Kit Rice

Kit Rice is a truly versatile musician and with four years of BRIT school experience to call on, Kit loves nothing more than performing live, and can often be seen playing solo shows, with his unique singing style and flexible musicianship, he is an emerging talent and definitely one to watch for the future.

Catch Kit performing with @ Fat Talent LIVE with his full band Mon 7th Oct @ xoyo - Details

Mon 20th July / Dance Auditions

DANCERS WANTED (commercial). Chocolate Blonde is auditioning for dancers for up -coming shows (incl. live performance @ this years Nottinghill Carnival!) and in preparation for a mini UK tour later this year. If you are a gifted dancer and looking to increase you profile put this date in your diary!!

Date: Mon 20^th July

MALE: 10:30 – 1:00pm

FEMALE: 1:00-3:30pm

Venue: Inn on the Green

3-5 Thorpe Close

London

W10 5XL Nr. Tube Ladbroke Grove

Contact: mgmt@fattalent.com

Chocolate Blonde World

Starting from next week, you will be able to follow 'Chocolate Blonde world', each and every Monday exclusively on the 'The Fat Blog'.

It's guaranteed to be an interesting read, as we document her rise up the ladder of fame, its not to be missed!! Are you interested in some background info on this budding starlet? of course you are...


‘Chocolate’ never sounded so good…….

After causing quite a storm on MySpace & YouTube with her promo tracks ‘Role Play’ and ‘say something’ this versatile songstress is set to notch it up a gear with her refreshing take on Pop / RNB.

‘Versatile’, ‘fun’, ‘lyrically gifted ‘are just some of the words that have been used to describe the 24 year old singer/songwriting talent from East London.

The debut single 1.30am (*ick on my forehead) is due for digital release 31.08.09. Currently in promo stage having already caught the attention of main stream music journalists such as Simon Price from The Independent on Sunday.

With widespread recognition on her mind ‘Chocolate Blonde’ is fast gaining an enviable reputation for her energetic live performances and is currently tearing up numerous music venues up & down the country.

An accomplished dancer and choreographer she has shared the stage with chart topping international acts Kylie, Usher, Robbie Williams, Beverly Knight, Sean Kingston and the Arctic Monkeys to name a few.

As an artist in her own right ‘Chocolate Blonde’ has supported US artist Mario on his UK tour and appeared on Nokia Green Room on channel 4. She also won the prestigious MP3 Music Award in 2007

As well as her UK activities she is gaining attention internationally after having had extensive air play on MTV Africa with the ‘Say Something’ video.

The delectable ‘Chocolate Blonde’ is ditching the urban stereotypes and bringing fun & diversity back to the music industry….WATCH THIS SPACE !

For further information, press & bookings contact
Fat Talent Mgmt E: mgmt@fattalent.com

Fat Chat: Music & Fashion entrepreneur A.Kay

The young & multi-talented A.kay has been writing songs for years and his music is very 8o’s influenced. He loves nothing more than to seek difference,and in his own words..." I tend to create experimental music which is aspired by; hip hop, electro, dance, techno and pop". We found out a bit more about the guy behind the music & fashion label.....

Hi A.Kay, you say your “Swagger and sound go hand in hand” how would you describe them both, as you state Fashion Design is also one of your many talents?

Well I’m really into being creative and also I love to take risks, this relays to my music and designs because they are both mirror images of my minds status and also what I’m interested in at the particular time. At present I have a great infatuation with the 80’z era and new rave colours, this can result in some of cloths being really bright or colourful and my music having that 80’s rap / pop dance the feel to it. But please understand I’m here to create quality and honest music! So in 10 years from now I will still listen and be proud! Lol

Who do you think in the music industry is doing big things right now and who if you had the chance would you like to do a collaboration with?

To be honest I feel a lot of people are doing and achieving great things at the moment, arstist such as: Tinchy, Bashy, Dizzee, N-Dubz, Wiley and chipmunk I feel are doing a lot in the commercial side of the game. But then I feel artist such as: Getz, Scorcher, Wretch 32, Kano and Skepta are doing well within the underground / independent label status.

Now in regards to whom I would collaborate with, to be real I would fly to Chicago and meet Mr Kanye West. He is one of my biggest inspirations within this game and I really admire his work. Plus it’s my dream to be an artist that can also collaborate with artists from the states, and create the link between the US and the UK.

PS “showing them that we do have urban talent” lol.

Your track ‘My Plimsole’ looks set to do big things... other than obviously “plimsole” what gave you the inspiration to write that track?

The inspiration of the track was really me looking into my past and also remembering as a child how I was forced to wear them by my mum, then thinking about the big turn around and how it became a new trend. Although they do differ from the ones I used to wear and now we have a big variety, its shocking to see how they have put; Nike, Adidas and Puma in a state of bother. Also because my partner creates some really good pairs for me which everyone asks me for! Lol

Who and what has shaped you into the artist you are today?

