Direction, or lack thereof…

Life, it seems, is constantly filled with a direction that needs to be taken, a route that must be traversed, a path that must be walked. Destiny.

Destiny – an entirely and, sadly, cliched concept. It has been repeatedly embedded into the cheesiest of films and storylines leading to the climax of a beautifully crafted entertainment medium. While with it comes attached the fear and realisation that there is, without a doubt, a pathway being constructed before a soul’s wandering feet, it is also, without debate, something that is very real. Some call it coincidence, some people call it choice, and it is also something which is aptly termed ‘fate’ – but regardless of the label there still remains that undeniable fear of the unknown.

I have come to believe very strongly, through many things I have been taught, read, seen and experienced – both very real and supernatural – that a certain road is carved out of that which could be considered a colossal stone of learning. There is personal belief that when a soul is born into the tangible world around you, the very solid fabric you feel beneath your sensitive fingertips, the events which are to unfold in your lifetime have been laid out strategically along transparent and very flexible strands of existence, the purposes of which are to teach an individual one or multiple important lessons.

These lessons, or experiences, in a person’s lifetime occur at times when they are most likely to benefit the soul the most. It may be a situation of great gain, or great loss; periods of cacophonic upheaval or long trials of stagnation but nevertheless they occur for a reason. As an added note to that point, and one that helps to digest it much more easily, is that no matter the experience, in time all will turn out well. Time is the main factor. ‘Time is of the essence‘ as they say… It is the passage of time that leads a soul along its pathway, through all these obstacles and over magnificent hurdles to an end where one can reap the benefits.

Perhaps I, personally, am a hopeless optimist but I have always believed and always will hold belief in the revelation that we are all on this Earth to learn – we learn as children into teenage years, to adulthood and old age. We are constantly learning in all aspects from literal education, employment to emotions of love and friendship.

However, despite the extensive introduction to this rather deep topic of writing and ramblings, accompanied by the dramatic undulations and fervour of ‘alternative’ music, these words have been written with my own personal fear of the direction, or lack thereof, that I am currently experiencing. For the last two years I have lived a considerably comfortable existence during my mid-university years as a student in relatively stable accommodation but as the next few months play out, I will see myself wandering down a path to which I possess no map. What creates and enhances the fear of this pathway is that I take each step with pride and zeal yet I am distinctly aware that I have been handed a blank piece of paper and a pencil with which I am required to sketch the contours of this pathway, mapping unknown hurdles, obstacles, locked gates and doors-ajar with no tangible or ethereal knowledge of where my feet are taking me. Perhaps that uncertainty is one, or one of many lessons with which I will gain a new trait or aspect of personality.

Regardless of the difficulty, clench your fits and march head first into the mist. It is the only way.

At times, exacerbated by tiredness, I feel myself and my thoughts stumbling down this pathway with no sense of direction – no ups, downs, lefts, rights, aboves and belows. Of course, the two directions of utmost importance are the ‘forward’ and ‘behind’ of that pathway – from where you have come and where you must go: what you have learnt in past experiences and taking them into these new occurrences. Of course, there is always the concept of the ‘present’ but time is as stagnant as a flowing river – it is never still, it never reverses. It flows on repeatedly, altering its own course through its many dynamic processes on the surrounding environment and inherently affecting those outwith its immediate contact – like the outward migration of ripples in a pool.

I return to my previous point about pathways set in motion from the moment we enter the prying grasps of the deliverers in a ward. A set of events along a timeline are plotted, and while I believe these to occur eventually, in time, they themselves are not fixed upon that line with unmoving foundation: quite the contrary. I understand the fear and reluctance of some when faced with the concept of fate, or destiny. Put simply, to them it is something that is uncontrollable.

But through life there are countless experiences in a soul’s life that very subtly remind us that we never have nor will we ever be in complete control. We can only change and alter the direction of existence, but no matter how much we may push and pull at those transparent strands, to bend it, twist it and fashion it into an aesthetically pleasing sculpture, the fact remains that what is for us will not pass by. Its form may differ, its timing premature or delayed, the magnitude of varying severity – but regardless of these aspects, the fact also remains that the experiences a soul is subjected to along its timeline are all for the ultimate purpose of learning, realisation, acceptance and growth.

The sooner that is realised, accepted and encouraged, the easier things will become and the more valuable the lesson and causality.

