DJ Anna Kiss - News

New Monthly Radio Show - Kiss & Tell

2011-11-21T14:08:00.001-08:00

Last week I started my brand new monthly show on Ideal Clubworld Radio.

It airs every 3rd Thursday of each month, is one hour in duration and is between two LEGENDS of the scene who's records were some of the first that I bought, Tall Paul & Joey Beltram. This show is geared more towards the style of music I play in the clubs, House & Tech.

Check out the station's line-up.. its got some absolutely epic DJs on it.

Next month's show I hope to be able to stream live with webcam.

Please add my page or twitter so you can be reminded nearer the time :)

Here is last week's show for you to listen to again:

KISS AND TELL WITH ANNA KISS by IDEAL CLUBWORLD CHANNEL

Submarine Lounge Blog

2011-07-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

I like being blogged!

This is for a blog in cahoots with BFBS Radio (British Forces Broadcasting Services) which I play on every Monday at 10pm UK time.

http://triservice.blogspot.com/2011/06/sub-lounge-electro-anna-kiss.html

They have linked to my BFBS Bass'd shows which you can listen to and download, and also posted up about my next Kiss & Tell event which is really lovely of them :)

Thanks guys! x

Oooh I've been blogged!

2011-05-05T04:50:00.000-07:00

So lets backlink it eh!

http://nobreastsnorequests.tumblr.com/

http://djsoap.tumblr.com/post/5213896263/nobreastsnorequests-source-dj-anna-kiss

DJ signs & Tshirts are definitely the way forward! How can we change this culture of DJ harassment? ;)

DJ Request Signs

2011-03-15T06:21:00.000-07:00

DJ, are you tired of being hassled while you are trying to do your job by people requesting silly tracks and abusing you?

"Have you got any RnB?"

"Is it going to be House all night?"

"Can you play something good?"

These printable A4 signs might help!

http://www.djannakiss.com/downloads/DJ-Signs.pdf

I found the 1st one helped reduce the amount of whining and dumb requests last Saturday and due to popular demand these signs are now public for you to download and share. Good luck, may the force be with you xxx

www.twitter.com/annakiss
www.facebook.com/missannakiss

Anna Kiss Answers Your Questions

2011-02-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I posted up on my Facebook page:

If you were reading an interview with me, what questions would you like asked?

And there were so many good questions I thought I would answer them here!

Cameron Lundell: When before next November are you coming to Portland? :)
I'm not sure, there are a lot of enquiries from all over the US, however nothing confirmed as yet... I'm hoping for it just as much as you are! Portland rocks! And last time I left I said that any booking I get anywhere in the US before November, I will fly to Portland myself!
Mel Meatballs Michael: What is your best and worst gig?
Tough one that.. My first Pakistan gig was amazing, I ended up playing 5hrs and everyone was having such an amazing time. Likewise both gigs in Portland USA. It will take a lot to top those.
And as for the worst, India NYE 2006ish springs to mind, then the promoter seemed to think I was some kind of 'lady of the night' that he could use to help in his business negotiations with businessmen, and if that wasnt bad enough, I was stuck there for 15 days because they were disorganised getting me a flight home. They disappeared off to Thailand hoping to lumber me with the hotel bill but luckily I had my contract to show them so that I could leave and get my 3 flights & lots of stopovers home!
I dont want to dwell on negativity, because I'd rather dwell on my luck being really good from now on!
Mel Meatballs Michael: what is YOUR top 5 favourite Tunes?

Ahh! another tough one...
Right now its:
TOM STAAR - IT EXCITES ME
DJ BAM BAM FT SUE CHO - YOUR LOVE IS EXPLOSIVE
HARRY ROMERO, JUNIOR SANCHEZ & ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE - WHERE YOU ARE (STEVE ANGELLO REMIX)
Oh man, thats only 3 (because I cant remember the artist title of one - the new 'It's Like That' remix), so that'll have to do for now, it changes all the time anyways!
Mel Meatballs Michael: Where in the world have you not played but really would like to?
Australia, Thailand, South Africa and South America
Tim SubOne Bennett: When did you get into mixin and why did you start?

I started collecting vinyl when I was 8yrs old but didnt start mixing until I was in my early 20s. I started because music was in my soul and it just had to be done! I was very lucky to be in a circle of people who were also learning and some experts who gave me a lot of really good advice which still serves me now.
Toni Heavydutybrothers Toolz: how did you and Heavy Duty Brothers end up working together and are the rumours true that Toni Toolz is a nice bloke? X
Yes its very true, Stu's very nice too!
I can't remember how it happened... didnt you practically beg me to come along? but only if I brought cakes..? ;o)
I am very very grateful for knowing you guys, BIG LOVE xx
Moka H Mokavich who inspire you ? when you felt that music is your passion and you need to be part of this industry ? :) x
I used to record podcasts when I was 5yrs old... so music and being a radio DJ was something that was there prior to any inspiration from external sources.
What got me onto mixing was one night in 1994 I went to Club UK (London) for a night called 'Back to 92' where I saw DJ Rap on the decks and I thought, you know what, THAT is what I was born to do!
Paul Rejon How is your love life?
Great thanks!
Nick Ballinger If you could only watch one movie and listen to one album for the rest of ur life what would they be? And what happens to speed garage?
hmmmm... I hope that never happens! It would probably be the Brown album by Orbital, because it is timeless and has several types of mood throughout.
Movie would be Avatar because it's enchanting and it's not as much of a fantasy as people realise.
Speed Garage - well that died out in 1999/2000 - because of the natural progression of music. I believe Garage probably didnt move on beyond 2004 because it had a label that held it back. The Electro I play, and the Fidget genre, thats what Speed Garage grew into. I feel as humans we get bogged down too much in the labels of things, when music is something that is forever changing and developing.
Tyler Stolzenburg Wanna get a drink after your set?;-)
Only if youre paying
Benjamin Ducruet Would you like to do a mix from Cerrone's "Je Suis Music" ?
Not really sure what this means! Do you mean do a remix? I'd love to remix anyone well known :o) It's an honour.
Scott James Taylor What is your favourite colour?
This, like music, is another thing that changes with feelings! As I'm a Reiki Master, colour is very important to me. It's therapeutic and I will often imagine coloured light if I need it to help me change my mood or feelings. I love turquoise (colour of communication), pink (colour of love), and purple (colour of spirituality).
You know what though, I'll just say WHITE, because the rainbow comes from white light - I couldnt possibily choose a favourite!
Marylin Maupoint What are your 2011 goals?

There are too many to write here :) and funny you should ask that Maz, as today I'm going to write them all out properly.
The musical ones are to have a Beatport Top 10 with a track that everyone wants to play, to have a busy year with lots of international gigs and to finally get my lucky break....

Anna Kiss & Heavy Duty Brothers - Heavy Knights OUT 28th FEB

2011-02-15T10:51:00.000-08:00

Yes, its finally going to drop into all good download stores on BASS BOOM Recordings.

Someone has kindly blogged it here so you can hear all the remixes as well as the original :)

http://theechoshow.blogspot.com/2011/02/anna-kiss-heavy-duty-brothers-heavy.html

Podcasts

2011-02-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

I already have a popular podcast on iTunes for my weekly Lip Locked radio shows.

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=350750722

As I have loads of mixes online I thought I would make it easier for our Apple family with another podcast so you can stay up to date with my mixes and get them as soon as they land!

