Monday 4 December 2017

Storytime Christmas Special

Due to the success of my last Storytime at Kentish Town Library, Music Audio Stories have been invited back to do another Storytime session with the children at the Library! 😊 Although I have done my Christmas Special at nurseries and even taken part in a Christmas performance, this will be my first time bringing it to a London Library!


For storytelling with a difference catch my Storytime at:

KENTISH TOWN LIBRARY

Date: Wednesday 20th December
Time: 11:00 - 11:45am
Address: 262-266 Kentish Town Rd, London, NW5 2AA
Tel: 020 7974 4444
Tube: Kentish Town
Free to attend

My unique 'Storytime’ is a mix of listening, drawing, and drama. It covers a number of skills e.g: social interaction, developing self-confidence, and encourages children to use their own imagination. They are fun, engaging, interactive, creative, and educational. My Story Time compliments Key Stage 1 and areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has been a massive success at schools and nurseries in London.

Read more here: Storytime.

If you have children between the age of 2-7 years old, come and join me with my fun Christmas story Christmas Magic!

Your children will:
  1. Listen to our musical story and be encouraged to use their listening abilities and imagination. 
  2. Learn about sharing gifts and the animals in the story. 
  3. Make their own drawing of the story which will be published in a gallery on our website making them part of our creative world forever. 
  4. Have fun taking part in the story and singing along to our Christmas song!
Plus meet the author and creators of Music Audio Stories! 😉

I am super excited about this event and I urge everyone to support their local library. They are important places for all of us and for our children.

See you soon,

Anna-Christina 

Wednesday 22 November 2017

Autumn Buzz

I've had an exceptionally busy few weeks so here's a very quick round-up...

Music Audio Stories


Once again, I made some time during the last half term holiday in October to visit Kentish Town Library with my Storytime for the children. I do many sessions throughout the year at schools and nurseries but it is lovely to do Storytime with parents involved as I also love to see how they react to our Music Audio Stories! I'm pleased to see my audiobooks are as popular with parents as they are with children and this makes me very happy indeed! Read more here: musicaudiostories.com/blog/a-wonderful-story-time

Kentish Town Library have invited us back next month and seeing as it's the season to be jolly, we will be doing our Storytime Christmas Special on Wednesday 20th December at 11am. I will post more details about this soon...



Here I am at the Baby & Children's Market UK selling my products. Sometimes I can't believe I do things like this! As an entrepreneur, you must adopt a certain mindset, the "can do" mindset. You must learn to run a business and be business-minded and I can tell you, most creative people find this hard. It takes brain training 😃 you must learn how to do the hard sell!

Both the parents and the children loved my stories and my company made a profit! I surprise and impress myself all the time! This helps me to keep going... Keep going on days when I don't have a Boss to tell me what move to make next or what to do now. I feel so grateful to be on this wonderfully unpredictable, magical journey with Music Audio Stories. 💙

My Album


I'm so thrilled to announce my band's second album Strength & Grace has been reissued! When Strength & Grace came out back in July, it sold out in 6 days! We decided to reissue the album as there were so many people who didn't get a copy and it's not available as a digital download. Make sure you avoid disappointment and get your copy from www.lilygun.com now because it may well sell out again! Lilygun also released another single and music video which you can check out on the Lilygun website.

It was a pleasure to be back on stage again playing Bass in my friend's band Sister Witch this month. We have quiet a few shows coming up. They are really keeping me on my toes right now...

The Business Show 2017



Here I am listening to inspirational Speaker Brad Burton at The Business Show 2017. Can you see me?
I missed Brad speaking the last time I was at the show so I was glad I got to see him this year. I thought he was great. I love his down to earth, honest and humorous approach and for me, he was definitely a highlight of the day.

And before I forget, Nature's Rainbow, the album I created the music for, has had an amazing album review which you can see here: rockingurteens.com.

Would you believe me if I told you there was more stuff going on? 😝 Well it's true, but I'll leave that for another Blog post. I think I have bombarded you with enough information for now lol!

Thank you all very much for your love and support... it really does mean the world to me.

Anna-Christina 

Thursday 2 November 2017

Busy Bees at The Market

This month Music Audio Stories will be back at the Baby & Children's Market!


