Behind the scenes: The Urban Music Awards
- Posted on November 15, 2006 9:14 PM
- 0 comments
Press pits are funny things... like parties; they can be a major success or a complete shambles.
Luckily for the journalists at the 2006 Urban Music Awards, the press area was a perfect mix of both. A sure fire way to ensure a hell of a good time and some classic interviews. Most people view exclusive awards ceremonies from the comfort of their sofa; at this event however, I discovered there's a completely different view from the sidelines.
Read on for our exclusive video footage...
7.00pm:
As I approach the New Connaught Rooms in Holborn I can't help but notice the complete lack of panic surrounding the venue. No red carpet, no pen waving fans and just a few burly security guards. Don't they realise Coolio is on his way? I guess laid back Urban Music stars fight their own battles.
Inside the building, the situation is much the same; hoards of young helpers bustled about with important (and somewhat confused) looks on their faces. Unsurprising really... the Urban Music Awards are a worldwide and independent awards ceremony that recognise the achievement of 100% British based artists, producers, club nights, DJ's, radio stations, record labels and artist that are or were previously underground and are a product of the current UK Dance/Urban music scene. Phew!
8:00pm
After climbing the towering stairway towards the giant press room we find a series of chairs lined up with faultless precision. A brave attempt to bring order to proceedings perhaps? The endless supply of wine and Redbull suggested otherwise. Composure and etiquette in a room full of journos and egos? Not a chance.
In the corner, goody bags tempt freebie loving fingers while we wait for the hoards to arrive. Another drink anyone?
8:30pm
Outside, movement begins... the photographers stop chatting up the music presenting beauties just long enough to check whether anyone of importance is approaching.
Jazzie B walks into the journalist's lair. He's relaxed and willing to chat about his shiny award but the eagerness of the cameramen seems to put him off. As he inches towards the door I put my tiny totty tactics to use. This involves big eyes, and a "Can I please chat to you for just one second? If you don't I might cry and that'll wreak havoc on the electric cables around here". Works a treat every time.
Jackpot! Jazzie stoops, puts a tree trunk of an arm around my shoulder and gives me a few milliseconds of his busy day. He's a charming man and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. It's no wonder he received the Lifetime Achievement Award. He does however; seem a tad bemused about the term 'Urban Music' - confusion shared by many of the artists. Unfortunately, the amount of alcohol consumed destroys any chance of deep and meaningful urban music term definitions.
As Jazzie takes his leave, one young journalist obviously fancies the chance of a bit of 'B' for breakfast. Ever the gentleman he replies... "Sorry babe, I'm way too old for you".
9:00pm
A group of scantily dressed girls wearing very little enter the room. No-one knows who they are but the calendars in their hand tell us all we need to know. Promotion central baby. Suddenly, the males spring to attention and cameras start flashing as the ladies do their 'thing'. Business cards are passed over and eyelashes flutter as a scarily sexy looking manageress looks on. Oh, to be a size six in the city. Work it, own it, use it...
10:00ish (sorry, time gets fuzzy when wine and celebs flow freely)
Enter Coolio...
I'm not sure why but I was expecting a towering hulk of a man with a trail of scantily clad girls and an attitude far outweighing his frame. Boy was I wrong. People always look bigger in print. The first thing you notice about urban legend Coolio is his hair - it's almost taller than he is. A series of black weave antennae protrude from his head like a Teletubby hairdo gone wrong. Maybe it's a secret radar he uses to zone in on women... whatever the purpose, he manages to look the epitome of cool. (No pun intended).
As far as attitude was concerned, maybe he'd dabbled in a few too many party poppers, or maybe the guy is just a natural with the media, but he talks his way through the press pit and beyond with charisma and an amazing amount of time and energy for all. For the little-uns like me to the shark-like television presenters with a deadline on their shoulders and a ranting boss on their Blackberry. Even the ONE scantily clad lady on his shoulder has time for a chat. We can't understand why she has a black squiggle drawn on her face - but it's obvious she is all his. As he squeezes her flesh, he informs us fondly "it's her third eye you know..."
Watch our exclusive interview with the man in the bright blue suit as he tells us all about the best gigs he's ever been to...
10:30pm
I find myself standing next to Felix Dexter, former television star and currently whipping up a storm on the comedy circuit.
I knew there was a reason I should have worn my skyscraper heels. This man is huge; no... he's a giant. If I'd wanted to feel like a Hobbit I would have cultivated some toe hair and hung a precious gold ring around my neck. Actually, based on the amount of bling flashing around here, that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Felix is a nice guy... and deep too. Within minutes he's spouting consonants and nouns about the unity and peace floating around the venue. Oh boy, you can't keep a good comedian down. To be honest, I can't feel the vibes - but then again, the press aren't known for their calm demanour.
10:40pm
The calendar girls return. After an on-stage lingerie parade their flimsy attire has gone from minimal to barely-there-underwear. The less said the better - I guess music gods really do have the most fun.
11.00pm
That's it, time to break free of the journos and REALLY put the little lady charm to the test. I want to be in the thick of the action... nothing less than backstage will do. Jackpot number two! And we're in...
The crowd favourite down here is obviously Omar... though there are some truly stellar performances. A lengthy speech by Coolio has nothing to do with the award at hand but luckily the faulty microphones cover his rambling speech. Talk about soliloquy central. The threats to the sound team verge on nasty but he seems to forget all about it when he loses the winner's envelope. Luckily the winner of Best Jazz Act, Soweto Kinch has bigger things to worry about. With a performance coming up and no sound to be found, he is on the verge of what is perhaps the most bittersweet performance of a lifetime.
As the saxophone master and his band launch into an impromptu mic-less tune, the true star of the evening emerges. Soweto well and truly shows why he deserved the award. If only the 'sax' was as good for us as it is for him.
Winner of the 'Best Garage Act', Doctor is also a hit (with me anyway...). Quiet spoken and sweet on the eyes, he is a dream to interview. Watch this space for video footage - coming soon.
Hours behind schedule (aren't they always), the stars leave for the after party. Big Brother beauty, Aisleyne adjusts her barely there piece of fabric and the token z-listers hang on for dear life. A sure sign to retreat - surely...
A top night; no thanks to the technology. See you next year.
Tags
coolio, gig, interview, music, review, urban music awards
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