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/anna-kiss-mixes-podcast/id419138048

Please subscribe and then you'll be able to be up to date with all audio I do as soon as it lands!

DJ Software - Serato or Traktor?

2011-01-12T07:11:00.001-08:00

http://xtiandj.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/serato-vs-traktor-for-the-existing-dj/

A friend of mine has written an expert blog for any DJs who are looking to go down the software route, as I am doing right now!

I wanted to share it with you as it's very helpful. I just bought my Macbook and I'm leaning more torwards Traktor at the mo

My Woman Track featured on web-advert

2011-01-12T06:48:00.000-08:00

Please check it out!
http://txtworx.org/helping-customers-find-you

New T-shirt Designs available - for men & women, choose your colour!

2010-10-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

Mauh-J - JACKIN (Anna Kiss remix)

2010-10-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Out very soon on Woot Records!

Filthy Fidget T-shirts

2010-10-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SHOP

I have a small stock of men's red & black T-shirts - women's vests soon come!

Website Back Up!

2010-09-24T09:38:00.001-07:00

My website just this minute came back online!

Here's the most recent download for you:

LIP LOCKED 149

Website Down!

2010-09-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovely readers!

Unfortunately earlier this week the server that I host my website onto was hacked, so currently my website is not online. It will be up again by Monday 27th September latest, so I apologise for any break in your ability to download.

As soon as we're up there will be 2 Lip Locked shows for you to catch up on, 149 & 150.

If you'd like to receive an email when the site is back up and running and ready for you to download from again, then please sign up to my mailing list by clicking here.

Thanks for your patience xx

Hmm.. Facebook's automated responses...

2010-08-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

Well after a morning that should have been spent in the studio working on a remix, I instead spent it trying to work out how to access my old email account on my old domain, so that I could contact Facebook as they requested.

Finally I worked it out, emailed facebook again from that email.. only to receive the same email back from them, saying there is no account registered in that email address.. Errrr, maybe thats because you assholes deleted my account!!

So, not happy I've been emailing a robot all morning I clicked on this help and reported my issue somewhere else on their site:

http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=disabled

People who have their accounts deleted with no warning like that, they say this to:

Unfortunately, accounts that are disabled for severe violations of Facebook's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities cannot be restored.

Doesnt sound hopeful at all... So I sent them my sob story again.. hoping for the best....

Wow 2 Facebook replies already!

2010-08-25T03:54:00.000-07:00

Shame they contradict eachother!!!

REPLY 1

Hi,

You were disabled because you created or posted content (i.e., photos, groups, shares, etc.) that violated Facebook's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities.

Types of content that are prohibited from Facebook include, but are not restricted to the following:

• No nudity or other sexually explicit content • No content that contains hate speech or directly attacks an individual or group • No content that contains self harm or excessive violence • No content that contains illegal drug use

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to reactivate your account or respond to your email directly. This decision is final and cannot be appealed. You can visit the Warnings section of the Help Center for more information:

http://www.facebook.com/help/?topic=warnings

Thank you for contacting Facebook,

The Facebook Team

*so WHY did they tell me it was due to a fake name?! I have replied to this saying it cant be right as I was receiving harrassment that day it got disabled. Someone has blatantly reported me maliciously because there was definitely nothing negative on my page. I'm always VERY vigilant about that*

REPLY 2

Hi,

The email address from which you are writing is not associated with a Facebook account. We will not be able to assist you with your request until you respond from the email address that you use to log in to your account.

When you respond, be sure to write your login email address in the subject line and include all of our previous correspondence so that we can refer to your original inquiry.

If you are unable to access your login email address, please visit http://www.facebook.com/help.php?page=746.

Thanks,

The Facebook Team

**I have replied copying in the original email that I wrote to them explaining all about why I couldnt reply from my old email address**

Still no word from Facebook...

2010-08-25T03:29:00.001-07:00

So I've chased them up with another email:

Dear Facebook,

It's been 6 days now and I've not had a response from you. I know that you will have read my email because over the years when there were website problems needed resolving you have been almost instant in your replies, never taking more than 2 days to respond personally.

Please will you dignify me with a response, I feel it is totally unfair that you disabled my account without even talking to me first.

I need to access my Girl djs .com group http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=28611518942&ref=search and there are no other admins in the group. This group is a closed community of female DJs where we name blacklisted promoters that are a danger to work with, and I also use it to contact the girls to see if they are interested in jobs that are available through my agency. I need to moderate this group and I also have 2 blacklisted promoters that I need to inform them all about.

Anyway, this aside, as I'm sure you're not interested in my problems. Can you please please just contact me to discuss how we can proceed with the reinstatement of my account.

I will leave you with an exerpt of an email that someone told me they had sent you:

1. If Facebook is a SOCIAL website, Anna Kiss (who has a ton of friends/fans alike) should be allowed to use the name ANNA KISS as a name everyone knows her by.

2. If Facebook is a BUSINESS website, Anna Kiss should be able to use that name for her Facebook profile also.

So which is it?

Also If it only takes ONE person to report a profile and you then take it down, then it should only take one person to want it reinstated - Good thing for Anna, she has hundreds - Reinstate Anna Kiss back on Facebook fan page - Currently 259 members.

Looking forward to hearing from you soonest,

Kind regards,

Anna Kiss

My Facebook account has been disabled!!

2010-08-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Loooong essay now follows! I thought this would be useful for other people who have had their Facebook accounts deleted/removed, as I have done lots of research the past couple of days.

On Tuesday I went to log into my Facebook account to discover that it had been disabled as I have a 'fake name':

Your account was disabled because the name under which it was registered was fake. We do not allow users to register with fake names, to impersonate any person or entity, or to falsely state or otherwise misrepresent themselves or their affiliations. In addition, Facebook accounts are intended for use by single individuals, so groups, clubs, businesses, or other types of organizations are not permitted to maintain accounts.

So, I did the 'report here' thing, telling them my name and why I use facebook. They then sent me an email, asking me to reply to it to verify myself. My email account I registered with all those years ago I can only receive on, not send, but they say that this is fine, just to explain if this is the case.

After looking into other people's experiences and googling high and low on the subject, today I sat down for a couple of hours to write the following response:
NB: some things have been deleted only to protect my privacy

Dear Facebook,

I replied before to the email that you sent below to verify my account, I know that I am probably in a queue but I thought I would write to you as I would like to get this issue resolved as soon as possible. I will now proceed to inform you of some relevent information.

Firstly, I am emailing you now from *email 1*, and my Facebook account is registered with my old email account *email 2*. I had been trying to change my facebook account to my new email address just last week, but couldnt work out how to do it unfortunately.

Secondly, I did not set up my facebook account using false information, nor as a profiteering tactic. I am a real person and I am really shocked that you disabled my account without checking with me first, or asking for proof before doing so. There are 633 Anna Kiss' on Facebook, why me?

I hope that you will reactivate my facebook account because I have been a long-term facebook user for many years with a perfect track record. I am sure you can check out my account to see that I use it reasonably. I had 5000 friends on the account and the majority of these people added me, meaning that I am very well known by my name Anna Kiss. It is not a fake name.

