Just me, my heels and my mic'
Jessie J – the J stands for ‘whatever you want it to' – strides into the room,
looking a billion dollars. After you've got past all 5'9” of her cut-glass beauty
(‘I love being a giant'), her figure hugging catsuit (‘I was front of the queue for legs, back for boobs and bum'), the 36-hole
Dr Martens boots and the huge gold hoop earrings with Bambi encircled in them (‘it's Disney Chic, innit?'), Jessie's superb
pop star hair hits you.
A poker straight, ink black bob with a perfect fringe slashed above the eyes, it begs immediate questions. Is it inspired by
historic film icon Louise Brooks? Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction? Jessie J is pure ghetto-pop fabulosity. Her hair might just
be one component part of this emerging 21st century superstar, but it's a key one. ‘To be honest, I always think of it as
being a bit Mystic Meg,' chips in Jessie herself, referring to the kitsch Sunday newspaper Psychic. ‘People are always
coming up to me on the street and asking me if it's a wig. I say ‘yeah, yeah, you can buy it down Hamley's''. Jessie J is
also pure ghetto-pop humour.
Impossible to pin down in a world of female pop homogeneity, at 22 years of age, the future star born Jessica Cornish
carries herself with the confidence of one twice her years. On the eve of her pop breakthrough, she has achieved
everything herself, and on her own terms. Singer, songwriter and show-pony, she has the enviable ability to excel at it all.
She's had to. ‘Look,' she says, straight off the bat, ‘I had a minor stroke three years ago. I've got heart problems. I've looked at the big stuff straight in the eye,
had people sitting on the end of a hospital bed wondering what's going to happen next and genuinely not knowing. I don't drink. I don't smoke. I can't touch drugs.
I can't even have caffeine. I have to be confident. Because I can't intoxicate myself with those props ordinary young people have to give them confidence.' Amidst
problems most teenagers haven't yet to even consider, music was Jessie's saviour. ‘When I'm in the studio sometimes, I think no, I don't need a therapist. I just
need to write a great song.' That's when she does it.
Alicia Keys seems to agree. A self-starting, perfectly driven songwriter, Jessie has penned for Ms Keys. Her international credentials are exhaustive for one so
young. When she supported Cyndi Lauper, at the personal request of the irrepressible talent herself, she invited Jessie up on stage to duet on Girls Just Wanna
Have Fun. This year's breakout hip-hop star with the midas touch BoB appears on future smash ‘Price Tag', already the subject of Tweeting praise from Kylie
Minogue and Paloma Faith.
What is it about Jessie that attracts this blue-chip pop attention? Jessie J is simply not built as other pop-stars. Quite literally, she stands head and shoulders
above her peers. When you hear an echo of Lily Allen's street slang in her lyrics, you remember this one's the real-deal, brought up in the inglorious backwaters
of Essex and learning her street-smarts on the hop. When you hear a chorus as pop-it-like-it's-hot addictive as one of Beyonce's you recall the fact she can't rely
on a hard-fought party-girl lifestyle to support the myth-making. When you hear the pure, flame-grilled sass of her attitude grooving through every beat of her
debut album, Who You Are, you might think of Pink for a second; then check the record sleeve and remind yourself this one is cool, too.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is Jessie J. She is her own special creation.
‘I am so, like, the uncoolest person ever,' counteracts Jessie, admitting that her first ambition in life was to star in musical theatre. ‘My dad's cooler than me. He
was the one playing D Train and Funkadelic in the house. I will not lie.' At 11, she auditioned for Whistle Down The Wind and landed a precocious two year West
End residency. ‘That was when it all started,' she says, rolling her eyes, ‘You can get paid for this? Bring it on! They all used to call me Brat Pitt because I fell off
the stage one night. I think Andrew Lloyd Weber thought I was going to sue him. He really cosied up after that.'
Jessie was then signed to Gut records, but the label promptly went bust. ‘Someone told me on the telephone. They've gone into liquidation. I didn't even know
what it meant. Liquidisation? What, they've been turned into a soup?'
