A little update

By QSW on Nov 30, 2011

Hey everyone! Very excited about writing to you with an update – It’s been so long since I updated my blog on here and its been such an incredible year!

I spent the majority of it writing and gigging. I have felt very privileged to be making music that people are enjoying and the fan reaction at this years concerts was incredible and a feeling I will never forget. Myself and the band did a number of shows in the Netherlands and also did a Belgium TV performance and interview :) That can be seen here:

YouTube Preview Image


I was also invited to support Tom Jones across three venues in the UK this Summer, playing to 35,000 people! The highlight was at Audley End where 15,000 people were in the audience – and I got to meet him after!


I also performed alongside Pixie Lott and The Wanted at Stoke’s Signal FM 2011 show which was a crazy 18,000!!! It was very scary but so much fun!


I have also supported my dear friend Ed Sheeran (who I visited the Hossegor Quiksilver house with last year) and have been in the studio again with some truly amazing songwriters and producers, including Peter Vettese (who produced my debut album), Jake Gosling (producer of my new EP), Dan Gautreau, Tim “T-Jay” Goodacre, Amy Wadge and the amazing Judie Tsuke. This has been fantastic experience and is setting up album number two very nicely – watch this space in 2012!

xxx Leddra

credit : Dave Willis
more

Growing up

By Nina on Nov 29, 2011
The Quik Women team asked me to talk a little bit about my life, so here goes:
I was born in Hong Kong (my parents worked there), and lived there until the age of 6. Then we moved home to Norway.  My dad and brothers windsurfed, and I started around the age of 11-12. In the summer time I spent my time by the ocean windsurfing and sailing and in the wintertime we spent time in the mountains, skiing (telemark skiing is a passion of mine) and snowboarding…
I’ve always loved sports and by the age of 16 I was so in love with windsurfing and had a dream of becoming pro, so my parents helped me so that I could finish highschool in a Norwegian high school in Gran Canaria…In Gran Canaria I met other pro windsurfers (and “grew up with” Roxy girls Daida and Iballa), and many windsurfers from Hawaii came to GC for the Windsurfing Worldcup in July. Following their advice,  I moved to Maui in 1998, studied at Maui Community college, windsurfed, surfed and kiteboarded (I later became a pro kiteboarder).
In 2001 I moved (with my then boyfriend, now husband, and fellow- water-lover, Teiva) to Oahu’s northshore, where I continued surfing (mostly longboarding) at my favorite spot “Sunset Beach”, but dropped windsurfing and kiteboarding so that I could focus more on my studies. I ended up with a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, focused on Environmental politics and Eco-Philosophy (I particularly love the Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess’ writings about eco-philosophy and deep ecology).
I’ll tell you more later, but in the meanwhile I keep living just day by day, moment by moment, and trying to appreciate every single instant.
Like I say in one of my songs: “This life keeps on surprising me….”
Peace, Love & Aloha ( I just love the concept and word “aloha”, don’t you?)
Nina
more

Spice up a jumper!

By QSW on Nov 28, 2011

Let’s fight against winter ladies! Pull away your jeans and get a jumper!

The outlander jumper is very feminine and really comfortable! You can dress up the outfit with our shimmer sleeveless blouse and the capitan flannel shirt and it will be perfect for a day outfit. Then if you have to go to a party straight after your labor day, just take of your shirt and keep it sexy!

To avoid being frozen outside, take on the cozy beanie and our fabulous and warm capitan canyon puffy jacket!

And to accessorize this outfit, just clip a headband into your hair and wear cozy boots to stay cool, such as a real Quiksilver women!

Accessories are from All Saints and L’atelier des dames .

more

Shine On, by Charlotte O’Connor

By CharlotteOConnor on Nov 25, 2011

Finally! Here’s the video for my second single, “Shine on”. It was filmed in the amazing Hotel Aire de Bardenas and the spanish desert of the Bardenas Reales… both breathtaking… really, if you ever want to get away, this is the perfect destination!

Enjoy!

YouTube Preview Image

more

Sneak Peek of “Shine On” Video… Day 4 x

By CharlotteOConnor on Nov 24, 2011

Hi Lovelies,

As a special treat…I thought I’d upload quite a few pics today for you all to see! There were so many pictures to choose from, and so many memories that I want to share!

I hope you enjoy them, and one last HUGE thank you to the Quiksilver team for making the Shine On Video happen. I really had the BEST time ever!

Big Love, OC XXXX

The amazing Declan, carrying the huge sun shade (umbrella) cos it was soooo hot!!

We set up our own little camp in the shade..

I liked having my own little den!

The filming began...just me and a beautiful landscape x

Everyone was there behind the scenes though :)

I had to make sure all my moves were as natural as possible...

Hahaha...as you can see... :D

More touch ups were needed, I think my make-up must have melted off! It was so hot!!

It certainly didn't dampen my spirits though, I was having such a laugh with amazing people x

Here we all were, chilling in the little shack before the last bit of filming..

Me singing as the sun went down, ohh la la...perfect.

And that was the end of the shoot!

