Ollie / Inka

What does friendship mean to you?

From an early age I would always question what this meant to me and things have really changed since back in the day when i used to use the word 'friend' so loosely.

Day in day out I see people really being taken advantage of by so called 'friends' and it really saddens me to see that happening, not to mention when the victim at hand has a heart of gold!
Just the other week I heard tales about a friend borrowing over 500 pounds of money and is constantly making excuses when it comes to paying it back. And because the person at hand is too nice to be aggressive and demand it back, it seems like it could go on forever. Pretty harsh if you ask me.
Another example which is extremely important to me and I always seem angry at, surrounds birthdays. The 1 day a year that can be important and a reason to share an occasion with friends always seems to be a let down for people I have the upmost respect for. How can so many stupid excuses arise when they consider themselves a friend towards the person and then subsequently expect them to attend their birthday! The cheek!
"Sorry I dont have any money"
"Oh sorry I forgot!"
"Had too much work to do"
Bollocks. All of these arent excuses and people know it.
You dont have to buy a drink, if you forget it obviously means nothing to you, and work is easily planned around an evening if you stick to a schedule.
To even use them as an excuse is making you look like an idiot. You either have an actual reason or you dont. Simple as that.
If i consider you a good friend and am able to attend your birthday, I will be there no doubt. And thats the way it should be amongst friends! If its that much effort to attend a birthday, you are not worth the respect and hopefully some day you will have the same experience and realise the wrong doings.
/Rant off

So who do you label friends and what value do they have in your life?
This might sound pretty stupid but even the smallest things nowadays I dont take for granted like a simple message or happy birthday on bookface, a reply to a text i've sent or when people hold their promises to do something no matter how large or small. I keep track of this and bear it in mind whenever a favour is asked and if you give, you will ultimately recieve.
Unfortunately I do have people I would consider close friends that have let me down on these fronts and it really makes me question the strength of the relationship sometimes. Even with the best of mates! But ok, no-one is perfect so sometimes you have to be leniant. Of course there will always be obvious exceptions but one too many times and its just gets a bit much..

When it really comes down to the wire, it can really show you who are the most important people and you should always try your best to treasure these people as they are the ones who deserve it.


p.s. sorry for my sick humour =<

Moving onto another album im anxious to mention is 1984 by Alix Perez.

1984 consists of hip hop, liquid drum and bass and deep minimal sounds with amazing vocalists which i think are more than worthy of a mention.

Based upon a deeper sound, the album opens up with the track '1984' and really shows a sound based on quite a personal level. Each track comes across with some form of emotion and I really enjoy how the album progresses with new genres being explored, whilst consistently keeping Alix's signature sound.
The second track The Cut Deepens really shows how well Alix can transition to other territories; hip hop in this case, and still produce a successful sound. Featuring 'Foreign Beggars' who I haven't heard before, the lyrical flow together with the agressive undertone really pulls it off for me. Will be looking into their stuffz soon no doubt!
Forsaken, definetly my favourite of the album really manages to compliment and balance the vocals using echo and light drums.
Im Free - quite an old tune now to be honest, had this one on vinyl for over 6 months or so. Nevertheless, its quite a deep sexy tune which I continue to rinse which gets me into a badman mood!
Finaly, the last tune I will mention is called Contradictions. a nice liquid tune with use of lovely piano chords.

Overall the album has been nominated as one of the best liquid albums of 2009 and Im pretty sure it would get my vote too.

Much love
/Ollie

Just going to post a selection of tunes that im loving at the moment!

D Bridge - Inner Disbelief
Calibre - Steptoe
Jakwob - Chase
Mutt feat. Kevin King - Conversations
Icicle feat. Noisia - Driftwood Intoxicating bassline this one!
Rockwell - Underpass Minimal but effective.
Subwave - Stars get down My favourite tune at the moment
Saaed Younan - Yeah Ha
Sub Focus - Could Be Real
Deadmau5 - Bot
Deadmau5 - Soma
Deadmau5 - Strobe
ENJOY!