This girl isn't afraid of pulling herself up by her boot straps and starting all over. ‘I like the hustle. I like the grind. I just want to get out there.' Packing herself a
small kit back she fled to America under her then agent's at William Morris Agency and had three weeks in New York, three in LA to try the trans-Atlantic option. ‘I
landed off the plane in LA, did a showcase at the Viper Rooms and two days later I'm sat with LA Reid and there are 8 offers on the table. LA said to me he
couldn't believe that British labels had passed up on me.' Obviously a major talent spots a major talent.
These things happen to Jessie. Label-less, she was picked up as a support act for Chris Brown's European tour after his manager caught her on Youtube. ‘I'm
glad I had to learn how to be amazing on stage like that, how to fill somewhere the size of Wembley Arena with no press, no features, no record, no band behind
me. It toughens you up. Being on stage is my home. Even if it's 20 minutes I'll take control of it because that is my time. It's when I come to life. It's just me, my
heels and my mic.'
Jessie has ridden the internet age as if it were a pair of roller-skates with jet-packs attached. A true online sensation, she's sold out gigs and built a huge fanbase
online. A new Myspace portal specifically designed for her, her very own online TV show, Dare Jessie, is about to launch. Fans can issue a series of challenges
her way. Already those setting her tasks have included high profile fans Perez Hilton and Justin Timberlake. ‘Which is cool, of course it is, but I want everyone to
get involved.' Jessie has a democratic approach to her fans. ‘Just because someone's famous don't make them more important.' The resulting TV show indicates
just how fearless this incredible DIY pop star can be.
On the last day of a writing session in Hollywood, a song that Jessie scripted with hit-master du jour, Dr Luke, Party in the USA, was optioned by teen-scream
heroine Miley Cyrus. ‘To be honest, it was better for her, its way too straight pop for me. The version I wrote and demoed on that day was well ironic.'
First scripted US number one hit under her belt and with Alicia's looking likely to follow suit, Jessie J found herself hot property back on home turf. ‘And because
I'd been in and out of deals since I was 16, I had the perfect album, exactly as I wanted it to be, ready to go.'
The title track of Who You Are was written in the same week as Party In The USA. As hairs-on-the-back-of-the-neck power ballads and vocal showcases go, they
don't get much better. ‘I was phoning my mum and talking about all these crazy women I'd met in LA who were so different from me. I opened myself right out on
that song. I was really down on that day. I was trying to remember who I was before I went out and was surrounded by all these women who looked so Hollywood
perfect on the outside. The day I walked into the studio to write it I would've rather been in Essex eating pie and mash and watching an old episode of One Foot
in The Grave. The words just fell out of me. It was exactly what I wanted to say about myself when I was that lost.'
Debut UK single ‘Do It Like A Dude' which features a monster of a remix from ‘Labrinth' is a straight out of the box party smash. Slinking around a middle of the
dancefloor groove and making haste to skip to its addictive chorus, this is the most urban Jessie gets. It's almost a curveball for the young artist, though she's
secretly reveling in the thrill of getting to release and putting herself out there at last. It's where she deserves to be. ‘I don't fit a template. When I did the video for
Do It Like A Dude I wanted it to be what it is. I concepted it as ghetto chic. Girls grabbing their dicks? What's wrong with that? It's gully. But it's pop enough to go
both ways. It felt like my wedding day. The next morning I was on a plane to New York to work with BoB, thinking did that really happen yesterday? All that build
up and it was over in 19 hours.'
The rest of Who You Are is shaping up to be the pop release that everyone will need for the first half of 2011. Mama Knows Best is a 21st century slice of big-
band doo-wop. You can quite imagine Jessie slinking down a pole to perform it as righteous urban burlesque. And in the immediate standout Nobody's Perfect
Jessie just about nails her own character. ‘Sometimes I just can't shut the hell up' she intones in the first seconds of the song. ‘Ahem. Yep, that's me!'
Outspoken, righteous, cool and fun. There hasn't been a pop star like Jessie J before. You're unlikely to find one in the future either. They broke the mould with
this one. Is she ready for it all? ‘People sometimes ask me who styled you? Who wrote your songs? I'm like, I did! I've got a personality. That's why I started
writing music in the first place. Every single song on the album is a story of my life. I feel ready. Of course I do. I said it on my Twitter this morning. I feel ready,
now steady and go are catching up with me.'