On Tuesday, the day that my account was disabled, I received harassment throughout the day from 9am GMT. The people that I had played for in Sri Lanka on Friday posted up a libellous message on my profile and fan page several times. They also posted up a scanned receipt that I had signed, but they had doctored it and deleted things that I had written on it. There were about 6 people doing this, which included 'Jake Sky Kiss', 'Kash Love On Kiss', 'Kyler On Kiss' (all who are using fake names incidentally). Because I wasnt happy with the libel and my signature being continuously posted in the public domain, I deleted their posts, removed them from my friends list and banned them from my fan page. Even though they owe me money I was always professional in handling the problem, you will see this in your records.

I wonder if perhaps the action of banning them got me banned? As I ticked the box to say: I understand that blatant or repeated invalid reports could result in disciplinary action being taken against my account.

Or more likely, maybe one or more of these malicious people clicked REPORT on my profile and said I was using a false name?

I have attached a copy of my signed artist contract which clearly shows my name Anna Kiss. This legal document surely is enough proof alone.

I just want you to see the whole picture. And speaking of pictures, I have also attached an image which is a montage of some of the flyers of parties I have played at since 2000. It clearly shows you that I am no fake, Anna Kiss is a name that is known all over the world.

To prove this further please check my other web presences:

http://www.djannakiss.com - 560 members / 350 average daily visitors

http://www.myspace.com/annakiss - 10,047 friends / 80,697 hits

http://twitter.com/annakiss - 1036 followers

http://soundcloud.com/annakiss - 944 followers

http://uk.linkedin.com/in/annakiss - 218 connections

http://www.youtube.com/user/djannakiss - 253 friends / 351 subscribers

http://www.podomatic.com/profile/annakiss - 222 friends

http://www.reverbnation.com/djannakiss - 146 fans / #17 in London chart

http://djannakiss.blogspot.com - 95 followers / 30,565 hits

http://anna-kiss.blogspot.com - 12 followers

http://thedjlist.com/djs/ANNA_KISS/

http://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/annakiss

In a google search I come up on the first page in all but 2 of the searches:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=anna+kiss&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a

On page 9 of the google search I am still coming up heavily, therefore I am predominently the Anna Kiss of choice by google! Where are your 633 other Anna Kiss'?

And I also would like to mention that my weekly radio show hits over 4000 listeners each week, making the total amount of people who interact with me on a weekly basis phenomenal... I am most certainly not a fake! And these people are in uproar about my account deletion too, please see these 2 facebook groups that have been set up asking that you reinstate my account:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=107132919343947&ref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=143599582338661&ref=ts

I use Facebook for social networking. I do not use it to profit in any way.

SOCIAL: I use the events feature to invite my friends to parties I am playing at and to see which parties I would like to go and network at. It's also very useful for people to find and contact me.

NETWORKING: With other artists all over the world and with people I have met on my travels. To remember all their names to re-add them would be an impossible task. I also have a fan page and group too.

I never promote myself unfairly or spam people, I dont pester people with group mailouts. I just do my thing and enjoy social interaction with my friends.

I am sure you are aware of John Swift who was deleted in the same manner:

http://jonswift.blogspot.com/2007/11/facebook-declares-war-on-blogosphere.html

You reinstated his account because "others on the site seemed to know you by this name, and since you don't appear to be using the name to impersonate or to hide your identity, we have determined you are not violating our Terms of Use".

I am Anna Kiss, this how I am known, and I have thousands more followers worldwide than Mr Swift does, and much more proof that I am Anna Kiss than he had to prove he was Jon Swift.

In light of this, I sincerely hope that you will review all of this information I have given you and reactivate my account soonest.

Please do get in touch, by email or phone, if you need to discuss anything.

Hoping to hear from you soon,

Anna Kiss

DJ Anna Kiss
www.djannakiss.com
www.myspace.com/annakiss
www.facebook.com/djannakiss
www.twitter.com/annakiss
www.youtube.com/user/djannakiss

Digitally Imported Electro - Every Tuesday 7pm GMT www.di.fm/electro
DBS FM Turkey - Every Wednesday 10pm GMT www.dbs.fm Dance FM Cyprus - Every Friday 9pm GMT www.dancefmcyprus.com Rhythm FM - Every Friday 10pm GMT www.ctduo.com Twisted TV - Every Friday 9pm GMT www.twistedtv.co.uk
Kiss FM Algarve - Every Saturday 2am GMT www.kissfmalgarve.com
Red Sea Dance - Every Saturday 5pm GMT www.redseadanceradio.info

-----Original Message-----
From: info+0esjsss@support.facebook.com [mailto:info+0esjsss@support.facebook.com]
Sent: 17 August 2010 15:50
To: **
Subject: Re: Disabled - Fake Name

Hi,

Please reply to this email to verify that you are the owner of the account that you referenced in your Facebook support inquiry. This security step must be completed before Facebook can respond to your inquiry. We apologize for any inconvenience.

If this email address is not associated with your Facebook account, please make note of this in your reply. In addition, please do not begin creating a new account until we have reviewed your inquiry, as this may make it more difficult to resolve your issue.

Feel free to visit our Help Center at any time to look for answers to other questions you may have about accessing your account:

http://www.facebook.com/help/?topic=login

Finally, note that writing in multiple times will not result in a faster response. Once you submit your initial request, it is placed in a queue and responded to accordingly. We appreciate your patience.

Thanks,

The Facebook Team

So there you go, I will keep you posted of any replies...

Also, something you may find handy, I sent this email not only to the address that they emailed me from in the verificaiton, but also to some other addresses that I found in a forum, and they didnt bounce:

disabled@facebook.com

info@facebook.com

appeals@facebook.com

abuse+dt17u8y@facebook.com

Guest mix on DJ Adi's show

2010-08-09T15:42:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to be asked for a guest mix on DJ Adi's radio show. You can listen/download the show here:

Gemini Essentials - Anna Kiss 002 by Soundzrepublik

Please vote for me in the Top 100 DJs competition

2010-07-29T13:33:00.001-07:00

2010-07-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited about this Saturday 31st July 2010

We're doing another Shebang! at Circle Bar, Clapham.

from 4pm - 3am! partying outside at first - Pimms on the terrace anyone?

Fabulous female DJs and funky music... what more could you ask for?

We hope to see you there!

To get on the FREE list AND get a FREE shot - please email your full names & mobile number to:- info {a} shebang.me

Lip Locked holiday cover shows

2010-07-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

As I'm overseas for a bit I have sorted out a host of guest mixes for you guys. And because I love both House & Electro I decided to do 2, yes TWO, Lip Locked shows each week for you! Giving 6 DJs the chance to be heard worldwide.

The shows will NOT be available to download, however some of them the tracklistings will be available on my blog once they have aired, with links to download the original mix (without my yabbering all over it). Click here: http://djannakiss.blogspot.com/

*ELECTRO SHOWS*

Digitally Imported Electro - Tuesdays 7pm GMT http://www.di.fm/electro

LEE H: TUES 6TH JULY
GEE 4RCE: TUES 13TH JULY
DIESEL LAWS: 20TH JULY

*HOUSE SHOWS*

DBS FM Turkey - Every Wednesday 10pm GMT http://www.dbs.fm/
Dance FM Cyprus - Every Friday 9pm GMT http://www.dancefmcyprus.com/
Rhythm FM - Every Friday 10pm GMT http://www.ctduo.com/
Kiss FM Algarve - Every Friday 11pm GMT http://www.kissfmalgarve.com/
Twisted TV - Every Friday 9pm GMT http://www.twistedtv.co.uk/
Red Sea Dance - Every Saturday 5pm GMT http://www.redseadanceradio.info/

GARTH HILL: 7/9/10 JULY
LIZZIE CURIOUS: 14/16/17 JULY
SUGARSHAKER: 21/23/24 JULY

View this on facebook

TRACKLISTINGS FOR THESE GUEST SHOWS IF PROVIDED BY THE DJ ARE AVAILABLE BY CLICKING HERE

YOU WILL ALSO FIND LINKS TO DOWNLOAD THE ORIGINAL MIX, WITHOUT ANY TALKING OR ANYTHING! HOW FANTASTIC...

