A Star PR - Stellar Interaction...

Hello all!

2010-04-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ben's Blog...

Another very extra-curricular week here at A Star towers. This week I saw Billy Vincent at the Water Rats - probably my favourite London venue, and the band were smashing. The gig was full of music industry folk so maybe expect big things from them. Incidentally they're also playing our Larmer Tree Festival in July!

Last night (29/04/10) I went to British Music Experience which was a very interesting debate with leading industry folk on "The Future of Music Consumption". It got quite heated in parts with the BPI - The British Phonographic Industry (www.bpi.co.uk) see Music Ally's live blog of it here: http://musically.com/blog/

Other clever own-blowing-trumpet news, I had 2 great meetings with leading industry publications this week to arrange media partnerships with one of our clients. Hopefully more on that later....

Evening all. Ben

Frazer’s Blog...

What a week! Meetings and gigs galore. Went to see some great gigs this week including Bombay Bicycle Club, the amazing La Shark, The Macabees and Temper Trap. Some really exciting new acts are making a bit of noise at the moment too. Check out the amazing Jamien Commons, he's something pretty special.

This weekend I have the pleasure of visiting Kent to see some excitable dogs leap into a pool. Not sure what the hell I'm talking about? Go here: http://www.dashnsplash.co.uk/

Sam's Blog...

It's been another one of those surprisingly hectic weeks here at A Star; I've been sending out information about the new releases for Warner Classics and Jazz, juggling disc requests from my journalists, and trying to fit in meetings with labels, bands and managers somewhere around it all. On the classical side I'm working on a big push for one of our featured WCJ artists, Rachel Kolly D'Alba, and extraordinary Swiss virtuoso violinist who has recorded Eugène Ysaÿe's Six Sonatas, which will be released on WCJ on May 3rd. The Six Sonatas - inspired by Bach - are truly amazing pieces of music; Ysaÿe was at the cutting edge of violin when he wrote them in the early 20th century, and the music really pushes the violin to its technical and musical limits, resulting in pieces that can only be carried off by the most talented of musicians. Meanwhile, I've had our pianist Joanna MacGregor's latest recording through, a four-disc set of Messiaen and Krauze pieces, making for a thoroughly contemporary release, and quite different from her last disc which saw her record the Goldberg Variations. It's a great time for the disc to come out, too, as it ties in beautifully with her performances of Messiaen at the Barbican on May 13th and May 20th which both, very excitingly, include not only Joanna playing piano but also the fantastic and rarely heard Ondes Martenot which numbers Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood amongst its small but dedicated followers. Lots of Ondes Martenot videos on youtube, but a rather fantastic one - and filmed at the Barbican too - is Thomas Bloch playing one of his own solo pieces for the Ondes Martenot, "Formule":

On the non-classical side of things, I've been to a lot of gigs this week, the highlights of which included Bombay Bicycle Club on monday at the fantastic Bath House venue just off Bishopsgate on the fringes of the City, and The Maccabees and La Shark at Village Underground in Shoreditch on thursday. Off to Kent on saturday with some of the rest of the team for the Kent County Fair at the Hop Farm, which includes the fantastically silly Dash'n'Splash - dogs hurling themselves with carefree abandon into giant pools of water. Not making much sense? I dare you to watch the video on youtube without cracking a smile…

Hello all!

2010-04-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Ben’s Blog…

This week was fun. Fun being a by-word for knackering. Meeting with two live booking agencies. Agents are a funny breed, love 'em or hate 'em you darn well need 'em! Luckily enough. both of these, despite being rather senior were of the nicer variety which hopefully means we'll be able to blag a higher degree of gig tickets in the near future : )

Other than that, The Reeperbahn festival campaign has stepped up a notch, and we've meetings all next week with potential digital partners and sponsors. Press trip to Hamburg anybody??

More on the above to come....

Forgive the shortness of this entry, its friday 7:30pm an I'm still at work. That beer aint gonna drink itself.

In a bit, like. Ben

Frazer’s Blog…

Our new sassy songstress Kyrah is prepping herself for the release of her first UK single Uh-Oh on June 28th. We had a sneak peak of her video last week - it certainly gets the old ticker pumping! You'll be hearing A LOT more from Kyrah in the coming weeks, so prep yourself as this self confessed dominatrix bitch is raring to take the UK by storm! Loads of exciting meetings scheduled in too, could be some pretty amazing announcements coming your way...

Joe’s Blog…

Hello there loyal followers!

I haven’t written a blog in while, but thankfully that is because I’ve been so busy working my little PR socks off! As you may already know, we are working with the amazing Larmer Tree Festival. We’re so happy to be working with a festival with such a strong image and ethos. It’s pretty remarkable that they’ve managed to run for 20 years without any kind of corporate sponsorship.

I’m not sure who I’m most looking forward to seeing at this year’s event. Really excited about seeing Martha Wainwright but equally looking forward to Tunng and The Boy Whole Stole the Sun. The mix of big names and small names in such a small venue makes it a real alternative to the huge festivals. We’ve had some great write ups so far and looking onwards to more in the pipeline!

I’ve got so many gigs coming up that I’m excited about – not to mention all of the festivals I’m going to try and go to. In the next few months I’m going to see Metric, Pavement, Broken Social Scene, Fever Ray Jaguar Love, Anarbor and more. Tonight I am going to see Bombay Bicycle Club so I’ve got to run!

Oh, if you’re not following me on Twitter, check me out - @joeparry and also take a look at the companies musings - @astarpr.

Until next time...

Joe xx

Flavia’s Blog…

Hello,

This is my first blog for A Star and I’m pretty excited on sharing my thoughts with you. I’m in my second month working with this amazing A Star team and I can say that I’m learning a lot with them! When I decided to move from my warm-weather country Brazil to attend a Masters in Creative Media in Brighton two years ago, I didn’t know that I would come so far. So thank you Ian and Ben for this great opportunity. I love music, gigs and festivals, so I know that I’m in the right place. I’m not having much time to go out as I’d like to though, but at least I can follow the news from here. Looking forward to Larmer Tree Festival! Go check the final headliners on astarpr.com. It’s gonna be wicked!

Flavia x

Olga’s Blog…

Hi! Hope you are having a great day!

It’s my third week with A Star PR and I am very much enjoying being part of the team.

Lots of work has been done, including updating our website and making sure that all @Astarpr followers on Twitter are getting the latest information. So those of you who are not following us, do it now!

I'm also happy to be involved in the first ever Only Paws and Horses Show, which takes place on 30-31 May 2010 at The Hop Farm in Kent. This show is special not only for us but also for a dog named Rex. Intrigued? Follow Rex on Twitter @rexreflects.

As a person who loves classical music, I was really excited to find out more about Amy Dickson and Alex Prior - who I was privileged to see at the Barbican recently. And one things for sure, despite learning about PR , I now know a lot more about different types of music, and the industry overall!

A Star PR Blog 11th December (nearly Christmas)!

2009-12-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello there Blog-ites,

How’re you doing? Sick of Christmas yet? I’ve not really began to think about shopping yet, which probably bad. I really can’t face Oxford Street and I’ve not had the patience to sit down and Internet shop. Looks like my family are all getting macaroni pasta pictures this year. Again.

This week the incredible Joanna MacGregor performed at the Limelight classical club night at the 100 Club. Her performance was truly spectacular. Undoubtedly one of the most innovative pianists currently performing, Joanna wowed the whole crowed with a diverse selection of compositions. You can catch her as she performs as part of Reverb at the Camden Roundhouse on the 23rd January. She will be performing with the Britten Sinfonia, with whom she recorded her new album Live in Buenos Aires, which will be released on February 22nd2010.

