Music Matters with Joell Fender

Music Matters Features
08/04/2021

Next up in our Music Matters series is singer and songwriter, Joell Fender.

Joell is one of the UK’s most in demand vocalists, having worked with with artists including, Years and Years, Sigala, Bastille, Disciples, Demi Lovato and Jessie Ware, and performed at the MTV EMA Awards, Glastonbury, Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball, the 02 Arena and on Later with Jools Holland and The Graham Norton Show.

One of the things we love most about Joell, is his commitment to every performance – his energy really is contagious (he throws some seriously killer moves, that would have even the most reluctant dancer wanting to join him on stage!) And his vocals on Bastille’s live performance with the Baltic Sea Philharmonic orchestra, are utterly stunning (watch it HERE.)

A rising star, we were thrilled Joell was able to be a part of our Music Matters series. We’re pretty sure his diary is going to fill up fast once gigs are up and running again!

What music was playing in your early years? There was a range of music always blaring out at home, loads of reggae, soul, R&B, lovers rock, my parents played it all.

What were you listening to during your teenage years? Boyz II Men, Usher, Beyoncé, Amy Winehouse, Robert Glasper, Jill Scott and a lot of soundtracks of Musicals.

What do you enjoy listening to now? It depends on my mood but recently I’ve been listening to A LOT of 70’s soul/funk and disco…honestly can’t get enough of it.

What made you get into music? It was very natural for me. I always enjoyed singing and performing and would be obsessed with harmonising along to ANYTHING that came on the radio haha! In terms of doing it as a career…I was noticing more and more the joy it would bring me to sing, in comparison to my office job at the time, and from that I pretty much decided it’s something I wanted to do full time.

How does music typically feature in your day? When I’m showering/getting ready for the day…music is present. When I’m going to the shop to pick up things for the house…music is present! When I’m cleaning the house or cooking music is definitely present. Lol! Safe to say music is featuring in everything I do…I’m usually lost in my own world creating visuals in my mind to whatever I’m listening to!

What was the last thing you listened to? ‘I’ll Be Your Radio’ by Jarrod Lawson Feat. Moonchild.

Is there an artist we might not know of but should listen to? Yasmin Green! My bestieeee. Honestly one of the most gifted singer/songwriters I know. Her EP ‘After All These Years’ is truly stunning.

What was the most memorable gig/festival you went to, and why was it so memorable? I performed at PukklePop festival one year and managed to catch Solange’s set. Was blown away. Her performance and conviction, the set design, the styling and choreography was just ELITE. I remember leaving and thinking that I want my shows to look like that.

What album/song reminds you of falling in love? ‘Always and Forever’. Originally by Heatwave, but the Luther Vandross version is EVERYTHING.

Do you ever use music to change your mood? I wouldn’t say I use music to change my mood however, I definitely tend to play music in accordance with what I’m feeling. If I’m a little down, I’ll allow myself to be in that space for a little while and play something sombre/slow paced. If I’m pissed off, I’ll ABSOLUTELY be playing something more aggressive. I think we should all allow ourselves to feel what we’re feeling and I think music has a great way of enhancing these feelings.

Do you play an instrument, and if so what? And how often do you play/practice? I’ve been saying for the last 5 years I’m going to learn guitar…and it’s just not happened lol. It will though! I only play chords on the keys when I’m writing.

Describe your creative writing process. I change it up quite a lot actually, usually I have the production already then get in the booth and record myself singing absolute gibberish then see what melodies/themes stick out. Sometimes it could be a jam session with other musicians. I often also write down my thoughts/feelings then form the lyrics from this. I just like to follow where the creative flow takes me.

What’s the best thing about being an artist? No two days are the same! Me being an artist is a way of life, my art runs parallel to my personal life so it’s ever changing and growing. I love being able to express myself however I please. Art is all around us…everywhere! So to know I can contribute to that is pretty awesome.

What’s the most difficult thing about being an artist? Allowing myself to be vulnerable isn’t always easy, Self doubt, being a perfectionist, fear of not living up to all my standards, being misunderstood, writers block, being overly critical of my work…I must sound so pessimistic

What has a greater impact on you; lyrics or melody? I’m a melody man.