I have taken part in this market a few times and every time, it has been a brilliant and fun experience. I am delighted to be invited back again for the last market event of this year. Not only will Music Audio Stories have a stall but this time, we are also providing the entertainment too! I'll be doing part of my Storytime with my story Billy Joins The Circus with the children at the event! 😊


**SHOP & SAVE A FORTUNE!**

These markets are where smart parents buy, sell and save a fortune on baby and children's items and introduce new businesses and their products to the community. On sale: toys, clothes, shoes, bikes, buggies, strollers, books, maternity wear, nursery furniture, high chairs, car seats, stair gates, DVD's, games, outdoor toys and products not found on the high street.

**ENTERTAINMENT**

There will be face painting and, as I've mentioned above, entertainment provided by me on the day!
Plus Queen's Park Farmers' Market will be running 10am - 2pm with tasty food and refreshments.

**OUR PRODUCTS**

We will have our CDs, stocking fillers & special offers on all our merchandise available at this event plus new CDs of our audio book Billy Joins The Circus!

**WHEN AND WHERE**

Sunday 12th November
10.30am - 1.30pm

Salusbury Primary School
Salusbury Road
London
NW6 6RG

*PARKING: Free on a single yellow line and on all pay and display bays. Queen's Park is 2 minutes away - free parking around the park.
Adult entry £2 first hour | £1 after | Kids go free. 50% of the first hour entry fee donated to Anaya's Aid Charity *

I'm super excited... Come and say hello to me!

Anna-Christina  


Want an audio book?

Sign up to Music Audio Stories mailing list and get a story for free here - www.musicaudiostories.com

Monday 23 October 2017

Weird & Wonderful Storytime

I am delighted to announce I am back this week with Music Audio Stories Storytime!


Over 10% of UK libraries are currently under threat. Library closures and cutbacks are a serious problem. More than 400 libraries have closed in Britain in the last five years due to budget cuts, technology and the internet age. Due to this, I want to give back to the community and help to save our libraries.

For storytelling with a difference catch my Storytime at:

KENTISH TOWN LIBRARY

Date: Wednesday 25th October
Time: 11:00 - 11:45am
Address: 262-266 Kentish Town Rd, London, NW5 2AA
Tel: 020 7974 4444
Tube: Kentish Town
Free to attend

My unique Storytime is a mix of listening, drawing, and drama. It covers a number of skills e.g: social interaction, developing self-confidence, and encourages children to use their own imagination. They are fun, engaging, interactive, creative, and educational. My Storytime compliments Key Stage 1 and areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has been a massive success at schools and nurseries in London. Read more here: Story Time.

If you have children between the age of 2-7 years old, come and join me with my Halloween inspired story Weird & Wonderful!

Your children will:
  • Listen to our musical story and be encouraged to use their listening abilities and imagination.
  • Learn all about the insects in the story.
  • Make their own drawing of the story which will be published in a gallery on the Music Audio Stories website making them part of our creative world forever.
  • Take part in the story and join in singing the Centipede's song. Your children will love singing along!

I'm super excited about this event and I urge everyone to support their local library. They are important places for all of us and for our children.

See you soon,

Anna-Christina 


Want an audio book?

Sign up to Music Audio Stories mailing list and get a story for free here - www.musicaudiostories.com

Sunday 15 October 2017

What Goes Around

I am thrilled to announce the release of my band's second single What Goes Around will be out on 17/10/17! This song was originally written for my Pretty Little Lady? acoustic EP but I knew it would sound awesome as a heavy rock song and sure enough, it made its way onto Lilygun's second album Strength & Grace!


Visit Lilygun's website on Tuesday for the download link: www.lilygun.com.

What Goes Around will also be aired throughout October in Holland on two different radio shows!
Tune into Mart Iriks's radio show Ratjetoe:

Sunday 15th October 9-11pm
Repeat show on Ros Radio - www.rosradio.nl

Sunday 15th October 10pm-12
Repeat show on Slos Radio - www.slos.nl
 
Friday 20th October 8-10pm
Live program on Slos Radio - www.slos.nl

Sunday 22nd October 9-11pm
Repeat show on Ros Radio - www.rosradio.nl

Sunday 22nd October 10pm-12
Repeat show on Slos Radio - www.slos.nl

Listen out for the acoustic version of What Goes Around too! This is the first time my music is featured on Dutch Radio! I also recorded a radio jingle for this month's Facsimile Live Radio Show October - Conan The Rockbarian! Here's a link to the podcast: https://www.mixcloud.com/facsimileproductions/conan-the-rockbarian-october-2017/ 

Over the years, I have felt extremely grateful that Lilygun's music has been played on radio all over the world by so many incredible DJ's who have supported us by introducing Lilygun to their listeners. I feel very lucky that the support continues.

