The two producers and singer stay working on new music and, to my joy, decided to give me an exclusive “Euro Release” of the video for their newest song “Passing Cars”. Enjoy.

Song: Passing Cars
Etched in stone by: Khimmy J aka Khimtrails
Sound frequencies design by: King Midas aka King Radames
Addition vocal frequencies by: Sam Trump aka Samuel Trumpet
Live Time Captures by: Damien Randle for ill Mannered Media

For more music from Radio Galaxy, check http://radiogalaxy.bandcamp.com.

Here is an exclusive behind the scenes look at the recording of “Water” by Peter Anthony Red. Taken from the forthcoming album ‘Hyperrealism’.

Direction, Photography & Editing: Daniel McStay

Though after the video recording of the interview, the conversation got as real as it can be with an artist. Myself, Avery, her partner Dana Johnson, fellow-journalist Simone Zeefuik and promoter Rudii from SwaG ShaQ (who brought her out here), got tied up in one of the most inspiring conversations I’ve had in a while, with anyone, let alone an artist.

Unfortunately, I did not capture this 2 hour conversation about independent artists, the side of the media in this, the influence it has on creativity of artists, the understanding of doing business AS an independent artist, what you can and can’t do, depending on your own strategy and business plan, and the power of structured questions (or weakness of no research) from journalists. Any independent artist that wants to exchange thoughts on their art, Avery and Dana are definitely the people to hit up about this.

Luckily, Simone Zeefuik has captured the biggest part of this conversation and you will be able to find her interview soon on lazeefuik.com. Much love to all of the people who inspired me that day through words.

I got a chance to talk to Stefan and Axel from Jazzanova together with Randolph, right before their first show of their “I Human” European Tour, in Amsterdam.

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.