Have you read the book Shantaram? It’s an epic of a novel written by Gregory David Roberts and revolves around the true story of his escape from a Melbourne prison to the slums of Bombay where he becomes involved in the local mafia. Warner Bros.Pictures have bought the movie rights for the novel and are making a drama/crime/action movie starring Johnny Depp, due for release in 2009. Can’t wait.
www.shantaram-movie.com
Friday, June 6, 2008
Cool it, Madge
Madonna and Justin Timberlake are all hot and steamy in a sexy sci-fi video clip for her latest single, “4 Minutes.” But what pushes Madonna’s buttons in bed?
Her BlackBerry, which she keeps tucked up under her pillow. So what does Guy do ….? The rumour is that he plays on his BlackBerry too, at least while he’s waiting for Madge to get to bed!
www.news.com.au
Her BlackBerry, which she keeps tucked up under her pillow. So what does Guy do ….? The rumour is that he plays on his BlackBerry too, at least while he’s waiting for Madge to get to bed!
www.news.com.au
Watch out Hollywood!
Pinewood Studios has plans for a £200 million development called Project Pinewood - to build a whole world beside the M25 in Britain. This will include 2000 residential units with facilities such as crèches, health care and training facilities. An exciting mix of buildings, all carefully linked through an innovative and sustainable design plus replica settings of iconic global landmarks, including a castle, a Venetian canal and a Roman amphitheatre, as well as street settings for London and New York. Plus accommodation for film and television workers.
www.projectpinewood.com, Shoreline Magazine.
www.projectpinewood.com, Shoreline Magazine.
Sci-fi news
It’s said that Battlestar Galactica co-creator, Ronald D. Moore, will be writing a Sci-Fi trilogy for Tom Cruise’s movie studio, United Artists. Moore co-wrote Star Trek: First Contact and Star Trek: Generations.
www.variety.com, http://blog.wire.com
George Lucas’s new sci-fi universe - Star Wars: The Clone Wars, a computer-animated movie due in theatres in August, will be followed by a TV series, to air on the Cartoon Network.
www.firstshowing.net
www.variety.com, http://blog.wire.com
George Lucas’s new sci-fi universe - Star Wars: The Clone Wars, a computer-animated movie due in theatres in August, will be followed by a TV series, to air on the Cartoon Network.
www.firstshowing.net
Celebrities giving a green thumbs up
New York magazine reports that Leonardo DiCaprio has bought an eco-friendly apartment in a glass tower condo with solar powered energy in New York, owns a hybrid car, and makes documentaries relating to preserving the environment.
Daryl Hannah drives a bio-diesel El Camino powered by vegetable oil – she allegedly says her car whiffs of French fries.
Another go-green celeb is Tommy Shaw who was snapped filling up the Styx tour bus with bio-diesel in Greenville, South Carolina.
www.KansasCity.com, www.thedailygreen.com, www.ajc.com
Kate Hudson is partnering with celebrity hair stylist, David Babaii, to create an all natural hair care line. The line, David Babaii for WildAid, is going to be free of sulfates, paragons, animal products and animal testing. On top of that, 10 percent of the proceeds will go to a Wildlife conservation organization
ecorazzi , www.1plus1.uber.com
Daryl Hannah drives a bio-diesel El Camino powered by vegetable oil – she allegedly says her car whiffs of French fries.
Another go-green celeb is Tommy Shaw who was snapped filling up the Styx tour bus with bio-diesel in Greenville, South Carolina.
www.KansasCity.com, www.thedailygreen.com, www.ajc.com
Kate Hudson is partnering with celebrity hair stylist, David Babaii, to create an all natural hair care line. The line, David Babaii for WildAid, is going to be free of sulfates, paragons, animal products and animal testing. On top of that, 10 percent of the proceeds will go to a Wildlife conservation organization
ecorazzi , www.1plus1.uber.com
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Plush
Plush is a band on MXit Music – if you haven’t checked out their music yet go to www.mxitmusic.com. Rory Eliot, lead vocalist from Plush answered Ed’s questions.
Who are the band members of Plush?
