withtheband

Happy New Year everyone from withtheband. We hope you had a great time whatever you were up to, are now fully recovered and enjoying the snow!

At withtheband we always end up breaking any diet related New Years Resolutions we make (i blame Islington’s vast array of food outlets) so this year we’ve decided to have “New Years Missions” instead. Our plan will be to achieve these things within 2010.

We asked some friends and colleagues what their 3 New Years Missions for 2010 would be to see if we could get anything more challenging out of them than “give up chocolate”. We’d love to know yours too so please feel free to comment with them on this article.

Emma Lawton
Emma is a Graphic Designer and Founder of withtheband and withthebrand.

1. Learn to play the drums. I like hitting things with sticks, have passable rhythm and a bundle of excess energy sometimes ... it figures.

2. Build my collection of promo cds. There’s something about a thin cardboard sleeve, and a plastic pocket that clearly does it for me. The more makeshift the better.

3. Continue to work with the array of brilliant people we’ve met during withtheband’s first 7 months, and meet lots more people who think the way we do.

Kim Taylor-Bennett
Kim is a Music Critic at Time Out magazine and a sometime TV Presenter. We also love her because she does things like this.

1. Finish what I've started:
Quit talking about that book proposal and that documentary pitch and actually just get on with writing it and doing it. I'm a hardcore procrastinator and so my main thing in this new decade is to stop faffing around and get some results, which leads me onto my next mission...

2. Hi my name is Kim and I'm an internet addict:
Although my internet geekery has served me very well in some respects - I'm always abreast of the latest celebrity gossip, ace new music, videos and viral sensations, my brain crammed with all manner of pop culture trivia which is useful in pub quizzes - this can be debilitating to other areas of my life. My attention span has shrunk and it's frustrating. I was an English major at university and now, sometimes I find it hard to concentrate long enough to finish a book. Thus! By I'm curbing my internet addiction and upping my enthusiasm for everything this year. Spend less time (and money) on eBay and stay away from perezhilton.com.

I once did an interview with Feist and when she lived with Peaches she didn't have a TV (neither do I as it goes). I asked her why and she said: "They call them alpha waves and beta waves, when your mind is initiating its own thought versus sucking in what's being given to it. And I just like my mind better when it's thinking of my own thoughts." She's got a point.

3. And finally. I'll be kicking in 2010.
I get angsty on public transport which makes me think weird things about mankind and so I've decided to combat this occasional misanthropy with kick boxing. Here's hoping endorphins will increase the peace.

Carlos Carneiro
Carlos is the Founder of London Sessions Productions, a production company set to develop and produce original and exciting projects. From shorts to features. Fiction to documentaries. Music videos. TV and Web content. Young + Creative = Original Work. That’s the plan ...

1. Strike a partnership between London Sessions and withtheband. Forever!

2. See Pavement live!

3. Win the Table Tennis Regional Championship which we lost to our rivals last year! We're coming for you bastards!

Lilas Bourboulon
Lilas is Label Manager at Transgressive Records. Transgressive are a London based label set up to be ethically sound and musically groundbreaking.

1. Get three albums in the top 5 across our label, publishing and management roster. Looking at the quality of the albums currently in the making, this is completely achievable.

2. Organising more Transgressive live events. Last year we hosted stages at the Great Escape/ SXSW/ Reading&Leeds festivals, and our 5th year anniversary shows were hands down the highlight of the year. They're always an absolute blast, not to mention a great opportunity to hang out with our bands/ friends and families combined, whilst being at work - lookout for transgressive stages this year!

3. Doing one off singles again. That's how Transgressive Records originally started, releasing singles by the Subways, Mystery Jets & The Pipettes amongst many others. We come across so much talent every year that we're unable to work with, as there's only so much work three people can handle. One off limited edition singles are a fun and easy way to bring awesome acts to light. We've already got a couple lined up from the most exciting acts we've heard lately, which we'll be announcing very shortly.