Rockin' the air waves...

Anna-Christina 


Want a free song?

Sign up to Lilygun's mailing list and get the original acoustic version of Lilygun's forthcoming single What Goes Around for free here - www.lilygun.com

Saturday 30 September 2017

In My World!

How are things in my world? One day I'm filming a Rock'n'Roll music video, the next day, I'm back writing children's stories!

To say I live a varied life is an understatement! 😆

Here are some of the things I have been getting up to lately...

In My Rock World

Very pleased to report my live performance and interview on K2K Radio this month was brilliant fun and went very well indeed! Visit Lilygun's website for a link to the podcast if you'd like to listen to it again or if you missed it! I am also excited to announce that Lilygun will be re-issuing our second album Strength & Grace in November! And we've just finished filming our second music video for the forthcoming single What Goes Around! The original acoustic version of this song is currently available as a free download from our website. Go grab yourself a copy here: www.lilygun.com.
It's all happening in Lilygun's world and I'm enjoying every minute of it!


In My Business World

I am currently in the middle of creating a brand new Music Audio Story! Actually, I have a few on the go at the moment, but there's one in particular I am working on that's very exciting. I have already recorded my narration and I have selected my actors for the voice-overs, who I have began recording this week. I can't tell you any more about this story because I don't want to ruin the surprise but trust me, this next story is going to be a cracker!

I am also offering a free download of one of my children's audio books when you sign up on my website! Visit www.musicaudiostories.com to get a free story. It's the first Music Audio Story I wrote called 'March of The Ants'! Its been popular at the schools and nurseries I've visited with my Story Time so definitely go and download that too! 😉


In My Story Time World 

And speaking of Story Time, I'm going to be back doing my Story Time in the next Half Term Holiday at Kentish Town Library! Really excited about this as it will be my first visit to this library and my first Story Time for ages! Full details will be posted soon.

In My Music World 

I've been so busy practicing vocals, guitar, piano and composing for various things, I've not had time to write any new songs or music for myself! However, I recently recorded a few tracks of Innovation Blessings with Singing Bowls which was fun!


I can't believe the Summer is over! It seemed to pass so quickly and I don't feel I made the most of the nice weather when we had it. Still, Autumn is a beautiful time of the year and I plan on having a few woodland walk adventures before the winter weather kicks in!

Let's hope we all have a great season, where every leaf becomes a flower... or a cello!

Go play in leaves...

Anna-Christina

Sunday 10 September 2017

Live Performance and Interview on Radio

Super excited be joining presenter Andrew Hobbs and producer Howlin' Anton Bleak on K2K Radio next week!


Here are all the details:

Live Performance and Interview on Radio

Thursday 14th September 2017


Facsimile Live Radio Show September - The Rocking Man 

I will be playing a special live acoustic set at the K2K Radio studio and talking about my band Lilygun's new album Strength & Grace.

I've been interviewed countless times on radio in the past but this will be the first time I am performing live! Massive thank you to my dear friend Ays Kura ♥ 

This is going to be fun...

Anna-Christina 
 

Want a free song?

Sign up to Lilygun's mailing list and get one of my songs for free here - www.lilygun.com

This song is taken from my solo acoustic EP. It's called What Goes Around. It's featured on the new Lilygun album, but in a heavy rock version. I thought it would be cool for you to hear the original recording of the song before the album single version comes out. For more info on Lilygun and to get this song, visit my band's website here: www.lilygun.com

Join Lilygun on soical media

www.facebook.com/Lilygun/
Lilygun Google+ 
YouTube

Friday 25 August 2017

Spotlight on LG

Word on the street is that Lilygun's new album Strength & Grace Rocks! 💜

The response to my second band album has been nothing short of amazing and I am still in shock that it sold out as fast as it did! We are currently talking about a re-issue but as we have other things scheduled in the next few months, it will have to wait...

In the meantime, check out some of the reviews we've had here: www.lilygun.com/reviews.
In particular a detailed track by track review by Graham Letchford which is fantastic!

I was also delighted when Belgium's Rock Your Underground made Inside their 'Video of the Week'. Hugues Bernard also interviewed me about Lilygun's new album, influences and my best live memory which you can read here: Rock Your Underground.

One more bit of Lilygun news...

Want a free song?