Guest mix on Pete Farmer's Radio Show This Week

2010-06-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.pushfm.com/news/323/22/ANNA-KISS-JOINS-PETE-FARMER-ON-THURSDAY-24TH-JUNE-AT-4PM

2 New Tracks in my Player!

2010-06-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

This week has certainly been a productive one!

Having just finished 2 new tracks in differing styles:

Anna Kiss & Heavy Duty Brothers - Heavy Knights CLIP by Anna Kiss ––˟

Anna Kiss - Rhythm of Africa CLIP by Anna Kiss ˟

Now to get them signed....

"Rhythm of Africa" featured in an online advert

2010-06-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

My latest track is featured in an online advert!

Check it out here: http://www.txtworx.com/uses-benefits/rsvp/

Shebang! @ South City

2010-06-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a video from what Anna got up to last Sunday

Are You Ready? at NUMBER ONE on Juno Downloads!

2010-06-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

I am soo happy to announce that the collab track that I did with The Heavy Duty Brothers has been at number 1 in the Juno Electro House Download Best Seller chart all day today!

Thank you to everyone who supported.

Click here to check out the track

This Blog!

2010-06-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

I've just had a little re-tweak on this blog too - It's going to be all about news and updates from now on.. because at some point I hope to be able to feed it onto my website!

Wish me luck ;o)

My Blog (the other one)

2010-06-01T14:52:00.001-07:00

As you may or may not know, I have a long running blog where I list TRACKLISTINGS to all my Lip Locked radio shows as well as all the Mixes that I do.

Of late I noticed that lots of producers have been giving away their tracks & bootlegs, so I thought that I would help them out with spreading the word - everyone loves a bit of free music hey!

Please check it out here:

http://djannakiss.blogspot.com

If you scroll down, on the right you will see CATEGORIES, where you can select 'Radio shows' or 'FREE Tracks', depending on your reason for visiting.

It's all rather groovy really!

If you are a producer and you have a track you are giving away, please post the link to download it in the comments here. If I like it I will list it - easy!

Forthcoming Shebang! Events & Launch Party Gallery

2010-05-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Forthcoming Shebang! Events & Performances

SUNDAY 13th JUNE 2010

South City @ Dex (Brixton, London)

SATURDAY 26th JUNE 2010

Shebang! @ Perfect Fifth (Taunton, Devon)

SATURDAY 31st JULY 2010

Shebang! @ Circle Bar (Clapham, London)

SATURDAY 2nd OCTOBER 2010
Shebang! @ Perfect Fifth (Taunton, Devon)

A massive thanks to all the party people who came down to our launch party at Babalou on 17th April 2010. Check out the gallery here! Female DJs rocking the place :o)

It's not going to be the whole Shebang!

2010-04-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, its finally the launch day of the party that has been the one constant in every day of my life for the past few months. I worked soo sooo hard on the Shebang! launch at Babalou, Brixton (London UK), we all did - and that's why its heartbreaking for me not to be a part of it tonite.

I played in Lithuania last nite and was due back in the UK today, but alas this pesky Iceland Volcanic ash cloud has scuppered my plans. In fact I could be stranded here until the middle of next week at least. Who knows when it is going to clear up. This also means that I can't record my Lip Locked show this week, I think I will air the recording of my set at Barbar'a in Lithuania last nite.

Anyway, I just wanted to say I am deeply sorry, to my team members of Shebang! and all the people who were looking forward to seeing me perform there. I hope you will all still make it and report back to me how good it was!

Have a great evening

Anna

xxxxx

Cubase & Midi - The essential bit of reading

2010-02-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

After rebuilding my studio PC I have hunted high and low for this wonderous article that is the ultimate guide to Cubase MIDI problems, such as delay and notes playing early (which isn't actually latency, although most people, even the Cubase boffins, assume it is).

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec07/articles/cubasetech_1207.htm

Its deep and its gooooood!

If your notes play early or late, then its all about the 2nd paragraph - tick the 'use system timestamp' box.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Eager Young DJs... be strong!!

2010-02-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

I saw this advert for a DJ today needed for a new 200/300 capacity venue in Reading today:

http://uk.music-jobs.com/current/electro-club-night-dj-wanted-job-24560579

And it boiled my blood!!

I'm not a member of music jobs, or I'd be in touch with the promoter to ask him if he's offering the same crap deal to the other less skilled members of his staff, such as bar staff & cloakroom people.

My feelings have been blogged - check it out here:

http://rudedj.com/2010/02/17/dj-storiesdj-stories-anna-kiss-spots-shitty-ad-for-dj/

Here is the discussion we had on my Facebook status today:

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages#!/djannakiss?v=feed&story_fbid=353784699417

Happy New Year!

2010-01-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

Ooh I've been blogged!

http://www.startheory.blogspot.com

Well so much has happened in the past month or so... and I've not had a chance to blog it! I have travelled to Egypt twice and had so many funny mad experiences - that I should have written about... but I didnt!

But I did video lots of things! I am going to edit them together asap and post them up on youtube, which is a far more fun way to see what i've been up to! So please subscribe to my channel then when the new vids are up, you'll be first to see them.

http://www.youtube.com/user/djannakiss

Wishing you all the very best of love, luck, health & happiness for 2010.

xAx

Meeting the Swedish House Mafia!

2009-11-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Yes!!! What an exciting evening Friday was! We were privileged to spend a 5 minutes meet and greet with Axwell, Steve Angello and Seb Ingrosso.

It was all rather funny really as the details weren't made very clear to us, so we believed we'd just be meeting Steve Angello. So nervously excited as I was, I wasn't prepared to be meeting all 3 of the Swedish House Mafia!

The time came when we were ushered up the stairs and another surprise was that we were being filmed by a Swedish guy.. for an official video I am assuming.. (will have to look out for that on the SHM youtube channel!). We got to the top of the stairs and he asked us a few questions, which was hilarious as my girlies aren't as up with the info on the SHM as a DJ would be! So after a few awkward answers and me trying to step in to help the girlies out, we were ushered down a corridor... past the dancers... to a door, which had an A4 piece of paper on it saying "Swedish House Mafia Dressing Room".

GULP! Whaaaa....? Door opens, and before you know it there is a hand in mine and a kiss on each cheek from their Manager. Next up I'm doing the same with Axwell then Steve Angello. Absolutely stunned I walk up to Sebastien Ingrosso who sweetly says "Hi, I'm Seb", and I was like "haha yeh, I know!".

When I put my bag & camera down on the table I noticed that my hands were shaking. It must have been the total shock of meeting them all.. I SO wasn't prepared. For meeting them or for being star struck!

We had our pics taken and made some small talk, I gave each of the guys my latest mix (on which none of their tracks appear.... oops!), and then we left. I wish I had had time to compose myself because I really wanted to know what kind of equipment they use (you cant see it from the pit when they are on stage) amongst other DJ tecky type things.