The wonderful Classical saxophonist Amy Dickson just got a 5/5 review from Muso magazine for her spectacular new release Glass, Tavener, Nyman. The CD will be released through Sony’s RCA Red Seal label on 1st February 2010.

We’ve received some great coverage following our very successful press trip to Hamburg to see Paul McCartney’s return to Hamburg. I’d like to thank all of the journalists who joined Ben over there. From what I hear, they all had a great time! Saying that, it’s difficult not to on the infamous Reeperbahn strip!

This week I have been mostly listening to Pains of Being Pure at Heart. I’m probably getting into them about a year later than everyone else. Maybe they’re retro now.

Until next time...

Joe

2009-11-20T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

I can’t believe how quickly this last week has gone. Time flies when you’re having fun, and all that! We’ve had an extremely busy week, with some great highlights thrown in. This including going to see Rihanna at her Nokia Music sponsored album launch at the Brixton Academy. It was a pretty incredible show, with the man himself Jay Z showing up to provide some support for his latest protégé.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, we’re working with the guys at Hamburg Marketing again to promote Paul McCartney’s gig in December. We’ve got a great competition in this week’s NME to win a trip to the landmark gig and one starting next week in The Mirror. It’s definitely not one to be missed! Have a look on youtube to find Morrissey throwing a fan out of his latest gig in the German city! I’m sure Paul will be a lot more reserved!

Really excited about the new album from Warner Classics & Jazz’s latest signing Joanna MacGregor. The Mercury Prize nominated pianist will release 'Live in Buenos Aires' in February and she’ll debut material from it with the help of the Britten Sinfonia on January 23rd at the Camden Roundhouse.

We’ve got some really exciting new business coming up in the next few months which I’ll be delighted to tell you about when we start working on it!

Until next time...
Joe

2009-11-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

It looks like this is my first blog in a number of weeks! It’s not that I don’t have anything interesting to tell you, of course! We’ve been up to all manner of crazy shenanigans, let me tell you! But enough that, down to business!

Last Friday we took a whole load of lovely journalists and their children to the wonderful Hop Farm to show off the incredible activities they’re currently hosting and the events they’ve got coming up in the next few months. We all had a great time and anyone who attends The Hop Farm in the coming months is in for a massive treat! Santa’s Magical Kingdom, opening on the 14th November, promises to be fantastic festive fun for the whole family! Holy alliteration, Batman!

In other news, the lovely folk in Hamburg are more than excited to welcome back Paul McCartney, who has chosen to kickstart his ‘Good Evening Europe’ tour in the city. It is a fitting tribute to Hamburg, who were one of the first cities in the world to recognise The Beatles world conquering potential! Definitely going to be a defining moment for Macca! Get in touch for more information! Also, check out the November 21st issue of the NME for a competition giveaway to the gig, including flights, accommodation and even a trip around the harbour!

That’s about it from me today! I won’t leave it so long next time, promise!
Joe

2009-09-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hayley's Blog..

Hello A Star Fans!

Busy as usual here at A Star HQ. Reeperbahn is next weekend so have been making sure our UK journos are ready and raring to go. The line-up is still looking epic with Biffy Clyro, Reverend and the Makers, Editors, Dinosaur Jr and Dananananaykroyd all preparing to do what they do best and rock it out hard in Hamburgs St Pauli district.

Very exciting indeed.

We’ve also got some brilliant new projects on the go which I’m sure you’ll be hearing all about over the next few weeks. One of my current favourites is the new Vintage Festival, celebrating British cool. How can you not love that? Be patient my little bunnies, more details on this very soon...

Also lots of buzz around the office with Alex Priors new album due to be released next month. I usually hate the term ‘child genius’ but I have to admit, that boy is good. Have been very much enjoying his work during the week.10 points Sir.

But now I’m afraid I have some bad news...this will be my last blog as a full time member of Team A Star as the time has come for me to fly the nest.

I’ve had a fantastic time here, working with a wonderful and motivated team and have definately learnt a lot over the last 3 months. I’d like to thank them all for taking me under their wing and giving me such a fantastic opportunity.

I will definately be keeping in touch with the team, so this isn’t the end of Hayley and A Stars loving relationship, just goodbye for now.

If anyone needs me I’ll be available on hayley.shepherd@feedmemusic.co.uk – check you there!

Peace Out!

Hayley x

Jane's Blog....

Hello again Bloggies,

This week has been extremely busy, nothing different on that front for the A Star Team. However our sugar intake has been far from impressive, with the stores already stocking those yummy sweeties and scary treats we are already too aware that Halloween is creeping up on us.If you're stuck with something to do that will be fun for all the family, The Hop Farm are having a 'Happy Halloween Half Term fun' from 24th--30th October! It may seem a while away but the tickets have to be snapped up for this event! Call me sad, but all these holidays get me verrrrrry excited, so I can't wait to take part in the goblin laser quests or the Chamber of Horrors!! For more information and ticket pricing head on over to www.thehopfarm.co.uk...
On another note, it is a very sad day, my partner in crime and lovely associate Hayley is leaving. She's been amazing and will be sorely missed- good luck to her though!!!

Till next time...

Jane
x

Jamie's Blog...

Evening all,

Thought I would briefly introduce myself to the electronic world, I’m Jamie, recent law graduate and brand spanking new member of the A Star team. This is my first dabble in the PR world, and its proving very enjoyable indeed. From the very off it’s been non-stop in the office, and I can see that the next few weeks are going to be very busy, jam-packed with lots of exciting projects. Luckily everyone here is really lovely (in spite of their slightly strange collective reverence for Girls Aloud) and are showing me the ropes as I stumble through the next week.

Till next time
Jamie

Tom's Blog....

This marks a very special occasion for me, having waited the majority of my life for that special one; I finally lose my blogging cherry to this beautiful little fountain of gossip. The first few days have been full of fun with trips to Channel 4 studios to see the press launch for one of our clients, none other than the 16 year old music prodigy Alex Prior. A private viewing with press in tow of the third movement of Alex Prior’s very tricky-to-pronounce ‘Velesslavitsa’ was a delight and his own presentation that followed was charming...his strong feelings towards children pursuing musical excellence was very inspiring indeed!
Back in the office, the office has been rather busy and with lots of projects going on, everyone has been super busy. With absolutely no bias whatsoever towards my own little project this week, I must highly recommend this weekend’s event at Hop Farm in Kent where lucky revellers shall enjoy the ‘Southern Model Air Show’ hosting over 100 pilots showcasing miniature motoring mayhem in the form of jets, gliders, helicopters, stunt plane shows and pyrotechnic mock-battles!!!

Have a storming weekend!

Tom
x

2009-09-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hayley's Blog....

Hello all!

Creamfields was amazing. Thumbs up especially to Bassment Jaxx, Benga, Beardyman and 2ManyDJs. Unfortunatley missed Dizzee Rascal as was on a quest for sambucca, but you can’t win them all, eh?

It’s the usual hectic scene back at A Star HQ, gearing up for this weekends Burlectric event. London’s top fashion lovelies are set to descend on SeOne tomorrow night for the ultimate night out, including Roisin Murphy, DJ sets from Razorlight and Hybrid, and hot new designers will be showcasing their work on a revolving tea-cup carousel to the beats of London party girl Goldierocks.

I know, epic right?

[Don’t worry though – you can come too. I think VIP tickets are nearly sold out so you’ll have to be quick to snap one of those hotties up, but there are also standard tickets available at a mere 25 beans – www.butterflyknights.com for details]

Also still super-psyched about the upcoming Reeperbahn Festival. Ben’s out in Hamburg at the moment, showing some of our lovely UK press around before the big event. Confirmed so far: Joses Gonzalez, Fight Like Apes, Biffy Clyro, Reverend and the Makers, Editors, Dinosaur Jr, Dananananaykroyd.....Over 140 acts in total over the weekend.