Sign up to Lilygun's mailing list and get one of my songs for free here - www.lilygun.com

This song is taken from my solo acoustic EP. It's called What Goes Around. It's featured on the new Lilygun album, but in a heavy rock version. I thought it would be cool for you to hear the original recording of the song before the album single version comes out. For more info on Lilygun and to get this song, visit my band's website here: www.lilygun.com

Anna-Christina 


Join Lilygun on soical media

www.facebook.com/Lilygun/
Lilygun Google+ 
YouTube

Friday 11 August 2017

My Favourite Children's Books

I think it's extremely important to read books with your children. Not only is it a wonderful bonding experience but there's so much to be learned from the diverse collection of children's stories and picture books. Since we (Music Audio Stories) are currently working on our first book, I thought it would be a nice idea to tell you which books were my favourite when I was growing up!

I unpacked one of my archive draws full of my childhood memorabilia. I was so happy to discover I had kept some of my favourite books from when I was little! I picked out a few of the books I remember I loved the most...

Tales of Mrs Hedgehog

(Purnell and Sons Limited)
Stories by Susannah Bradly
Illustrations by Kate Lloyd-Jones


I absolutely loved this book! My mum used to read me the stories and I remember looking at the pictures and wishing that I could live in Henrietta's Hobbit style house! I would imagine I was in the story, in the pages themselves and I would have such adventures!

Hamlyn Wonderful Fairy Stories in Colour

(Hamlyn)
Re-told by Lornie Leete-Hodge
Illustrated by Beverlie Manson
  • The Emperor's New Clothes
  • Snow White and Rose Red
  • Hansel and Gretel
  • Rumpelstiltskin
  • The Ugly Ducking
  • The Three Bears
  • The Little Fir Tree
  • The Sleeping Beauty
  • Cinderella
  • The Golden Goose
  • Jack and the Beanstalk


This was the book, chosen by my sister, as our regular Bedtime story book. As you can see from the list of chapters above, it featured all the classic fairy tales of old. The fine lined detailed illustrations made it look magical to me but I also remember feeling a little frightened by some of the pictures, the three bears were scary to me at the time!

Enid Blyton's Story Book Treasury

(Hamlyn)
  • Including: The Unkind Children
  • The Invisible Gnome
  • Brer Rabbit is So Cunning
  • The Little Singing Kettle
  • Old Bufo the Toad
  • and Pipkin Plays a Trick


This book features 29 of Enid Blyton's best short stories. Another good book to read before bedtime!

Stories From The Ballet

Cathay Books
By various writers and illustrators
  • Coppelia
  • The Sleeping Beauty
  • The Nutcracker
  • Swan Lake
  • The Firebird
  • Petrushka
  • Cinderella



Every Ballet dancer, at some point in their young life, will have a book with stories from the Ballet in. I was no different! My mum brought me this book, and for some time, it was a treasure of mine. I would read it under my covers with a torch at night in my dormitory at school. One of the horrible girls in my class tried to steal it from me so I'm very glad I still have it today! The style of the artwork in this book influenced my GCSE artwork.

It's funny, because writing this particular Blog post has been a real flash back in time for me. We should all try to remember the child within us by doing something childlike and reading a children's book every now and then. I am suddenly compelled to read these books all over again!

Anna-Christina 

www.musicaudiostories.com 

Tuesday 1 August 2017

Fun Things/News Update

Here's a little news update and a couple of fun things I have going on at the moment...

Band Stuff

After the success of my second Lilygun album selling out in 6 days, things have been pretty busy on the band front. We knew there were people out there who had been waiting for this album. We knew that the response to our Inside music video had been amazing. But we didn't know, copies of this album would be gone by Saturday morning on the week of its release! People are demanding a re-issue. We'll see...


Music Audio Stories

This month Music Audio Stories are introducing new Fun Pages for children! As part of my Storytime, I decided to do something a little different! Children from the age of three upwards are learning at a rapid rate and most of them are beginning to colour in their drawings. I thought it would be a nice idea if I could offer them one of my characters to colour in. Since butterflies are extremely popular, I chose Chris from my audiobook 'Chris the Caterpillar'!

 I also decided to create a question tree. Children learn best when they are having fun. What better way to teach them about caterpillars, butterflies and flowers than with a captivating audiobook! Children are out in the garden and in nature at this time of year and this Music Audio Story is a great summer time story.