As I walked out the camera man was there so I gave him my excited reaction.. probably a bad idea haha, as I was still in shock. If they use the footage I do hope I dont come across like a total muppet haha! I was star struck as these guys are the world leaders in successful House music... Big up the SHM!!

Here are some videos of the most amazing stage show that I have ever seen!! Check 'em out :o)

DJing in a shop window...

2009-11-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday I did a DJ booking with a difference.. I played in the Oasis store in Brighton, a booking kindly sorted out by one of my agents, Bubblefunk.

I wasn't really sure what to expect and when I arrived I was surprised to see the decks set up right at the entrance of the store in the shop window, in full view of everyone walking in the street!

They put me in some lovely clobber, then I played 3 hours of club classix, House and Electro, while munching on delicious chocolates and drinking posh cider for ladies. The people coming into the store I didnt think would appreciate what I was doing, but you know what, they are a funky cool bunch down in Brighton, young and old alike were gettin on down!

My friends DJ Jolie & Laura Brown were also doing the same thing in different Oasis stores, here's us doing our thang:

www.annakiss.co.uk

www.djjolie.co.uk

www.djlaurabrown.co.uk

Roached Eggs Competition Winners!

2009-10-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

Well done to everyone that entered, please click the link to see the winners - the ones that brought the biggest smile to my face!

http://www.annakiss.co.uk/comp.html

Many thanks to www.roachedeggs.com for the goodies!

The Truth About DJs

2009-10-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

I feel that someone has to say it... I'll probably get dissed for it but I think it should be common knowledge, as maybe then things will eventually change... Every professional DJ in London that I know (minus 2 or 3) are moaning at the way things are right now. Perhaps recession has just kicked in to our profession.. or perhaps the fact that everybody is a DJ these days is the cause.. Actually there are probably 100 factors...

The truth is... the up and coming DJs that are playing the circuit and have gigs all the time - its not because they are good or in demand, it's because they play for peanuts (or commission from selling tickets). (they might be good - I'm not saying they're not - I'm just saying that because you see them on a flyer every weekend, doesn't mean that they are big in the game!)

It didn't used to be like this. 10yrs ago you started off playing for free, then you got £50 once you had made a little name for yourself. DJs that used to get £250 5yrs ago, are now down to £125. Because promoters don't care about the quality of DJ.. they just want people through the door, i.e. money! (I don't think its conscious greed, I think it becomes of living in the greedy culture of the UK - handed down from our corrupt government).

So there you go.. thats it.. it's not even my 2 pennies worth because you should note that I haven't actually said what I think about it! I'm just telling you how it is :o) xxx

NEW Podcast on Lifted UK - great site!

2009-09-26T04:23:00.001-07:00

Check it out:

http://lifted.uk.com/podcasts/?p=3063

I just discovered Wordle....

2009-09-18T10:40:00.001-07:00

File Sharing

2009-09-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

Following up from my blog entitled Radio Show Downloads, Promos and the Law which provoked a huge response from my readers and listeners, I thought I'd copy you in on an email I just received from a promo list I am on.

I am really pleased that something is finally being done, and I really hope it deters DJs who should feel valued to be on these lists.

"We are aware that the internet is a huge source of information and a great way to share files, however we have a reputation to uphold with the labels we deal with. Much the same as you all have reputations to uphold as a great DJs. We cannot do this if the promo tracks we service to you get leaked, as has happened with one of our recent exclusive tracks. The labels we work with have Anti-Piracy departments and will follow up any pirate activity with a heavy hand which will throw a shadow over your integrity as a DJ receiving promos from Club promotions teams. (This does not only mean us, but all Club promotions teams our labels work with.)

Piracy is illegal. If the DJ that has leaked a track is found to come from us we will be forced by law to release your personal information to the courts, should anyone chose to make a claim.

Please, do not put tracks we service to you on blogs or file sharing websites."

Before you all panic, they are referring to DJs who post the whole track up for everyone to nick instead of buy. To my knowledge it is fine for me to mix the track into my radio show, which you can then download. If not, I hope someone will tell me before I get threatened with court!!

One door closes... many more open!

2009-09-08T03:09:00.000-07:00

OK well after yesterday's cathartic release of a blog, it was as if unloading all that onto you lot opened the door for many more great opportunities!

So ditching dodgy promoters is something that has to be done, for my own self-respect and to move onwards & upwards, and to stop working with amateurs. Time moves on and we stagnate if we stay still with what we've got, if what we've got isn't going anywhere.

Same goes for friends... and love too.

Yeh there may be quiet times in between, but these times should be used to rest and relax before all the exciting new things start happening. The important thing to have is HOPE...

So here's to the future!!

Why am I doing this?

2009-09-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

For the fans... and for the love of the music...

I've been DJing professionally for 10yrs now and I'll be honest with you. The only reason I am doing it is because of the touching support from my fans around the world.

I've had a really tough past few weeks, SO many shit things have happened, including several promoters ripping me off and being unprofessional. It's disappointing as one of them I considered a friend. He owes me £50 - which is such a stupidly small amount to fall out over. He agreed to pay me it but when I asked for it he was rude to me. Well, he can keep it. I valued our friendship more than that which I guess was wrong. Is there really no friends in business?

Likewise other promoters I played for recently. My kindness in helping them out has been returned by ducked calls and me having to chase around after €50. Next time I won't be so kind & generous. I will just look out for number one... who cares if people think I'm a bitch, I know I'm not!!

There also wont be a next time playing for either of these promoters, because in their eyes I have done wrong. People see what they want to see, regardless of the truth or what is right. That is something I have learned this Summer.

I am writing these experiences so you can have an insight into my world - no other reason (dear reader please do not read anything more into my words!). This is what happens in this job... always has - always will. Perhaps my best response would be to pretend nothing has happened, be nice and go feed these guy's egos for the possibility of more bookings off them...

But alas, that ain't me. I've never been one to be nice to someone who doesnt deserve it. I just wash my hands of them and remove them from my consciousness. I always forget about the bad things people did to me. I don't carry around resentment or unforgiveness.

The sad thing is how I feel about DJing now, I find it hard to be positive sometimes. I have been doing this so long and now I'm tired.

I do this for very little reward and with this credit crunch it seems people want to pay DJs even less than they did 5yrs ago! Half-naked female "DJs", who offer extras for even lower fees than us real female DJs, don't help either.

Recording & promoting my weekly radio show, making tunes and trying to source DJ work takes up the majority of my time. Yes music is my dream and it's taken me around the world and I've had some wonderful experiences. Something has to give now. Last week I felt like giving it all up to get a 'proper job', I would have so much more materially if I did this, but my soul would die.

Then I got the usual lovely guestbook comments from fans and Facebook messages... so many people said "please don't stop doing what you do", "don't ever stop" etc - almost in reply to my feelings. There seemed to be more of them saying that than usual, so I reconsidered.

I know music is my calling, so I wont ever give it up, you lot will be pleased to know!
It's just not my number one - not until I get my lucky break.

I am different now... I'm not sure if it's "no more Ms Nice Guy" (to quote Miss Piggy), or if it's a more time is money approach... or both! I'm going to do what is required, and change my angle. I'm out of the negativity of the past few weeks, I have learnt from it, deleted and moved on.

