Jungle (UK): the rise of Modern Soul

Red painted walls, smoke coming from the stage, a huge chandelier at the entrance, round tables that aren't for table dancing anymore: that's the location where I had the pleasure to attend the show of one of the most outstanding bands of the British Music scene. I'm talking about Jungle, modern soul collective from London, already acclaimed this summer at several Festivals around the globe.

Jungle's concert took place yesterday at Komplex Klub in Zurich, former Dollhouse Stripclub, a club venue that kept the original interior and the vibe of being somewhere tabooed. Lush! I love this kind of places! The show was a total sold out, and you could easily notice that by seeing people still standing in the queue outside when the guys where playing already.

The concert was opened with "Platoon", a track that made Jungle famous worldwide last year, a wonderful choice to break the ice. There were fingers snapping, people dancing, no place was more appropiate to have all those different kinds of mirror balls everywhere: the 70s were back within seconds. I'm not kidding: the best confirmation for my statement were a couple of ladies and gents, being in an age and looking like they really were present during the hippie happenings almost 45 years ago. So if they were dancing, then it means the show was good.
Jungle have oldschool Disco and Soul running through their veins, that's for sure, but what it's making them unique are the modern and psychedelic beats added in each song. You can think about Daft Punk, can hear some MGMT out of it, or even feel Jackson 5 out of it, but you'll admit at the very end that's nothing exactly comparable to Jungle's sound. If I had to give to this wonderful collective's music a Definition, I'd say modern Soul with a touch of Disco. Period.

Photo: Jungle Official

A packed Komplex Klub

Frontmen Tom McFarland and Josh Lloyd-Watson, on stage with their band ("composed of friends and friends of friends"), proved to have a great control of their voices live and sounded amazingly good. They could have might interacted more with the audience, but I belong to those persons who thinks that as long an artist's performance is done right, I'd forgive them not talking. Could be the nerves, or as a human being, could be a bad day as well.
After warming up the already overheated club with songs from their only and current album like "The Heat", "Julia" or "Accelerate", the final explosion of emotions, the coronation of an evening catapulted a world I thought I missed out, was given by closing track "Busy Earnin'" and the encore with  "Time".

Watch Jungle closing with "Busy Earnin'" here:

Jungle were booked as opening act for Pharrell Williams after releasing their debut album. You could imagine why: Josh and Tom's voices are a delight, their singing is very similar to Pharrell's, but, unfortunately for him, they are way better live. These band is on the right way to shine. I can't wait to see them play again! And what do we learn? Yeah, vintage inspired music will never die, because it's still the strongest one to touch People, brings generations together and it's timeless. We got the proof yesterday night.

If you missed Jungle live in Zurich yesterday, you have the Chance to experience them tonight at Les Docks in Lausanne. Get your ticket here

Rest of the world, grab your Dates here! There are Shows planned for Europe, US and Australia until March 2015

A Special thank you to Mainland Music for having me.

Jungle (UK): the groove is coming soon to Switzerland

There was no other Newcomer band in the UK lately that was able to let several press members speculate around about them. Rumors came up in the internet, talking about an anonymous duo, acclaimed to become the new Daft Punk.

I'm talking about modern soul collective Jungle, a London based band, which released their first Album this year . The record is funky in a total innovative way. The vocals sound like in 70s or early 80s disco tracks, the beats are modern, catchy, including Tropical prercussions, wildlife noises and psychedelic washes. If I should attempt some comparing, I would Switch between a few artists, actually: MGMT (the psychedelic sounds), Daft Punk (part of the guitar riffs) or even Jamroquai (that catchy, funky sound).

Funny thing is, that These two guys, "J" and "T", didn't really want to make a whole secret about their persona at all. The only fault of these two talented young men was to release their first single "Platoon" last year,without picturing themselves, and choosing the 6 year old breakdancer Terra to be the Superstar of their Music Video. That's it. Critics were expecting them to play behind a wall at their tour start. Like Daft Punk showing up with helmets or Gorillaz being cartoons. None of that. The duo just put together a band, mostly composed by their friends and went on stage. The moment came where the names finally popped out: Jungle are Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland, it's no secret anymore. I think they still have a laugh about it, when the whole story is mentioned in interviews.

