HER Story: HAIR

I am a believer in the saying that... We need to tell our stories, otherwise others will tell it for us and it almost always is inaccurate. No one can tell your story like you can.

I am currently putting together a series of short stories and this is the first of those.

It's about my hair - see video below

PS: don't ask me how my neck's doing!! hehehe

What to do with quiet moments....

I haven’t blogged in a while, not because I haven’t written anything but because I've been reluctant to share.

Not even sure why that is.

I have a problem with quiet moments.

When nothing is happening. No gigs, no new songs, no calls to inquire about gigs, no response to emails…. Just silence.

I've always felt like, time is of the essence, make the most of it and my way of making the most of it (i.e. time) is doing A LOT!

So, this season is a bit challenging for me.

I've been reading….

I just read ‘The Art of Asking’ by Amanda Palmer

She bares it all. Talk about vulnerability at its best.

I don’t know how to ask for help.

If anything needs doing, I get on with it. I however realise that you can’t get a lot done without asking for someone or people for help.

I need to learn to ask for HELP!

I was raised in the church so I know how to ask God for help. I however find it difficult to ask humans (hehe!) for help.

I think I am proud..... (ya think?!)

I've been shopping..

How do you like my new shoes?

1   I was on Netflix as you do and I watched the movie, A Long Way Down.

2     

3       It’s a story of 4 strangers who planned to jump off the same roof on New Year's Eve, they join together as a kind of family and give themselves six weeks to find valid reasons to live.

Towards the end of the film, I heard a song called ‘Youth’ by a band called Daughter

I think I played it a dozen of times and finally got my copy on iTunes

Watch the official video of Youth below, it's a gorgeous song.

I’m writing again……….wrote a new song with my ukulele. I think I’ll call this one 3 girls (that may possibly change)

One day (soon) I’ll share it with you.

Before you know it, it’ll be spring!

Speak soon x

Inspiration

Inspiration is so beautifully intriguing.....

sometimes it comes looking for you, sometimes it hides and you have to dig deep to find it. One thing is for sure, when it finds you or you it and you come together as one, something really special happens. 

I now describe that thing as 'Divine'

I came across actor Lukas DiSparrow on Facebook (you may have seen him in the Harry Potter or Sherlock Holmes movies) Apart from his passion for acting, he is also very passionate about telling stories through his lens.

He heard my song 'inspiration' and came up with an idea for filming the song.

We fixed a date, got our tickets and made our way to Bournemouth.


We spent the best part of the day on the beach. My guitar, notebook and pen in hand, Lukas directed and followed me around with his camera. 

He captured his visual interpretation of the song and below is our whole day zipped into four minutes and twelve seconds. 

Hope you like it as much as we do. 

Dogwood Blossom

I was introduced to "Dogwood Blossom" by This is England '88 and it's by Fionn Regan

Since then I have listened to this song at least every other day

I WON'T GIVE UP...

Pen Voyage Liner Notes - Track 10

This is the last installment of the Pen Voyage Liner Notes series and the song "Goodnight"

This song was the most difficult for me to write just because I initially couldn't find the right words to express what I was feeling about my father's passing.

During my dad's funeral, my brother wrote his Eulogy based on Mary E. Frye's 1932 poem Do not stand at my grave and weep.

It was the poem that eventually helped me to pen this song. I truly believe that death is a not the end but a journey into another life beyond this life and that's why the I called the song "Goodnight"

When we sleep we do wake up although some will wake up not on this side of time.


For a very long time, I did not realize how rare it was to have a father like mine. When I started to hear other people's stories and I began to appreciate the gift that my dad even more. Every child wishes to make his or her father proud and my dad always made sure to let my siblings and I know that he's proud of us. In writing and recording this record I knew I did just that; made him proud.

I hope that this song helps those who have lost family or friends to come to terms with their loss and hopefully in time, start to heal and celebrate their lives rather than rehearsing the pain that comes with losing a loved one.

I heard Oprah say this and I think it sums it all up for me.