I'm grateful:
To have worked with so many lovely promoters so I know there will be more.
To have played in so many great places so I know there will be more.
My production is getting better and better so I know there is hope.

It's so important in life to see the positive things. Without hope there is nothing: or as Paulo Coelho (my favourite Tweeter!) said this week:
"I believe that without hope we r lost. I hope that the day will come that peace will be everywhere"

And today's quote is quite aptly:
"07/09: you can choose to be a victim of the world or an adventurer who faces challenges. Up to you."
I choose the LATTER!!

"paulocoelho@annakiss I also have off days, they are part of life. If you don't feel down and out sometimes, it is because your heart became a stone"
Ok so he didnt really answer my question but it is a great answer anyway!

And last but not least, for positivity I look no further than the wonderful Joey, my facebook friend, who is the most positive person despite whatever life throws at him. Joey, you are a total inspiration. What I have seen on your facebook page this week has really opened my eyes to true positivity, I aspire to be like you.
Read his blog here:
http://joeyla4d.blogspot.com

Thanks for reading... until next time
xxx

Finding myself on Youtube and stuff

2009-08-03T04:29:00.000-07:00

Over the past week through using this wonderful website Reverbnation which has untold amounts of useful tools, including a feed that brings up things mentioning me on the internet, I have discovered support from people all over the world.

Wow, thank you! To all these people here that have supported me in what I do. It really means a lot.

http://www.house-mixes.com/artists/DJ_Darren_James_/

Radio show downloads, promos and the law!

2009-07-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I had this pretty scary email from a company called Web Sheriff, entitled: EXTREMLEY URGENT / SHARAM - DMCA REQUEST (haha just noticed their typo!)

DMCA NOTIFICATION / ARTIST REQUEST

1. Rights Owner(s) : MINISTRY OF SOUND (incl. HED KANDI / HARD2BEAT / GLOBAL UNDERGROUND / KISS)

2. Rights Agent : WEB SHERIFF

3. Infringed Rights : COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK, PERFORMERS & MORAL RIGHTS

4. Infringed Artist(s) : SHARAM FT KID CUDI

5. Infringed Title(s) : SHE CAME ALONG (SHARAM’S ECSTASY OF IBIZA REMIX) (PIRATE – UNRELEASED MATERIAL)

6. Infringing Activity : COPYRIGHT / TRADEMARK FILE UPLOADING & DOWNLOADING

7. Infringing Web Site : ANNAKISS.CO.UK

8. Infringing File Location(s) :

http://www.annakiss.co.uk/audio/annakiss-radio-089.mp3

9. DMCA Request : Please remove Infringed Title(s) from Infringing File Location(s) ASAP : thank you.

And after briefly mentioning it on my subsequent Lip Locked show (#90) where it prompted a lot of responses from my listeners, I thought that I should blog my full feelings on this subject. It is far too in depth to go into on a radio show after all!

I am soooo sooo sooooo pleased that finally something is being done about piracy of tracks on the internet - especially promos. In the 15yrs that I have been buying & playing music times have changed drastically for DJs and artists. I have always been a passionate crusader in the fight against illegal sharing of music. Many of my good friends are well known artists and I have seen ALL of them suffer in their earnings since the shift from vinyl to MP3. Some who used to solely make music have now had to get a day job and sell their houses. Its just sad that now producers have to rely on their DJ bookings instead of the creative side of things. So I have got quite annoyed with people in the past, when they niaively say that 'music should be free'.

So, to anyone reading this who thinks that, I will say this:
A talented person (gifted both technically & musically), DESERVES to get paid for sitting in their studio, with their expensive equipment, for a week, making a tune that you want to get your hands on. Don't forget that this talented person doesn't get much from each sale once the label, store and taxman have all had their share. So £1.49 is a very small price to pay for a work of art, that you will get endless enjoyment out of.

People have always shared files I guess, but these days it is common. One thing I think that doesn't help is when the territory is restricted for buying a track, or when a label tease the people by not releasing the track soon enough. These things surely send hoards of people to download sites, and I really think labels should consider these things in order to prevent the temptation.

Promos are an important part of promoting a track, and also important for DJs. Nowadays everyone can get their hands on every track.. gone are the days of finding a dusty old vinyl gem that nobody else has.. if people know the name of it then they will find it without having to leave their PC. This means that the DJs need to express their individuality much more creatively now. Thankfully I get sent a lot of promos because I am blessed to have a very popular radio show which reaches thousands of people each week. This helps my DJ work, as I get booked because people know I have special tracks!

There are DJs out there though, that are on these VIP lists who just share the files right away. I can't understand why they would do that. If they got found out they would no doubt be ostracised. And why give away the very thing that sets us apart from the zillion other DJs out there? (coz believe me, EVERYONE is a DJ these days, anyone that can download an MP3 is a DJ!).

So there you go, thats why I'm pleased that finally there is someone doing something about this.

With regards to the email, I replied immediately, saying that I was sent the promo by Ministry of Sound, and I always allow my shows to be downloaded. The promo features in it, but it is mixed, and has jingles & talking over it, so it can't be considered as filesharing surely..? They haven't replied.

Perhaps I can get into trouble for allowing my shows to be downloadable, because there are some sad fuckers out there who download segments of a track, re-edit it so that it becomes a full 6min track that they can play... rather than WAIT a month or so for it to come out...
Time which would be better spent getting ahead as a DJ so that they make it on the the VIP promo lists legitimately!!!!

Maybe I should stop posting up tracklistings... I do them because I have an affiliate store where I make a miniscule percentage out of everything that is sold, I get good web-traffic from it (300 per week average), and last but not least, I believe in supporting the artists, getting them recognised and thus helping their careers. **Respect to the people who DO buy tracks via my tracklisting blog, I know there are about 20 of you so far...**

But is it really helping their sales..? Or is it just giving people titles to go look on fileshare for..? While at the same time taking away my individuality. Because now everyone can get their hands on all these tunes and therefore play just like Anna Kiss does (okay maybe not with my technical abilities or the promos, if they haven't been fileshared!).

The only thing that will combat this, i'm sorry to say, is punishment for those who fileshare, this may put people off. But its gotta be worldwide. There's no point in them just clamping down on British DJs, as we aren't actually as bad here as places in the world. In places like India & China I have met people who don't think there is anything wrong with illegal music sharing, and the vast majority of the DJs I have played with on my travels around the world fileshare, despite earning lots of money for playing music. Why don't these people want to put something back into the music scene? It is killing it. Anyone that disagrees with this is too young to remember how it used to be in the 1990's when vinyl was still alive.

Anyhoooo, the outcome of the email and all that was basically I gave my contact at Ministry a call and she said not to worry, she will tell Web Sheriff that I am authorised to play that track on my show. She didnt seem to worried that the shows are being downloaded. I assured her that I talk over the promo as much as possible (so to the very rare haters that don't like the talking on a radio show, tuff titties haha! thats just the way it's gotta be!).

I've also talked to other DJ/producers and this is what one had to say:

i know it would help our downloads & hits if i put a full trackslist but there are a LOT of very exclusive tracks/bootlegs in there... So first of all i don't want to encourage these google searching fuckers to download our set just to cut out these few tracks.

And mostly i dont want people to judge the set/night by a tracklist... if you want to make your opinion-listen to the fucking set! :)

And to have a load of people guessing and making their own tracklistst on forums etc. also gives your set extra visibility as there is 'somethin to talk about'... but hey, thats just my point of view.