Kitchen discos? If yes, what’s on your playlist? Literally heading to my kitchen in a bit, deffo gonna be playing Bruno Mars & Anderson Pak. Maybe some Sylvester, Thundercat, Donna Summers and Earth, Wind & Fire

Why does music matter to you? God knows what I’d be doing without music haha. I truly think it’s my purpose in life to create music, sing, perform and uplift. Honestly though, could you imagine a world without music? Or for instance your favourite film without any music at all? It’s unimaginable right? Music has no language, yet you could fill a stadium of people from different countries all over the world bringing them together as one. That’s EXACTLY why music matters.

Anything you would like us to share with our readers? I’m currently working on my EP which is deffo gearing in the direction of 70’s funk/Disco…I’m soooo excited about it. Until then, you can check out all my previous work on all music streaming platforms which you can access from my website.

Click HERE to visit Joell’s website.

Click HERE to watch Joell performing with Jessie Ware on The Graham Norton Show.

We’ve also put together a playlist based on some of Joell’s influences and inspirations, you can hear it HERE.

For every ‘Music Matters’ feature we publish we will be donating £20 to music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins, who we’ve been supporting since 2018.

To read more of our Music Matters interviews, click HERE.

One Year On

News
25/03/2021

One year on. Child sat down looking at a wall illustrated with chalk writing and drawings.

Well, here we are, one year on. And whilst we’ve definitely not reached the finish line yet (is there even a finish line?), it certainly feels like we’re on the home stretch now. It helps that Spring is all around, which always feels like a time for starting afresh.

Just before the pandemic hit, our business was thriving, we were about to celebrate our 10th birthday, and we had just worked on our biggest event to-date; providing Glow-Show LED drummers for ‘We Day’ at SSE Wembley Arena to a crowd of 13,000 children (imagine!) Things were looking really promising, but talk of Covid-19 was inescapable, and we started to feel things shift very quickly.

In little over two days, all events were off. We were in crisis mode. We had no idea what the future of our business looked like, or indeed if there was a future at all. We spoke to The Sunday Times about what it felt like in that moment.

For the following days and weeks we were just firefighting – it certainly proved a good exercise in crisis management – although not one I care to repeat any time soon. Perhaps more importantly, it felt like everything suddenly came into sharp focus for us.

We had twins two years prior to the pandemic, which was almost like a dry run for the full lockdown experience. We were forced to stay home a lot during those first couple of years, and found ourselves mostly going through the motions, not ever having time to pause or reflect on anything other than what we should have for dinner. And now here we were forced to stop. We needed it. We now had an opportunity to look at the business with fresh eyes. Having come so close to losing it, we were reminded of why we set it up in the first place, and everything we loved about it. We really didn’t want to close the door on it.

James and I met as musicians, music has always been our passion. Sound Generation has always been about the music. We set out to build a bespoke, quality-driven business, working with only with the best musicians around. Plus, we’ve always been passionate about promoting independent musicians, and championing the arts. We think life is so much better for it.

Sound Generation in the Evening Standard

We’re undoubtedly the lucky ones. We’ve stayed safe and healthy. The business has stayed afloat, and is still very much here to stay (unless the world has another surprise up it’s sleeve for us…)

Looking forward, we feel really optimistic about Sound Generation and its future. SG sometimes feels like our 4th child (although thank God, there’s no nappy changing involved with this one!), we want to see it grow old! Although, we’re hoping our kids take the reins at some point, whilst we kick back with Pina Coladas on a beach somewhere (anywhere would do, frankly…)

Thank you to everyone who has supported us this last year, we are so grateful. Our thoughts go out to all those that have lost loved ones, and those who have struggled with the constraints of lockdown.

Let’s hope things will get brighter now.

Please grab a hot drink (or a stiff one – no judgement here!) and take a moment to listen to a playlist we’ve put together of all the independent artists we’ve loved listening to this year. Click HERE to give your ears a serious treat.