Definitely not one to miss.

Also a happy camper as I’ve finally managed to find time to stick my head in the hairdressers and get my locks sorted out. As much as I love my beanie, it has been banished as I dazzle the office with my shiny, short, platinum do. Hurrah.

Peace out!

Hayley x

Jane's Blog...

Afternoon bloggers!

Albeit a short one, this week has had all the makings of a typical A Star week- busy, fun, busy, with a bit of chaos thrown in.
The start of the week began with jealous glances at Hayley who arrived back from Creamfields with the ‘festival glow’, (as the week progressed it has gone from lobster-like to natural colour so all is well).
The office was given a little sneaky preview of critically acclaimed saxophonist Amy Dickson’s eagerly awaited Sony album, due for release in January 2010. This was an amazing experience and I can’t go on enough about how amazingly talented Amy is!....
Tomorrow night sees the arrival of Butterfly Knights presenting ‘Burlectric’. I’m personally super excited about this event which is set to include EVERYTHING you could ever want from a London club night, with an electric combination of music fashion burlesque and technology.

On a final note, this week, fellow members of the team have been likened to various famous superstars. Joe, our newest member of the team..aka. The Riddles. Hayley....aka Sarah Harding (blame the new snazzy haircut!) and finally I was kindly told, I resembled...a furby.

Ta-ta for now.

Jane, the limited edition furby.

The Usual Maddness...!

2009-08-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

Maddie's Blog...

Well hello there! Hope you’re well.
My third week at A Star PR – and it’s been another crazy one!
No blog from me last Friday because I was hopping away at The Hop Farm’s very first, very spectacular, ‘Rock & Pop Weekend’! The Hop Farm have recently rebranded, following their take-over by businessman supremeo, Peter Bull (who incidentally is now rather a celebrity since appearing on Channel 4’s ‘How The Other Half Live’!). Peter is putting his all into making The Hop Farm the best visitor and family attraction in the country, and I have to say – it’s working! The first ‘Rock & Pop Weekend’ totally R.O.C.K.E.D. and this week’s sister-event promises more of the same – you can book your tickets online now.
This week has also seen some very exciting meetings at Warner Classics and Jazz – but unfortunately it’s all top secret until further notice....watch this space!!
And last but not least, Sara and I have been getting the greatest feedback for the stunning new album from Jose Serebrier – his version of Glazunov’s 1,2,3 & 9 Symphonies. 37 Grammy nominations for a good reason!!
Have a great weekend,
Madeleina
xx

Sara's Blog...

Another great week in the A Star PR offices. We’ve had super-exciting meetings with Warner Classics and Jazz and the Butterfly Knights team, setting up projects and talking about eagerly anticipated happenings ahead!
We’ve got Harnoncourt in The Guardian, Serebrier in Gig, Burlectric in GT, G3 and 4music.com (hopefully!) so all in all a very productive week. Maddie and I went for ‘networking’ drinks with the Warner girls last night and had a wonderful time getting to know one another to further enhance our working relationships. Jolly Day!
The press trip we’ve been organising to take a handful of lovelies over to Hamburg to “experience the Reeperbahn” is in full swing, with Ben heading out there next week to get everything in place. The accreditation is coming along nicely – email my esteemed colleague Ben Allen for press requests.

Over and out.

Hayley's Blog...

Evening all,

Another hectic week in the A Star office!
Have been working on different projects again this week. Firstly, the lovely Jane and I have been coordinating a street team to spread the word about the fantastic Rock and Pop weekends at the Hop Farm [yes yes, the very same Hop Farm that we helped the mighty Vince Power run his epic festival earlier on this summer. Well done you clever monkeys!]. It’s not something we usually do, running street teams, but like I said last week, we ain’t scared of nothing! And all our happy chappies went out and did a fantastic job and got a really good response, well done and thank you to them all!
There’s still time to make it the Hop Farm if you and the brood are looking for a weekend of affordable family fun.
Also been putting the word out for the upcoming Butterfly Knights event ‘Burlectric’. It. Looks. Awesome. Roisin Murphy, DJ sets from Razorlight, Hybrid, David E Sugar and Goldierocks as well as lots of Burlesque lovlies shaking there thang up on stage. I’m very excited. Very excited indeed.
But that’s enough chit chat for now.
Peace out!

Hayley x

Jane's Blog...

So it's officially my first blog and as I'm a blogging virgin with a questionable social life, this is all very exciting for me!....Possibly not as exciting as this week at the A Star PR offices have been though!
As the lovely Hayley has already mentioned, we've been heading up some serious street teaming this week, so a big thank you to all the fab flyering team who did a wonddddddddderful job!
I've been very much enjoying the 'brits abroad' feel in London this week.....one day of extreme heat and us brits think it's OK to go paddling in fountains that pigeons have possibly pooed in!......craaaaaazzzy! What we should have done is stayed in and reminded ourselves of Dolly Parton's discography to prep for this coming weekend at the Hop Farm! With yet another exciting line up for the Hop Farms latest venture of Rock and Pop weekends, this event is not set to disappoint! For more information and a chance to take advatage of their limited 2 for 1 offer on tickets, head on over to the Hop Farm website...

Anywhoo, my random ramblings (also referred to as 'janeisms') will feature here weekly so do feel free to pop back....

Jane
x

A Week Of...

2009-08-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sara's Blog...

Afternoon! Lots of things have happened this week (nothing new there!), with coverage aplenty and exciting confirmations on all projects.

The Reeperbahn Festival is fast approaching and we’re getting them some amazing coverage. We’re dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on our press trip over to Hamburg...what a bevy of great journalists we’ve got joining us!

Serebrier coverage is pouring in for Warner Classics and Jazz – everybody should be listening to the final symphonic instalment of Glazunov. Email me for a review copy – sara.boughton@astarpr.com

Has anyone seen the stunning young lady that is Amy Dickson? I’ve been putting together a marketing document for future opportunities with the Sony Saxophonist over the past few days. It is looking rather splendid if I do say so myself.

And Burlectric...wow-weeeeee. We’ve got a fantabulous line-up of musical jollification, some super too-hot-to-trot designers taking over their bespoke fashion room and the best techy-gadgets in the land being hosted within the Burlectric PlaySpace. I’m looking forward to Hybrid (a personal fave) – will be amaaaaaaazing.

I’m now wrapping things up, it is Friday after all. I’m tootling down to the Regis tonight as it’s time for my annual dosage of Rox this weekend. Toodle pip! x

Hayley's Blog....

Hello all!

Have had a very interesting, very educational day today! Since we have so many exciting new projects on the go at the moment, we thought we should update our lovely new website so that we could share them all with you. Somehow, I ended up taking on the challenge, and let’s just say I’m not the most technically minded of people. But never one to back away from an opportunity to better myself, I have spent the day trawling through html tutorials, help menus and endless lists of digital jargon.

Was it worth it? You tell me,

www.astarpr.com

I think it looks ace. Not that I’m bragging or anything.

Once I started piecing everything together, it wasn’t quite the chore I thought it would be, and have actually enjoyed being queen of html, CMS and CSS. Yes I am a geek. Please don’t tell anyone, no one seems to have noticed yet.

Also doing lots of Reeperbahn things with Sara earlier on the week. Reverend and the makers have now confirmed, adding to an already excellent line-up. So we’ve been making sure the world is ready for the mighty Reeperbahn! Hopefully the office will be ready to....

Anyway happy campers...

Till next time!

Hayley x

Joe's Blog....

Hello! I should probably introduce myself as I am the newest member of the team! I’m Joe and I’ve just come up from the sunny North of our fair country to start at the very lovely A Star PR!