Have a look and a listen to "Platoon" here:

After a successful festival summer and a totally sold out UK tour, Jungle are ready to hit the rest of Europe. So, if you are in Switzerland, go for it! Jungle will make a stop in Zurich, and play at concert venue Komplex 457. Do you wanna know who they are and move your hips a little bit? Get your ticket here.

Jungle (& Special Guest)

 

Album: Jungle
Release: 2014
Showtime: 20.11.2014 20:00
Venue: Komplex Klub, Hohlstrasse 457, 8048 Zürich

Presented by Mainland Music and Takk

Fashionhotel - SS15 preview

My first question was: where did they put all those beds? 50 hotel rooms without a bed in it!

I was very pleased to get invited to the press and VIP opening of one of the most  innovative concepts in terms of brand Promotion ever made in town. The 25hours Hotel in the western part of Zurich got transformed into a Fashion marketplace, mall, networking spot and runway at the same time.

Photo Credit: Fashionhotel.ch

Photo Credit: Fashionhotel.ch

Me and my friend Sandra entering the Fashionhotel
Photo Credit: Fashionhotel.ch

After a warm welcome, and a delicious apero, the evening got started with a Fashion Show featuring one Piece of every brand that had its own store (or room) at the Hotel. Mostly Young, Swiss upcoming but also already established labels, showed us what sweet SS15 has to offer. From sexy seethrough, to romantic Dresses, classy leathergoods and outstanding, smashing jewelery. Beauty addicts could get their nails done, have a theeth bleaching or even a massage in three different rooms. Swiss watch Label Swatch surprised with an exibithion in the hotel's Saunas.

The show was a nice warm up before the official opening of the various rooms, all guests were thrilled to go upstairs! In Addition to the Showrooms, every floor had its own bar and a DJ. Besides the young brands of a year or two, there were also well known Labels like Liebeskind or Hallhuber showing their Spring/Summer 2015 collection highlights.
The tour between all those pretty things was long and way cooler as imagined. It was nice to get some summer Inspiration for me, since I'm going to have hot weather soon on my world trip. It was hard to pick some favourites, but I was able to manage that!

JustWhatILike

Ibiza's high life, Bali's traditional look, a little bling, a bit of statement, things that sparkle and look good. Basically what Girls like into fancy Accessoires. JustWhatILike, indeed. Angela Meleti's shop has a good combination between all those things, just better. My favourites: her earpieces! When I entered the room I literally wanted to sit down on the floor, and try every single one on. Earpieces are big in the fashion worlsd since a while, now but hers are true beauties, word!

Carlita's Collezione

A passionate Surfergirl puts her love for Bali into her soft leatherbags. The items of Carlita's Collezione are handcrafted in Indonesia, and every sold piece donates automatically one Swiss franc to SurfAid, a non-Profit humanitarian Organisation. Carla shared her room with jewel designer Olivia (Pourpour). Her self designed jewels have that exotic touch, and the fine golden necklaces are perfect for a romantic spirit. The bag collection has a wide selection of different satchels (for me, one of the best shapes of bags ever designed!) and clutches. "Is there a better Feeling than touching a soft leather, and knowing this bag is yours forever?". There's not. Any Girl should have one classic Piece, to wear all over the seasons.

Selfnation

Finding the perfect Jeans can actually become a Dilemma. These guys seems to have the answer. Selfnation is a Zurich/Berlin based brand, which is able to create a customized jeans by integrating some innovative Technologies, in combination with Italy's best denim and European handcraft only. Selfnation has a Basic and a seasonal collection . It's easy to order the jeans in a couple of clicks, by giving eight different measurements free. The customized item is delivered whithin 14 days from Germany and if it doesen't fit, it can be easily changed by a Partner seamstress until it's perfect. I had a nice talk with the guys, they seem to be down to earth and loving what they do. I love the concept, the different designs avalaible and the colors of their new collection.

Photo Credit: my friend Metropolischt

Photo Credit: my friend Metropolischt

Stand Black Nude

One of the non-Swiss Showrooms was occupied from a - obviously - Swedish brand: Stand Black Nude. Founded in 2013, this Label offers an amazing range of leather clothing. The jackets and Pants don't remind of bikers anymore, they should be a Standard Piece into every modern woman's closet. A pair of black leather Pants, combined with the simplicity of a White tank, can be a proud outstanding Outfit, without any excess. Typical Swedish Fashion, exactly how I love it the most.