Music Matters with Louise Golbey

Music Matters Features
05/03/2021

Next up in our ‘Music Matters’ series is singer, songwriter, podcast host, and longtime friend of ours, Louise Golbey.

Louise has achieved staggering success as an independent artist, having performed at Glastonbury, The Isle of Wight Festival, recorded at Maida Vale for the BBC, and supported/shared the stage with the likes of Ed Sheeran (who also features in one of her videos!), Paloma Faith, Lianne La Havas, George Benson, Roberta Flack, En Vogue, Roy Ayers and Omar! Her music has received airplay on Jazz FM, BBC 1Xtra and Radio 2.

More recently Louise launched ‘The Songwriters Podcast’ in association with The Ivor’s Academy and PRS For Music’s M Magazine. Her guests are some of the UK’s most acclaimed songwriters, and have included, Michelle Escoffrey, Omar and Rob Davies. We highly recommend you check it out – it’s a really interesting listen!

We have huge admiration for Louise because as well as being incredibly talented and driven, she’s also extremely generous, and always looking to lift up other artists where she can.

We spoke to Louise about her musical journey and what it’s like to be an independent artist.

What music was playing in your early years? My brother got me into R’n’B and Hip Hop when I was little.. my first album was Salt n Pepper. I also listened to my mum’s old Motown records – dancing round the living room! My dad used to play Country and Western on long car journeys and also I used to do a lot of musical theatre growing up so was also listening to and singing Musical songs… so a bit of a mix really!!

What were you listening to during your teenage years? Mainly R’n’B!

What do you enjoy listening to now? Neo soul, Rn’B, I still like listening to old skool Hip Hop and R’n’B and also I listen to Radio 1 quite a bit as I like to keep up to date with what is out and how songs are written/ produced.

What made you get into music? I grew up in a very musical household, my dad played guitar, my mum sang – my uncle played violin. I played the piano and started dance classes when I was 2. And I was in my first stage show when I was really little so I got the stage bug quite young.

How does music typically feature in your day? At the moment (without the gigs) I am fortunate enough to be doing some remote recording and songwriting – so have been able to stay creative and productive most days. I am also doing a few collabs and still writing for my own artist project too. I have also been trying to do video and audio content for social media. Splitscreen remote duets etc – or just myself and the piano -But essentially I think about music 24/7!! BUT of course you cannot beat the feeling of performing in front of a live audience.

What was the last thing you listened to? I was actually listening to some old 70’s jazz fusion / funk the other day (after being inspired by the soundtrack of the serpent!) But also I rewatched Native Dancer’s amazing live set from Jazz refreshed they did recently.

Is there an artist we might not know of but should listen to? Well you already know about Native Dancer. But I do highly recommend them to anyone who hasn’t! Otherwise my good friend Estee Blu is a brilliant Neo soul singer / songwriter.. so please check her stuff out too.

What was the most memorable gig/festival you went to, and why was it so memorable? Well, I was lucky enough to have got chosen to play on the BBC introducing stage at Glastonbury a while back. I had never been before so for my first Glastonbury experience to be also playing there was just amazing!! So yes – very memorable. Loved every second of it.

Do you ever use music to change your mood? If I’m feeling low, I’m inclined to try and lift my mood with something I love or something upbeat. And I love dancing so would definitely pick the right genre/ tempo if I was in the mood to dance.

What album/s have had the greatest impact on you, and why? I fell in love with Neo Soul listening to Jill Scott’s ‘Who is Jill Scott’ album and that was the moment everything fell in to place with where I wanted my sound to be, with the way I wrote, and the producers I wanted to work with. Soulful melodies over hip hop grooves.

Do you play an instrument, and if so what? And how often do you play/practice? I play the piano. But I am not very good. I play to write really. I can read music. But mainly to use it to play basic chords and harmony ideas but I have played it more this year because of lockdown for little video clips for Instagram etc.

What’s the best thing about being an artist? Being able to have a unique product. Your own music, lyrics, story, style… and having people respond to it. The feeling of doing a gig and seeing an audience/crowd enjoying what you have created is an amazing feeling.