Dan Button
Dan is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator and 1/3 of London illustrating trio Hero Of Switzerland.

1. To have another Hero of Switzerland exhibition in London.

2. To raise our profile commercially.

3. To get a group or solo project published.

Liz Owen
Liz is Music PA at IMG Artists and spends her days managing the careers of opera singers.

1. To take on my composition career full-time.

2. To get a bit better health wise, so I can enjoy life a bit more.

3. See my family in Wales more often.

Federico Bersano Begey
Federico is the Director of the London School of Sound, and before that has been a sound engineer, remixer, music producer, signed artist, club DJ, radio DJ, and all round major geek for all that is music technology.

1. Get out more

2. Find a new band or artist to support in 2010

3. Stop apologising for thinking that dubstep is mostly boring

I also decided I will stop procrastinating, er... starting from 2011.

1. To get second script commissioned: After a long production time on my first pilot I hope that the second will be a lot quicker to sell.

2. To help my girlfriend achieve her dream: She is a writer (a proper writer, unlike me) in the final stages of completing her first novel. Proper writing is a long, hard struggle at times and I'll be doing everything to make it easier.

3. To chill the fuck out: It's all got a tad serious at the moment, never used to be. Must be more carefree, it's supposed to be fun this life thing.

Antony Ellis
Antony is the singer for New York based band The Five O Clock Heroes.

1. Have 3 meals a day instead of 6

2. Have 1 drink a day instead of 6

3. Stay optimistic

Annalisa Hoadley
Creator | Genius | Liar / Brand Partnership Specialist. Annalisa works across the creative industries by specialising in the conception of unique brand experiences and acting as a translator between the big corporate machines and artists, designers or musicians by marrying them together. Her work could include projects such as hooking up an artist with a brand to design a new trainer range, creating a pop-up performance space, to production of a full-scale temporary restaurant.

One key part of Annalisa’s work is acting, as a strategic mind behind the House of Blueeyes, a fierce film, fashion and music collective, who, along with catwalk shows at London Fashion Week, will again be performing at Latitude this summer. Annalisa is also one half of the creative mind behind PORNDWARF, a quarterly club and travelling circus of music, performance and style.

1. Tick off something I have always wanted to do: I used to travel around for fun, not the sexual cruising sense of course, as much as possible, with Berlin almost becoming my second home. Then last year I just concentrated on my work all the time, so the new decade is definitely time to treat myself. I’ve wanted to go to the Burning Man Festival in the US for years, so I’m heading to San Fransico in September to hire a van with some amazing friends and drive it up to my mecca.

2. Leaping out of my comfort zone: One of the best ways to keep my adrenaline pumping and mind racing, usually resulting in unique ideas for my creative work and projects; is to put myself into cringe worthy, stomach wrenching situations. This year I’m going to attempt stand-up comedy classes, normal for some, but the idea makes me want to puke on myself. Several times. Eurghh. I love it. The nervous excitement that is, not the self-defication.

3. Define myself: Perhaps it is part of the changing pace and scenery of our city lives - full of work, sex, work, drugs, work, rock n’ roll, work - or maybe just wanting to try out everything, or perhaps just not being satisfied. Though for a change this year I’m going to put a focus on just the things that matter and make me feel who I am. In the creative world, everyone knows it is too easy to get involved with every project flung your way, especially if your pocket is empty. Nonetheless, it is essential to keep having and importantly keep hearing new ideas put to you.

Tiru Thiruvilangam
Tiru works for Youth Music, the UK’s largest children’s music charity, within the fundraising department. He also puts on gigs and events in his spare time, proceeds of which go to good causes (www.scenerychewer.co.uk)  When he grows up, he wants to be Wayne Coyne.

1. Take up swing dancing.

2. Become an expert in a different new field every month. So for January, I am going to become an expert on the works of Chekhov. For February, it will be 20th Century piano music. March will be Iceland.