Photo Credit: Stand Black Nude

Photo Credit: Stand Black Nude

Savannah Chic

Schruti Patel is the name behind the jewel designs of Savannah Chic. Born in Kenia, with Indian Roots, Schruti offers genuine afro-inspired treasures, handmade in Kenia. The necklaces and bracelets can be worn in every Occasion, are made of recycled materials, and last but not least, give work to amazingly skilled African artisans.

This first edition of Fashionhotel was a huge success! About 7000 overwhelmed visitors took Advantage of the 50 pop-up stores, to get the best inspirations for the upcoming season. The concept of trading Event, Fashion Show and party all together, just caused positive reactions.I have to admit, most of my heartbeats went to accessories Designers, with a couple of exeptions. I wasn't surprised after all my years spent into the leathergoods industry.


I am looking Forward to Fashionhotel's AW15 Edition, taking place again at 25hours Hotel Zurich West, from April 24th to April 26th, 2015.

A Special Thank You to Barbara Haueter, from Zenhäusern & Partner AG, and 25hours Hotel Zurich West for having me.

Zürich Film Festival 2014: Spanish Heat and Golden Icons

Once a year the city of Zurich gets transformed into a little hotspot for international filmmakers and actors. The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) takes place this year from September 25th to October 5th, for the tenth time, also a reason to celebrate with a special Programme.

Logo: ZFF.com

The opening night was the most crowded one, with photographers pushing each other to the side, to get the best picture of the star guests, Swiss celebrities and the founders of the festival: Karl Spoerri, Nadja Schildknecht.

These autumn days are pretty warm for a city like Zurich: most days were mild and sunny, perfect also in the evenings to show a wardrobe without wearing any coat or scarf. Our carpet here is green and not red, and it gets crowded almost every night with fans trying to take a selfie with their beloved idols.

Photo: ZFF.com

Antonio Banderas - "Autómata"

One of the most acclaimed stars in the past days was Spanish shooting star Antonio Banderas, which was promoting his latest movie "Autómata", directed by Gabe Ibáñez.
The sci-fi-film was co-produced by Banderas, on a mini-budget, and it took a couple of years to get it done. According to the Malaga born superstar, they were using different requisites of past movies, like those from "Expendables 3", to hold the budget.
Set in 2044, "Autómata" shows our world pretty dusky and desolate, with machines and robots taking control. Clear message to humanity: if we keep on going like this, it might end pretty bad. It should make us think more about our social media and gadget consumption. As I could hear from the interview, Antonio Banderas is still trying to get how an Ipad works from his daughter. And he's not pretty interested in modern technology gadgets Another thing that makes this actor unique is how is able to manage personal questions. It was pretty clear that one should have been coming, since his ex-wife, Melanie Griffith, is playing a little role in the film.

"She was, is and will always be a great actress. This movie was the definitive conclusion of a 20-years relationship" - Antonio Banderas, Zurich 2014

I think there's nothing else to say on that.

He showed up on the green carpet wearing classic black, and wasn't rushing to get into the theatre. He posed for the photographers and had some long conversations with the reporters. His fans were obviously overwhelmed, and the Spanish flags couldn't miss.
Antonio Banderas' showing up at the Zurich Film Festival was exactly how I imagined it: the Spanish heat himself, down to earth, serious and laid back attitude.

Karl Spoerri, Gabe Ibáñez, Antonio Banderas and Nadja Schildknecht

Diane Keaton - "And So It Goes" - Golden Icon Award 2014

After Antonio's appearence, it was the time of a Hollywood legend: the one and only Diane Keaton, The romantic comedy star honoured our little city last night, to get, as the first female in 10 editions, the Golden Icon Award (and she was so proud of it!).

She was delightly in a very good mood, posing with fans and running around on the carpet like a little sweet hurricane. Mrs, Keaton was rocking a pair of black Louboutins, a leather pencil skirt, completing the style with her legendary masculine touch: a gentleman's hat. She always had the faible to set trends without being afraid, and last night she prooved that she still isn't! I was a big fan, but now I am one of the biggest groupies, I guess...