After working for one of the North East’s most prolific agencies, I’ve joined the team to work on such projects as Butterfly Knights and tilllate.com. Which is pretty exciting!

The Butterfly Knights event is shaping up to be an absolute corker. Very much looking forward to seeing Roisin Murphy in all her glory! Hope my inner geek doesn’t come out too much in the ‘PlaySpace’!
If you fancy having a dance with us, check out www.butterflyknights.com and get yourself to SeOne on September 5th!

If you don’t already know tilllate.com, then where’ve you been?! tilllate is Europe’s biggest clubbing website. The ridiculously hard-working company send their snap-happy photographers to hundreds of events across Europe to pap revellers at some of the world’s hottest clubs! Check their website – you might already be on there! It’s also a fantastic social networking site and really innovative hub for all things clubbing! Not bad at all.

Unfortunately the office caught on to me sporting these babies! Don't think I'm ever gonna live this down........

Look forward to more ramblings from me next week! I’m sure you’re waiting with baited breath!

Joe

The Week That Saw...

2009-08-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

...Roisin confirm Burlectric, Bloom Festival give 2009 a miss, tilllate team up with someone exciting, oh and the lovely Maddie join the team!

Glen's Blog:
Hello again, how have you been?

It’s been seven WHOLE days since we were last together and you know what they say? A lot can happen in days of seven.

Firstly, Butterfly Knights – ‘Burlectric’, let’s talk. It is officially the most MAHOOSIVE club event of 2009. It’s official because I told you so. September 5th is a date for your diary, and saying that, the only date in your diary that matters. Róisín Murphy is now headlining, Razorlight are now DJing, and they join the line-up that consists of Hybrid, David E. Sugar, Rae and Goldierocks. There will also be a Burlesque performance from the incredible Miss Bijou Noir. Errrr, get involved!!! Get special price ‘early bird’ ticket tickets for £20 from www.butterflyknights.com

Secondly, tilllate magazine launches on August 28th. To celebrate, the brilliant brand of tilllate will be hosting and co-hosting parties at London’s Vendome Club, SW4 Festival and Boho in Ibiza. I shall tell you more about that next week because you, dear reader, will want to be part of it.

Lastly, and most importantly, me. My iPhone did something funny this week (and not a good funny), the new Whitney album comes out 23 days (and counting), and I am off to the Big Chill festival this weekend for sun, fun and a huge slice of Mr. Norman Jay.

Hayley's Blog:
Hello World,

Well, you’ve probably all heard by now that the lovelies over at Bloom have made the tough decision to cancel this years event. Sad news indeed, I was thoroughly looking forward to getting my Bloom on in Wales. Lots of factors, including the last minute site move and current economic climate pushed the organisers towards cancelling this years event and looking forward to Bloom 2010.

They’ve laid on a pretty tasty deal for ticket holders though, including upgrades to this weekends Big Chill or Brighton's Beachdown Festival, as well as free entry with +1 to next years Bloom AND a big party in Bristol. Should take the sting out of it for all those lovely punters. Still sad though.

I was so sad I had to go out and buy a Creamfields ticket. For the pain.

But you know how things are around here, not enough time to sit and feel sorry for ourselves! Have been keeping myself busy by getting involved in the St Pauli/Reeperbahn projects.

The Reeperbahn Festival is looking tastier by the day, with bands and crowds from all over the world set to descend upon Hamburg late next month. My personal favourites from the line-up so far? Biffy Clyro, Editors, Dinosaur Jr and Dananananaykroyd, with DJ sets from CSS to name but a few. I was checking out some of the venues on line yesterday and there’s some uber funky bars and clubs getting involved.

Anyhoo, I’ve babbled on enough for now, better get back to work.

Till next time, Sports fans.

Hayley x

Maddie's Blog:
First week at A Star PR done and dusted, and I’ve received more information in one week than a brain should receive in a month! The team have well and truly taken me under their glittery A Star wings and taught me the ropes and I’m very quickly getting the impression that the A Star PR office is never a quiet one – the phone hasn’t stopped!

Feeling very excited about my role here at A Star and getting truly stuck into my campaigns already, as well as falling head over heels for the wonderful Amy Dickson, Saxophonist extraordinaire who we are representing in a management role. Her new album is due for release in September and we’re busy planning world domination...shouldn’t be too hard considering that she’s FABULOUS!

Amy is preparing for three performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival next week so if you’re going along make sure you get along to see her if you can – you won’t regret it! She’s playing on the 12th, 14th and 15th August at Overseas House on Princes Street – click here for your tickets - http://www.edfringe.com/ticketing/detail.php?id=15376

So first week done and dusted, I’ve not run screaming yet (there’s always time...) – and here’s to next week!

(New girl) Maddie
x

2009-07-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Ian's Blog...
Well I have been quiet the last few weeks on my blog, as my proverbial feet have not touched the ground since my festival whirl wind has continued. Back in Blighty for the foreseeable future, I am glad to be eating roast beef this weekend in my own house rather than paella in a press tent!

There have been amazing performances from The Killers, 2 Many DJ’s, Oasis, Doves, Maximo Park and Laurent Garnier to name but a few and wonderful locations such as The Hop Farm , Benicassim and the exquisite Cornbury estate.

Back in London, we are full throttle travelling towards Bloom Festival, Tilllate Vendome and Ibiza parties, a quick stop at SW4 festival in Clapham and then onto Butterfly knights the amazing new conceptual event in London Bridge in September, and then a wonderful new festival to rival SXSW at the The Reeperbahn in Deutchland late September.

Mean while I am now representing the Sony artist Amy Dickson in every territory around the globe, something we are all delighted about at A Star Central!

Speak to you all next week.

Sara's Blog....

Another exciting week at A Star Towers. We’ve managed to avoid the dreaded S.F. and are forging on with some fantabulous projects. I’m meeting the stunningly beautiful (and hyper-intelligent) Amy Dickson this afternoon, of which I am very much looking forward to. We’re having a brainstorm meeting as to how to get the very best out of the shiny new campaign that we’re starting with the Sony signed, critically acclaimed saxophonist.

As we wrap up many of the festival projects that we’ve been working this summer we reflect on some of the brilliant coverage, nationally, regionally, online-ally and broadcast-ally that we’ve received. Bring on Bloom in a few weeks! As the hype for the newly located Bloomin’ marvellous weekend surpasses that of previous years, we’ll prove that this Bloom is to be the best yet!

www.bloomfestival.com

I’m planning a relaxing weekend painting (I need something to go on the wall opposite the Dalek) and am stumped with what to paint – any ideas anyone?

Glen's blog....

Hello reader.

Well, it’s my second week and I am officially a fully functioning A Star PR team member.

This week has seen the follow-up to the hugely successful Benicassim Festival in Spain. There was a mahoosive amount of coverage on Oasis and no show Lily, and, a little rumour about a fire that spread like, err well, wild fire.

Matter-of-factly, there was not a fire onsite and the 2009 Benicassim was the best festival of its league so far. Final. Can we get back to me now??.... I thank you.

This week, I have mostly been beaming about Butterfly Knights, the mother of event organisers. BK’s 3rd event, Burlectric, will hit London on September 5th with an explosion of burlesque dancers, fashion, performances and headline DJs – and you my friend, better be ready. For more info visit www.butterflyknights.com

I have another bit of BRILLIANT news for you dear reader.... A Star PR have just taken on the clubbing website tilllate.com. Something truly wicked this way comes.... and I shall tell you more about that next week.

Also, the office (well, just me), is stupidly excited about the news of Whitney Houston’s return, and, by the sound of Mary J. Blige’s new single ‘The One’. Just brilliant.

Same time, same place next week?

Glen AKA Fancy Pants

Ben's blog....