Guys I hope you have enjoyed seeing these little tasters of what’s to come..I’m soooo excited for you all to see the finished product… not long now!!!!! I’m so proud of it, and I’m so thankful for everyone that made it happen, I love you all xxx

more

Sneak Peek of Shine On video… Day 3 x

By CharlotteOConnor on Nov 23, 2011

Day 3

Every girls dream! Having your hair and make-up done for you every day, and my team are amazing!

It was lovely having a fountain on set, I kept using it to cool down! I loved the building though, it was so beautiful.

Me, chilling in the shade..

It was lovely having a bed on shoot...

But the team made sure I didn't get too comfy and kept a smile on my face all day! Perfect :) x


more

Sneak Peek of Shine On video…Day 2 x

By CharlotteOConnor on Nov 22, 2011

Day 2 of Shine On

This was literally the most beautiful place I've ever been, it was so so amazing being here, just nothing for miles and miles :) The Quiksilver team did an amazing job at finding the perfect location.

Take me back!!! x

My make up had to be just right for the close ups!

Right so for those of you who don't know, I have a massive phobia of wind turbines. Don't ask me why, I just do. So...this was a HUGE achievement for me as I would never go near one usually!

Look how pleased I am with myself! That was one of the best days ever :)x

more

Natalia Resmini x Red Milk

By QSW on Nov 22, 2011

Here are some drawings created by Natalia Resmini for the blog Red Milk. Fabee, the founder and editor, is a real fashionista and a free-lance designer. Her vision is always very “bohemienne”…with a dreamy touch that brings me strong inspiration.

The story I illustrated for Red Milk is called “yalla” and is about love, jeans and palm trees.

More infos on www.redmilkblog.com

Find out more about Natalia here.

more

Sneak Peek of Shine On video…Day 1 x

By CharlotteOConnor on Nov 21, 2011

Hello My lovelies…

I thought I’d give you all a little treat and show you some sneaky pics from behind the scenes of my “Shine On” Video Shoot with Quiksilver!! There will be a new entry each day for the next few days, so keep yourselves posted :)

Big Love, OC xx

Day 1

My team making sure my hair and make-up were all perfect before shooting :)

Trying to keep a straight face...

...But failing!!! Everyone just kept making me smile :)

Speak to you all soonxx

more

Ellie’s brand new EP

By Ellie on Nov 21, 2011

Hello!


I’m so happy to announce the launch of my new EP ‘Lost Without You’! It is basically a Feel good EP about the up’s and downs of being in a relationship. It’s got an experimental Folk/Pop sound and 3 out of the 5 songs were produced by Aidan Love who is a really fun producer and has worked with amazing artists like Gwen Stefani and Gold Frapp! I have put it out on my own label ‘Create your Own Reality’ and recorded the songs with Aidan Love and Dave Harewood at Dave’s house as Aidan lives in Istanbul and was only over for a month in August. We recorded Ukelele, Glokenspiel and did loads of quirkey backing vocal ideas. I was sitting on a bed doing the vocals!! It was very relaxed and fun!!
Here is the link to listen to clips and to order the EP!

Here are the song names and some of the lyrics and what the songs are about:


1) Change the Way. The lyrics are about looking at life in a new way: “When everything’s a mess you want those secrets to success, and when you’re only doing your best, you’ve got to get it off your chest, caus… Everything can change over night, and it all it all depends on the way you look at life, Everything can change in front of your eyes, and it all depends on the way you look life” (whistle…)

2) Ba Ba Da. This is about loving the person you are with and having fun! Lyrics to first verse and chorus are: “Well I refuse negativity- I don’t need that, now I’ve got you by my side- I’ve got a piggy back, up into the air- like a paper aeroplane, now im feeling brand new- feel like changing my name, ba ba ba da da….”


3) Lost Without You. Is about a friend of mine that I saw going off track after leaving her boyfriend. And is about my own experiences as well!  Lyrics start ” No more one night stands I’m sweet home and I’m through, this way of life has got me weeping way too hard. No more sneaky lines in the toilets and free champagne, I’m run down and i think I’ve lost my way. There’s gotta be more to life than this, im following my heart but there’s something a miss, I am 10 foot under, I’m Lost, Without You.”


4) How Hard We Try. This song is about being in the ups and downs of a relationship and trying hard to make it work. “So sad that you cant be the one that I’m wanting you to be, so sad, that I cant be glad that you’re around me. I’m crying, defying, denying , I’m still relying, so sad that you can’t be the one that I’m wanting you to be. Caus oh, how hard we try…”


5) Don’t wanna be more than just friends. This is a song I wrote a while ago and re-recorded with my friends Dave and Dan Cho on cello in New York. Dan has since passed away aged only 31. The lyrics from second verse go: I buy the drinks and you lend me ten, sit by your side and you recommend this club called The End, so we move slowly, gentle the flow putting my arms around you so easy to know, don’t wanna be more than just friends , I don’t know if its real or if its just pretend…”

Hope you enjoy it!

Ellie x

Artwork by Kook culture. A New Eco Brand formed by Alex Szukalski producing Beach/Surf Modern Urban Artwork, and Bespoke Recycled and Environmentally friendly furniture.

more
Older Posts »