Get involved and get your free downloads here: www.musicaudiostories.com


Other News

I have posted a new video today! These days I am mostly composing music for other people, but here's a little something that's mine!


There's a couple of other things I have in the pipeline but more about them later...

♥ Anna-Christina

Monday 17 July 2017

Lilygun's New Album Out Now!

It is with great pleasure, I announce, Lilygun's new album is out today! ♥

After the success of our debut album, we took our time to enjoy the whole process of creating our second album. 'Strength & Grace' is a collection of songs from twenty demo recordings I had made. Belle (my drummer) and I chose our favourite eight songs (eight being my magic number) and we began to record them with Aaron John, David Ryder Prangley (who both played on Lilygun's first album) and Adie Hardy.

Its been said of Lilygun in the past that we incorporate the three G's - Goth, Glam and Grunge! This has been a pretty good description of us in the past. But this new album seems to have taken on another aspect of sound that we have not had in the past. Although guitars are still a heavy feature in the new songs, we've branched out into a more experimental field in terms of our sound.

We released our first single 'Inside', from this album with a music video. We were overjoyed when fans paid up to £5 for the download! ♥ The Inside music video also proved to be popular and clocked up over a thousand views on Facebook in 24 hours on the day we released it! When I get described as "a Gothic Kate Bush", I know my career as a Rock artist has hit a peak! 💫

And so here it is...


Limited edition gatefold CD 
Available exclusively from 

Thank you everyone for your continued support over the many turbulent years I have had with Lilygun. It means a great deal to me. I'm so proud I stuck to my guns and didn't let anyone come along and ruin this band. In the end, I feel we earned the respect and street cred I wanted and that's because I absolutely refused to conform to other people's expectations.

I also really have to say a special thank you to the remarkable players on this album, Aaron John, Adie, DRP and Belle my Star for not only contributing their amazing talents to this album but for also being my dear friends, helping, supporting and constantly inspiring me. I'm a good songwriter but it's the players that bring a song to life. The creativity of these four incredibly talented musicians shines all over this album and it would not have been the same without them.

On 17/7/17 go to www.lilygun.com and there, you shall find, the wait is over!

Anna-Christina



Watch Inside music video on YouTube

"A great number with crossover appeal and a great chorus showcasing Anna-Christina's awesome pop/rock vocal style." 
[Inside Single Review by Ravenheart Music]


"What does a London-based rock bands first music video look like? It’s guaranteed, not many will look like Lilyguns! With the release of their first music video, Lilygun prove to not only be unique in sound but also in vision. ‘Inside’ is the Bass-tastic first single from their forthcoming second album Strength & Grace, due for release later this month. Judging by this song, it’s going to be an album well worth investigating. Lead singer/songwriter Anna-Christina’s raw and powerful performance is captured beautifully in the video, directed by David Ryder Prangley (of Rachel Stamp fame), revealing a dark stylised character reminiscent of a Gothic Kate Bush. The charismatic front-woman has dedicated this video to her brain surgeon Mr Kevin O’Neill, who saved her life. A pretty harrowing yet touching dedication."
[The Rockpit]

Saturday 15 July 2017

Inside Out

When I get described as "a Gothic Kate Bush", I know my career as a Rock artist has hit a peak!

I can't even tell you how great it feels to see my band Lilygun back in the rock news again! Since I released Lilygun's debut album a few years ago, some of the reviewers who gave us such amazing reviews have left their companies which is a bit of a shame because I would have loved them to hear our new album! Neil Richardson was one of them but luckily he does still work at RoomThirteen.com and is continuing to support us even after all these years! This feels like a special time for Lilygun, the wait for the new release is almost over and our story will continue...

THE MAGIC BOX HAS ARRIVED!!!



Inside this box is Lilygun's second album... I can hardly believe it!!!

♥ Anna-Christina 


Watch Inside music video on YouTube

"A great number with crossover appeal and a great chorus showcasing Anna-Christina's awesome pop/rock vocal style." 
[Inside Single Review by Ravenheart Music]

"What does a London-based rock bands first music video look like? It’s guaranteed, not many will look like Lilyguns! With the release of their first music video, Lilygun prove to not only be unique in sound but also in vision. ‘Inside’ is the Bass-tastic first single from their forthcoming second album Strength & Grace, due for release later this month. Judging by this song, it’s going to be an album well worth investigating. Lead singer/songwriter Anna-Christina’s raw and powerful performance is captured beautifully in the video, directed by David Ryder Prangley (of Rachel Stamp fame), revealing a dark stylised character reminiscent of a Gothic Kate Bush. The charismatic front-woman has dedicated this video to her brain surgeon Mr Kevin O’Neill, who saved her life. A pretty harrowing yet touching dedication."
[The Rockpit]

Thursday 6 July 2017

Something Dark and Creepy!