/Ollie

Another album I'd love to spread around is by an american artist called Diplo.
The album entitled 'Florida' is a compilation of Electro-house/hip hop based tunes and really experiments with alot of different audio effects that just really makes this stand out for me when im browsing my mp3 player.

Unlike the London Elektricity album 'Billion Dollar Gravy' mentioned earlier, its pretty relaxing and if theres anything on my mind I need to think over i'll usually cue this up, sit down somewhere (preferably along the beach) and just let my mind drift for a bit.

Diplo - Into The Sun Feat. Martina Topley
Diplo - Way More

Just a couple of tunes from the album to give you a teaser - check out the rest on spotift or youtube. or better yet ask me for a copy !

/Ollie

As time goes by whilst Im sitting here waiting for my food to go down, together with hoping to sleep soon as I have an 8 am start tommorow, I thought I might just mention some songs and general music that i'd really like to share with you guys.

First of all we will start with my favourite drum and bass album of all time
Billion Dollar Gravy by London Elektricity
The album, produced by Tony Colman in 2003, incorporated the use of live musicians such as Jungle drummer - one of, or the best in his scene, and Lianne Carroll, a very talented (and unexpected choice) vocalist!

Tony Colman - co manager of Hospital records is partly responsible for the likes of High Contrast (remix daddy master), Danny Byrd (Electro-cut chemist), Nu-Tone, Cyantific, Logistics and only just recently the absolutely fresh and inspirational Netsky together with an even more recent artist called Subwave who has kept me holding my breath after the track 'Stars Get Down'.

Having being recommended the album one night at my stepbro's one morning after a house party in first year of uni craving more music, taking this baby home I had no idea how much an album could really affect me!

The album, comprised of 11 tracks, classified as liquid funk, paints a constant moving picture with smart use of synth sounds and vocals throughout each track.
My favourite being 'Fast Soul Music' is such an energetic, positive vibe track, and I can never pull myself to skip it once it starts playing.
An album I listen to on the frequent when travelling about, it helps me to keep focused and takes my mind off things and just generally lightens me up any time of the day.
The creativity and innovative ideas of Tony Colman have really opened me up to other types of music I never really knew I could like

Post production of this album Tony had a revelation with the idea of taking this to the stage which has been hailed as one of the best drum and bass live act performances of all time.

London Elektricity live with Stamina MC


I would give anything to have seen it, and maybe one day if im lucky enough to catch a reform with all the members, that empty place in my heart that I suspect is because of this, will then be filled =)

Take a listen to some of the tracks here

London Elektricity - Fast Soul Music

London Elektricity - Main Ingredient

/Ollie

So today i spent over 4 hours trying to find 3 journals for this goddam physiology assignment! at least im thankful i didnt have the wrong brief unlike one of my coursemates who already wrote 1000 words on Caffeine instead of Steroids - gutted!
Will start it in a bit..

So winter is pretty much here.. although lets be honest, it never really leaves us hah
Need to get me some sexy winter gear !
I.E.


And im definetly going to get me a piece of this sexy balaclavaness when i get back home. Will make my cycle journey into town alot warmer - plus maybe i could hit some banks on the way down just for kicks.


Before you say it. Yes its from Modern Warfare 2. But they just look so dam badass!

Offtopic, im trying to build a liquid dubstep collection. Currently im exploring every nook and cranny of the dubstep scene in order to build a collection so that when i get some cdj's (no idea how soon this might be) i will be able to have a nice mix with a different tempo of music which i've wanted for a while instead of having to purchase more vinyl at 6 quid a pop. Not to mention lugging it back and forth from home to uni has been pretty annoying. Alternatively I might just invest in Serato which allows me to simulate mp3 files using 2 blank vinyl for my decks. Although with a 500 quid price tag, it could be a while saving to get that beast.
Without even mentioning i dont have a laptop haha..