Sickening revelation…

It’s always hard to grasp the concept that sometimes, everything is not as it seems. It’s a simple fact in life that deceipt and façades are put in place regularly to trick you into believing something that really is not the case at all. When such an act occurs, when something or someone purposefully goes to extents to pretend, ultimately there will come a time when that wall will come down and new scenes and pictures are revealed, like a beautiful garden behind a grotty graffitied wall. Sadly though, the case with which this small blog is concerned is not so heartwarming – rather it was like being punched in the gut. A betrayal.

My Mother has always told me, having personally been subjected to multiple cases of such an atrocity from those who are meant to care, that betrayal is not a betrayal on yourself but on the other person. As a consequence of their actions, they end up losing a friend, family member, or perhaps a job through such a lack of consideration and respect, while in the process of doing so they hurt others. It is, as my Mother has said, such an act that shows you exactly who that person is and to what extent they consider you.

Recent events in my personal life have led me to experience such a betrayal. While petty in comparison to many such scenarios in the many lives of many people, nonetheless, there was a betrayal. A close friend of mine… actually… hold on a second, let us rewind that. Someone I used to consider a “close friend” has, as recently as yesterday, shown her true colours to me through such a simple thing as a mis-sent text to the unlikely person possible, the very person the text was about… myself.

The ongoing problems between us, which to my knowledge seemed to have been all but cleared up with some remaining dregs of bother, came to a head on her part and as a result of such a childish outlook on things of equal ridiculousness, she has lost me as a friend.

Friendship is something I hold dear to me, and after several years of problems throughout my high school years was I came to value it so much more through the removal of aforementioned teenage façades of those who I thought cared.

I have come to learn that someone should hold respect, care, loyalty and concern for another, be it a family member or a friend. Loyalty, honesty and trust are three things which are core to friendship and without them it will not last. I would hope that if something is on someone’s mind, above all else that they could approach me and speak about it, to settle out the kinks and to rectify the issues. Of course, sometimes petty problems are but an misunderstanding and as such can be easily sorted.

Alas, such a thing is a rarity. As in this case, at one point in time one of those traits has waxed and waned, faltering underneath the entire structure and as such it has come crashing to the ground. To make it much worse, doubt sets in and one begins to wonder whether there are other masks being worn - who is in on the same scenario? What gets spoken behind your back? Who pretends to be a friend when really there is no such existence of a bond? What do they honestly think of you?

Unfortunately, not everyone is as honest as I, personally, like to be. As such, friendships will continue to fall as quickly as they were constructed and those absolutely crucial questions will remain unasked and, sadly, unanswered. However, one encouraging thought is this: at some point, the true colours will shine and be it for the better or the worse is something that will determine the course that those bonds will take. To strengthen, or to break.

Walking in the woods of another world…

What with all the harshness of life, one has to wonder why such things as music, television, movies and even holiday resorts exist, and the answer would be simple. From the moment a Soul is born into this world, there is a resounding battle that all must contend with. Some may argue, and I have heard this before, that the struggles of birth is but a predecessor to the following events of one’s lifetime – the ups and downs, the pain and relief that is experienced throughout life right down to the very hour, minute and second of every day.

So that answer – they are simply the fire exits that are, at one point or another, very much needed. No one person can walk through life without having a medium that offers the escape and entertainment needed from the complexities and difficulties of daily doings, be they the reading of a book, playing an instrument, to water skiing or sky-diving. It could even be argued that drugs are an escape for certain people, the results of such use bringing about a euphoric experience very unlike that which the sobre eye sees. In the case of drugs, there has to be a reason in the first place why a Soul would turn to such a thing, often deemed, ‘illicit’. The answer to that? Perhaps the missing capability to deal with the negativity and struggle of life…

From a personal point of view, escapism is required daily, taking the form of one of several mediums that I enjoy immersing myself in. As mentioned in previous blogs, writing is a large part of my life and is something that gives me that relief and highest level of enjoyment. Not only does it allow me to escape inwards to my own imagination, thoughts, ideas and in some cases, fluff, it is also a tool for me to release these ethereal, if not tangible, creations into a form or another – a preferable vent to leaving them to float and tumble between the six walls of my skull.

Admittedly, although thinking – to me – is something less enjoyed than one might think, any particularly interesting thought or idea formed from the simplest of things can often cling to that of another and soon, the brain becomes cluttered. In that sense, I have often found myself screaming in a room full of voices and noises yet to any other there is nothing but the sound of silence and I sit in a chair unmoving.

There in body, but not in mind.