"Every death, is a wake up call to live more fully, more completely, more presently right now"

LISTEN to Goodnight on Spotify

Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Singing for Change is out on iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pen-voyage-chapter-1-singing/id466810768

You can buy the physical CD here

Listen to tracks from the album here
Latest tracks by Lánre

Pen Voyage Liner Notes - Track 9

Track 9 on the album Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Singing for Change is "SOPHIA"

I love to read a well written story and getting lost in all the characters and their stories is one of the things I really love.

I was at a very low place in my life; as I had just lost my dad. I was looking for answers beyond the usual sayings of 'God has a purpose' and 'everything happens for a reason.'

I heard about the novel by Canadian author William P Young The Shack this is one of those books that grip you from the first page. It helped me come to terms with life, death and everything in between and after I finished reading the book one the characters in the novel; Sophia kept coming up and I wrote a song about her.

Sophia is a song about choices, decisions and wisdom.

Everyday we are faced with decision making some of them not so major and some can mean the difference between life and death; literally. The thread that runs through the verses in the song is mainly issues that relate to women mainly (and of course men)

Who do I marry? When will I marry? When will he ask me to marry him?

For most women when it comes to the issue of marriage we have been raised in a culture where we wait to be asked and for some that waiting takes longer than most.

For some, the waiting takes 'so long' that pressure to settle for anything and anyone starts to come from all directions. While I am not a marriage counselor and the issue of women, marriage and choice can hardly be dealt with in a couple of verses, choruses and a bridge, I tried to center all my thoughts on this character called Sophia

She is the wisdom that helps you make those decisions when the voices around you are trying to drown out your God given intuition.

The bridge goes...

"When I open my eyes at the break of dawn,
will you still be here or will you be gone?"

This is what I know for sure; the still small voice never leaves you.

Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Singing for Change is out on iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pen-voyage-chapter-1-singing/id466810768

You can buy the physical CD here

Listen to tracks from the album here
Latest tracks by Lánre

Pen Voyage Liner Notes - Track 8

This is the only song on the album that the music came to me first before the words. Once I had the initial guitar progression down, the words just wrote themselves I believe.

I wrote a blog about LOVE WAY a few months back but then I wasn't sure if i was going to call it Love Way or Love Lane. I decided to call it Love Way in the end because the subject matter I believe is about Faith being a way of Life not Religion.

There are various elements that constitutes a great song sarcasm is one of them and I think there was a bit of that in this song. It is my tongue in the cheek song. The first time I played the rough sketch for FEMI TEMOWO he said it felt like a lullaby that dealt with a serious issue. I think he is right.

I think one of the things I have learnt in the last few years is to differentiate between religion and faith... I am still learning. This song is also a question that I believe I haven't got the answer for. I know in part but I wish I knew more, I wish I had all the answers. One thing I do know is God is much more than the box any human being can create. When you think you have Him figured out then he shows up in a whole new way and form. I have seen God in the most unusual places.... up in the club, out in the streets.

He must be more than
Praying before every meal
He must be more than
Meetings everyday of the week
He must be more than
Praying out loud with fancy words
God must be more than
Living by faith without works


I will like to write songs that deals with the questions in people's heart. Singing what we're all thinking.

I remember the first time I had to sing this song in a church, I did feel quite uncomfortable at first but I went for it knowing that a lot of people feel the same way I do.

One of the the quotes I really love is this...

"music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn..." Charlie Parker





Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Singing for Change is out on iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pen-voyage-chapter-1-singing/id466810768

You can buy the physical CD here

Listen to tracks from the album here
Latest tracks by Lánre

Pen Voyage Liner Notes - Track 5

Monday is for MUSIC.. I hope you've been enjoying my Pen Voyage Liner Notes?

Track 5 on the record is the song I wrote and named "Taste of Freedom"

What does it really mean to be free?



I think FREEDOM is an important element when it comes to song writing, performance or any creative endeavor for that matter.

The first few lines of track 5 on the record, Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Singing for Change goes...