So.... with working all these festivals, I’ve not been at home for a weekend for 5 consecutive weeks now! I’m such a martyr. All good though, in between festivals we’ve been working on the stunning new London event ‘Burlectric’ organised by the visionary event organisers and promoter ‘Butterfly Knights’. Don’t take my word for it though, have a peek at www.butterflyknights.com.

We’ve also sent out a few proposals to some amaaaaaaaazing bands, so hopefully we’ll be reporting to you on those soon too!

It’s been far to quick this week as usual, but I can’t hang around –off to another festival this weekend. This time for pleasure rather than work. My body (and Ian) will hate me on Monday!

Best,
Ben

Hayley's Blog...

Hello All,

Well, it has been an interesting week!

Monday was the usual busy day in the office... had lots to do with Benicassim coverage, especially since there were some reports of the main stage being engulfed in flames. This never actually happened, so Team A Star were on the case to straighten that out. Had a look through some of the photos we’d been sent, and got a little case of the green-eyed-festival-monster. It looked like a fantastic weekend.

On Tuesday there was an incident on my way into the office, involving my head and a hefty chunk of scaffold falling from the sky, but the team jumped into action and looked after me, the lovely Sara whisked me off to hospital where they super-glued me up good and proper and sent me off home for some rest.

And home I stayed until today, when I happily rejoined the team, glue-in-hair and all! Have been sorting through all the Cornbury coverage, couldn’t help but think how long ago it seems! Time flies when you’re having fun and all that...Think my sun-burn has just about faded...so here’s to Bloom and remembering my factor 30 when we head up to Wales.

Think we’ve got lots of new projects on the cards too so am excited about seeing what the rest of summer will bring!

Until next time my lovelies...(I’ll try to avoid any skull battering till then...)

Hayley x

Imagine/Spanish/Flashmobs and Glen!!

2009-07-17T06:27:00.000-07:00

Sara's Blog.....

Hop Farm in Kent to Cornbury in Oxfordshire to Bloom recces in Chepstow to Reeperbahn meetings to Warner meetings to Butterfly Knights plans – it’s all go. The past two weekends have been manic and amazing in equal measure, along with exciting, knackering, opportunistic, sociable and many other suitable adjectives.

I’ve just had a great meeting with one of the Reeperbahn team from Hamburg, and it’s all action stations. We’re set to arrange some fantastic bands and promoters to feature at Septembers eagerly anticipated event. Watch this space.

Some of the team are out in Benicássim this weekend, heading up our international press arm over in Spain. Ian and Ben have been brushing up on their Espanol…si si senor!

I have a weekend of R&R ahead, as well as seeing James Lavelle and Scarlett Etienne on Sat – anyone else out and about in the Metrop?

Glen's Blog..

It’s me, Glen - I am the brand spanking new addition to an already brand spanking brilliant team at A Star PR. I fit in perfectly, right alongside Sara and the far end office wall as Account Executive.

This first week has flashed past amazingly quickly - but that’s what happens when you are having fun, right? The first five days have been filled with learning the in and outs of the fantastic portfolio of clients we have, preparing (between you, me, and the gatepost) and attending a Beatles Flash Mob in London’s Carnaby Street, working on the amazingly talented Beggar Joe and their Station Session in London’s King Cross St. Pancras, AND running the press area at the ‘posh mans festival’ the Cornbury Music Festival – a lot for little ol’ me and my one pair of hands.

Expect to hear more of my brilliantly scripted important waffle in the coming weeks. You shall look forward to it.

Hayley's Blog...

Hello all!

My first A Star blog! Landmark. Have settled in nicely the past month or 2...been a busy little bear though, with Hop Farm festival (which was brilliant), Cornbury festival (also brilliant, got to rock my new wellies!) and lots going on with Imagine, Beggar Joe, Reeperbahn and the other folks too.

Been starting to help Sara out with some Bloom festival tasks, am very excited about that, awesome line-up and we all get to go to lovely Wales! Bonus.

Have learnt a lot the past few weeks, am lucky to have such a great team to work under, but enough about that before they all get big heads!

Peace out,

Hayley x

Tom's Blog...

“Imagine there’s no Heaven, its easy if you try, no hell below us, above us only sky!”

These wonderful words rang out through Carnaby Street this Tuesday at maximum decibels as we played John Lennon’s worldwide hit whilst unrolling an 11ft by 8ft replica of the original Beatles contract (signed by the fab four and Brian Epstein).

Not just an average Tuesday in the office for us then J

But with coverage reflected everywhere from the Guardian blog to The London Paper, our client Imagine (who specialise in supplying ‘money can’t buy prizes’) were more than happy with the results.

Beggar Joe had their busking boots back on as they turned commuters heads at Kings Cross St Pancras station yesterday. If you fancy snapping up a snap of them then take your ‘pic’ from Getty Image’s selection here:

http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-GB&family=editorial&assetType=image&p=beggar%20joe&src=standard#

Meanwhile, on the other side of Europe in a town called Benicássim, Vince Power is back in the spotlight again. The Sun, News of the World, London Paper and the Daily Star will all be interviewing him about now courtesy of A Star’s finest (and only) Print Manager, yours truly :)

Thank you and goodnight!

The Week The Phones Just Wouldn't Stop Ringing (even more than usual...)

2009-06-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sara's Blog...
I know we say it every week, but what a manic one! We’ve been insanely busy, working all hours to get the best we can for our lovely clients.

There’s a nice big festival spread in The Independent today, highlighting how two of our favourite festivals, Cornbury Festival and the Hop Farm Festival, are successfully weathering this financial storm that we’re all currently riding out. We’ve achieved loads of great press across the board this week too. On Monday and Tuesday I was fortunate enough to spend time with Maestro José Serebrier, navigating him through various interviews, radio recordings and what not.

Am bracing myself for Father’s Day in the sun on the sandy beaches of West Wittering. Have you posted your card yet?

Tom's Blog...
The countdown to the Benicássim festival press accreditation deadline was very much on this week. With everyone from Radio 1, Capital Radio, The Sun, Mirror, Star, Times and many more wanting a piece of the action I found myself particularly popular with journalists! Still all entries are in now so next week there will be a lot of happy media packing their holiday bags!

Beggar Joe are on the up! With a handpicked list of target media receiving their EP about now, I hope to have instigated many hours of listening pleasure over the weekend for the UK press. Check them out at www.myspace.com/beggarjoe

The Fast Track to FIB Heineken competition is the hottest ticket in town next week – if you want to see the 5 of the very best unsigned acts at the Pigalle Club next Tuesday please email me on tom.green@astarpr.com and I’ll be happy to add you to the guest list.

Word.

The week we found Candy Cakes on Monmouth St...

2009-06-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Samir's Blog...

Hello lovely people,

As the week is coming to an end I indulged in an interesting assortment of jobs, ranging from bills, accounts and signing new clients. I will be livin' it up(hopefully) tomorrow night at the O2 Arena, showing off my dancing skills-if I can find them, networking and distributing business cards (not just to pretty ladies I'll have you know thank you very much).

Sara - I was very disappointed for you missing Stephen Fry’s call. I will have to get you lots of cakes to help you get over the trauma.

The festivals are approaching fast - this will really make it feel like Summer! Starting off with the very exciting Hop Farm festival on 4th & 5th July, followed by Cornbury and then Benicassim of which I know will all be big hits. Fingers crossed for good weather - I’ve been told it will be.

I look forward to the buzz of what next week brings working with the truly wonderous A Star team!

Sara's Blog...

Thanks Samir (the blog virgin I hasten to add).

