Thursday 30 January 2014

Year 2 of a Commercial Music Student: February is upon us

Hi  guys! 

So time is really flying by so fast. It's February already! 

An eventful month it's been in general. I've been so engrossed in uni work.

Right now I've been writing writing writing songs I shall be working with singers and plan to record next week. My tutor advised me now is the time to delegate. It's so easy to be so independent that you forget you may not meet the deadline. But that's the life of a perfectionist- must be a Virgo thing. My aim for this month is to work with singers and producers to record the EP, taking the songs up a notch. 

Stay tuned guys. I will keep you updated. 'Heart Strings' will be coming at you soon as well as songs I've written for the songwriting module. 

Fitness wise I've been slacking. Need to get into ze gym ASAP. There's nothing like running a cool 3-5 miles in the gym. Got to have a summer body all year round! However I have been giving in to all things containing sugar. 

What is your weekness? 

Are you ready for February? 





A little snap from the other morning. 


X



Wednesday 15 January 2014

SPIRIT Post: Faith Vs Fear

Hi guys!

So I've been thinking about this post for a while. I always write ideas on my phone, gone are the days of notebooks I guess. I did buy one of those yesterday from Paperchase it was half price, I couldn't resist! I did also get a diary finally for 2014. Couldn't leave it too late this year, last year I bought a new diary in March! Le sigh. Lol.




So back on topic. Faith vs Fear. I can't remember what I was listening to or watched but it just sprung to mind that these are the two 'Fs' in life that get in the way of us carrying out our purpose in life.

If we fear we can not possibly have faith. The light of hope switched off. Unplugged from our destiny  as it is clouded by fear, doubt. Usually we fear the unknown but really, what is to loose?  If anything does go wrong surely it will be a building block for greater things ahead. Higher heights. With fear we cannot possibly be free. In a sense we create a glass ceiling for ourselves. With faith, we can do so much more.


As someone who believes in God I learnt that fear also takes you off God's plan. If we have faith in God we cannot fear. The more we fear the further away be become from him, further from our purpose.



So have no fear guys!

Im definitely one who fears but I've promised myself this year to let it all go. Do you boo, be shameless. ~ Shameless Maya 





X


Sunday 12 January 2014

Creative Chronicles: Don't sleep on Music Theory

Happy Sunday all!

So tomorrow is Monday. Tomorrow marks the beginning of semester 2. Time really does fly!

This year I plan on taking my grade 5 theory. No more putting it off or forgetting. When it comes to piano exams I've always learnt the scales and pieces I.e the practical side but never have focused on theory. I'd recommend to any music students out there who take traditional classical or jazz grades in either Trinity or ABRSM like myself to start taking the theory tests from the beginning. Once you progress to grade 5 like I have in order to be able to register for a grade 6 practical exam ou must have your grade 5 theory.

Alas, here I am with my books! It's never too late guys!

 It's so nice to refresh my theory. I'm lucky to have a GCSE in music, as it is equivalent to grade 5 theory




If you would like any more info on piano exams practical or theory. Let me know and I'd be happy to help.

X


Friday 3 January 2014

SOUL Post: Best Ever Caribbean Macaroni Pie

Hey guys! Happy New Year!!

I know its the new year now and many of you are back onto healthy eating and exercise just like I am. This post is slightly overdue as I've been having severe laptop issues. But I thought I'd share the best ever macaroni pie recipe. Just had to!

 I have tried many adaptations of this pie from Jamaican, Guyanese to Trinidadian recipes. I've even made what they call southern style macaroni cheese and I believe I have come up with a simple tasty and full proof recipe for Macaroni Pie inspired from all of the above!

After rave reviews from family over the season I have decided to share hoping you and your loved ones enjoy too! 





Ingredients 

150g Grated Red Leicester Cheese
100g Mature Grated Cheese
200g Philadelphia cream (go for full fat if you dare)
410g 1 Can of Evaporated milk
1 cup of semi skimmed milk 
2 beaten eggs
400g of penne pasta (or any of your choice)
1 onion (halved)
6 cloves garlic (crushed) 
2 bayleafs
1 cube Chicken stock 
3 tbsp Vegetable bouillon 
Half Scotch Bonnett pepper (seeds removed)
Two sprigs of thyme 
Salt
Black Pepper





  1. Bring to boil a large pot of water and infuse with the chopped onion, crushed garlic, chicken stock, vegetable bouillon, scotch bonnet pepper, bay leaf, thyme, salt and black pepper. 
  2. Add the pasta shells and boil until al dente on a medium heat- you don't want the pasta to be fully cooked.
  3. After approx 7 mins strain the pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Discard of the thyme, bay leaf, onion and crush the garlic and scotch bonnet (if you dare) and add to bowl of boiled pasta.
  4. Now to make the cheese sauce. Pour can of evaporated milk, cup of semi skimmed milk into the bowl of pasta along with the grated cheeses and Philadelphia. (Make sure you save enough grated cheese for the top.) Stir the mixture well before adding two beaten eggs.
  5. At this point the pasta will be almost covered completely by a rich thick cheese sauce. Add an extra pinch of salt and black pepper.
  6. Pour mixture into a large pie dish and top with remaining grated cheeses.
  7. Bake on a medium heat of 180 degrees Celsius for 30-45 mins or until golden brown on top.





The Macaroni Pie- demolished in a flash!

What a mouthful


If you do give it a go please let me know.



X