"Walking down the road less traveled, asking myself 'why am I here?'
In this place I don't feel entitled, but somehow I love it here.
I don't want to be lost in a crowd, it's a path that is well worn..."


I once heard someone say that the bravest thing anyone can ever do is be bold to live their purpose. It takes courage to go against the grain and follow your heart to live what you believe is your purpose.

I wrote "Taste of Freedom" to express my journey into starting to understand one of the gifts I believe I have been blessed with my VOICE

I remember the first time I went out as a solo artist; my guitar on my back to play at "Spice of Life" a little live music bar in Soho, London. I was honestly taken back by people's response to my performance. I still get those moments where I ask myself, REALLY?



From singing in different choirs over the years, I find that there is an unwritten rule about how singers are meant to sound and for most choirs, unless a singer leads a certain way it really isn't deemed the best. I remember being in a choir and words like "Sing the song the way X sings it" being constantly thrown around.

I find that coming out from a collective or group of singers to going out as a solo artist can be a challenge but finding your voice and staying in your path is the best thing that can ever happen to you as a creative person. Everyone has a story to tell, everyone has a voice and I believe the journey to finding it is a lifetime.

Not only is a Voice "the sound produced by the vocal organs of a vertebrate, especially a human and the ability to produce such sounds." the American Heritage Dictionary also defines VOICE as The right or opportunity to express a choice or opinion

"...we've been placed here for a reason, finding out why, is our live's mission.."
From the song TASTE OF FREEDOM

Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Singing for Change is out on iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pen-voyage-chapter-1-singing/id466810768

You can buy the physical CD here

Listen to tracks from the album here
Latest tracks by Lánre

Pen Voyage Liner Notes - Track 3

Isn't it amazing how fast the weekend goes?

As always it's Monday and it's all about music from Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Singing for Change. The third track on this record is Má Gbàgbé. I wrote the song in English and Yoruba; one of the (250) two hundred and fifty languages spoken in Nigeria, West Africa.

This song is what I call the traveler's song. I remember growing up hearing my grandfather always had this saying to everyone that's out going on a journey.

"Alo a da abo a sunwon, ma gbagbe omo eni ti on se o"

Loosely translated, it means "have a safe trip, but don't forget who you are"



Staying connected and true to who you are is huge when it comes to MOST African parents a large part of our upbringing is very community oriented and I still think that it's a great thing to have.

The picture I had in mind as I wrote this song was that of a young person leaving home for the first time. Memories of me leaving home (Nigeria) to return to England (my country of birth) came flooding back. I remember everyone prayed for me and of course my granddad ended his goodbyes with his usual advice "DON'T FORGET WHO YOU ARE"

I have been going out as a Solo artist for almost eighteen months and I think the challenge most people face is the pressure to ALWAYS have your music or art accepted. Sometimes we think we need to change to accommodate everyone else's expectation of us. I think that is the problem I have with music competitions like X Factor etc especially when the judges come back with comments like "You are a good singer BUT you are not what we are looking for in this competition"

That just sounds wrong to me because I think getting artists to meet your pre-conceived idea of what you deem acceptable is dangerous. While some may argue it shows the artists' versatility, I think most know that it's also because artists are marketed to fit a tried and tested formula and mold.... very little to do with creativity.

Staying authentic and true is a sell-able brand in my opinion. It may take longer than most but it endures.

I leave you with the Bridge of the song.
"Ajo ko le dun ko nile ma re le"
No matter how "Sweet" the journey (or the experience of the travel) is. You will one day head back "home" in other words...

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS



Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Singing for Change is out on iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pen-voyage-chapter-1-singing/id466810768

You can buy the physical CD here

Listen to tracks from the album here
Latest tracks by Lánre

Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Singing for Change - Track Listing

01 Prayer (Oun gbogbo)

02 Beautiful

03 Má Gbàgbé

04 Inspiration

05 Taste of Freedom

06 Wishful thinking

07 Running Feat. Karl Nova

08 Love Way

09 Sophia

10 Goodnight (Ipàdé)


PEN VOYAGE CHAPTER 1; SINGING FOR CHANGE is out 30TH SEPT 2011

Listen to Beautiful below
Beautiful by Lánre

Listen to Inspiration below
Inspiration (Radio Edit) by Lánre

Visit www.lanreworld.com for more info

New SONG | BEAUTIFUL....