It’s Friday! I’m off to see my pals Hybrid at Brixton Jamm tonight – what a perfect way to end such a great week. Cornbury Festival have announced two splendid additions to their already stellar line-up. Fleetwood Mac’s very own Mr Peter Green and – jollification! – the Lightning Seeds. On top of this, they’ve also leaked info on free under 12 tix available thanks to those ice-creamilicious people over at Wall’s. Yum yum. There are only 200 available though, so hurry while they last…

I was mortified last week when I missed a call in the office from my idol - the one, the only Mr Stephen Fry, but am slowly recovering due to exciting news from Warner Classics and Jazz. Keep reading for more info as the weeks go by.

We’ve got a wonderous new lady in the office (no not Ashley, she’s part of the furniture now) called Hayley. She is our latest new recruit, handling all that we throw at her with apparent ease – we’ve got a keeper here people!

Tom's Blog...
This week was colossal – I made Bev Burton, (the Hop Farm band booker) famous by getting her a half page feature in the London Paper!

This week I was frantically arranging press accreditation for the Benicássim festival. If you want a piece of the action go to
http://press.fiberfib.com/accreditations/

The closing date by which you have to have filled out all your details (including attaching the preview of the festival you should have already run) is 12:00 noon on June 19. Any applications after this time will not be awarded.

Check the Sunday Express this weekend – there’s gonna be a fashion feature on the Hop Farm festival! You heard it here first.

I’m out.

The Old 4 Day Week (...again!)

2009-05-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sara's Blog...
What a disappointment the usually exciting and enthralling metrop can seem when returning from a sunny beach break. The only thing that brightened up my return to London Town after spending the previous week on West Wittering beach was coming back to the A Star offices and getting back on task with WCJ and the festies and the wonderous Mr Campany.
Nate Campany (who is appearing on Bath FM over the coming weekend to plug his gig at Porter Cellar) will be playing at 333 Motherbar tonight (29th May) and at Porter Cellar as part of Bath Fringe Festival tomorrow (30th May). We’re had some great pieces of coverage come in surrounding these dates! Those of you in ‘Ackney will know this after seeing the truly splendiferous page feature in the Hackney Gazette that our very own Press Manager, Tom Green, nailed for us / them.

The José Carreras Collection is in the Classical Music Chart at No.10, keeping Warner Classics and Jazz a firm favourite in the stratosphere of Classical Labels. We’ve got some great reviews for various releases in this month’s BBC Music Magazine, including those from Erato, Das Alte Werk and Teldec.

Tom's Blog...
Opening the Day and Night pages of the Daily Express on a Monday morning and seeing a Vince Power interview that you pre arranged is always a good way to start the week. And from then on, this week just got better and better.

A fashion shoot arranged at the Hop Farm on Thursday should look pretty good when S Magazine (the Express again – we love them this week!) go to the printers in mid June. Arranging interviews for the Modfather Paul Weller himself if always an honour – and so it was with great pleasure that I sealed ‘The Big Monday interview’ slot with the Guardian this week too! Add to that festival features in Cosmopolitan, Company, Music Week, the Daily Star and you could be forgiven for calling me a PR guru!

Onwards and upwards people, the phone is ringing – these features don’t arrange themselves you know!!

Ian's Blog...
Well another truly eventful week at A Star HQ I have a new member of the team – the lovely Ashley who has come over to us Via Virgin Records.
We celebrated the birthday of the Creative Director of Agas and Tamar in New York one of our lovely fashion clients with a transatlantic phone party, something that needed no dressing up for and without the hangover the next morning.
I also had the great pleasure of meeting the beautiful and talented Nerina Pallot this week in her North London studio...wow what a power house, with a lovely team of peeps she works with...can’t wait to hear her new material.
So festival season has well and truly started and we are all excited here about the huge dance tent at the Hop Farm Festival in Kent, with Kissy Sellout, Etienne de Crecy and 2 Many DJ’s to name but a few!
Then we will hot foot it off to the beautiful Cornbury Estate, which is one of the most stunning locations in England. Mid July arrives and on with the sun screen and a hop skip and a jump over to Benicassim in Spain for some of the biggest names in music!
August is beckoning and it will be time to talk about the marvellous festival that is Bloom out in the West Country.
Well out of my festival day dream and back to work, the phones are ringing the printer is humming and team are bleating!
Ta Ta till next week.

Ben's Blog...

Blimey –where did the week go? This week’s fantastic news is that we are now very proud to be working with Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg on their global PR strategy. As well as the Reeperbahn festival itself, we’ll also be working with the Hamburg marketing board and promoting the amazing Reeperbahn area, in St Pauli, Hamburg as a great place for people like you and I to live, work, study and play. Then play a bit more. See http://www.reeperbahnfestival.com/ for more deets.

A few more new clients to announce –which we’ll pop up here next week. In the meantime there are update reports to be written and a weekend to prepare for ; ) Ben

A Classically British Evening

2009-05-15T09:48:00.001-07:00

Sara's Blog...
It was the epic classical Brits last night. The ballgowns were out in force as the likes of Myleene Klass, Katherine Jenkins and Darcy Bussell (plus loads of other classical / arts ladies) joined together to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the awards ceremony. The dapper chaps must not be discounted either – all looking rather dashing in penguin suits and sharply starched shirts.

Ian and I were there with Warner Classics & Jazz, celebrating the release of ‘The José Carreras Collection’ that has recently been receiving media attention due to the mighty Carreras’ Lifetime Achievement Award. All of the team were there in very high spirits and a splendid time was had by all.

The lovely Adrienne Connors from Times Culture joined our Warner table, along with the charming Mr Hugh Phillimore of Cornbury Festival fame. Lubbly chubbly.

It’s been a hectic week, what with me trying to get myself together for a week out of the office, but as always, a very fun week. We’ve got some corking results (BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 plays and plugs in particular!) and although I’m looking forward to getting away from the bright lights of the city, I’ll miss the heady buzz of the office!

Dancing Around Our Fictional Maypole...

2009-05-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Tom's Blog...
....And its a clean sweep for all our festivals in Time Out next week from A Star PR’s new Press Manager (please note the new title people!) Cornbury, Hop Farm, Bloom and Benicássim will all be featured in London’s hottest leisure guide! Pete Doherty will be performing at Benicássim too this year and the Mirror (with their 15 million readership) are now in my good books for reporting on this on today’s 3 am pages!

Also, I’m now best friends with the Sunday Express fashion editor who has promised me a fab fashion preview on Benicássim this year!

Did you read today’s London Paper – Benicássim is in that too!! Ian and I had a great meeting with Champion Records today - Having signed Paul Oakenfold, Will Smith / Jazzy Jeff and Salt n Pepper in the past, their back catalogue is very rich and we can’t wait to tell the press about it!

Nate Campany’s UK tour starts next week – check him out at http://www.natecampany.com/ Its all gravy!

Sara's Blog...
Good afternoon lovely blog readers of the world! I’m feeling ever so continental so here goes my best Spanish…

He tenido una semana sinceramente culta esta semana, habiendo lanzado en chorro a través de Europa en el nombre del arte. Es el privilegió uno acompañar a tres periodistas encantadores del RU (usted averiguará que pronto suficiente)! a Barcelona por un día de prensa con Sr Jose Carreras, yo fui responsable de asegurar todo fue un-bueno, nítida y corriendo lisamente a través del (muy largo) día. Tuvimos un entrevistar muy productivo de día uno del reverenciamos 'Tres Cursos' y aprendimos que él tiene miedo de Lampard - nota que la conversación giró inevitablemente al Barca – igual de Chelsea.

He tenido el gran cantidad al poste-viaje del seguimiento, más montones de noticias festivales para mantener reciente con, pero yo lo adoro. Mantenga a sus mirones pelados para numerosas guías festivales ahora en circulación y también esos debido fuera. ¡Nuestros festivales son parte del RU más fino!