I feel as if all the people who rejected me and my ideas before has really helped me to be who I am today. This resulted in me working harder, bettering my skills and also finding my-self as an artist. Along with this close friends and family also have played a big role, plus completing a degree and finding my manager has really enabled my status at present. “I have a really long way to go, but my passion is to continue to create quality and new music of substance” also to be the UK’s Kanye West! Lol

Plus watching him and his existence within the industry has help me greatly, because there’s; no guns, no drugs and no lies! I seriously feel that your audience and fans need the truth, especially the younger generations.

You’re not signed to a major record label at the moment, how have you started to get your music recognised and your name out there?

Well…………… this is where the hard work really begins! Lol

At the moment I feel my music is promoted by “word of mouth”, I have done quite a few shows and posted my stuff on; Myspace, Facebook, Profile Pic and Twitter. I also have done a video and uploaded it on Youtube, I feel that I’m getting my music and name out there just through people hearing my stuff, but I wont lie it’s not easy! Also where I’m independent, it’s all funded by me and understands it’s not cheap .lol But I do feel we are doing well, because without no backing a lot of people are aware of the “plimsole” song and more than 1500 people have viewed the video to it on Youtube.

And for our totally random question....if you was the PM what is the first rule that you would abolish?

I would abolish” the sex age restriction of 16”!

I would change it to 18 to give people more time to understand and have knowledge of the implications / consequences behind sex, also maybe this will help to decrease to percentage of under age pregnancy.

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule and go check out the MYSPACE people!

Interview: Tanayha Mcleary

Introducing Musician Neil Thomas

Multi-instrumentalist Neil Thomas is currently working on his debut album.
A late bloomer, he began playing music at the age of sixteen and over the past
ten years has blossomed into a consummate songwriter and musician
(Read the full interview)

Fat Chat: Singer/songwriter Neil Thomas

Multi-instrumentalist Neil Thomas is currently working on his debut album. A late bloomer, he began playing music at the age of sixteen and over the past ten years has blossomed into a consummate songwriter and musician. His songs are varied in style but all originate from a deep love for melody and feeling. His solo act is based on him and a guitar, but he also has a few unusual vocal abilities which come into play with the use of a loop pedal. Expect the unexpected, as well as some classic songwriting and heartfelt vocals.


How would you describe your music?
i try to make music my heroes would enjoy listening to. so there's some folk to keep joni happy, some jazz for chet, soul for stevie, blues for ray and some big vocal harmonies for lewis. i haven't put very much guitar frippery in there for jimi yet, so p'raps i should get on the case! nor have i got all sampletastic for dilla/tribe. hmmm... what have i been doing?!

When did you discover you passion for music?
i was a mad elvis fan when i was a kid. i used to sit with my headphones on and the elvis songbook, gleefully singing along to mix tapes my uncle made for me. that was until my next door neighbour's daughter told me she could hear me through the wall. i was about 10... cue years of self-conscious adolescence. i started playing guitar at 16, drums at 19... gave up karate. got a bit disinterested at school. decided i didn't care about oxbridge. didn't get the grades necessary as i was doing much more music than anything else... hey presto, music was suddenly what i was best at! in the words of steve lukather, if i didn't make it work, i'd be saying "want fries with that?!?!".

Who are your musical inspirations?
see question 1 for some of my heroes. i don't really believe in inspiration. i think if you come at it from an interesting angle, you can turn any lyrical pine cone or musical acorn into a big ol' tree. i get excited when i hear good production but really it's all about the concept of the song; the lyrical voice. if you tell a good yarn, it's engaging.

When did you write your first track?
when i was about 8 years old. i rewrote the lyrics to "homeward bound" as "space bound", about being an astronaut and missing me missus. i've since heard rocket man by elton john and i'm convinced he nicked the idea. he must have a time machine. then i didn't write anything till i was 17, when i started making hiphop with school friends. i wrote my first "song" song at the age of 21. late bloomer i guess.

My favorite track is Before the Bells Ring. Is the song about a personal experience?
yep. i went to see a flat in notting hill before christmas and ended up having a bit of a thing with one of the current tenants. yes, it started there and then. "ah, you've come to see the flat, have you? well, this is the bedroom" etc... we then debated for a few weeks whether i should move in ("just so long as nobody knows it..."), and decided against it. no, we're not still seeing each other. she turned out to be a bit weird.

If you had a plane ticket to anywhere, where would you go and why?
Barbados. in a heartbeat. I haven't been since i was about 18. went with the family and it's my idea of paradise!!! you offering? ;-)

Check out Neil's music on MYSPACE....you won't be dissapointed!


Interview: Natalee Connally

Yelitza's Diaries: The long haul home

One of the major perks of becoming an established artist has got to be travelling the world! Not only do you get to meet new people and see new places, but the people there already know about you and want to make sure you are happy and well-looked after!

I have only travelled to a couple of countries due to my music but I knew from day one that music was going to be my ticket around the world.