Hi, as you can see i play guitar and sing, no backing, just me and the
guitar. love it, keep it live!....EP out now on itunes.
"The biggest thrill about performing live is being able to entertain so many
people at once and watching them enjoy it as much as I do is a real buzz." "I think my music would be best described
as easy listening as it appeals to all walks of life and they are written about so much that we all can relate to." "My
Inspiration comes from wanting to get out there and try to make a difference. I have come a long way since childhood
and if I can help just one person realise they have the potential to do anything if they work and want it enough
regardless of where or what you come from, I am happy."
"My dream gig would be to perform for the royals as it would give me the chance to show my gratitude to Prince
Charles and the work his charity does –i have met Princes charles himself at st james palace and sat next to him at
the royal albert hall. if it wasn’t for the Prince’s Trust and the support they give I wouldn’t be doing what I am today."
At the age of 15 Sam had spent period of his life living on the streets.
He had always dreamt of becoming a solo artist and getting paid to do something he really loves. Sam decided to
get in touch with The Prince's Trust to see if they could help him set up his own business and put some direction
back into his life. The Prince's Trust believed in Sam and helped him to gain the skills and the finance he needed to start up his business. He is now a
successful solo artist, performing at weddings, conferences and events. and has appeared on Sky Tv performing to the nation and also on various radio
stations like BBC radio Devon. drive time show, morning show, evening show etc, palm fm, south hams radio, .and has traveled up and down the country
playing at princes trust events, doing speechs and perfoming. and had interview on BBC 1 spotlight.
Hawkeye is one of dancehall’s most prolific artists. He boasts innate
music skill, witty lyrics, charisma and style.
The Dj, born Christopher Smith, possess the qualities of a star. His
multiple dancehall smashes, numerous underground hits and loyal fan base have earned him a permanent place in
dancehall music’s ever - growing fraternity. Fans can hear a Hawkeye tune and immediately know it’s him. His
signature hypnotic growl and catchy phrases make his voice recognizable. Yet, each of his songs bears a unique
identity.
Hawkeye’s career is moving at the speed of light. And 2003 is quickly becoming hailed as Hawkeye’s most
prosperous year. Currently, Hawkeye appears alongside Phife of the legendary Hip Hop act A tribe Called quest on
the smash single “Diggy Dialect.” The collaboration is being billed as one of Hip Hop/Reggae finest products in 2003.
“I like keeping my fans surprised,” indicates Hawkeye. “I want to put out music that is diverse without definitive boundaries.” “I think this collaboration says
it all.” As the single’s popularity soars among Hip Hop and Reggae fans, a promotional tour is ongoing and a music video is forthcoming. Additionally.
This unstoppable DJ is performing throughout the United States and the Caribbean, ripping up the stage each and every time. He has recently graced the
stage in Boston, New York, Washington D.C., and Trinidad and Tobago. Through hard work, persistence and the grace of God, Hawkeye is also
establishing a respectable media presence. Hawkeye was recently on radio stations in major markets in the United States including New York’s Hot 97
(97.1 WQHT), WLIB (1190) and Metro Washington’s WMUC (88.1).
These interviews signify a major milestone for Hawkeye. During every interview, Hawkeye provides listeners with a candid look at his experiences, news
on his career/upcoming ventures and of course, the wickedest freestyle. Earlier this year, Hawkeye celebrated the release of his debut album Bubble and
Wine on the Twingy Twanga imprint. Respectively, the single “Bubble and Wine” catapulted to success in 2002, as it had the infamous Diwali riddim as a
backdrop.
The album features Hawkeye at his best, as he shines on such tunes as “Twingy Twanga,” “La La La,” “All My Ladies,” the energetic anthem “Kingston,
Jamaica” and many others. “I am still excited about Bubble and Wine,” claims Hawkeye. “The effort was a long time in the making.” Hawkeye is by far a
newcomer to dancehall music, as he first entered the scene over 15 years ago. This former chef turned dancehall artist has been serving up delectable
music for quite some time. While under the guise of Byron Murray and the “In the Streetz” label during 2000-2002, Hawkeye’s popularity increased.