2 quick examples of liquid dubstep tunes which i've only really decided are ideal are by an artist called Jakwob (thanks to Jow-seph-pheen for the introduction!)
Originally i couldn't actually find a download link for this tune but after requesting a copy from the man himself, he directed me towards a link here so if any of you are interested in getting a free copy, he's been nice enough to distribute a high quality 320kbps to the public for free! Legend!

Ellie Goulding - Starry eyed (Jakwob remix) 320kbps
http://www.mediafire.com/?zhvyydwzezi

Alternatively just stream it here


and


'Starry Eyed' i have been rinsing on my mp3 player all summer. Such a deep and soulful bassline that progresses constantly throughout the song with a beautiful blend of vocals from Ellie. Cycling down the beach in summer I could listen to that on repeat no problems but i fear over-repition could make me sick of it. I'll limit myself to 5 plays a week. OK 6. 6 is fine.
One last tune i thought id mention is this newly discovered one i found from Jakwob - its a remix of Jump the Gun by X & Hell. pretty sexy i must say. But dont take my word for it..


Unfortunately as there is no liquid dubstep subsection currently involved within the scene, im worried this could make it a bit of a lengthy process but i'll get a nice selection eventually. Just need to keep digging!

Right time to do some work..

Oh almost forgot to mention - on tonights specials board we have Roast Lamb Shoulder and winter vegetables with Mint and roast potatoes. Yuuuuuum. Will deliver the verdict in the next post! Maybe even a picture if i feel it lives up to a decent standard.
Much love
/Ollie

SO! today was quite active in terms of exercise.. again. I really should cut down on doing too much too fast - injury owns me today.
After having an awesome 2 hour Korfball Tournament in which we overcame our opponents 13-0 in the first match and 15-2 in the second, i get home for an hours rest and then straight back to the pitch for Hockey training.

What is Korfball you say?
Right. here goes.


Korfball is popular in Netherlands and Belgium especially. Chances are - without you being at uni and having a uni team (as is the case with a lot of other people ive asked) or me telling you =D you wouldnt have even heard of it!
It consists of 8 players per team with 4 girls and 4 guys.
The court (full size basketball court) is divided into half with 2 guys and 2 girls on each side. Still with me?
The aim of the game is to get your attacking side to score in the korf (basket) whilst every 2 goals onceded (for any team) results in a change of sides. Thus switching roles for both sides i.e. attacking or defending.

Whilst many people end up judging a book by its cover (when i end up describing it sort of like netball.. which is probably my fault haha) it is actually a very skillful/fast paced and physically demanding sport. Your reaction times will be tested and you will really need to broaden your perceptions in order to see/predict what is about to go down!
Check out a short video to see what i mean.


After having looked up more Korfall after a few practices I really enjoyed the skill of this guy Leon Simmons. His awareness and reflexes are bare none !

Anyway. Enough of my obsession for my newly acquired sport.
I'll get back to White Chicks and hit the hay as tommorow is another day and I shall be reporting more randomness soon!

"Once you go black, you gon' need a wheelchair!" hahahaha

Goodnight y'all!
/Ollie

Right well this will be my first blog entry ever! I used to keep a diary but paper is such expense these days no? Hurray for the interwebz!

I aimed to transfer my diary and create a blog as i hit uni, but ended up amidst all the spontaneous events as you do, and kept putting it off and off. But here i am finally!

My aim with this blog will mainly focus around expressing my opinion on various bits and bobs which i stumble on, be it via the internet or other sources, that i find interesting/funny/out of the ordinary/exciting/appealing.

I guess the majority of my blog will focus in and around the music scene seeing as thats something that really interests me at the moment (Drum and Bass/Techno/Electronica/Dubstep) and just generally the grimier side of things as thats my sort of spectrum these days =)

I hope you too find the random matter i find interesting, and if you care to follow me and make some comments i would much oblige your insight and opinion along the way!

Much love to you all!

Ollie (Inka)