Rory Eliot - Lead vocals and guitar, Emelio Gassibe - Bass and backing vocals, Ben Peters – Drums, and Carl Wegelin- Lead Guitar and backing vocals
How did it all begin?
It began in 1996, when Chas Smit and I started the band with some friends on the Kwa-Zulu Natal south coast. We'd play gigs in the holidays and make money to pay off our equipment.
Who writes the music – who writes the lyrics?
I (Rory) write the majority of the music and all the lyrics, but everyone has a hand in the development of the songs.
What sort of music do you play?
It's tough to box, but our music would fit into the rock genre... somewhere.
What are you trying to convey with your music and lyrics – any
particular message?
The message is a positive one and is focused on encouraging people and inspiring great change.
Where does your inspiration come from?
God, life, love and all that is questioned. Basically our own life experience.
What's been your biggest challenge getting the band off the ground?
The death of one of Plush's founding members (Chas Smit) just as the band was really taking off. Recovering from that has been the greatest challenge.
Where are you playing?
All around South Africa and we’re shortly going to Europe for our second tour. Go to www.myspace.com/plushlive or www.facebook.com plushlive fan page
for news about all our gigs and other info.
Any plans for a CD?
Well to-date we have released 3 albums all of which have done very well. The latest one in particular 'Rage on' is blasting off. You can get hold of the albums from most good music stores. If they say they are out of stock, demand they order more for you!
Anything else exciting that's happening?
Plush is off to play one of London's finest venues, 'The Carling Academy’, in July and our latest single ‘Lucky Fish' is charting all around the country!
Do you have day jobs, or are you studying? If so, what and where?
Nope, we are at this point all full time and focused on keeping it that way!
Did you have objections from your parents about starting up a band?
No we didn't. Call it luck or destiny, but all our families saw our dedication and got right behind us.
Do you have MXit on your phones?
Yes! It's an incredible application and we have no doubt it'll become huge internationally... soon!
What's great about MXit?
It's affordability! It gives all people, no matter their financial position, the opportunity to get connected!
What phones do you all use?
Nokia, Samsung, HP's and Sony's
What was your worst, or your funniest experience – why?
Best was playing to a sellout crowd at Kirstenbosch gardens (5000+) on a perfect summer afternoon. The worst was at ' The Bar Fly' in London. The sound engineer was high, I'm sure of it and we basically had to direct him through the gig!!! If it weren't for the amazing crowd , I don't think we would have come back from that one : )
What inspiring message would you give to other people wanting to get into the music industry?
Do it for the right reasons and music will satisfy your heart and soul!
Which bands do you listen to?
Dave Matthews, Crowded House, John Mayer, Counting Crows, Snow Patrol, Bruce Springsteen, Incubus and the list goes on and on and on...
Who do you admire in the music industry?
We have many, but one is Bob Marley... His music started a spiritual revolution!
Who would you really like to play with or collaborate with?
Incubus and The Dave Matthews Band.
What do you look for in a girl?
Natural beauty and a good sense of humour.
Thanks, Rory
Who are the band members of Plush?
Rory Eliot - Lead vocals and guitar, Emelio Gassibe - Bass and backing vocals, Ben Peters – Drums, and Carl Wegelin- Lead Guitar and backing vocals
How did it all begin?
It began in 1996, when Chas Smit and I started the band with some friends on the Kwa-Zulu Natal south coast. We'd play gigs in the holidays and make money to pay off our equipment.
Who writes the music – who writes the lyrics?
I (Rory) write the majority of the music and all the lyrics, but everyone has a hand in the development of the songs.
What sort of music do you play?
It's tough to box, but our music would fit into the rock genre... somewhere.
What are you trying to convey with your music and lyrics – any
particular message?
The message is a positive one and is focused on encouraging people and inspiring great change.
Where does your inspiration come from?
God, life, love and all that is questioned. Basically our own life experience.
What's been your biggest challenge getting the band off the ground?
The death of one of Plush's founding members (Chas Smit) just as the band was really taking off. Recovering from that has been the greatest challenge.
Where are you playing?
