacebunny: We intend to invade the space between the ears of the listeners…and reprogram their perception. Musically, of course.
King: We must get the planet vibrating on a higher frequency before it’s too late.
Coz: Our purpose is to help the earthlings Space Up.

*Your debut album just dropped. The title is pretty obvious. Can you describe the working process towards the making of “We Come in Peace”?
Spacebunny: It was a grueling, yet enlightening and light-hearted experience to pluck ideas out of the vast expanse of time & space and translate that into music. “We Come In Peace” is a friendly declaration of our arrival, bearing the gift of these anomalous sounds…for a mere $5 download.  King- It’s what Hue-mans call a Peace offering. One human made us a Pie made from Apples to show her gratitude, it was quite full of pleasant taste to the tongue.

*How is your coming here, the album received so far?
Spacebunny: Warmly by most, and many more are quickly converting into purchasers, listeners, and supporters. Though, all of the above were initially taken aback by our arrival. Coz: We have been received gracefully and with open arms.

*Have you experienced humans who thought otherwise than you coming in peace?
Spacebunny: Certainly. But it was to be expected. We’ve been studying human behavior for quite some time now. We anticipated a small scattering of skeptics and snarfs. It’s depicted in your earth movies.

*Do you already have a next project in the works?
Spacebunny: This is classified information. You’d spontaneously combust if we told you. So, we’re going to say “stay tuned”.

*Tell me something that humans that are not known to RG, absolutely have to know about RG, next to your music.
Spacebunny: This is only the genesis. . . or “beginning” as you say here. We are the cosmic wild card. Follow the music.
King: The Humans must know that we will spare no expense on the Hue less humans. Its imperative that you begin to space up this instant so you  too can have a Hue during The Weakend. If not the heats will burn you.

*What differs RG from other groups, other than not having the same DNA?
Spacebunny: Our hue. It’s a rich multi-faceted green glow that radiates from within and allows us to channel the forces of the universe into what we like to call “the heats”.

*What can people expect from RG in the future?
King: Expect for us to do what we were sent here to do… We have a mission that must be completed in Hue time. We are in step 2 of the initiation phase prior to The Weakend.

*What is RG’s ultimate goal? Blow away all galaxies with your music?
Spacebunny: It is certainly not our intent to annihilate all other entities and life forms. We simply want to enhance them. Set a new standard. If annihilation happens in the process…it’s out of our hands.
King: To put it in a way so it can fit inside a shell of a nut, our goal is to simply get this planets Hue back where it’s supposed to be. Its a very dull color from sky view.

Radio Galaxy :: We Come in Peace: http://radiogalaxy.bandcamp.com/

Video: Radio Galaxy :: Feel Trip