She didn't stop smiling and joking inside at the award ceremony, the whole theatre was laughing at every sentence. Having a singing role in her latest movie "And So It Goes", she took advantage of the situation and also sang for the audience. The film is a romantic comedy, with co-star Michael Douglas, who's playing an egoistic estate agent, that doesen't really care about the people he's surrounded by. This changes after his son shows up with his granddaughter, and he meets the widow Leah, which hasn't dropped her dream of singing despite her advanced age.
I have to say, it's not my favourite DK comedy, there are plenty of better ones, but watching her acting is one of the best thing of the film.

Before Diane Keaton received the Golden Icon Award, there was a screening with her best movie scenes, including the "Godfather" trilogy, that helped her to get a golden globe status. Two words: well deserved!

"Oh, I love Zurich so much!" - Diane Keaton, Zurich 2014

SuisseEmex 2014 - Communication and Marketing Ideas to go

I had the pleasure a couple of days ago to get an Invitation for this year's SuisseEMEX in Zurich,  a b2b Exposition for Marketing-, Communication- and Eventexperts. Divided in different sections, there were plenty of inspirational stands, from Promotion to Online Marketing, offering classic and innovative communication Tools to reach the own customers in the most effective way.



One of the effective ways...

Most companies had very impressive inscenated stands, and it was pretty clear after I got there, that there are hundred different ways to communicate and promote a brand with creativity and originality. In my case, I was interested into the whole Event Marketing part, and got the Chance to meet a couple of creative heads and passionate People about it.

Colorful and lively was the stand from WeSpray: this German Company offers custom made Graffiti walls (a good example was the one for Herbert Grönemeyer's stage decoration while he was on tour) and even Workshops. It was fun to see how different a Graffiti can be used, and also very reassuring that streetart found acceptance in the Business as well.

Another great Meeting was the one I had with the lovely Claudia Carlucci: owner of the gourmet online shop Oliarte, full of fresh products from the Gargano area in Italy. Her stand could have more been for those who are looking for a decent giveaway for a Client, but the product range was amazing. It wasn't really the classical Pasta reseller, she sells Little gems from the south italian cuisine like a Lemon-pepper jam or a chocolate-orange liqueur. Most of the stuff was unfortunately sold out, but it was good to see that People still appreciate some classics to make a good customer happy. She's very passionate and has an enormous know-how regarding italian Food, she loves it exactly how I do.

I had the opportunity to step by at the Toasted. stand during my visit, and had an interesting Chat with Philipp Bareth about live bands, music in general and already visited Festivals. After talking for a while I even had the chance to give a little interview. Toasted is an online Magazine for students and Young People that organizes a bunch of entartaining Events like live rooftop Music sessions or Sportcamps in different Swiss cities. During my talk with Philipp I realized that they have a lot of great ideas about reaching young people, and what I liked the most were their motivation and open attitude. I hope to meet them soon again!

Giving an interview

Unfortunately I couldn't attend one of the Google Workshops about online Marketing. I just could hear People reporting about how interesting the speechs were and how much I could have been learned. I hope to have some more time next year, it would have been very informative for me, since I'm only working with online tools and social media.



Google Training- and Conferenceroom

Tourism was also a Little part of the Exposition: the mountain based cities Davos and Arosa were there to inform about their great Hotels and Apartments for the upcoming season. Me and my friend Paulo were very impressed about the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, with ist own lift, one of the biggest Spas of Switzerland and breathtaking architecture. Davos has a Special place in my heart, because my grandfather used to bring me up there when I was a Little Girl. As I've heard rumoring they have one of the most impressive Music Festivals held in the Swiss mountain's landscape, the Songbird Festival. So, everybody that steps by over there on the main skiing season, should definetly enjoy some great tunes!

After absorbing all the News and Information, we were glad to join the evening apero Held in the same venue, at Messe Zürich. There was a Dj playing, the drinks were flowing and the typical Swiss Bratwurst was served, which could have been funnily "decorated" with coloured sauces. The atmosphere from that Point on got more relaxed and laid back, everybody seemed to have a good time and toasted to another successful day.

LiveCom Apero

Color your Wurst was obviously a success :)

 

A Special thank you to Andrea Paul from the Ming Agency