All around South Africa and we’re shortly going to Europe for our second tour. Go to www.myspace.com/plushlive or www.facebook.com plushlive fan page
for news about all our gigs and other info.
Any plans for a CD?
Well to-date we have released 3 albums all of which have done very well. The latest one in particular 'Rage on' is blasting off. You can get hold of the albums from most good music stores. If they say they are out of stock, demand they order more for you!
Anything else exciting that's happening?
Plush is off to play one of London's finest venues, 'The Carling Academy’, in July and our latest single ‘Lucky Fish' is charting all around the country!
Do you have day jobs, or are you studying? If so, what and where?
Nope, we are at this point all full time and focused on keeping it that way!
Did you have objections from your parents about starting up a band?
No we didn't. Call it luck or destiny, but all our families saw our dedication and got right behind us.
Do you have MXit on your phones?
Yes! It's an incredible application and we have no doubt it'll become huge internationally... soon!
What's great about MXit?
It's affordability! It gives all people, no matter their financial position, the opportunity to get connected!
What phones do you all use?
Nokia, Samsung, HP's and Sony's
What was your worst, or your funniest experience – why?
Best was playing to a sellout crowd at Kirstenbosch gardens (5000+) on a perfect summer afternoon. The worst was at ' The Bar Fly' in London. The sound engineer was high, I'm sure of it and we basically had to direct him through the gig!!! If it weren't for the amazing crowd , I don't think we would have come back from that one : )
What inspiring message would you give to other people wanting to get into the music industry?
Do it for the right reasons and music will satisfy your heart and soul!
Which bands do you listen to?
Dave Matthews, Crowded House, John Mayer, Counting Crows, Snow Patrol, Bruce Springsteen, Incubus and the list goes on and on and on...
Who do you admire in the music industry?
We have many, but one is Bob Marley... His music started a spiritual revolution!
Who would you really like to play with or collaborate with?
Incubus and The Dave Matthews Band.
What do you look for in a girl?
Natural beauty and a good sense of humour.
Thanks, Rory
Freshly Ground chat, and chat some more … doobey doo.
Josh, Pete and Kyla from Freshly Ground were in playful mood at a café in Long Street, in Cape Town recently. Here they are in coffee-style conversation with the GT Ed.
Their music has been described as ‘retro Sophiatown jives, maskandi pop cocktails and afro-pop prayers,’ they were the opening act for Robbie Williams during his SA tour and among others, they’ve been awarded an MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act. More recently, they won four SAMA awards, one for Best Album of the Year.
They have a kind of musical magic that’s captivated fans of every culture and colour around the world, and they are proudly South African. And interestingly enough, the band consolidated just about the same time as MXit was conceived, in 2003.
Freshly Ground is a home-grown rainbow-nation group, with seven band members who hail from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, JoBurg, Maputo and Harare but Josh is quick to point out, “Just because there’s diversity in the band, doesn’t mean we’re that much different. We share a common humanity.”
Pete continues, “But what we do have as a group is chemistry, and you can’t plan that.”
MXit: How do you keep inspired and focused?
Kyla:When we first got together the spirit came from the audience and their reaction to us. As a group though, we have shared ideals like the joy of creativity. When we’re writing music and lyrics we get very inspired.
Pete laughs: We’re all on the same page. Really, we’re just suckers for a good time!
Josh: Yeah, but it’s not just about the money.
As they chat you begin to realize, they’re not in this for the trappings of success alone. Their music is about who they are, and where they’ve come from, and each of their different styles and attitudes is mixed into the flavor of the music. This year they’re touring in Morocco, Beirut and Cairo, and then they’re off to Europe for June, July, October and November. They’re busy, very busy.
Pete: Finding time to actually create, is sometimes the biggest challenge we have these days, because there’s so much else going on.
Josh: And one of the biggest problems is managing time, especially to see our families. Our lives are hectic right now.
Pete: Yeah, but we know we’re privileged, and we wanna make a success, we wanna hang on to the success we have, make a living, you know.
Kyla: It’s a great job, we’re enjoying it.
