Hey everyone!

I’ve been half drafting this in my head ever since Friday night but only just getting it down on here now.

So, I don’t think it is flippant to say that The Crush List was THE BEST FREAKIN NIGHT EVER. I have no idea why I didn’t put on my own party years ago and I had such a blast. It was not without its hitches. Having had serious doubts TCL would even happen two weeks before the date, I was relieved even to arrive at the venue to set up on the day. Technical issues (me having the wrong adapter for the projector, a tech problem in the DJ booth, late running soundchecks, none of us knowing how to use the sound-desk properly, etc etc) meant that half an hour prior to kick off I was running around like a mad chicken and annoying anyone trying to help (sorry Nick!).

But then something amazing happened…we actually pulled it off!

…First up, I slipped into a frock and some heels to introduce the night. Old favourite Circus Boy and then a new song I’d written specially for the night (2010 4 – The Crush List).

Something Beginning with L were up next. This amazing trio made up of some of the best musicians in the country is my favourite band and you will have heard me shout about them a lot previously. Jen and Lucy gave a special acoustic performance for TCL as Jon is currently on tour. It was really beautiful and showed the strength of their songwriting that they didn’t need the electronics to make the set complete. I love this band and I urge you to check them out whether electro or acoustic (who’d a thought you could do it with just acoustics and vocals – it was lush!). I think Mean and Say might have been my favourites tonight.

Then I played my second set which included two new songs (2010 1 and 2010 2). It was a really special night for me and I can’t put into words how it felt to get to play for some of my very favourite people (just hope y’all liked it!). This was without a doubt the best gigging experience I’ve had performing (solo or for other people). Oooh, I also did a cheeky cover version of my big brother’s song Ankles which I’ll record at some point and put up on Soundcloud for you.

Then BLAM! John John Slave !!! These guys should definitely be much more famous than they are. They ripped it up. Julie, Dave and Nick are an electro disco experience to be enjoyed drunk and dancing! The crowd loved it (as did I). I wish I knew even a fraction of what the two guys know about music technology and Julie leads a disco like no-one I know! I loved their 80’s style crush costumes (very sexy) and I couldn’t have asked for more from them. Check them out live as soon as you can!

Taking us through till the early hours of the morning was our special guest DJ, Jimboeth. Well, what can I say? This guy is a fucking legend. Without going into the ins and outs of it all, I have been a fan of Jim’s for a long time now: as a writer, editor, film expert and internet/social media guru etc etc. Under the name DJ Rize he has worked with (I was there!) some of the awesomest people in the Drum n Bass world and his extensive knowledge of music across all genres meant I was very excited and honoured to coerce him out of retirement to play The Crush List. He did not disappoint.

WHAT A NIGHT!

My massive heartfelt thanks go out to all the artists who worked their arses off to make this happen. I also want to give special mentions to: Melanie Clifford (who has helped me more than she’ll ever know and who would’ve been playing had I not got the wrong adapter!), Chris & Rifa (for ideas, strength and for putting up with me going on and on about my crush list), the Ladybird crew (Patrick and the boys came to my rescue with the venue and apparently got loads of people drunk off free shots), my Hackney family (Sandi especially, thanks for everything babes), Jon for carting all that gear there on Thursday and Ross and Tom for filming so professionally and getting into the spirit of things.

Lastly, this party could not have happened without my 3 GORGEOUS, GLAMOROUS assistants: Cassie, Katharina and Roseanna. They ensured that everyone was having a good time and they made the bar look amazing! Cassie designed all the decorations including the Crush List box which will be used again at some point and photos of which will be posted soon. If you were lucky enough to take any of the table decorations or ‘crush cards’ home please do take pics and send them to me. Unpacking my gear on Sunday made me realise just how vigilant Katharina and Roseanna had been about sorting out all my equipment and keeping it safe. You three ladies are the best in the world and I could not have done it without you.

If you made it down it would be great to have your comments below and if anyone’s got photos or video from the night send it along won’t you? Thanks to everyone who came and partied with us. You have all gained crush points *gcp* for being wonderful and sexy party people.

The next event I hold will be very different. I have had The Most Incredible Idea which I will start to plan once I’ve heard back from a couple of people (ehem!). Watch this space!