This month is Lilygun's month!!! Lilygun's Inside Music Video is out now and had over a thousand views in less than 24 hours on our Facebook page over the weekend!

Some of you may get a bit of a surprise when you see it!
Yes, that IS me!!!
Meet the dark twin side of AC... ;-)

Feel free to comment, "like" and follow our page. We have our second album coming out later this month and you won't want to miss it! Be prepared for something dark and creepy - https://www.facebook.com/Lilygun/

You can subscribe to our YouTube Channel here: www.youtube.com/user/lilygun

This week I received the most amazing phone call from my very first Ballet teacher 💖 She saw the new Lilygun music video and decided to call me! We haven't spoken in years but she said she never forgot about me and has thought of me often!

This is so heart warming to me. She spotted my talent before anyone else and I'm so lucky I had such an amazing teacher like her who believed in me and set me on my path as a performer and musician when I was 8 years old (even though at the time, 8 years old was very late to begin Ballet!).

She commented on how fierce I look in the video which made me laugh, but also how she could see my ballet training in my movements. Movements instilled in me by her, all those years ago! My body has its distinctive shape because of her!

Most of us have that one teacher who saw something special in us when we were little, who gave us the self-belief we needed at the time to pursue our dreams. Aren't we lucky! I hope that one day, I can inspire someone to follow their dreams the way she inspired me to follow mine.

Magical!

♥ Anna-Christina 

VISIT LILYGUN'S WEBSITE

Monday 19 June 2017

Global Women Making Things Happen

Last week Friday morning I attended the Global Woman Club's Breakfast held at the beautiful Savini at Criterion. I have been to this event a few times over the last year and once again, Friday was absolutely brilliant!

About Global Woman Club


Anna-Christina featured on the Global Woman Club banner

The aim of Global Woman Club is to connect professional and business women around the world, from different countries and backgrounds and even at different stages in their life, profession and business. It's a great opportunity for all women who want to speak and share their message with a global audience, learn how to pitch, to network and create partnerships.

We all have something in common: the drive and the passion to succeed in business or our chosen vocation. Global Woman Club helps women to build their confidence and belief that they can be successful in whatever they do. They help to build brands and create awareness about projects through their media platform.

Every month the Global Woman Club come together in London, at Savini at Criterion, have a delicious breakfast, network, promote and share values. It's an ever growing network led by Mirela Sula, the host and organiser and editor of Global Woman Magazine.

Anna-Christina with Mirela Sula, the editor of Global Woman Magazine

She's a pretty awesome lady! Always encouraging us to think BIG and create the life of our dreams. She's growing her empire around the world and her success reminds us, we can achieve, if we believe.

Club members are all given the opportunity to speak for a short time to the room. (first time attendees can sign up on the day and immediately enjoy the additional benefits). You can share your personal story, your mission and/or vision, and talk about your business. There is no set order for speakers, some prefer to speak earlier, others later.

After about an hour there is a break for a drink and you can pick from the healthy fruit plate, select a croissant or muffin, and engage with others in conversation. Then everyone gathers together for a group picture!

Anna-Christina with members of the Global Woman Club

It's a wonderful way to spend a morning, listening to so many inspirational stories. It's about building relationships and seeking mutually beneficial collaborations from a rich cultural diversity of women, successful in what they do and from such a broad range of professions and businesses.

I met Dawattie Basdeo at one of these events and we successfully collaborated on Nature's Rainbow Mindfulness Meditation for Teens album which has just been released, and I'm looking forward to more collaborations with ladies from the group in the future.

If you're interested in joining this club, have a look here: www.globalwoman.co/join-global-woman-club

The next event will be on 12th July - Business Woman Today - Tickets

Surround yourself with people who inspire you!

♥ Anna-Christina 

Anna-Christina with members of the Global Woman Club at Savini at Criterion

Thursday 15 June 2017

My TV Appearance

This month I made my first TV appearance on the Ben Breakfast Show! I rocked up to Ben Television Studios on Tuesday 6th June after fighting my way through the rush hour on London Underground and some pretty horrible wind and rain in Tottenham Hale! I was invited with Dawattie Basdeo to do a live interactive interview about our latest project together, Nature's Rainbow Mindfulness Meditations for Teens album. The crew were brilliant and put us at ease straight away.