Once upon a time there was a little girl, she always wanted to be like everyone else, she had the brownest eyes hair so soft as wool, no one ever told her she was beautiful..

Those are the first few lines of my song BEAUTIFUL and those where the first words that came to me before the song eventually developed into two verses chorus and a bridge.

People have told me that my songs come across like lullabies.

I tend to deal with serious issues using the simplest words possible and I think when people listen to my new project, they will get that sense in most of the songs.

With BEAUTIFUL, I now see it as a lullaby I would sing to my younger self.

We live in a world and a society where beauty or what is seen as beautiful fits into certain molds and anything outside that is considered NOT BEAUTIFUL.

So this is a story of a girl who grew up wanting to be like everyone else. Wanting someone else's hair, eyes, skin.... simply because though she was never called ugly she was never called BEAUTIFUL.

So she goes on living life looking for love in all the wrong places, looking for affirmation with other people... silently SCREAMING LOOK AT ME!! ME!!

Then one day she looks in the mirror...



Isn't it amazing how you hear or see something you've always read or looked at and something jumps out at you it all becomes crystal clear, it's like you are seeing it for the very first time.

yeah! she looked in the mirror and she said "hold on a minute, I AM BEAUTIFUL I Love my hair, I love my nose, I LOVE MY SKIN"

I have tried to put the idea of being comfortable in my skin in this one song "BEAUTIFUL" and when I feel down and feel less than beautiful, I will go back and listen to remind myself that I AM BEAUTIFUL and SO ARE YOU

Enjoy BEAUTIFUL click below
Beautiful by Lánre

PEN VOYAGE CHAPTER 1; SINGING FOR CHANGE is out 30th SEPT 2011 http://www.lanreworld.com

Singing for Change acoustic tour - Toronto

A few months ago before I even started recording the vocals for my project 'Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Singing for Change, I knew I wanted to plan a mini tour and I also knew I wanted to take the tour to Toronto. Not sure why but I just liked the idea of carrying my guitar on back and going to a different country and sharing my songs.

As soon as the idea started to take shape in my mind, I got on the internet (thank God for Google right?) and began searching for live music venues and got down to the business of introducing myself.

"... I am a British singer songwriter and would like to play at your AMAZING venue, please check out my music here...."

The emails and responses came rushing in, I couldn't keep up with the calls and emails asking me to come play....right? HELL to the NO!!

But, not one to give up, I started looking for Canadian Singers & Songwriters on twitter (twitter has been amazing to me, I tell ya) it was on twitter that I met Kim Jarrett and Brent Smith (see my last blog 'HELP comes')

Taking one step of faith after another isn't the easiest thing but my thoughts were... if I don't do it now, when?



I booked my ticket and with one confirmed 30 minute slot on Kim's Sunday evening show at Spirits Bar and Grill in downtown Toronto, I got on the 8 hour flight and made up my mind to have a blast no matter what.



One gig became two and then five! yep FIVE! As I played from one venue to the next I did just that... had a blast. It's amazing how music unites people. People who I would have otherwise never met or spoken to, I got to meet and share stages and spaces with.

To say it was all filled with exciting emotions would be a lie. Some nights I questioned my reasons for coming out to a place and scene where no one knew me or my music. I doubted and second guessed myself on some nights BUT in all, I learnt a bit more about myself and others. More importantly, I got to appreciate my growth as an artist.



After ten days and nights and it was time to head back home, I was so proud of myself and I should be!

PEN VOYAGE CHAPTER 1; SINGING FOR CHANGE is out on Friday the 30th of September

Help comes....

Yesterday I was privileged to support a friend on his journey.