Rumour has it Europe is the best place for music. Places like Germany, Denmark and France are on the ball when it comes to live music. They have great festivals – they embrace new genres and for the unsigned artist, Europe is definitely a place you need to go to. I haven’t quite sorted out a connection there, but it is most definitely on my to-do list! Once I know a little more about it, I will let you know.

This month alone brings a variety of festivals including:
o 1 May - 30 June: AUSTRIA Vienna Festival - offers a wide range of arts, especially music
o 12 May - 3 June: CZECH REPUBLIC Prague Spring International Music Festival - one of Europe's best musical events
o 26 -26 June: FRANCE, Festival de Musique de Strasbourg - contemporary music festival

Another place that is really into its music, particularly RnB, is Australia! Can you believe it? Down-under likes to get down to the likes of Bobby V, and Keisha Cole! I’m guessing it may not be that much of a surprise to you guys, but I was impressed. This music lark has shown me that I am a little naïve when it comes to who appreciates what and I have been surprised on a number of occasions.

So as music is a medium that is appreciated the world over it makes sense to be clued up about what type of music is appreciated where. I was totally taken by surprise to find that my music is being enjoyed in The States. I had a few messages through MySpace and thought nothing of it, but once I got over there and heard the feedback, it really was an eye-opener.

‘Happy’ is my most popular track over there and over here to be honest. If you haven’t heard it yet, check out my website: www.yelitza.co.uk and click on music. It has been likened to Jasmine Sullivan ‘Lions, Tigers and Bears’ which is a huge compliment on my part. I haven’t decided which track to officially launch my career with but from that response, I am leaning towards ‘Happy’.

Of course, with any perk there must be a downside though! Of course there is? And what would my blog be without a little anecdote to shine a little personal perspective onto the situation?

After my experience in L.A., I have to say the downside to my escapades abroad, has got to be the long-haul flight!

Now I have to admit, I get extremely nervous when it comes to flying! I never used to. No, this is definitely a trait I have picked up as I got older! As a younger version of myself, I loved the idea of jumping on a plane. The thrill of the take-offs; the bump as we landed on the runway in pastures new.

Nowadays…lol!

Nowadays, I grit my teeth, hold onto the seat with my eyes screwed shut and pray we have a safe take-off and landing. I have ‘foolishly’ watched too many news reports of planes crashing here, there and everywhere. During take-off; while landing; in mid-air! It’s messed me up! It’s freaked me out! And the worst thing is, if plans work out for me in L.A. (which I hope they do!) I shall be travelling back and forth on planes very frequently! Oh joy!

To add to this, having survived take-off there is then the added bonus of 10 hours in a confined space, with the world’s worst travellers! I am an Economy flyer and as I travel on my own a lot, I often end up sat next to Mr. ‘I’m going to take up MY seat AND YOURS!’ Or Ms. ‘I need to get something out of my bag in the overhead compartment for the tenth time – please excuse me!’ Good-grief just put it under the seat! And why do people bring on so much hand luggage anyway? The “bags” are larger than my suitcase for the week! There are weight restrictions for a reason! Plus it baffles me how if you pay an extra fee you can bring on MORE luggage! Isn’t the plane still going to be overweight whether I pay an extra £15 or not? Aren’t we still weighing the thing down? Phew – rant over!

Okay, maybe not just yet. I spend the journey fidgeting and wriggling, cramped up in my seat, desperately trying to sleep. Now normally I can sleep ANYWHERE. In a car, on the bus, standing up! Anywhere! Maybe it was the nerves of meeting new people in America but trust me, on the way out, I could not sleep – not for love nor money! And the on-flight entertainment was whack! I have to say though I don’t mind the plane food and thankfully now I am old enough to enjoy the complimentary alcohol, so I can have a little tipple too.

Now for the advice part of the blog! If you are going to be plane hopping and travelling to all of these weird and wonderful places, you need to be sure your stage performance is on point. Here then comes tip number 2

Tip 2.
Practice: at home in front of a mirror! Sounds mad cheesy but who’s going to know?Many a time I have watched performers on programmes like X-factor or the like and their voice is fabulous, but they look like they are in pain. I have no advice as to what to do if this is the case with you, other than to try another face. But it is a good idea to think about how you look in front of your audience. This doesn’t mean you have to work out a routine or do certain hand gestures but if there is something strange that you do and don’t realise, it is best to work on it at an early stage! I had an annoying habit of holding one hand up by my side for no apparent reason. Someone pointed it out to me and I got mad paranoid. I’ve worked on it since and while it happens occasionally, it is not as bad. Certainly never was as bad as ‘The Claw’ that appeared on the last season of X-factor.

Hope this was useful. Feel free to drop me a comment (be nice) and don’t forget to check out my web sites: www.myspace.com/yelitzauk & www.yelitza.co.uk

Stay tuned for more little tips and don’t forget you can see me performing every month in Brum.

Speak soon
Flutter xx

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