MXit: What’s something not many people know about you?
Josh: I don’t know many people
Pete: Josh, it’s not how many people you know. It’s how many people know you. A lot of people know you.
Josh: Alright then, there’s only one thing I use my left hand for, and it’s academic.
Pete: Oh, right!
Kyla: I’m shorter than people think.
Pete: And I’m much older. Do you know I once had to pull out my ID document to stop getting beaten up at a party?
Kyla: I sometimes have to pull out my ID book just to get a drink.
MXit: Do you all use MXit?
All: A resounding YES!
MXit: So what phones do you use?
Kyla: Nokia 6300
Josh: Nokia N70
Pete: Nokia E65
MXit: What’s great about MXit for you?
Pete: Well, the amount of people who use it, for a start, it’s millions isn’t it?
Kyla: It’s taken the future of communication to a whole new level, chatting as you go, wherever you are.
MXit: Do you have a message for MXit fans?
Kyla: Just MXit, guys!
Josh: Follow your dream. Don’t emigrate yet, it’s gonna get better. Oh, and don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t sing.
Pete: Live in the moment.
MXit: Living in the moment, hmm, then how do you like your eggs?
Pete: Poached
MXit: How do you like your coffee?
Josh: No sugar – look here it comes, thanks.
MXit: Do you make your bed when you get up
Kyla laughs: Not me!
MXit: What bands get you shaking your butts?
Pete: Foo Fighters, Cool and the Gang
Josh: Fish Bone
Kyla: Arrested Development.
MXit: Who is your all time hero or heroine?
Josh: Bob Marley, Mohammed Ali, Johnny Depp, Kate Blanchet.
Kyla: Steve Biko, Joni Mitchell, Rudolph Nureyev, Jeremy Irons
Pete: Robert de Niro, Stevie Wonder, Helena Bonham Carter and Charlize Theron – local is lekker!
MXit: Which award are you most proud of?
Pete: We’re proud of all of them. The awards make our fans proud and that makes us happy. It’s nice for people who have supported us before we were successful and before we had any accolades to feel part of our success now.
MXit: Thanks, guys. It’s been a pleasure chatting to you.
Fast Fact: Freshly Ground are on MXit Music, under Featured Bands. Listen to their two exclusive songs: Zipho and Castle (www.mxit.com).
“To all new arrivals in the music industry, my advice to you is to see your dream clearly every day of your life and to not only believe that it can come true but to surround yourself with people and situations which can make it become a reality. The thing about the music business is that it is the same as anything in the world ... it is a POSSIBLE experience, which millions all over the planet are capable of creating and producing for all to share. Especially here eMzantsi, where we are filled with new possibilities of expression. Every one of us is unique and has a responsibility and a right to do their best to make their voice heard. There is no one to stop you but yourself,” says Zolani from Freshly Ground.
Check out www.freshlyground.com for information about the band, gigs and news.
Freshly Ground are releasing a live DVD this year, taken from their VWFG Tour, which was shot throughout the tour and shows clips from on stage, in the dressing rooms and hotel rooms - there’s a preview on YouTube.
Their music has been described as ‘retro Sophiatown jives, maskandi pop cocktails and afro-pop prayers,’ they were the opening act for Robbie Williams during his SA tour and among others, they’ve been awarded an MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act. More recently, they won four SAMA awards, one for Best Album of the Year.
They have a kind of musical magic that’s captivated fans of every culture and colour around the world, and they are proudly South African. And interestingly enough, the band consolidated just about the same time as MXit was conceived, in 2003.
Freshly Ground: Simon, Aron, Josh, Julio, Pete, Zolani, Kyla-Rose
Freshly Ground is a home-grown rainbow-nation group, with seven band members who hail from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, JoBurg, Maputo and Harare but Josh is quick to point out, “Just because there’s diversity in the band, doesn’t mean we’re that much different. We share a common humanity.”
Pete continues, “But what we do have as a group is chemistry, and you can’t plan that.”
MXit: How do you keep inspired and focused?