What has a greater impact on you; lyrics or melody? Probably melody, but I write lyrics and obviously like to think that my lyrics have meaning to someone else listening to them too.. but you cannot beat a good melody line (in any genre)!!

Why does music matter to you? It is my passion as well as my career. I am lucky to be able to do what I love for a living.

Click HERE to visit Louise’s website.

Click HERE to book tickets to watch a live stream performance of Louise and her band at the 606 Club this Sunday 7th March.

You can find Louise’s podcast HERE.

We’ve also put together a playlist based on some of Louise’s influences and inspirations, you can hear it HERE.

For every ‘Music Matters’ feature we publish we will be donating £20 to music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins, who we’ve been supporting since 2018.

To read more of our Music Matters interviews, click HERE, including one with Native Dancer’s lead vocalist, Frida Touray.

Music Matters with Steph Douglas

Music Matters Features
17/02/2021

Photo of Steph Douglas at the Don't Buy Her Flowers Warehouse.

Our latest music matters feature is with the lovely Steph Douglas, founder of Don’t Buy Her Flowers. DBHF specialises in thoughtful gift packages, and they are absolutely fab! I’ve lost count of how many I’ve sent out to friends and family – I especially love the ‘Create A Gift Package’, where you can choose which products go in (always gin & tonic and chocolate).

We love Steph for her honest approach to motherhood, relationships and business, but we also love the fact that she enjoys a kitchen disco and is a serious advocate for afternoon naps – how GLORIOUS!

Steph has created a business with heart. It’s a business that really listens to its customers, and is committed to giving back, regularly championing fellow business-owners, and supporting charities such as Stand Up To Cancer. In March they’re donating £1 from every order placed, to Homestart, which is a fantastic organisation that supports families through tough times, as they did ours after our twins came along and wreaked havoc!

If you haven’t already checked DBHF out, then do so pronto! If you’re anything like me, they will fast become your number one go-to for gifts (oh and Mother’s Day is coming up, so….)

We spoke to Steph about what music was playing in her childhood, what music she listens to now, and of course those infamous kitchen discos…

What music was playing in your early years? Johnny Mathis, Cliff Richard, Sinatra, Barbara Dickson, Everly Brothers and lots of Musicals soundtracks. And the thing is, because Spotify didn’t exist and so we listened to the same albums hundreds of times, I still know every word to all of them. I was at a quiz night and some spurious lyrics from a Cliff Richard song came up and I called it instantly. OH! And Jive Bunny on car journeys, which must have driven my parents crazy.

What were you listening to during your teenage years? TLC, Fugees, a lot of R&B compilations and then some indie and Spice Girls mixed in because it was the 90s, and obvs Alanis Morrisette. I also loved a bit of Beatles and 60s compilations. I had Frank Sinatra Duets tape (yes tape) in my car and it was a fave.

What do you enjoy listening to now? I still love listening to Kisstory and we went to see Lauryn Hill a couple of years ago so it’s probably time I moved on, but there’s something comforting in the familiar! I think with small kids and the business and generally what has felt like a ‘rush hour’ few years, adding ‘discover new music’ to the list feels like a chore, which I know it shouldn’t but maybe in a few years I’ll come out the other side. I don’t listen to music as much as I used to, but always feel a bit ‘oh I should do this more often’ when I do.

How does music typically feature in your day? In the car, when we used to have places to go, and on a run. Usually at teatime when we’re cooking/eating we’ll put something on. The kids love a kitchen disco. Unfortunately that means Gangnam Style still comes on, and Little Mix (although I rather like Little Mix).

What was the last thing you listened to? Damien Rice. I wanted to wail along, which probably says a lot about the state of my head currently!

What was the most memorable gig/festival you went to, and why was it so memorable? I went to see Beyonce on the Lemonade tour. It was summer, I was with one of my best mates and we were drinking jugs of Pimms saying ‘Pimms really doesn’t get you drunk’ while getting very drunk. We danced aggressively and sang and knew every word and it was just really great. That album is magnificent.

