Aron Ottignon and Aronas

Panorama & Update to whats been going on...

2011-08-24T16:46:00.000+01:00

I'm definitely way over due for an update, my apologies.

This year I have been based in beautiful Paris working with the French Slam Artist Abd Al Malik. It has been a great experience so far playing to wonderful crowds, incredible venues, fun out door festivals. And not to mention being completely lost in translation. One does not complain with such a delicious language to the ear. I've started to pick some up and hoping that by the 2nd part of this year with still more dates to come I'll will have a better understanding of the language.

We managed to do one Aronas gig this year. At Ile de La Reunion. Now I have been introduced to some incredible music originating from La Reunion Island, Mauritious & Madagascar. Its a sound solely created from the coming together of various cultures to share inhabitance of islands of paradise in the Indian Ocean. I didn't know much about Creole Culture before this trip. And now I'm completely in love. In recent weeks I've been composing music with the idea to incorporate some of these rhythms. Not far till the first production will be complete.

Listen to the show here!!

Live set recorded

ARONAS (Live In The Reunion) by aronottignon

One of the highlights with Malik was Fes Sacred world music festival. It was cool to wake to chanting in the city at 4am, it seems one guys starts up some Arabic, then kilometres away you hear another start, then another. I let these spiritual chants take my mind away and put it at ease with all the troubles happening about in the world. Just to sidetrack a little, with a constant feed via the internet there seems no way avoiding the constant news of disasters both natural and stupid shit caused by man. Its non stop isn't it!

So, right now I'm in Westbourne park rehearsing everynight with Ebony Steel Pan Orchestra. It will my 2nd year performing and competing for the Panorama national Steel pan award thing. The concept is just soooo cool. The rehearsals, the lead up, the competition. An event called Blockorama is where Ebony selects another steel pan group to perform along side, one could call it a battle of some sort. They set up under the westway (motorway) in a basketball type court. Pans smashing out classic hits with a sound system doing the same. Great fun!
The concept with the competition, is each steel pan group (sometimes containing up to 50 musicians per group) will select a new song released by a Soca artist that year. An arranger is selected to turn the Soca track into 10 minute master piece performed just once. Thoughts come to mind of the comparison to Arts or Jazz music. These long pieces are performed by up to 10 bands (roughly) just once! An arrangers composition, built, created in the month of august off the top of his head. There is no manuscript, no real recordings, just our memories of how each piece unfolded for us to keep and reminisce on. Truly a special occasion in the world musically. So moving on, the pan groups packed onto trucks, floats, trailers etc, block the streets of west london in cue for there 10mins in front of the small crowd and judges. Its such an unforgettable atmosphere. You can't beat it! Well I can't, inspiring in so many forms. I feel very lucky to be involved. Musically all the rules and training I had growing are some what left at home. Learn your pan, day by day, learn little by little more of the arrangement, help the others in your section. And give your all.

Album news: Digging tunnels. I'm pleased to say I've given the first version of the album to my Publishers for their summer holidays. It 80% finished. I'm very proud of it and itching to get it out. Just waiting on the news from the company and lets keep our fingers crossed I don't have to sit on it any longer. I've got too much music inside trying to find ways out ; ) they sounds kinda funny...ok, jokes aside. Please show your support and like the Aronas page on facebook. The numbers are important I guess. (not the city or boxer)

So, thats all for now.

A Jazz Musician must eat Jazz Apples!

2011-02-16T18:49:00.000Z

A Jazz Musician must eat Jazz Apples

Hi Ya'll

After a beautiful holiday back in Australia for New years, christmas, January I'm well and truly refreshed, motivated, inspired, activated, back with b b b b b bounce!
Some fello scopions who like to play hard, fast and full on suggested that taking some time out from toxins like, ALCOHOL is always good for the human body and mind. They like to call it NO FUN FEB!
So here I am, half way through No Fun Feb, alcohol free and loving it. Thankfully I had 2 weeks of shows with La Soiree performing with Camille O'sullivan. Just 3 mins on stage which meant, catching a tube to waterloo, putting on something smart, playing the song Carousel from slow to fast in a proximately 3mins, then catching the tube home again.

La Soiree Big Top, London Southbank, behind the National Theatre, If you're in London, go check, last 2 weeks!

Camille O'Sullivan and artists backstage getting warmed up and giving instructions to pianist!