Breis is a Nigerian Hip Hop Rap artist, writer, education creative consultant and entrepreneur based in the UK and yesterday was the official launch of his first book, Brilliant Rappers Educate Intelligent Students.

Apart from the great vibe of the whole night, what stood out was that everyone present were not only there to witness and share the moment with Breis but were or have been in one way or another an inspiration, help, encouragement along his journey. Breis also made a note of how he's been blessed with people to help him along the way.

No man is an island.

I got back from my tour in Toronto yesterday morning and I can't but be grateful to the guys that helped me make the trip possible. It's amazing how God connects you with people and the help you need at the appropriate time.

Canadian Singer Songwriter Kim Jarrett


Brent from STAGETRAILERS


I had one gig confirmed before I got on the plane I ended up playing five!! I COULD NOT have done that without help.

Help showing up in unexpected places is one of the things I'm learning on this journey...

So... as you go about your day(s) I pray all the help you need comes your way. All of the universe is working together to help you as you go about inspiring and helping others. SOMEONE is always rooting for ya! :)

You can buy Breis' new book here http://www.studentoflife.co.uk/?product=brilliant-rappers-educate-intelligent-students

Singing for Change acoustic tour - Greenbelt festival

My first experience of Greenbelt Festival was a couple of years ago as tour manager for Muyiwa & Riversongz and I remember really liking the whole vibe of the festival. The music, the talks, the really lovely people.... I kept going on and on to whoever cared to listen.



Few years on, Creativity is out camping again at the Cheltenham Racecourse from Thursday to Monday and I am featured as an artist on one of those days!



I was excited when my slot was confirmed at the performance cafe. It's an intimate venue that sits 400 people.

I love playing in intimate spaces.

Apart from the fact that I believe my music and performance style is most suited to intimate spots, I love the idea of people sitting down to listen to me play or tell my stories and that's why I love playing in cafes and pubs.

I was however nervous because this was the first largest crowd I would be playing to as a solo artist. I sat though Musical Bridge Projects' set and realised that though the performance cafe is a large space it does have that intimate feel and I felt right at home.



Blessed to be sharing the stage with some of the best creative people out there (in my opinion) and I am not sure I will ever get used to people coming up to me to tell me how they love my music or how one of my songs has touched them. I can never get used to THAT!


My Singing for Change tour is coming to an end here in Toronto and I'll be heading back home to the UK in a couple of days.

My album Pen Voyage Chapter 1; Sing for Change is OUT on Friday 30th September

Singing for Change Acoustic tour - Busking 101

Even though my album title is partly inspired by buskers, I have never busked before until I got a call to do so for the Mayor of London SkyRide campaign.

The whole idea was to play for 30mins with a 30 minute break at intervals of six slots. I said yes and then thought to myself "you must be crazy"

I was pleasantly surprised though as most of the Cyclers either waved as they pedalled past my spot or shouted a greeting or two.

Music is a major part of most peoples' everyday life so to be asked to play my songs was great, I imagined my voice and music serving as a soundtrack to their cycling.



My spot was extra special too. During my 30 minute break I sat at the bench in the park overlooking the lake and watched the ducks enjoying themselves.

When my slot was over at 4 o'clock that evening, I most definitely felt like a legitimate London Busker... If only for a day.

More stories on my Singing For Change tour to come..

Follow me on twitter @iamlanre

LYRICS - Inspiration

I am here waiting for you
I've shut out everything else
To be with you
I'll do anything to see your face
Don't want to live without you another day
I know I take you for granted sometimes
Is that why you are hiding your face from me
If you say this time I promise
I'll make you proud of me

Chorus
I love it when you come around
Always waiting to be found
You are my inspiration

You show up unexpectedly
You came chasing after me
You left everything to be with me
What a beautiful surprise this is
Heaven must besmiling down on us
Angels are dancing around us
You and I lost in this moment
I promise to make it count

Chorus
I love it when you come around
Always waiting to be found
You are my inspiration

Bridge
You and I together
That's the cry if my heart
You and I together
That's the cry if my heart
You are mine, I am yours
You are mine, I am yours
You are mine....