And finally, what some of my listeners have had to say on the subject:

***********************************************************************************************************

I don't understand what the big deal is sharing promotional tracks , I mean if you look up the definition of promotional you get

pro·mo·tion (pr-mshn)
n.
1. The act of promoting or the fact of being promoted; advancement.
2. Encouragement of the progress, growth, or acceptance of something; furtherance.
3. Advertising; publicity. <<-- Read this part PUBLICITY!!!

If it's for the f'in public how the f can it be illegal to share it..

Sorry about my swearing I just don't take too kindly to people making us pay or not be able to download promotional content anywhere..

It's the kind of thing that makes me never want to purchase their tracks when they actually become retail after the promotional event..

***********************************************************************************************************

thanks for waffling over the promo tracks, I loved it!!! Hahahahahaha!!! I was sitting at my desk just laughing at that on Lip Locked 90, you're the best!

***********************************************************************************************************

the promo thing damn labels are getting bad hate file share peeps but geesh ya promoting
there stuff dont they want that cant win lol

***********************************************************************************************************

So there it is.. the full inside story.. I hope that I can continue to offer my show archives for download. I will until I hear that it's not okay! Perhaps in future they will just have to be streamed from my website in future, people can still record them with a little bit of know-how though..

Thanks for reading this mammoth blog.. it must be a record for me!

Help!!!! Management Required...

2009-07-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am managing myself again and it is such a complicated minefield!!

The only experience I have of managing an artist is that which I have gained managing myself for the past 9yrs... (minus the recent year or so that Lisa managed me).

9yrs might sound like a lot of experience to some (well, I know it does lol - because people are always asking me to run their DJ agencies...), but the thing is, despite this extensive experience of working with many promoters worldwide over the years, I am still not entirely sure I'm doing it right!

And this isn't the usual self-doubt or lack of confidence... I say this because I don't know the standard practices.. just how I have worked! I have asked several artists and agents for advice (which I always take), but there always seems to be something else new to learn along the way.. thru experience.. in the sense of learning from a mistake!

There are a lot of enquiries that just never materialise into anything, which I guess is normal, but I can't help thinking if my percentage is average, or not..?

It's also really difficult knowing what not to do. For instance, it is etiquette to work for just one promoter in one country... You can chat to a promoter for months and years, and have nothing materialise - no legal agreement, but a good working relationship. Then someone else comes along from the same country, ready to sign on the dotted line.. and then you feel like you have screwed over the guy you've been chatting to for years if you work with the new guy.

Another dilemma is London bookings vs international ones...

London bookings pay peanuts... international ones don't!
London bookings don't sign contracts or pay advances... international ones do!
Both types of bookings are rare and tend to come along like busses (ie. all at once)

So when someone books me in London months in advance, it goes in the diary and then international bookings get turned down for those dates. NOT good when the London promoter decides to cancel his party ON THE DAY!!!

Yeh so this a little insight into the glamourous world of being a female DJ (it happens to guys too, I just put that in there to web optimise this blog hahahaha).

This political management minefield is a nightmare!! It is something that as an international DJ you find it thrust upon you. And that's actually quite dodgy, because for DJs that are new to all this, it can be very risky, especially for the female DJs... I have had some quite scary experiences in lands far from my own, and thankfully things worked out okay in the end. I learnt from them, and the result is now my contract is 3 pages long - I worry that it puts off some promoters, perhaps to some I sound like a diva.. instead of a girl who is just trying to make sure she is safe and gets paid what she is promised.

Oh.. what I want more than anything else right now is new Management to come charging in, like a knight in shining armour on a white horse... taking me away from the paperwork and politeness and cold-calling and chasing up and diary juggling... freeing my precious time up so that I can record more mixes for you guys to download, practice my mixing so that my live performances are mind-blowing and spending more time in the studio so that I can get more experience making tracks that even more people will like (myself included).

Thanks for the support! (you know who you are ;o)

2009-07-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

I had a response on my guest book to my last post on this blog, which I thought I would share with you due to it's relevance:

"Loving Lip Locked as much as ever. Also wanted to say read your blog (blogspot is iffy here at work some days I can view it other days I can't, beside the point) and found out today that someone decided to ruin the blog for the rest of us who really loved reading your personal entries. It was a true treat to know the real Anna Kiss we've come to love. Of course you aren't perfect, about the only thing we are all perfect at is our imperfection. I'd still love to read your ramblings and about your quirkiness ... it's what makes Anna Kiss, Anna Kiss. Don’t let the twats of the world get you down, vent your frustration and move on. There are more of us here that love your quirks and what you do than there are those who want to get under your skin. Besides if they aren’t brave enough to at least leave their name, they aren’t worth the trouble or consideration. Remember we love you Anna!!!"

Ahh thank you for your lovely words - I am sorry to disappoint you with the decision I made to reduce the personal entries on this blog. I will still write things for sure, because I want the world to see what it's like to do what I do, and see the things that I come up against while doing what I do...

Its just hard sometimes. When you go public about stuff, with no anonymity, it opens you up to negative feedback. Yeh that's normal and I do let it bounce off, thats for sure. (Things will only bug me if I let them, after all!). And I never forget how blessed I am that 99.9% of the feedback I get is gorgeously positive. The only thing that bothers me is that these negative responses/feedbacks may be bad for my work. My work is my purpose, my goal, and I will do all I can to minimise detrimental effects to it.

That said, I remember a certain 15yr old Lady Soveriegn emailing me many years ago, asking if she could guest on my pirate radio show. I declined mainly because I wasn't too keen on MCs on my show at the time and usually only had MCs that I knew personally on there, and also because she was getting a LOT of hate from people on various internet forums (my listenership basically!).

A couple of years after that she's a superstar! Just going to show, it really doesnt matter what people think of you. If you evoke some kind of passionate emotion in people, good or bad, then perhaps thats all you need...?

I would love to know what you, the reader, thinks about this... You can comment anonymously on here so you can be as honest as you like! I know this blog gets a lot of readers, so it would be lovely to hear from some more of you.

So...
Is stirring up any emotion in people a good thing, be it love or hate?
What should a person hold back from putting in a blog? (apart from obvious things such as toilet habits haha)

To the anonymous "friend"...

2009-07-13T04:04:00.001-07:00

...who wrote some words of advice on my guestbook regarding this blog.

Thank you for the feedback, it is appreciated. I have a fair idea who you are (from your IP as well as my instinct!) and I am a little disappointed that you didnt approach me in person, or at least privately.

As I had said on this blog the intention was for people to see the real person that I am and to see what comes with the territory of my work. I feel now that some things are best left unsaid - maybe because you were right in your words, or maybe because it is not necessary to share my learnings and experiences with those other than my close circle. I shall leave that to your perception...

So; To Everyone reading this blog:

I am just going to keep it professional and light hearted from now on.

I am an open person who likes to share my soul, my experiences, my thoughts... All of us in this world are far from perfect, yet showing our imperfections opens us up to misinterpretation and occasionally results in criticism.

Being in the public domain in the small way that I am, opens up myself to attack from strangers, just for being me... I can handle this, it is to be expected. I don't get upset because you can't please all of the people all of the time, everyone is different. I do consider what is said and make changes if I feel it's necessary.