Kyla:When we first got together the spirit came from the audience and their reaction to us. As a group though, we have shared ideals like the joy of creativity. When we’re writing music and lyrics we get very inspired.
Pete laughs: We’re all on the same page. Really, we’re just suckers for a good time!
Josh: Yeah, but it’s not just about the money.
As they chat you begin to realize, they’re not in this for the trappings of success alone. Their music is about who they are, and where they’ve come from, and each of their different styles and attitudes is mixed into the flavor of the music. This year they’re touring in Morocco, Beirut and Cairo, and then they’re off to Europe for June, July, October and November. They’re busy, very busy.
Pete: Finding time to actually create, is sometimes the biggest challenge we have these days, because there’s so much else going on.
Josh: And one of the biggest problems is managing time, especially to see our families. Our lives are hectic right now.
Pete: Yeah, but we know we’re privileged, and we wanna make a success, we wanna hang on to the success we have, make a living, you know.
Kyla: It’s a great job, we’re enjoying it.
MXit: What’s something not many people know about you?
Josh: I don’t know many people
Pete: Josh, it’s not how many people you know. It’s how many people know you. A lot of people know you.
Josh: Alright then, there’s only one thing I use my left hand for, and it’s academic.
Pete: Oh, right!
Kyla: I’m shorter than people think.
Pete: And I’m much older. Do you know I once had to pull out my ID document to stop getting beaten up at a party?
Kyla: I sometimes have to pull out my ID book just to get a drink.
MXit: Do you all use MXit?
All: A resounding YES!
MXit: So what phones do you use?
Kyla: Nokia 6300
Josh: Nokia N70
Pete: Nokia E65
MXit: What’s great about MXit for you?
Pete: Well, the amount of people who use it, for a start, it’s millions isn’t it?
Kyla: It’s taken the future of communication to a whole new level, chatting as you go, wherever you are.
MXit: Do you have a message for MXit fans?
Kyla: Just MXit, guys!
Josh: Follow your dream. Don’t emigrate yet, it’s gonna get better. Oh, and don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t sing.
Pete: Live in the moment.
MXit: Living in the moment, hmm, then how do you like your eggs?
Pete: Poached
MXit: How do you like your coffee?
Josh: No sugar – look here it comes, thanks.
MXit: Do you make your bed when you get up
Kyla laughs: Not me!
MXit: What bands get you shaking your butts?
Pete: Foo Fighters, Cool and the Gang
Josh: Fish Bone
Kyla: Arrested Development.
MXit: Who is your all time hero or heroine?
Josh: Bob Marley, Mohammed Ali, Johnny Depp, Kate Blanchet.
Kyla: Steve Biko, Joni Mitchell, Rudolph Nureyev, Jeremy Irons
Pete: Robert de Niro, Stevie Wonder, Helena Bonham Carter and Charlize Theron – local is lekker!
MXit: Which award are you most proud of?
Pete: We’re proud of all of them. The awards make our fans proud and that makes us happy. It’s nice for people who have supported us before we were successful and before we had any accolades to feel part of our success now.
MXit: Thanks, guys. It’s been a pleasure chatting to you.
Fast Fact: Freshly Ground are on MXit Music, under Featured Bands. Listen to their two exclusive songs: Zipho and Castle (www.mxit.com).
Lead singer, Zolani from Freshly Ground has this message exclusively for MXiteers.
“To all new arrivals in the music industry, my advice to you is to see your dream clearly every day of your life and to not only believe that it can come true but to surround yourself with people and situations which can make it become a reality. The thing about the music business is that it is the same as anything in the world ... it is a POSSIBLE experience, which millions all over the planet are capable of creating and producing for all to share. Especially here eMzantsi, where we are filled with new possibilities of expression. Every one of us is unique and has a responsibility and a right to do their best to make their voice heard. There is no one to stop you but yourself,” says Zolani from Freshly Ground.
Check out www.freshlyground.com for information about the band, gigs and news.
Freshly Ground are releasing a live DVD this year, taken from their VWFG Tour, which was shot throughout the tour and shows clips from on stage, in the dressing rooms and hotel rooms - there’s a preview on YouTube.
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