3. Buy two goldfish and call them Pancho and Lefty. The fish will be named after a Townes Van Zandt song, a country singer who died in 1997, who I am aiming to make the cool country singer of choice for all scenester kids, and therefore dethrone Johnny Cash, by the year’s end.

James Penycate
James is Founder of BrilliantlyDifferent, a digital agency working with artists such as Peggy Sue and Sky Larkin.

1. Sonar Festival: Last year was the first occasion in 3 years I hadn't attended - I'd only just launched BrilliantlyDifferent and there was no way I could take 4/5 days out in the middle of June! Sonar is the greatest musical festival on earth - held in a huge art gallery right bang slap in the center of Barcelona.

Musically it encompasses everything that is forward thinking, relevant and historically brilliant about electronic and experimental music. By the evening the venue switches to a series of gigantic warehouses where the party mood changes to more of a 'club approach'. Meanwhile anyone who is anyone in the dance world seems to be involved in organising a party, playing a party of like me, trying to find parties hosted by the likes of Kompakt and Vice etc. Personally, I love that you can party for 3/4 days and head back to the comfort of a hotel at any time, shower and grab a few hours sleep before heading back out! If i don't go this year - i fear I'll go mad!

2. BrilliantlyDifferent looks set for an incredibly busy year, with albums from Darwin Deez, Monarchy, Peggy Sue, Gold Panda and Sky Larkin all set to come arrive in 2010 which everyone seems pretty excited about. I'm really excited about building on the last 15/16 months work and hopefully working on some massive promotions and digital campaigns for my artists as well as continuing to work with some really great people. I'd be lying if i didnt say i'd love to work on a big top 10 album at some point over the next 12 months, I would of course and hopefully one of the acts I've mentioned really connect with the public who all go out and buy the record / download.

3. I definitely want to spend more time travelling, more time cooking and more time with my camera. These things make me happy!

Sebastien Dehesdin
Seb is a French photographer currently living in London. He shoots live music and weddings, and he’s a (friendly) geek in his spare time.

1. Finish my project "Nedry in Japan". I followed the band Nedry during their tour in Japan and brought back photos, sounds, and videos. I am putting it all together to create a short movie.

2. Exhibit my photos! I want to show the pictures I shot in 2009 and am looking for a gallery in London. If any photographer is reading this and wants to join forces, send me an email!

3. Improve my flash technique. I want to get better in off-camera flash, whether it's by bouncing, using an umbrella, a reflector, a softbox... you name it!

Bob Berman
Founder of RethinkPopMusic Bob Berman is a familiar face on the NYC music scene. While studying Business Legal Studies at Miami University he hosted a radio show bartering acoustic studio sets in exchange for his cross promotion of the area shows.

Upon graduation Bob relocated to New York accepting internships at Epic and Bluhammock Records before a staff position at MTV. While at MTV Bob began moonlighting, lending his publicity, marketing and management expertise to numerous unsigned bands. Disgusted with the current climate of bogus “indie” record labels, 360 deals and oblivious executives the concept of RethinkPopMusic was born.

According to Bob, “the whole stigma of popular music is false. 'Pop' is not a sound or a genre, but the ability to appeal to the masses. Pop music is an art form and not a packaged product.”

1. Make a conscious effort to recycle. Far too often I find myself throwing a beer bottle in the garbage and being too lazy to fish it out. Sorry world :(

2. Take more time off to spend with family and friends. When you spend the majority of your 20's trying to turn what you love into a “career” you have a very difficult time differentiating what is “work” and what is “recreational.”

3. As someone who left a career in music last December to start a company with the intention of reinventing the industry, the first year was the most crucial. After 3 bands debuted videos on MTV, touring international and playing every independent music festival in the states we feel we have established ourselves. However, my ultimate New Year's Resolution is to turn a profit and put some money into the pockets of our hardest working employees... the bands!