To finish off my summer holiday I squeezed in a last minute rehearsal & show with Jonathan Zwartz (Bass) and Hamish Stuart (Drums). Down at the Sydney Seymour Centre - Sound Lounge presented by S.I.M.A. I happened to have my laptop with so got a mono cable out of the desk. I've uploaded the whole evening on soundcloud. You can listen here. I literally had no technique after 4 weeks no practise or performing of any sort. Not to mention the amount of booze I consumed previously. Youch.

Aron Ottignon Trio - live set in mono by aronottignon

Recently I performed Les Victoires de la Musique with Abd Al Malik...made a little cheeky with an iPhone recording. The sound quality on the phone was so loud and distorted I used some of the original track from the album. SSSHHHHHHH!!! because universal france already took down the video because of copyright shite...but this time I re-titled so hopefully it still stays public.

Its in Lille, can't wait for PART 2 in Paris MARCH 1st. Will try to do the same. ; )

Holding the Best Urban Award - Les Victoire de la Musique

Lille, taken from Eurostar station. HAPPY VALENTINES!

DAHKLA FESTIVAL 2010, Western Sahara Coast, memories LOL

Whole Culture Tunnels album on Youtube

2010-12-30T11:28:00.002Z

Check out the whole Aronas album on youtube

www.youtube.com/aronottignon

Culture Tunnels

ETC, ETC, ETC

END OF YEAR - some call me an extremist?

2010-12-18T21:44:00.000Z

Hi all

Well in brief, thanks to Facebook and its applications, here's what happened in status'

...basically, i knocked up a few air miles...(sorry mother earth), I promise to make up for it. Seems I went from the Western Sahara to London hammersmith courthouse, Montreal Fest, Russia, to New Zealand, made recordings with incredible Maori songstress Whiri Mako Black, to a lake in Switzerland, back to london with marvelous Australian singer song writer Sarah Blaskow...Warsaw, etc, etc, shows with La Soiree in Paris....its all been happening. REALLY...throw in a few crazy parties, some bad haircuts, stupid costumes, broken hearts. Yes, I out did do myself again...this below was the lake in Lausanne, swiss mountains. Gorgeous place. I'm not still wearing my pants from the night before ; )

So update with the 2nd album is...its on the backburner at the moment, sorry...wanna make it big one. I have the incredible CARAMBA team in paris on my side and they want the good stuff so we're happy to wait and give time to finish the shit. I'm feeling the idea of the sound at the moment, its going to range over 3 different types of sonics....the introduction of the steel pan, moving back to the beats of polynesia to just straight dance floor with a few ballads there for you to chillax. I have got about half way. I'm back to OZ in January, so hope to finish the 2nd half writing. Will continue with production throughout the year...theres some previews on both my myspace and website. www.aronasmusic.com & www.myspace.com/aronas

Please leave your feedback.

Recently, I've connected with the brilliant french Hip Hop star Abd Al Malik (below) and look forward to touring with his new album Chateau Rouge in 2011.

So that's all from me now...a very merry christmas and happy new year to you all...and keep spreading the love.
ANd final words from Captain Frodo's speech at the end of la soiree...
"Now I would like it if all of you beautiful people who are here tonight could think about something that you wanted to do, with your life, but that always seemed too strange or too obscure to pursue. Whilst now that you have seen what we do for a living - maybe that dream of yours doesn't seem so obscure anymore.

Jungle Party, French TV, Birthday Month crazy as ever, here's what happened....

2010-11-22T07:29:00.000Z

Yo yo yo, I'm a very wounded Scorpio!!!

November is well and truly kicking my ass. What a month its been so far. I've really had some incredible experiences. But right now packing again for a week in Paris until our next Aronas show in Normandy.

Made a mash up of everybody's starfish contributions to our facebook page. The music is Aronas live performance @Cargo in Shoreditch 5th November 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t43vz6zxBQ

Watch at this link me performing with Abd al Malik on Le Grand Journal. Popular French TV
http://www.canalplus.fr/c-divertissement/pid3303-c-le-live-du-grand-journal.html?vid=387980

So what happened next....through an incredible party home for a 100 guests. Theme: Jungle. It was my pleasure to be one of the few people to arrive as Jane from the Jungle. Here is a beautiful picture representing her true beauty.

Steel Pan Sam as sister Tafrina

After the weekend I ventured back to Paris to film for Le Grand Journal. I spent my birthday climbing the stairs of the Eiffel Tower for the first time. What a magnificent view it is from up there. It was a clear day with the sun shining strong...all gooooood.

Other News, I'm preparing for my trip back to Sydney Australia. Also wanting to fit in a trip to Auckland. I'll be spending some Most of Jan and maybe Feb depending on how things pan out here.

