Artist Focus: RD Watson

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Artist Focus: RD Watson

Considered The English voiceover artist, RD Watson is an indisputable legend of the recording industry whose voice has been heard by millions across the world.

Roger Watson is an invaluable Jeeni ambassador. His showcase currently features over 40 examples of his first-rate voiceover performances including audio books like ‘Hairy London’ and commercials for ‘Diablo’ and ‘Jaguar’. His status as an industry icon has greatly broadened Jeeni’s representation of art and creativity and has meant that Jeeni’s mission is not limited to musicians but open to all artists that deserve worldwide attention. Visit RD Watson’s giant and fascinating showcase here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/rd-watson-audiobooks/

RD Watson has been an integral behind-the-scenes component of countless historical moments that define the current music industry as we know it. For example, Roger was acting floor manager for the Beatles back in 1964 and was the producer for the first ever video pop album with Blondie’s Debbie Harry. His connections and the demand for his talent and know-how lead to him moving to L.A. in the 70s. This is where Roger became a Grammy-nominated record producer and was the MD of Arista Records, where he worked with Lisa Stansfield, Barry Manilow and countless others.

RD Watson is a trusted and reliable name in the voiceover world due to his clear, charming and remarkably British performances. He won the Audiophile Award for Narration and has been nominated for many others. He records his own voice in a studio in West London and sends his performances to many clients both from the UK and overseas and is currently in the process of recording Charles Dickens’ ‘David Copperfield’.

This fascinating and talented artist could fill a book with the experiences and stories he’s gathered and he’d no doubt like to record the audiobook of it himself. Check out more of RD Watson’s work on his website here: http://englishvoiceover.info/ and listen to the entirety of ‘Hairy London’ from his showcase, available here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/rd-watson-audiobooks/

How can Jeeni support artists like RD Watson?

JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience.

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• We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make.
• We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way.
• We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect.
• Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team.

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12
Mar

Voices of 2021

BBC Sounds has just released it's longlist of nominees for the 'BBC Sound of 2021', a prophecy of who they believe will be filling your playlists for the upcoming year, from the best rising talent. Now in it's 19th year, this year's longlist was compiled by a panel of 161 industry experts, including former nominees Billie Eilish (2018) and Stormzy (2015). The winner will be announced in January on BBC News and BBC Radio 1. The 10 acts hoping to win the top spot are: Alfie Templeman - Indie PopBerwyn - Soul Poet / BalladsBree Runway - Trap / R&BDutchavelli - Rap / Hip-HopGirl In Red - Indie PopGreentea Peng - Psychedelic SoulGriff - Bedroom PopHolly Humberstone - Pop BalladsPa Salieu - Rap MaverickThe Lathums - Indie Band To be eligible, musicians must not have been the lead artist on a UK top 10 album, or more than one top 10 single, by 30 October 2020. Artists who have appeared on TV talent shows within the last three years are also ineligible. The top five will be revealed in the New Year on BBC Radio 1 and BBC News, with one artist announced each day from Sunday 3 January until the winner is unveiled on Thursday 7 January. Covid-19 has made launching a music career trickier than ever - and to date, only four of the nominated acts have played a headline gig, which explains the strong showing of bedroom and DIY artists on the list. 2020's winner, Celeste, also suffered setbacks from the pandemic hangover, as her new album release was delayed. Instead she chose to release well received tracks, 'Stop this Flame' and 'Little Runaway' to give us a taster of what is to come. She also became the first singer to ever record an original track 'A Little Love' for the John Lewis Christmas campaign. Her debut album, 'Not Your Muse' is now being released Feb 26th. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwuJFAsZD0k

06
Jun

For the Love of words - why writing it out makes the best therapy.