Like many things the inspiration to put words to a page, or in some cases the screen, comes fragmented and often at times which are incredibly ridiculous. Thus, as such, you resort to laying the foundations of a thought-train which, while at the same time you are carrying out a task, spirals around your mind – the harbinger hoping ever-more that the train reaches a touchable destination – albeit the physical or electric page.

As aforementioned, I began writing as an escape from the direness of school life, quite content to sit and conjure up some imaginary land with imaginary creatures and imaginary scenarios and plotlines. But as I grew older, I discovered that writing provided a method of expressing my deepest and darkest thoughts, allowing me to fumble my way down the rabbit hole to see what fancy lurks and wisps inhabit my seemingly silent mind. And true it is that writing does not just come in the form of imaginary/fictional plotlining, but also in the form of this [hopefully] interesting and intriguing, if not well structured blog. Again, as stated, it is simply a vessel for my thoughts and opinions that I perhaps feel I cannot or will not voice with words. It astounds me now, that although I could not speak until the age of three years, while being a hyperactive tyrant until the age of five, I am quite capable and willing enough to eloquently speak my mind.

On a number of occasions, I have wondered if someone stands over me in some form or another, guiding my hand and easing the flow of words from mind to fingertip. Of course, one does not complain if help is given – student academics demand the occasional essay or report of ridiculous word count. Should someone wish to stand over me and offer aid, by all means it is welcomed. I say this because never have I had such a flow of words move through my mind to paper and for it to sit so comfortably within the seemingly pre-conceived dance of words. And the fascinating part of it is that most of the ideas that are contructed work well without little tweaking, if any at all.

Writing has and always will remain one attractive medium for me to which I can use to shape and define myself, while at the same time twisting and turning the thoughts and ideas in my mind into the foundations of what I like to call word-art. Lay the foundations, build the construct then watch layer by creative layer appear before your eyes.

I wrote previously that thinking is not something I overly enjoy, and as such, I find that music provides the perfect obstruction to doing so. I have not been a keen listener of music for long; only in 2007 in fact, did I begin to delve into the music world in search of unique and original artists. Thus, I have come across a large varierty of artists of likened and unlikened genres, styles, voices, techniques, depth, approaches excetera and from that array? A pallet of a select few has been established providing brilliance and definate listening pleasure. Such artists include Imogen Heap [as is well known for me], Kate Havnevik, Zoe Keating, Milosh, Jon Hopkins, William Fitzsimmons and Martyn Bennett, simply to name the ones I adore. Like any other of course, mainstream music is also something I like to keenly dabble my fingers into and as such, the resultant taste in music is very quite diverse.

It is definately something that must be experienced by an individual – to discover a new musical artist whose work provides a very unexplainable feeling of happiness and freshness that can sometimes be overshadowed by the familiarity of an musician very much loved, but certainly over-listened.

To lie in a silent room with my iPod on and earphones in is something I love to do when all else fails to quench my boredom. Allowing yourself to fall into those, often, overheard layers of production and musical genius can provide a euphoric feeling. Depending on the nature of production, such as with Imogen Heap, Milosh and Zoe Keating, there may be several layers each with a different melody, sound, oddity or lyric that you did not hear the first or perhaps even after the twentieth listen. It is these types of songs that I long to find and those that provide such a unique listening experience sometimes unfound in commercial music.

Dare I say it, music is perhaps my ‘drug’ – it is needed on a daily basis by myself and there is very rarely a time when music is not playing around me. Nor do I deny the chance to listen to a song or too. Silence, for me is an undersirable cacophony, gladly banished by the undulations of music. The emotions and relaxation that music brings me allows me to detach myself from the harshness of life that would otherwise downtrod my mind and Soul and for that, I am thankful. It truly is my escape.

As a lover of Angels, music is the closest I can get to such winged freedom. Until my time may come where I sit alongside a pure Soul in heavenly music creation, my iPod will remain my best friend. Music is truly one such creation unmatched and will remain so for a unreckoned time, if ever at all.

And she’s back!

Of course, Imogen Heap never really left the music scene. From the young age of 14 she’s been producing music which has gathered speed and greatness as she places one talented foot in front of the other. With her debut ‘i Megaphone’ causing a huge hype following its release in 1998, it was no surprise that Frou Frou’s one and only album ‘Details’ (2002) and Imogen’s own second solo album ‘Speak For Yourself’ (2005) accumulated an increasing fan base which is likened to a snowball down a hill. During her epic releases, she has collaborated with a huge array of artists and continues to wow fans with new surprises thrown out here and there to keep the smiles going.

