The year has only just begun and already it’s gotten off to a helluva start! And a positive one at that! After releasing my latest single, Restless City, last month, which I am SO proud of and SO elated by the reception so far, I decided I needed a well-earned trip to the sunnier climbs of Miami and Cuba. And what an amazing trip it was! BUT before I dish all on that, I just wanted to do a quick rewind to what happened a few week’s before I jetted off to Wynwood and Miami Beach, which was….drum roll please…….I only went and played at the NME Awards!!
Yes, you read right. I was offered a pre-show set, courtesy of music charity Nordoff Robins, who were this year’s partner to the Awards! After posing on the black carpet (obviously it had to be black, it’s the NME’s darling!), I was chuffed (albeit slightly freezing due to wearing a plunge-line halter neck jumpsuit in the height of frigging Winter!) to perform a raft of my originals (and a few cheeky covers) in the VIP entrance where all the mega stars were arriving (did I mention Tay-Tay was there?! Bit random, but yaaah!). It was such a memorable night, and of course I stayed to schmooze and watch the Awards afterwards!
Okay, now that I have mentioned my 5 minutes of NME fame (well, a 30 minute set worth to be exact!), let’s get back to the hot, sunny , vibrant, culturally and musically rich 4-week trip that was Miami & Cuba. As soon as I hit the tarmac at MIA, I dived straight in to the amazing arts and music scene; first heading to Snarky Puppy’s annual Ground Up Festival (deliriously jet-lagged I must add!), to watch them and a whole host of amazing musicians and artists play. If you’re ever in Miami in the month of Feb, its definitely a festival to check out - especially you readers who are musicians and are keen to network!
After literally spending a day in Miami (don’t worry I returned for a longer stint!), I jetted off on a 40 minute flight to Cuba - a country I’ve wanted to visit for EONS! And it didn’t disappoint. I spent close to 3 weeks living in La Habana Vieja, learning Spanish, Salsa and of course living and breathing the music, art and culture. Every morning, I would wake up to the sound of live music beaming through from the cobbled streets! It was incredible! And again for any music and art lovers who ever find themselves in Havana, you have, have, HAVE to check out Fabrica de Arte. It is AMAZING!! I say no more, but trust me you have to go!
In my final 10 days over the pond, I had to of course go back to Miami and check it out for proper! In fact not only did I get my tourist on (and my tan) and spend time at Miami Beach, Wynwood, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove (the list of places I went to is pretty exhaustive so I’ll ssshhh now), but I also coerced my partner in crime @thisisboyan, aka Boyan Rista, to help me film my next music video! More to come on that in subsequent posts, but let’s just say, the footage is looking HOT!!! Literally!
Pheeuff, I’ve almost worn myself out with that ramble! Lest the sunny, happy times and amazing experiences continue. I certainly am returning to the UK feeling way more energised and inspired, thats for sure! TTFN x