Otras fiestas oficiales parecen estar sobre nosotros, así que otro 3 fin de semana de día aguarda. ¿Qué es usted hasta? Dígame en Gorjeo – saraboughtonpr – espero…

And in English:I've had a truly cultured week this week, having jetted across Europe in the name of art. Being the privileged one to accompany three lovely journalists from the UK (you’ll find out who soon enough!) to Barcelona for a press day with Mr Jose Carreras, I was responsible for ensuring everything was a-okay, ship-shape and running smoothly throughout the (very long) day. We had a very productive day interviewing one of the revered ‘Three Tenors’ and learnt that he is afraid of Lampard - note that the conversation inevitably turned to the Barca – Chelsea match.

I’ve had lots to follow-up post-trip, plus heaps of festival news to keep up-to-date with, but I love it. Keep your peepers peeled for numerous festival guides now in circulation and also those due out. Our festivals are some of the UK’s finest!
Another bank holiday appears to be upon us, so another 3 day weekend awaits. I’m going aqua zorbing down Devil’s Dyke in Brighton - what are you up to? Tell me on Twitter – saraboughtonpr – I’m waiting to hear from you all…

2009-04-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Sara's Blog...

I am no long facing the wall (albeit a lovely wall with the big shiny television) and have now taken a new desk next to my revered MD and Manager. Sandwiched is the word I'd use - maybe they want to have a lovely lady between then?

I'm jetting out to sunny Spain on Monday with 3 top journalists! Did I mention last week? Everything is now in place and we're all ready and raring to conduct some fabulouso interviews that will be turned into splendid features for Warner Classics and Jazz.

We announced Bloom Festival line up earlier this week - Esser will be appearing and we lurve him! He rocks that bow-tie like nobody else. The Bloom lovelies have done a sterling job on booking the artists this year, so 2009's festival in August should be the best Bloom yet.

I can't get Nate Campany's new tracks out of my head. Have you all heard it yet? This guy is going to go farrrrr. Not only is his music super catchy, it's so radio friendly and I love it. Am making my muso Daddio have a listen this weekend for the ultimate verdict - will let you know...

Tom's Blog...

Vince’s Power’s next press day ran according to plan this week with the world renowned music promoter happy to take a time out and talk to a very interested media. If you missed your chance don’t worry as I’ll be putting together a new one for him very soon.

The Fast Track to FIB Heineken competition is now well under way with over 1000 bands submitting their music in the hope that they will be performing on the Benicássim stage this summer. If you haven’t signed up yet check out the news piece that ran on the Sun online this week at http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/music/article2391618.ece

Nate Campany begins his UK tour in the very near future so if you want to see the young singer songwriter live then let me know! We can’t stop playing his album in the office and highly recommend you get your mits on a copy of it.

If I can be of assistance for any of the above or you just want to pick the brains of a PR guru then hit me up at tom.green@astarpr.com or find me on twitter on TomGreenMusicPR

Thank you and good night.

2009-04-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

sara's Blog:
These 4 day weeks, it has to be said, are exhausting! Fitting in our usual super-hectic week into a condensed version are making me rather weary, but fear not, for another weekend is upon us! Fingers crossed for nice weather as I’ve got a BBQ to go to. Enough about me though. The flights are being booked to Barcelona as we speak and Mr Carreras has a wonderous media day for Warner Classics & Jazz lined up. The Times, The Guardian and Performing Musician are being escorted across to sunny Spain, where we will enjoy time with the big man himself.

The tickets to the Classical Brits are confirmed, but who is on our Warner table? Wait and see! The awards ceremony is being screened on national TV, so keep your peepers peeled for our resident MD Mr Ian Roberts and my lovely self (minus the “Hi Mum!” banner, I promise).

We’re getting into festival mode more and more, and I now have my official 2009 festival wellies (Marc Jacobs don’t you know). With additional acts added to Benicássim and Hop Farm Festivals, Cornbury Festival running at full pelt and excitement mounting for the imminent line up announcement from Bloom Festival, I’m positively brimming with eager anticipation for the forthcoming festival season!

Tom's Blog:
This week I’ve been arranging press interviews for the one and only Vince Power. In light of the massive success of the Benicássim and Hop Farm festivals I’ve secured Music Week, The Stage and The Times. Extremely proud and willing to support a fellow Irishman, the Belfast Beat and Irish News will also be speaking to Vince too. If you don’t believe me check the papers next week!

In other news, the Homecoming festival was unfortunately cancelled this week. But fear not as all ticket holders will be entitled to a full refund, and arrangements are currently being made to organise new venues and dates for some of the artists that were scheduled to perform at Homecoming 09. New details will be revealed on www.homecomingfestival.com as soon as possible.

If you’re looking to discover a new favourite artist, check out Nate Campany...... and remember, you heard it here first.

Over and out...

Hippidy Hop - Hop Farm Festival Announcements Made Today!

2009-04-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Tom's Blog...

Nursing a nasty black eye (due to a clash of heads on the footie field) I conducted most of my Public Relations from the safety of my desk this week - but what a week its been. Glamour and Fabulous not only describe the way we’re all feeling at the moment but they’re two more massive print publications that have jumped on the Benicássim bandwagon!

The Hop Farm announced their line up today and within 2 hours we had a press day arranged for Vince Power. The Express and Navigator Magazine both wanted a piece of the action so look out for coverage coming soon.

As the Homecoming festival draws ever closer we’re getting ready to party like its Nineteen Ninety Nine in Scotland!!

Ben's Blog...

Regular readers will be surprised to hear that this week I’ve been quite busy....

Far too much to natter on about on here, but by far the highlight was yesterday’s trip to Scotland. As a consequence, we are now working with ‘Chip Tunes’ artist Unicorn Kid’ see www.myspace.com/unicornkid and very clever technology company that are helping many great independent bands at the moment ‘Popmorphic’ –see www.popmorhic.com.

In other news, we’ve just announced the first wave of Hop Farm Festival acts so the phones are ringing of the hook! (has that saying ever made sense??) Anyway, lots of fun, lots of work.

See you next week. Ben

Sara's Blog...

I was on Page 3 of The Sun this week. Yes, that’s right. Page 3! Not with my jumper lumps on display mind you, but with my fantastic Cornbury news about free tickets for the over 70’s. We’re powering through at super speed with our Cornbury campaign, getting tip-top coverage left, right and centre.

José Carreras has kindly offered us some of his ever-so-valuable time, allowing us to courier over some very special journo-types to sunny Spain to chat about his new release through Warner Classics & Jazz. I sense a swoon-fest coming on, regardless of the fact he’s older than my Pops…

Ian and I had a splendiferous meeting with my new favourite young chap, Waterson. Not only is he THE most charismatic fellow you’ll happen across, he’s also extremely talented – did I mention he can reach 3 octaves? Keep your eye on him – he’s leading the way with his take on Eccentropop. You heard it here first.

www.myspace.com/watersonmusic

Another busybusy week!

2009-04-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Sara's Blog...
Does anyone have a Granny I can borrow please? Cornbury Festival, the UK’s most eclectic and inclusive festival, announced this week that they were giving free tickets to anyone over 70 and under 5, so if your elderly relatives / friends fancy a frolic amongst morris dancers and farmers markets with the likes of Scouting For Girls, Sugababes, The Magic Numbers and The Pretenders, get them FREE tickets!

www.cornburyfestival.com

We’ve got amazing coverage on all of our projects this week from interviews on Kerrang! radio, to comp features with Blyk mobile worth a staggering £8k – and did I mention a potential full page feature interview in The Guardian? I’ll keep you posted on that one…

Tom's Blog...
Evening all....