He scored with many Caribbean and United Kingdom dancehall chart toppers including “Yu Nuh Beg,” “Money Making Guy,” “Reality Thing,” “Go Rachel”
and “just Like We.” “This was a really important period in my career,” reflects Hawkeye. But it was the 1997 effort “Arrest Mi Officer” on Danny Browne’s
Main Street label that made Hawkeye a household name throughout the Caribbean, United Kingdom, and various markets in the United States. “Arrest Mi
Officer” was top choice on the dancehall circuit in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington D.C. and Florida.
During this time, Hawkeye unleashed such memorable tunes as “Beg Fi Him,” “Ooh Aah Aah,” “Man A Bad Man” and more.
Hawkeye ventured into the studio in 1988 to record his first song “Patios.” The single, produced by John Mills, yielded a great response in Jamaica. This
initial experience gave Hawkeye the encouragement to continue making music, enabling him to become one of Jamaica and Reggae music finest.
Since November of 2002 the Dj has been under new management, which is Nadine Burton of Twingy Twanga Production, they also do booking for artistes
such as Alozade, Zumjay and Lukie D. He has tried his hands at producing, his first effort being the Katash riddim featuring Sizzla, Determine, Beenie
Man, Alozade, Zumjay, Danny English, Lady G, General Degree and of course the man himself Hawkeye.
In parting Hawkeye words are “ There is no one out there who can fight you down as long as you believe in yourself and most importantly believe in the
Almighty God.” Being successful at the things he has done and his career has skyrocketed, there are infinite possibilities. Be on the look out the Dj will be
in a city near you.
To everyone he is known as "XYLE", born Paul Yarrau, one September in
Lionel Town, Clarendon, Jamaica.
Paul 'XYLE' Yarrau is now the CEO/Founder/Producer/Engineer &
Composer of 'XYLE RECORDS' and has disciplined himself through the years ,and made some great decisions
along the way.
It all started a the tender age of 14 just playing the keyboard at church and enjoying music in general. By the age of
18 he was taking a stab at becoming a DJ and created quite a buzz in Manchester and Clarendon with his unique
remixes. At twenty years he lost interest in becoming a DJ, but being in that environment planted the seed for what
was to ultimately become his career.
In May 2005, after leaving The University of Technology (UTECH, where He graduated with a Honors Diploma In Electronics & Telecommunications
Engineering), he got involved in the producing aspect of the business. He really felt like he had found his true calling because he had a natural talent for it.
He had always have been in love with producing music but had no idea how to go about it.
Finally, in January 2006, he started producing and recording songs and released the first Singles, "Head Over Heels" by Sizzla & "Love Me For Who I Am"
by Natty King on the Xyle Records Label from the album ' The Gift Rhythm'. The Full album was officially released mainly in Japan & Europe in 2007 and
added Lutan Fyah, Sheldon Senior, Naptally and Ras Shadow (Xyle Records Recording Artiste) to the line-up on the Rhythm. The entire compilation, along
with newer releases from Xyle Records can be found on all major online music stores (i-Tunes, emusic & Napster, just to name a few).
For 2010 he is currently working on a new riddim called "Angelic Riddim" which will feature some well known artists along with other talents that are not yet
so hot on the scene. This will be one to remember as he is set to go all out for the major break this year. Also the website www.xylerecords.com is currently
under construction and should be up shortly.
The foundations that Xyle Records is built on is Trust, Loyalty, Honesty and the passion for music and remembering to always put GOD first. Without HIM
we are nothing.
At Xyle Records, Music has become a labor of love, staying fully committed to our missions and goals no matter how long it takes or what sacrifices must
be made to achieve them. Developing and impacting generations to come with music and knowing that Xyle Records is making a positive contribution in
the industry!
While "exile" is a castaway, "XYLE" can be defined as meaning : "different from the rest"...........
"XYLE RECORDS TO DI WORLD" ... "DA NUE ERA OF MUSIC"