And if you're London get down to LA SOIREE at Southbank. Went down recently and found myself in stitches. Such a great variety of acts. This is a must see show!!! I love Captain Frodo sooo much!

What else what else what else...poster for next upcoming festivals Aronas will be at.

Digging on N.E.R.D's new album too...

Wanna have one of there tracks on my blog, hope I don't get into to much trouble.

Here's VICTORY by N.E.R.D

(ok, the video is strange...but, eh, no time to fiddle around too much)

Last Aronas shows and Abd al Malik and my black eye

2010-11-07T23:57:00.000Z

Hi all

Its been one crazy weekend of party shenanigans once again. Thanks to Who?Who? and Muak for having us at there great night down at Cargo. It was a drunken after work club crowd and they wanted action. So found myself standing on my keyboard stool more then sitting. Sometimes these days just playing live instrumental music sitting down just doesn't do it for your typical anglo-saxon beer drinker. But that's cool, that's why we're ARONAS, punk jazz with dance floor grooves. Alexis on drums, Jon on bass, and the incredible steel pan Sam to help me to make a one hour adventure of groove music, so by the end we had the place going bonkers. Yes, all with a bit of help of from back stage Absinthe bottle. Sorry for the mess we left.

Here's a picture of our set up at Cargo in Shoreditch with the new Roland V piano. It was baaaaad. Got a live recording from the evening as well. SO look forward to posting this soon using the www.awdio.com/aronas site.

Leading up to Cargo I had a week of rehearsing with Abd al Malik, French Hip hop star. He really is a great artist and am looking forward to things to come.

Check out the new single Ma Jolie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYO8NtVW4Q8

Its great fun to working with Paris musicians one week the london the next, what an amazing experience this is. So back to paris again for a early morning broadcast of a live version of Ma Jolie, tomorrow that is.

A few more shows left for the rest of the year then back to AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND for summer. Yes ai!!!!!

Oh gosh, all most forgot, I got the pleasure of seeing the french performer Ben L'ocle Seoul. Had too much fun on the dance floor, copping one big black eye form a crazy french lady dancing or should I say spazzing out. Yep...nasty nasty nasty and embarrassing trying to explain myself every day. Here is a picture taken after 5 days from the incident.

All the Best
A

Macedonia

2010-10-31T17:10:00.001Z

, originally uploaded by aronottignon.

Skpoje Festival

Macedonia to Slovenia and back to London, now Paris...am I lost?

2010-10-31T16:55:00.000Z

Had another great couple of shows sunday and tuesday last week
first stop was Skopje Jazz Festival
http://www.skopjejazzfest.com.mk/
Here are some photos taken from the event, we had one of our best nights this year

enjoy them :)

http://www.plagij.at/admin/Ranti/fotki/SJF_2010_4_3_Saso/index.html

SimpleViewer Gallery

www.plagij.at

At the Hard Rock Venue....it packed out by midnight allowing us to go on to end of festival party crowed.
They were definitely well up for. What a great reception.
Then to the quiet town of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Very clean and picturesque place. And another very fun crowd...standing ovation with 2 encores
Back to London for the Friday Tonic Music Series, not sure if the audience were ready for us, but they quickly warmed....gave them some raw punk, another great reception!!

So thankyou, Skopje, Ljubjana, London

Right now, I'm currently in Paris working with Ab dal Malik, more on this soon.
cheers
a

Music Success in 9 weeks: AN OVERVIEW OF TRADITIONAL PR - Week 9

2010-10-12T22:12:00.000+01:00

yaaaaay!!!

Finally at the end of the blogging course. Its been most useful and helpful keeping me pushing my music. And now I'm definitely in the habit of blogging which is fantastic for reaching new audiences and fans.
Hope to be back on here at least once a week...

Now its time to get back into the 2nd album. Gotta get this baby finished, you'hear!!!

Just tonight I gotta get the press release release for our next London show at Cargo.

So just to conclude, Arial Hyatt's blogging challenge has been most helpful. It is a great read. All though the last couple of weeks have been tricky, one might say that i'm already a successful musician to some degree, hence its been really fucking difficult to take a 9 week course properly, in music success that is. But as I was saying, there is so much valuable information, and I'm interested how it will test the time of the ever-changing/moving fickle industry that is the music business.

what else, had a great Jam on friday down at Tory Bar in Shoreditch, with Rick James on Bass, also played for Lyric L at Vibe Bar, then onto some partying with my buddy Jon and ole pal Tonym on Saturday night. Then my dear french friend Matt has his birthday party. So yeah, i'm bloody knackered. typing this whilst dozing off. going to enjoy a nice cup of tea once i finish posting the photos.