Just when you thought those folks over at Benicássim couldn’t get any better they go and add Elbow, Maximo Park, The Horrors and Peaches to their line up – that’s right, the best just got better! The coverage has come thick and fast this week including pieces in the Mirror, Grazia as well as British Airways magazine High Life!

Not to be outdone, Homecoming have also added Ms Dynamite and Harvey to their entourage – check out the Scottish Sun next weekend (arranged by yours truly) for the feature interview with Harvey.

I bagged Ben Montague tidy little mention in this week’s Closer magazine as well as a feature in student mag Navigator.

And last but not least, Tah Mac is steaming full speed ahead and is now on his third press day.... The UK press just can’t get enough of him!

Ben's Blog...
This week, again, has been so busy that yours truly has barely had a moment to think. We’ve made many announcements to press this last week, mostly for the 5 spectacular festivals we’re working on. It’s amazing how many journalists get back to you a lot quicker, once there are festival review tix up for grabs!

As well as that, I’ve had a few meetings with a few lovely people i met out in SXSW and interview a few people for our intern /office junior role. There is also a potential ‘Chip Tunes’ project in the pipeline –google chip tunes if you don’t know and be prepared to see what the kids are in to these days!

Add to that a few gigs and networking lunches, that makes for a very busy young chap! Bring on the weekend.....

PS If you’re on twitter follow me @benallenmusicpr and also @astarpr –get amongst it!

2009-03-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sara's Blog....
Well, another busybusybusy week. We’re gearing up for more festival announcements next week, be it additions to the line up, super-de-duper offers or fantabulous new areas to the sites, keep your peepers peeled! A Star PR are where it’s at this summer…

Have you all bought a copy of The José Carreras Collection from Warner Classics & Jazz? If you never treated your Mother last Sunday then shame on you. All is not lost however, as the 2CD set is currently No.6 in the Classical Music charts, so go treat yourself now; then you can sing along when he performs at the Classical Brits in May.

Also, I am now on Twitter (finally I hear you cry), so follow me if you’re not already – SaraBoughton. Do it. Do it now! Apologies in advance for the constant Wodehouse references, it’s a serious infliction don’t you know.

Tom's Blog....
An entertaining lunch with the editor of Q Magazine, Mister Paul Rees earlier this week, put me in an extremely good mood. After listening to stories about Noel Gallagher, Madonna, U2, Anne Robinson and Bill Gates I have decided that I have nothing but respect and admiration for the man. After surreptitiously handing him information on ALL of my clients and speaking to him in great detail about each, I felt satisfied that my job was done.

Without pausing for breath I found myself back in the office and pitching again. Tah Mac’s second press day went off without a hitch, Ben Montague had a great interview with End of Term magazine and don’t even get me started on the festivals. Needless to say, we’ve been placing features on Benicassim, Homecoming, The Hop Farm, Cornbury and Bloom like nobody’s business!

Bring on next week!!

Ben's Blog....
Yeeehaw! I got back from the states this week having returned from a trade mission to the British Consulate in New York as part of the AIM (Association of Independent Music) music industry trip over there. There were 8 seminars over 2 days with the occasional showcase thrown in for good measure.

I met some great people including journalists, record labels, management companies etc as well as the UK Trade and Investment team, who hosted the 2 day event at their (very high –as in New York high!) office. Hopefully this will lead to us ‘doing business’ with the aforementioned music companies, as that’s pretty much the whole idea!

Then, next stop Austin, Texas for SXSW (South By South West) festival. After missing my connecting flight due to our plane not being able to land and nearly running out of fuel –and with the threat of having to stay in Charlotte Airport over night (which some people did)! I finally made it –half a day late, just in time to make my (frightfully expensive) dinner at the 4 Seasons Hotel. Oh yes, and the airline lost my luggage! Useless w******!

On a brighter note, Austin is an amazing place. I’d highly recommend if you’ve never been. SXSW is essentially a series of seminars and panels with a million showcases thrown in over 3 days. New bands are often signed here by labels and management as a result of their showcases. It probably the best time and place you can be to discover new artists and network.

I spoke to so many great acts, and will hopefully get to work with them very soon. As soon as we do, you’ll hear about it!

2009-03-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Sara's Blog....
Well it appears to be Friday again – I hate to say ‘already’ because we all love Fridays but this week has FLOWN by. I don’t know whether it’s been because we’ve been so busy or whether it’s because we’ve been having so much fun working all of our festivals, but we’re working harder, better, faster, stronger and loving every minute!

Our Mr Digital is in Texas YEEHAAA at SXSW, so it’s been all hands on deck. This week the rest of the team have caught up on the coverage front and have managed to cover our whiteboard with confirmed previews, features, interviews and whatnot. Not that I am bitter. At all.

Tom's Blog....
Q: What do Cosmopolitan, Mixmag, RWD, Bent Mag, M8, The Mirror, The Stage and DJ Magazine all have in common?
A: They all confirmed that they’re going to write about our festivals this week!!.... Howzatt for coverage? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg as I can assure you that next week I will have confirmed even more! If you still haven’t bought your tickets for Benicassim, Homecoming, Bloom, Cornbury and Hop Farm this year then don’t miss out.

Tah Mac is in town and with the help of Andre we’ve put together a press day for him that includes a front cover feature! The demand has been so strong that his next press day will be Thursday so if anyone wants to chat to the man Echoes mag are calling “Lupe meets Eminiem” drop me a line.

Ben Montague’s still flying high on the Radio 2 playlist so dont forget to tune in!

Jennie's Blog....
This week has been a fun week, not only has our favourite work experience Andre 3000 been with us but the sun has been shining down on Covent Garden putting is all in a lovely mood.
With Ben away in Texas we’ve all had to muck in and pull together and show how important team work is, so what would seem like was going to be a tough week has been a week of solidarity.
We are all little A Stars x

2009-03-13T11:06:00.001-07:00

Sara's Blog....
What a week! It’s been crazy busy with preparatory work for Ben’s trip to SXSW. Everyone has been pitching in, including Andre one of our favourite work experience persons (how politically correct am I?!), who has been drafted in whilst we’re one man down. With festival announcements aplenty, we’ve got our work cut out for us, but hey, that’s what we thrive on.
As part of our motivational drive (we heart praise in the A Star offices) we’ve erected of the previously dormant whiteboards, and now have a weekly coverage board to internally publicise our successes. Needless to say this stirs a little friendly competition in us all, rendering yours truly (Miss Boughton btw) this weeks runaway winner with pieces ranging from interviews in The Independent, through to 5 differnet reviews within one magazine! Whoop whoop!

Tom's Blog...
This week its been all hands on deck - If there’s no rest for the wicked then that makes us the devil himself! If anyone’s out there writing about festivals then drop us a line as we’re now working 5 of the very best - Cornbury, Homecoming, Benicassim, Bloom and Hop Farm!

Ben Montague delivered a great show at the Pigalle Club this week – well done Ben, onwards and upwards! Tah Mac will be back in town next Thursday so ladies and gentlemen please form an orderly queue - for interviews come to me.

Look out for a feature on The Benicassim festival in the Sunday Times Style over the next few weeks!

WHOOOOSH!

2009-02-24T03:31:00.000-08:00

Introducing A Star PR!!

Zest PR are delighted to announce that after a hugely successful 2008, and due to a changing direction towards areas such as marketing, events, reputation management and more recently fashion, we have decided to re-launch the company as a fresh, totally independent brand, called “A Star PR”.

We are still the same driven team you’ve grown to know and love, but we will be based at new offices in Covent Garden. We are extremely excited about the change and are continuing to work with great clients including many Independent artists, labels and festivals.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the years and look forward to our continuing relationship for many more.

Visit us at www.astarpr.com and for any information or questions you may have.

Please follow us and watch this space for further announcements and latest A Star PR news!