Anna-Christina and Dawattie Basdeo at Ben TV Studios in London
Dawattie Basdeo and I before the interview

At first, the thought of a 25-minute live interview seemed daunting but it went so quickly, I actually would have liked more time! Once the cameras were rolling, we didn't notice they were there and it was just us, having a discussion about why we created Nature's Rainbow and the importance of mindfulness.

Anna-Christina and Dawattie Basdeo live TV interview on the BEN Breakfast Show on Ben TV Sky Channel 182

It seems now more than ever before, people are looking to find ways to relieve stress and anxiety. We are living in challenging times. Parents and teachers are becoming more aware of the importance of introducing mindfulness, meditation and relaxation to young people and children. Schools are beginning to implement mindfulness into their programs and there are workshops and even retreats dedicated to mindfulness. It was wonderful to have the chance to speak about this on the show.

Composer Anna-Christina live TV interview on the BEN Breakfast Show on Ben TV Sky Channel 182

I think it was recorded so a link to the recording will be online soon.
I'll keep you posted!

♥ Anna-Christina 

You can purchase Nature's Rainbow here: https://magnificentmemagnificentyou.com

Anna-Christina and Dawattie Basdeo at Ben TV Studios in London
Dawattie and I feeling proud after our interview

Here is the recording of the show!


Thursday 8 June 2017

Time for the Mind

I was delighted when Dawattie Basdeo invited me to join her at the Mindful Living Show last week. The event was held at the Business Design Centre in London on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd June. It's a new event that offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the art of mindfulness and meditation and the different ways in which it can benefit your life.

Anna-Christina at the Mindful Living Show at the Business Design Centre in London

There were seminars and practice sessions with some of the greatest speakers, authors, teachers and minds in the worlds of mindfulness, meditation and relaxation including: Ruby Wax, Ed Halliwell, Vidyamala Burch, Sharon Salzberg, Dan Harris, Shamash Alidina, Dr Mark Williamson, Jenny Ewards CBE and Michael Chaskalson. There was also access to a range of features to inform, educate and inspire, allowing you to pick up tips from the experts to further your practice and gain a greater understanding of how mindfulness can impact all areas of your life.

Magnificent Me Magnificent You Stand and Anna-Christina at the Mindful Living Show at the Business Design Centre in London

Dawattie had a Stand for her Magnificent Me Magnificent You range and copies of Nature's Rainbow Mindfulness Meditations for Teens album were available.

Actually this was the first time I had seen the physical copies of the album myself and I have to admit, I felt very proud to see it! It's such a pleasure to be part of something that was not only brilliant fun to work on, but is also for a great cause too.

Anna-Christina with Nature's Rainbow Mindfulness Meditation for Teens album at the Mindful Living Show at the Business Design Centre

On Day One, there was a steady flow of visitors and I enjoyed meeting and talking to so many diverse, lovely people. In fact, everyone's positive energy created such a calming Zen like atmosphere, considering we were in a Business Centre, it really was a pleasure to be there. I couldn't experience any of the seminars but I did get to wander around every now and then to meet the other exhibitors.

Anna-Christina with fellow authors Dawattie Basdeo and Ruby Wax
with fellow authors Dawattie Basdeo and Ruby Wax


The lovely team of Happiful Magazine


Pete from Meditate Now


The wonderful Mantra Jewellery ladies




The Medicine Garden


Day Two was even better! ♥

Dawattie gave a half hour workshop on both days in the Demo Zone which was great because people had a chance to learn a bit more about the album and listen to samples of it.


Magnificent Me Magnifcient You demo by Dawattie Basdeo

The response to Nature's Rainbow was fantastic! At the end of the event, we were all given a tasty treat...

Nature's Rainbow Mindfulness Meditations for Teens album

It was wonderful to be part of the Mindful Living Show :-) A lovely venue, brilliant staff, well organised and great people involved which left you feeling uplifted, inspired and energised. We're planning to take part in this event again next year so I'm looking forward to returning to the Business Design Centre again.

Have a look on their website: www.mindfullivingshow.com
You can purchase Nature's Rainbow here: https://magnificentmemagnificentyou.com

Anna-Christina

Tuesday 30 May 2017

Insight into Nature's Rainbow

To celebrate the release of Nature's Rainbow Mindfulness Meditation for Teens album, I am posting links to the downloads with a little insight into how Adie Hardy and I created the music in each track. I shall begin with the first track we made.