By Sammie Venn. Jeeni's Official Writer, Columnist and Blogger I have been an avid bookworm all my life. I used to read under the covers by torchlight when I was little and wake up bleary eyed but full of wonder. Delving into alternative worlds until the early hours, I would write stories and music imagining I was part of those mystical realms. Even though I was only 10 I understood the power of words. Their lyricism was captivating, and the songs I wrote became part of me, despite the fact that I could not hit a single note on key. My grandmother was an Opera singer, so my dulcet tones were put to shame, but it never stopped me belting out a melody in the shower as I grew older. Little did I know that verse would be my go-to therapy and expression of humanity in later life. Art in any form is therapeutic. Macklemore wrote that “Music moves people. It connects them in ways that no other medium can. It pulls heart strings. It acts as medicine” . Whether it is playing an instrument, reading, painting or writing, creative activity in any guise will have a positive impact on our mental health. Music is to the soul what words are to the mind, it’s all about turning a cacophony of phrases into poetic verse. I have always described it as a cathartic vent; enabling a confrontation between the most of powerful demons as well as deepest desires. Poetry is my chosen genre these days; it helps to make sense of chaotic thoughts in a non-sensical way. Iambic pentameter, rhythm and rhyme gives a structure to the subconscious and coherence to thought. David Richo author of “How to be an adult” said that “Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us - Our tears are precious, necessary, and part of what make us such endearing creatures.” Just like a piece of music, giving your thoughts a physical shape helps them to form a new arrangement. Why not spend 10/15 minutes a day brain dumping. I always finish a liberating mind sweep with a gratitude list. It helps me to feel invigorated and more energised. Write from your heart, not your mind. Get those words down on a page, it doesn’t have to be rational, make sense to others or be the next prize winning tome. Writing therapy is about you as an individual clearing headspace for renewal and recovery. Don’t censor or perfect just let your feelings be part of a free flow process. Tune into those emotions, stay as present as you can with them and let the page hold onto them so you don’t have to. Fictionalise yourself. Create a third person version of you - I have employed this technique numerous times it is like writing for self-knowledge. The plethora of journals that sit on my bookshelves describe hope, abundance, love, passion, desire, fear and all manner of emotions in between. In understanding how I wanted to feel, I was able to get creative and fall in love with a whole new way of being. As the Beatles so appropriately said “take a sad song and make it better”. So I would like to share one of my poems with you its called “ Wild Child”.

02
Sep

Jeeni supports Escape to the Farm

Jeeni supports Arms Around the Child’s Escape to the Farm Looking for a family day out that supports children in third world countries? Presenting Arms Around The Child’s Escape to the Farm! Located at the idyllic Rushmere Farm in Hambledon, in Southern England's fabulous South Downs National Park, Escape to the Farm is a yoga retreat come summer camp where there is something for everyone. Explore food workshops and pizza making, poetry, eco talks and much more. There’s something for everyone to explore! Need some relaxing after a long six weeks holiday? Try one of the yoga, tai chi or meditation groups, guaranteed to help you take some breathing space and let go of all your worries. With live acoustic performances, storytelling and sound healing, there’s plenty of noise to block out the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Escape to the Farm. Are you a budding art enthusiast? Try your hand at life and nature drawing and learn a new skill. Come evening time you can gather around a roaring campfire before heading to bed in a beautiful yurt or tent of your own. Day Ticket £20 Day Ticket + Lunch & Dinner £35 Camping Per Night £10 Enquire for Accommodation Options Luxury Accommodation Yurts & Camping Escape to the Farm is a fundraiser for the Arms Around The Child charity who are raising money to build a school in Ghana for underprivileged children. Jeeni supports Arms Around The Child, who provide generously for children living in extreme adversity globally. To donate directly to Arms Around The Child you can go to their website www.armsaroundthechild.org/. Arms Around The Child seek to provide sanctuary, community, warmth protection, education, healthcare, safety, family, equality, love, hope and respect. Contact Jeeni Ambassador Ellie Milner for more details and get yourselves down to Escape to the Farm for a day of fun that will leave you fulfilled in all the best ways. Ellie: +447801292553 info@armsaroundthechild.org www.armsaroundthechild.org/

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