But today, the 24th of August, 2009 was the day that a two year musical journey was released into the skies on the wings of brilliance. Commencing her newest venture as early as the beginning of 2007, Imogen embarked on an experience that surpassed the year long ‘Speak For Yourself’ production, resulting in an emotion packed saga that has eventually become ‘Ellipse’. Unlike many artists, Imogen documented the entire experience through YouTube video blogs, Twitter updates and 12second snippets, allowing her increasingly huge fanbase to dip in and out of the ups and downs she faced. As such, she has an impressive Twitter Following exceeding the 900,000 mark. Adding to this is an outstanding 40+ million plays on MySpace and 17.5+ million plays on her LastFM page.

Although she may not be well known in mainstream music, many would admit that her online presence and zealous desire to connect with fans has earnt her a different kind of fanbase – those very individuals who have a keen sense of musical knowledge, aptitude, enjoyment and longing for unique and original crisp sounds and heavenly melodies. Thankfully, Imogen delivers this and so much more through her talent, musical approach and the outstanding ethos she holds close as she runs her hands through the wavering grasses of production.

From a personal point of view as a music lover and an individual who longs to collect the beautiful sounds of Imogen, ‘Ellipse’ is likened to a tangible fragment of her soul. Having followed her closely through the last year and a half of her journey the transition of both Imogen and her songs has been such an unbelievable experience. While I listen to each second of a song, shared knowledge of the ‘Ellipse’ production sparks clearly in my mind and I feel the emotion, depth and soul Imogen has religiously poured into each musical being.

No two songs are similar. Each moves through a variety of melodic eddies and lyrical waterfalls that, together create such powerful reverberations against the listeners eardrums. Continuing this thought, one can listen to a single song and fall into the various levels and floors of the lyrical sculptures produced over the last two years, acquiring capable ease to run eager fingertips along the many surfaces of such an array of ethereal melodies and otherworldy sounds.

I receieved my own copy in the post this morning and never have I waited for the post to fall to the floor with such child-like excitment and glee. It was simply added to my iPod and during those 48 minutes 39 seconds of playback time, I was transported to another world from which I simply did not want to return.

I have experienced a number of outstanding musicians in a short time but Imogen is truly unmatched when it comes to the raw emotion emitted from the beautiful songs of a highly anticipated album. ‘Ellipse’ is something that must be heard by all, regardless of the opinion arising from the wane of ‘Half Life’ dulcet tones. ‘Speak For Yourself’ and ‘Ellipse’ are two entities in themselves and while produced by the lovely Imogen, there is no comparison; one is as magnificent as the other and any who attempts to liken them would be foolish to do so – like any creation in this world they are individual, unique and one of a kind.

Of course, Imogen has only just spread her wings with the release of ‘Ellipse’. It is certainly safe to say that much will come in the following months and years and there is no need to add that there are by far, thousands of loving, devoted and highly supportive fans awaiting her next move.

I, for one, gladly stand in that crowd.

From the mind, to the page…

Writing, for me, has always been an escape of the best kind. There is only so much a film or music can do. True it is, that a truly magnificent movie such as Lord of the Rings [the best example I have at mind] or a beautiful song [too many to mention], can transport you to another place, but you are always in the confines of the surroundings in which you are watching or listening. However, from personal experience, delving into your own imagination and falling into another world is unrivalled.

I started writing when I was about 13 or 14. I was always different from the other kids at school in the sense that I preferred my own company to that of others. Having played console games from the age of 8 or 9, I was always in another ficticious world, be it Sonic the Hedgehog or Tomb Raider. When I came across the highly acclaimed Final Fantasy, I was truly captured by the world of fantasy. I was immediately transported to another place in which I was able to experience an unbelievable plot in some mythical land.

Having played many a fantasy/sci-fi game on a variety of different consoles, I have developed a rather, at times, eccentric imagination which has impacted on my life in one way or another.

My first stories were always failures. Even to this day I have never written a story which has been any longer than a page and a half of A4 which I liked. Although, saying that, the aforementioned ‘page and a half of A4′ took the form of a short story I did for an English class in my 4th year of secondary education. Entitled ‘The Outcast’ it revolved around the few moments of a young girl who struggled to survive and escape the destruction of her woodland village. Inspired by Raymond E. Feist’s ‘Talon of the Silver Hawk’ I completed the story in very little time and to this day it is still the one and only short story I am proud of.

Throughout secondary, I would sit at a computer and dream up some fictitious events which in my lifetime would never ever occur, but at the time, it helped me to escape the sometimes dire conditions of school life as a misfit.