1. Red - Rose
Based on the red Root Chakra note of 'C', a gentle Warm Pad runs throughout the whole track giving it a spacious yet powerful feel. I used a combination of soft Bells, a Singing Bowl, Harp and Strings to form its soothing sound. A solo Violin enters towards the end of the piece before it returns to the gentle melody of the Flute. This track is filled with the warmth and beauty of a red rose and its message of unconditional love. Have a quick listen here: https://magnificentmemagnificentyou.com/product/red-rose/ 



2. Orange - Orange
The second track is based on the orange Sacral Chakra note of 'D'. I merged a soft Bass with a French Horn, a String and a gentle Pad sound to create the beginning section. This track features three different guitar parts. These appear one by one throughout the track, then layered together at the end. These guitar parts inspired my soft Tapped Wineglass and Piano melodies. This track is filled with the zesty spirit of an orange and leaves you feeling energised, refreshed and full of zest for life. Here's a sample: https://magnificentmemagnificentyou.com/product/orange/


3. Yellow - Sunshine Based on the Solar Plexus Chakra note of 'E', a drum loop set the whole track in motion. I used a Koto String giving the music a slightly oriental feel to it. The pulsing Bass line is reminiscent of a heart beat. At around 2 minutes, the music shifts and begins to grow into an uplifting melody which builds up, creating a positive, energetic feeling before dropping into a new section of music to end. This track reminds you that you are a radiant being of light and caresses every cell of your body with warmth and love. Listen here: https://magnificentmemagnificentyou.com/product/yellow-sunshine/



4. Green - Grass
The music in this track has a soft tribal vibe and is based on the green Heart Chakra note of 'F'. Brass instruments lead over a low continuous Bass drum pulse. Halfway through, the track grows with the introduction of Conga Drums and Staccato Violins. The Brass section proudly builds towards the end. This track reminds us the earth is the heart of our planet and pulsates with the cycle of life. It leaves you feeling grounded, peaceful and unconditionally loved and loving. Click here: https://magnificentmemagnificentyou.com/product/green-grass/



5. Blue - Blue Lagoon
A pulsing Drome and Sample sounds are at the heart of this uplifting track. Based on the blue Throat Chakra note of 'G', this is the fifth track from Nature's Rainbow. Guitars, Bass Arpeggios, Strings, Acoustic Drums and an Air Whistle give the music vibrant feel. It also features Harp, Vibes and a Soft Pad. This track flows over you cleansing you from head to toe, leaving you feeling invigorated and alive, shouting Yes to life, Yes to adventure, Yes to being true to yourself. Here's a link to the sample: https://magnificentmemagnificentyou.com/product/blue-blue-lagoon/


6. Indigo - Night Sky
Track number six took me into the night sky! I used a soft bell sequencer to create the feel of stars twinkling in the sky. Based on the Third Eye Chakra note of 'A', I created a gentle flowing piece of music with a female Choir, Woodwind instruments, Pad sounds, Sound Effects Strings, Harp and a Basson. This track opens your thoughts to the majestic infinite beauty of the night sky. It leaves you feeling humbled, blessed and full of hope, knowing you are a child of the universe blessed with infinite possibilities and potential. Here's a short sample: https://magnificentmemagnificentyou.com/product/indigo-night-sky/


7. Violet - Lotus Flower
The final track I created is based on the Crown Chakra note of 'B' and features a Singing Bowl to begin with. The Harp and Koto String begin with a 'question and answer' musical conversation. A blend of Wind Chimes and soft Pads create the solemn mood of the piece. All notes from other tracks appear in a short growing section halfway through. Beautiful Bass and Pizzicato Strings lead to a thought provoking end. The solo Violin pulls at your hearts strings and makes this track quietly intense and calming. This track takes us on the journey of the lotus flower and reflects on how similar our own life’s journey is. It leaves you feeling calm and peaceful and choosing to trust your life’s journey.  Have a listen here: https://magnificentmemagnificentyou.com/product/violet-lotus-flower/


I really enjoyed creating this album and feel proud of this CD. I hope you have enjoyed reading these little insights!

By the way, you can download the album here: magnificentmemagnificentyou.com/natures-rainbow-cd ;-)

Anna-Christina