Harmony De’Kya
Harmony is a Musician, Songwriter and Producer from London. http://harmonydekya.com

1. I would like to put on a charity event/ concert raise money for the British heart foundation as this is one of the charities I strongly support!

2. I want my collaboration with a well known male artist to work really well and hopefully it will be a sell out hit in the UK.

3. I would like to go over to the states to carry out a few gigs for my fans over there ... oh and also get my green card to gig more often out there!!!

Alan Heighton
Alan is an Illustrator from South Yorkshire. He created the Arctic Monkeys “Favourite Worst Nightmare” album cover and has had work featured in the Guardian and Financial Times among others) www.alanheighton.co.uk or http://hornseys.com for limited edition prints.

1. Complete lots more illustrations than last year maybe win a nice paying job and above all entertain more people with my works.

2. Complete more miles on my bike and encourage others to cycle more; some of my mates are doing some cycle events and I think I should sign myself up for them. You cannot beat traveling on a bike, you don't have any guilt of the emissions that the department of transport talk about.

3. Visit more gallery exhibitions than last year. Perhaps make one of those visits a date with a lady. Are there any single ladies that fancy a date taking in a bit of art maybe share a pot of tea?

Alexander and Raphael Hurwitz
Alexander and Raphael are half of London band Audigold.

1. Our biggest "look forward to" gig in January is at The Cobden Club on the 7th for Friday Street Music and we are hoping that this set will prove an eye opener for management companies or, even more, label interest. My resolution is to keep shamelessly plugging the band to death to everyone until we're noticed or assassinated for being such a pain in the *ahem*.

2. I need a new bass guitar!! I have looking here and there never finding the perfect instrument so in 2010 I will be having one made for me thanks to my brother (he has great contacts in Denmark Street!).

3. To make ourselves less restrictive to gigs. So far we only really accept the offer of playing at nice venues, designed for live music, especially as we usually have to play for no money!! However, it may be good to branch out and do some acoustic sets in some different places! I will elbow my bro into doing this.

Alan Pedder
Alan is the Editor of Wears The Trousers Magazine.

1. Fundraising is the keyword for 2010. The last 12 months have been amazing for Wears The Trousers. We put out our first print issue, which got a great response, and released our first ever CD (a tribute to 'queen of American folk' Odetta) to really positive reviews. But to do it I took a hefty financial hit so the pocket fluff is getting a bit lonely. If we dare to hope to print another issue, we need to raise some money from somewhere. There is nothing out there like our magazine, and 2010 is a big year for women in music with the resurrection of the Lilith Fair, so I will hopefully be able to convince some nice people to support us. [As an aside, I CANNOT WAIT to go to Lilith when it comes through London. It only played in the UK for one night back in 1999, and I missed it. Lame.]

2. At the end of January we hope to launch our brand new website, with the help of some people called withtheband. Heard of them? They're rather lovely and clever and stuff. We'll be recruiting new writers feverishly as our team is so overstretched - there's just too much wonderful music to write about. We're making a plea on the radio next week. Resonance FM have invited us on to one of their shows... exciting!

3. This is the year that I head further afield in my travels. In 2009 I went to Barcelona, Berlin and rural Sardinia; this year my sights are on southern India and the west coast of America. Will involve some credit card badness but, the way I see it, these are once in a lifetime opportunities that shouldn't ever go to waste. (You could say that about most things though, I suppose!). I'll plant some trees, I promise.

Dan Baker
Dan is Guitarist in the band Imicus (Transcend Records)

1. To get the album out there. Currently finishing the recordings at the minute and we’re all excited about the end results!

2. Tour, tour and tour! I can’t wait to get on the road and do the thing each one of us enjoys the most about being in a band.

3. To play Download festival – I’d die happy if we were added to the bill! I enjoy Download more than any other festival so it would be amazing to play it. Any other festivals would be ace as well of course!