I know that everything is down to perception. Nobody will ever know exactly what I mean - it is human nature to make our own meanings from the way we see things. We view the world through eyes that are shaped by our past experiences and beliefs. So we choose how to view a person, in a good light or a negative one.. that is perception. There's not a lot I can do to change the way you choose to perceive me.

So the less I give out, the less information people have to read into... It is not necessary for the world to know what is going on in my world apart from those things which are relevant to my musical purpose. While in the past expressing everything has drawn many people closer, it has annoyed friends who wish to be anonymous and I don't want that.

I hope this goes some way to explain the censorship of this blog, to those that subscribed or noticed posts were missing.

Bahrain Booking - December 2008

2008-12-27T13:31:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Winter Solstice season, and are looking forward to seeing in 2009. I've had a great time this Xmas in Manama, Bahrain, I've been here since Xmas Eve. My first night here I got VEEEERY drunk and didnt go to sleep until 8.30am on Xmas day... I drunkenly opened a present before passing out. Then when I woke up I was still drunk.. then the hangover from hell kicked in. I felt queezy all day, and the 8pm fajita's at Chilli's went down slowly, but eventually I felt better by the time I got to Cocoon for a lovely evening with friends. The night was Kinky Malinky and Lewi 5-0 played a wicked set. It was great to see him and have interesting conversations into the early hours at Tabu afterwards.

I played at Club Maxxim last night. The club is really cool, they have a great system in there. They even had a Christmas tree in honour of my night, which was called 'A Christmas Kiss with Anna Kiss'. Sounds like a kiss-a-thon but it wasnt!

Here's the dancefloor & booth (before the party started!)

Thanks to everyone who came down, you really were a great bunch as you appreciated the new stuff and even the filthy stuff! From the last time I played here, I know the Bahraini crowd are a good open-minded House crowd anyways, and you certainly did me proud.

Couldn't resist taking a pic of this... my poster was in the loo - haha so everyone was thinking of me while they peed lol

It's been soo good to see my lovely friends here, and meet many new ones too. People are very friendly here, it really is a lovely island. They say it is the Ibiza of the Arabic world - make of that what you will...

Here's some pics from my stroll along the bay yesterday (Friday is the holy day here so you see lots of families out and about enjoying their day off). There was the sound of children playing and scent of BBQing meat in the air.

Enjoying a cup of tea in the park

Coral Bay Beach Club - where I played last time I was here

Here is DJ Richie Kidd who's been looking after me while I'm here, showing me the sights, driving me about like a superstar, etc etc!

Trout Pouts...

Today is my birthday - and my present to myself was to swim with a dolphin. Something I have always wanted to do, and it was absolutely brilliant!

BORIS

Such a lovely happy chappy!

Birthday kisses!

It was such a great experience, not scary at all, only in the sense I was scared I might hurt him. He did look funny close up, dolphins look very different when you are inches away, on the same level. It was hard trying to avoid stroking the wrong bits, like his eyes and airhole!

He is such an affectionate creature, I guess they all are. I wasn't sure exactly how much was affection or directions from the trainer for bits of raw fish.. But after I started scratching him (which is what he likes) he didn’t need any more encouragement and wouldn’t let me stop! It was similar to lavishing lots of love onto a cat or dog.. yet this animal so much more intelligent than us. I didn’t want to leave him, even though I got probably more than double of the 20 mins I paid for, I could have done double that even!

This was fun! I was more worried about hurting him and my bikini bottoms falling off... then when I got out my left tit was hanging out of my bikini!!! Which reminded me of the school swimming gala when I was 12yrs old and one of the first in my class to have boobs...

Check out that pure JOY on my face! I look like a little kid - definitely what you need on your birthday!!

This looked like quite an uncomfortable pose for Boris to hold for so long! Bless his heart. I love him to bits!

Thank you Boris for making my birthday the bestest EVER! xx

Why I'm not performing in Bahrain on Nov 13 2008

2008-10-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

At the end of September I was asked to host (and possibly DJ) at a 'Peace' Concert in Bahrain alongside ATB, Rachael Starr, Kirsty Hawkenshaw and Mr Sam - but I have just cancelled.

This is unfortunate for all the people who are going to it, who are being heavily promoted to on Facebook - however I am 100% sure that I have made the correct decision.

The organisers have had SO long with which to confirm the booking with me - and they have been told all the terms and today's deadline right from the start, so this really could have been avoided had they been professional and organised.

All that was required to confirm the booking was:

Signed contract scanned and emailed
Deposit sent

Flight details were also requested but I would have allowed that another few days.

The honest truth is (and you get nothing else but that in this Blog!), I have had bad experiences with this organisation 'Merave' since the start of this palarva. I have found them rude more than once and they have avoided committing to this booking right from the start. They should never have been promoting the event without confirming the artists. And I told them that they could not promote it with me on the flyer until I had confirmation.

Note that I said 'artistS' there.... I know that the above artists have also had the same experience with Merave. I emailed all of them (apart from ATB) a couple of weeks ago to see if I was the only one awaiting contract, to find we were all in the same boat. A couple of days later they'd all cancelled. The only reason I didn't do it sooner was because I had extended the final deadline to confirm this to 27th October, and I have integrity and stick to my word.

I now see that they have taken all the artists names off of the Facebook event which is good news. I was worried they would continue to con the people of Bahrain, which might have affected all of our positive reputations.

In future all bookings are going through my Manager Lisa (email her on lisa.b@annakiss.co.uk) unless I have worked personally with the promoter before. This will free me up more time to concentrate on what I love most: the MUSIC!!

Just before I sign off, I'll leave you with the text that I received from the organiser yesterday:

"Anna, just be cool, we working really hard here for this event, ticket, money i can promise, but really i don't have time to scan and send you the contract, as everyone working on the venue so please just pickup your phone, thanks"

LOL! priorities.... and promises..?! he's someone I've never even met before, why am I going to go to Bahrain on a promise? LOL!

(the reason I wasn't picking up the phone was because it was Sunday I was at a family gathering)

So there we go, another exciting installment in the life of an international female DJ.... living and learning from these life experiences, being grateful always - because I believe I have had a lucky escape this time!

Besos
Ax

Welcome & Vinyl Sucks!

2008-10-15T09:59:00.001-07:00

Thanks for clicking... I have just decided to create 2 separate blogs, as with the weekly tracklists my other blog gets a bit full, so you can't easily see the more personal stuff when it's in there.

So.. I just wanted to say 'Helloo' and that I will be writing more blogs in here when some exciting things happen! Right now I'm just working hard getting some press-packs sent out to promoters and selling my vinyl collection... bloody dusty heavy, bulky things!

Even though I started playing vinyl in 1994, I really don't miss playing it at all. A lot of purists will find that offensive, but it's the truth! And it doesn't make me any less of a DJ either. Pioneer CDJ1000's are fabulous things compared to a Technic 1200... You still mix the same on them, but you can do so much more (and no, they don't beatmatch for you, silly!). Now I play CDs I don't have to rely on someone to help me into the club with a weighty record bag... Who cares that the quality of MP3s isn't as good - at least there's no snap crackle & pop with CDs!

Death to vinyl!! All you DJs who are clinging on to the past, you need to keep up with technology or you'll be left behind! They won't be allowed to make vinyl for much longer, with all these silly EU save-the-planet directives.

Oh, but I do hope there are at least some DJs clinging onto the past or I'll there'll be no-one to buy my collection on ebay ;o)

Axx