I had attempted on many an occasion, to write a story exceeding one chapter which, when coming to no end was eventually scrapped. I had never been a fan of planning my stories, letting my imagination do all the work. But I realise now that with no concrete path on which my story could tread, it was doomed to fall through those non-existant foundations.

In my 5th and 6th year of secondary, or there abouts, I was able to create the first few ideas of a story which managed to take it past its 5th chapter. However, the chapters were not long and very little happened in these. Again, there was no plan, and without saying, it failed. I took it upon myself to sit one day and force myself to plan an entire storyline out, hoping that at last, I would be able to write something of real depth. The plan was simple and fragmented, basic and without no real excitement. It followed the path of two main characters through the events of the story to a possible end result. But it was a plan.

The story which has evolved from that plan has recently reached its 20th chapter, with a word count of approximately 110,000 words. Obviously, planning works. This story, so far untitled, has provided me with an escape like none of the others. I have travelled the journeys of these characters and become friends with them in some distant way. I have created a world in my head into which, when I desire the comforts of a place I know I do not have to physically deal with, I can fall into from its skies.

The plan still exists, and the storyline follows its most basic direction. From one point on that page to the next there may be one to three chapters. Thankfully, I have had some fantastic ideas come into my head which happen to fit into place beautifully. These ideas are very scattered at times, some occurring close to the current part of the story I’m writing, others a possible path close to the end.

I have often wondered if I have something or someone standing over me guiding my hand. These ideas, I seemingly receive without my own train of thought, come at the most peculiar of times. Just recently, while revising for the much-dreaded exams of my 2nd year I had my nose deep in a Hydrology book. The next twenty minutes were spent jotting down random ideas that I had received quite suddenly.

Having taken approximately three years to get as far as I have, nowhere near the end of this fictitious story am I standing. I have quite a while to go, and even now it can be difficult following the paths of over thirty main/sub-characters.

But nevertheless, I am provided with my own personal otherworldy existence into which I can delve should the need arise. And the best thing about it is that this entire world, still in its formation in parts, belongs entirely to me. Those who are told of its wonders and going-ons can only try to follow and understand for only a small part of this world can be written in words, while the rest stays firmly in my sizeable imagination.

All seeing, all Knowing…

I have always been a massive fan of films which show the alternative future of the world, doomsday prophecies and end of the world kind of thing; I love it. I have no solid explanation as to why I do, but that’s the way it is. Films like ‘Day After Tomorrow’, ‘Deep Impact’ and ‘Armageddon’ instantly appeal to me no matter what the plot. And without saying, these films are of particular remark.

I suppose you could say the subject of the world’s end scares most and I think it’s safe to say one of the main reasons is because of the lack of control anyone has over the situation. After all, we are but small expendable specks upon the surface of another organism. In relation to the Universe, you and I really do not have much purpose or reason in the grand schemes of things.

As a Geography and Environmental Science University student, you often come across timescales into the millions and billions of years. The average life expectancy is roughly from 65 – 80. When it’s put like that, you realise just how insignificant one human being is.

But back to the topic. Admittedly, I have seen a fair number of films, as has any other movie-lover. Taking a trip to the cinema is a perfect way to past the time with friends, family or a partner. On the 28th of March, 2009, I saw ‘Knowing’ and quite frankly, it has to be one of the best movies I have ever seen. A film produced by those who gave us ‘I, Robot’ – a film which I thouroughly enjoy – taking this into account, I somehow found it difficult that the film would be a flop. And I assure you, it certainly was not. There are many films which please me and make me want to watch again and again, but there only a select few which leave such an adverse impact upon me. Even now, I think back to those two hours and find myself reliving the scenes which leave you gape-mouthed.

I have heard that the film was remarked by some to be “crap” or “not very good” and that’s fine and well. From my perspective, the film was outstanding. Take the aforementioned ‘Day After Tomorrow’ and combine it with ‘A.I: Artificial Intelligence’, ‘War of the Worlds’, dated but brilliant ‘E.T.’, ‘Terminator’, ‘Blindness’, ‘Number 23′ and numerous other ‘There’s someone in here I can’t see’ films which seemed to have slipped my mind in the last 24 hours and put all of these titles into one production. It need not be said, but you have a pretty extraordinary film on your hands.

My first comment upon the credits of this film: ‘Wow, that was f*cking brilliant…’ Self explanatory really. This film is definately being purchased by me upon release, even if never to be watched again, just to have it in the same room.