What album/song reminds you of falling in love? The Kooks Inside In/Inside Out. Also the Love, Actually soundtrack – Doug lived in Italy when we met and could only get Italian TV, but had a Love, Actually DVD and we watched it a lot. I know, we’re hideous.

Do you play an instrument, and if so what? And how often do you play/practice? I learned the piano when I was younger but was rubbish at practicing so ended up swapping to singing lessons, purely because there was no practice involved. I can hold a tune but am by no stretch a good singer! My husband plays guitar and piano and can start playing something with no music, just works it out, and I would love to be able to do that but also have no patience so it was never going to happen.

Do you sing to/with your children? If yes, does it alter their behaviour/mood? Yes, I was never a massive one for classes when they were little except music – I did a singing class with all of them and they loved it. A couple of summers ago we played Michael Jackson a lot on holiday every time we were in the car and it’s quite nice when you come out of the nursery rhyme phase and they start to like songs. The older two are just starting to develop their own tastes and definitely love music.

Is there a song or album that got you through a difficult time? This is VERY tragic, but I went to Australia in my twenties and knew I needed to break up with the guy I was with as it was not a healthy relationship, and I remember lying on the beach on my own listening to James Blunt. And Kelly Clarkson. So sue me.

Steph with her 3 children and cat(!) enjoying Kitchen Disco!

Kitchen discos? If yes, what’s on your playlist? Definitely – we have disco lights and everything, the kids all love dancing. It’s eclectic as it’ll involve music we like, music the kids like. The Trolls soundtrack isn’t so bad as it’s nearly all covers. My standards were never very high but as a parent I’m just relieved that we’re not listening to ‘Mr Tumble sings…’ anymore. I put Marvin Gaye on the other day, we’d had some wine and it was fun to watch the kids look on appalled while we gyrated to ‘Let’s Get It On’.

Anything you want to tell us about? Mother’s Day is coming up (14th March) and Don’t Buy Her Flowers have some gorgeous selections, or you can put something completely bespoke together, and it all arrives beautifully gift wrapped and with a handwritten tag.

One of DBHF’s Mother’s Day Packages. Click HERE for more info.

Click HERE to visit Don’t Buy Her Flowers.

Click HERE to follow Steph on Instagram.

We’ve also put together a playlist of some of Steph’s influences and inspirations, you can hear it HERE.

For every ‘Music Matters’ feature we publish we will be donating £20 to music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins, who we’ve been supporting since 2018.

To read more of our Music Matters interviews, click HERE.

Music for Weddings | St Pancras Renaissance Hotel & London Bride

Music for Weddings
26/05/2017

Music for Weddings

We recently worked on a vibrant and super-stylish Colombian-themed wedding party held at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, and meticulously planned by wedding planner extraordinaire, Charley Beard.

The bride was Colombian, the groom, Italian, and they had seriously good taste in music! Which made working with them great fun. The couple wanted a mix of Cumbia, Salsa and Afro-Beat music so we booked Latin specialist DJ, DJ Zulu! The perfect choice, given their lovely review:

“We were very happy with the music and with DJ Zulu’s performance. He really got our tastes right and many guests have told us the music was great!”
Susy & Francesco, Bride & Groom

It was fantastic to work with wedding planner, Charley Beard. Charley is one of London’s most sought after wedding planners, and won ‘Best Wedding Planner in London & South East’ at the London Wedding Industry Awards 2016. She’s also (as if that weren’t enough!) Founder and Editor of the multi-award winning Wedding Blog, London Bride.
Charley’s blog is an absolute must-read for anyone planning a stylish wedding. It’s full of inspiration, from traditionally elegant to urban-inspired weddings. There really is something there for everyone! We very much look forward to working with Charley on more fabulous weddings in the future!

If you’re looking for a DJ for your wedding party, why not get in touch? Our DJ’s specialise in Funk, Soul, Latin, RnB, Commercial, 80’s , Afro Beat, UK Garage, and everything in between. We’d love to hear from you! Click HERE to contact us.

By using this website, you agree to our OUR PRIVACY POLICY