© Lanre Njoku 2011

Singing for Change Acoustic tour with Lánre

Picture by Matilda Egere-Cooper

I have put together a mini-tour from today the 20th August till the 30th of September. I will try to blog about my experience below are some of the confirmed dates. Join me if you can ;)

Singing for Change Acoustic tour

Saturday 20th August

LIV(E) fundraiser

London

N7 0PS

Sunday 21st August

Busking at…

Mayor Of London Skyride Campaign

Mayesbrook Park RM9

Tues & Wed 23rd, 24th Aug

Edinburgh Fringe/Festival

The Peartree (Royal Mile)

Saturday 27th Aug

Greenbelt Festival (Cheltenham Racecourse)

Performance Cafe

Sunday 28th August

Spirits Bar & Grill

Toronto ON. M4Y 2G3

Monday 29th August

The Freetimes Café

320 College Street

Toronto ON.

Tuesday 30th August

The Liberty Bistro

25 Liberty Street

Toronto ON. M6K 1A6

Saturday 3rd September

Village Vapour Lounge

66 Wellesley Street

Toronto ON.

Thursday 15th September

Cameo feat. at Midé Unplugged

Arch 635

London SW4

Friday 30th September

Premier Gospel Presents..

Emmanuel Center

London SW1P 3DW

New Song - Inspiration

Today I will write 2,000 words
Today, I will write that song
Today, I will...
Do you see where I'm going here?

I had a similar experience during the writing process of my new project "Pen Voyage Chapter One; Singing for Change" and after a few hours of nothing but blank paper, I decided to take a walk.

I got to the park and took a seat and that's when the idea for the song 'inspiration' came to me.

Isn't it amazing how sometimes you are waiting on inspiration to come to you and nothing happens and other times you aren't looking for inspiration and it comes chasing after you?

I have always been fascinated by creativity. I truly believe that the 'magic' happens when we connect with something or someone beyond ourselves. I love to call that moment, divine exchange.

"I am yours, you are mine" (from the song 'inspiration')

My relationship with creativity is what I have tried to put in a couple of verses hoping it resonates with everyone that hears it, I really do.

Listen to Inspiration below

Inspiration (Radio Edit) by Lánre

Lyrics & Vocals by Lánre
Guitar by Lánre
Piano by Goz -i-am
Produced by Goz-i-am
Mixed & Mastered by Levelsrite. London, UK.

Pen Voyage Chapter One; Singing for Change is out in August 2011.

For more info visit www.lanreworld.com

Don't be afraid...

When we all said goodbye to 2010, like everyone else I was excited, expectant...

Twelve new months seemed at the time, like a lifetime away but now that we're halfway through the fifth month (can you believe that?) I am asking 'where the heck is 2011 running to'

One of the things I was sure of was that I wanted to go out and gig a bit more, play my new songs and record an album; anything else, I wasn't sure about. I was however open to whatever God brought my way.

I promised myself to embrace change, appreciate the familiar and take moments everyday to be present and thankful.

So how's the plan coming along you ask? Nicely, I respond.

Last week, I started recording "PEN VOYAGE CHAPTER ONE; Singing For Change"



I haven't been in the studio since the last time with my contemporary UK Gospel collective 'GK REAL'... we're talking years here.

Not only that, where in the past all I had to worry about was come into the studio to record my assigned vocal part, with this project, I am involved from stage zero... It's new and challenging but also exciting. God had blessed me with people to help me bring this dream into reality.

And speaking of new experiences, a few weeks into the new year, I was given an opportunity to host a weekly Live Music event. My initial reaction was that of fear and then I thought...erm, 'why not?' I love live music in intimate rooms and space and Portobello Acoustic Sessions is just that.



Four months into this hosting gig, I have met some amazing musicians, it's crazy I tell ya, like good crazy!

I am sure the next seven months will be great, I know it will.

Here's my website if you'd like to come out to one of my gigs... be nice to see ya ;)
www.lanreworld.com