I have to be honest, there have never been many films in which Nicholas Cage can be authentically taken as a true actor in character, and even so in ‘Knowing’ there is an element of it still existent, but the part that he plays alongside one of my few favourite actresses, Rose Byrne [Sunshine, 28 Weeks Later], is simply beautiful. He most certainly does himself justice in this film, leading us through the many breath-taking and shocking events which most definately leave your heart pumping and the adrenaline flowing.

I reiterate, I’ve always been a fan of films which have an element of uncertainty and end-of-the-world-ness. As a Spiritualist and a firm believer of other beings out there in the Universe, my beliefs and ideas are successfully supported in this film. One in specific would be that all events leading to the writing and reading of this blog are pre-determined in some way out of our control.

Do not mistake that as a cop-out route to never knowing what to do in life, but take into account the point I made earlier that we, as humans upon the undeniably beautiful face of planet Earth, are incomprehensibly insignificant in life.

Without saying, ‘Knowing’ is certainly a film which must be seen, be it for entertainment or to further the thought and idea that there is something more to life than what we see in front of us.

Our very own Imogen…

First of all and foremost, or rather second of all following that post below, I have to mention the one artist who has had an adverse effect on my life in the last 2 years.

Imogen Heap.

Where to start would be the first predicament to overcome in relation to Imogen. Brilliant. As an 18 year old guy newly tuned to the goings on and ways of the clubbing scene, I’d taken to a friends house one night in order to get ready. In the process of this often laborious and stressful task he, Colin, decided to grace me with ‘Speak For Yourself’, specifically a track who’s bass line and lyrics “gets me everytime”. At that time, I was not a keen listener of music; I often tuned into the local radio station for the chart while I worked out in my room, but any knowledge or opinion of music had not yet been formed.

The track started, and after being told “you might not like it” I braced myself. But hearing the opening bass riff and upbeat rock melody in the background, it gripped me. And I can assure you, it still has not left me. My knowledge of music has grown, not considerably, but enough to be able to distinguish the bad from the good. And no longer does the radio get listened to.

Imogen’s music is undescribable. I’ve often had trouble explaining to people what it’s like to hear one of Imogen’s songs. But that is exactly what is beautiful and brilliantly unique about it; you can’t. It fits into one, many and no genre; varied, original, hitting the core of any listener in one way or another. Evidently, the woman has left an impact on me which continues to grow as I and many others follow her through the third leg of her musical journey, her third album.

At first, I was intrigued by ‘Daylight Robbery’ as I dressed for that night out. Something inside me was compelled to delve deeper, to explore and discover. And even now, I’m continuously opening that next door and finding something that hits me in a place I never thought had existed, or had already been scoured by the music Imogen so successfully produces. Before I was hooked in the world of Immi, I had never thought I would be reigned in by obessesion and desire for something.

Similarly, I have come across very few artists who share a unique and extraordinary talent like that of Imogen Heap. Discovery of a multitude of online vBlogs, found at http://www.youtube.com/imogenheap, not only did I open the door to a hall of wonders in regards to new musics – for by this time [April 2008 to be exact] I had already delved into the depths of ‘i Megaphone’ (1998), aforementioned ‘Speak For Yourself’ (2005) and her alternate 2002 project alongside Guy Sigsworth, forming Frou Frou and thus producing the must-hear ‘Details’ – I was also enlightened as to Imogen’s personality. I have never known another mainstream artist to have an attractive and grounded [if slightly nutty] personality like Imogen harbours. However, Immi herself has spoke highly of friends and fellow artists who have proven themselves to be of remark. Nameably, Kate Havnevik, Milosh, Jon Hopkins, Zoe Keating and not forgetting Tori Amos. All have a unique way with music which must be experienced by the melodic-lyric lover.

Should you have read this far, taken interest, or not as the case may be, be sure to check out this lovely woman’s work. It certainly will not go miss.

Be assured, there will be more on the subject of Miss Heap to come.

Okay… so the first word…

A newbie to this kind of thing. Not to writing, as I assure you, when you’ve written 107,000 words as part of a story, you’re no newbie. However, with a desire to voice my opinions in a safe environment with little chance of offending someone to their face, blogging seems like the next best thing. Of course, if I randomly offend someone, it’s not exactly my intent but to be honest, there’s very little I can do about it.

So there we go… the first word. An introduction as to why this page has all of a sudden appeared on a site which will no doubt disappear amongst the throngs of tens of thousand others. Spiffing as one might say.

Enjoy.