Music Success in 9 weeks: CREATING A CONTINUUM PROGRAM - Week 8

2010-09-29T00:38:00.001+01:00

yo yo yo
A lot just happened since last week. Been to Warsaw with Sarah Blasko to playback on TV and live on radio. Funny hey, you'd think it would be the other way round. Cause the audience can't see you, why don't you just play the tape...and if they can see you, prove you can play...ha! Well, it was such a fun time. Spent some good times in the Sofital swimming pool. A lot of sight seeing, vodka drinking, late night clubbing, all thanks to my lovely guide and dear friend Anna. She rocks. So yeah! I think Warsaw is like another Berlin, exciting city vibrant with characters and interesting conversations. Had some good laughs.

So I'm back with my blogging challenge...week 7 continuum. Here we have another serious chapter, really knuckling down on marketing strategy. Finding the ways you can make a small buck, and putting it to work. Obviously being in the music world the extra bucks are mainly made from merchandise, so I know this an area I need to get onto.
I have a few ideas being chucked around, like a private concert at my friends place with the amazing Steinway Grand. A boat party. A new youtube video with cool script. So its all about the funnel, what will draw peoples attention then when you got them what will make them cough up! aaahh...marketing, business. Anyway, I will try to do this in the nicest way... ; ) Special website, nudge nudge, wink wink! : ))) Yes, for special members only. join now for £1 and receive your secret invitation. ha ha h, yes, I get what Arial's saying. Can't wait to put it into practice

So in conclusion, yes this is where it gets really mportant as far as running a business. Look out cause I'm on it!

This week, I have a publishing deal to take care of, possible new management, and rest of year to plan.
cheers for reading

Camera man in disguise

2010-09-29T00:34:00.001+01:00

Camera man in disguise, originally uploaded by aronottignon.

PUT ME ON IT: Video: Björk interview with Arvo Pärt

2010-09-27T19:11:00.000+01:00

PUT ME ON IT: Video: Björk interview with Arvo Pärt

Photo Shoot at the Bath House

2010-09-22T00:19:00.001+01:00

, originally uploaded by aronottignon.

Here a few quick shots taken at the Bath House....
Sorry, should have done more.

Music Success in 9 weeks: REAL LIVE NETWORKING TIPS - Week 7

2010-09-22T00:13:00.000+01:00

So, keeping up with my blogging challenge here. Arial gives some great insight/tips for making a network possible by honing in on your social skills. To be honest, I've found myself in all sorts of social environments from an early stage. Being put on a stage before reaching puberty, trying to make cheerful banter with New Zealand's Prime Minister Jim Bolger at the age of 12 - these examples of many highlights in my networking life. I guess I wish I had read this chapter a long time ago as being better/quicker in social situations would have maybe of made life a lot easier at some points. But I've just learned the hard way from making mistakes.
Being yourself is still very important, but when in the business of selling your art you really need to know your ABC's as Arial points out.
Right now I'm a little tired. Had a great photo shoot on the weekend. Very proud to have some amazing pictures to release soon with my 2nd Album. It resulted in a crazy party, speaking of social environments. On this occasion dancing on one's table resulting in major damage probably isn't the sort of thing you would like to do in networking sorts of situation. HEH! what you gonna do.
Ok, onto Chapter 8. Wow 2 weeks to go. Will be hard to complete considering I'm on tour in Poland till Sunday then major busy with Aronas rehearsals for OCT touring. Anyway, will do my best.
Nite Nite...

Denmark with Sarah Blaskow

2010-09-16T00:57:00.001+01:00

Denmark with Sarha Blasko, originally uploaded by aronottignon.

Music Success in 9 weeks: HOW TO BUILD YOUR MAILING LIST - Week 6

2010-09-15T20:00:00.000+01:00

yo yo yo
I guess this would have to be the most valuable chapter so far. Gosh, I admit, my mailing list is and has always been a shambles. Something not good, maybe something to do with dropping out of school a year earlier then most people and that a lack of finishing homework back in the day is lurking in my professional field.
So I'm pleased to say with the help of the mailchimp site, which is costing me a few £££. But at least its going through 6000 emails and pulling out the ones that count.
I've requested for a complete fresh start asking anyone who has previously been on my mailing list to re register. It will be a slow process. But I'm hoping a rewarding one.

There's some good tips from Arial in regards to bringing people onto my list. I'll be using these at my shows coming up Late september/ October. Will aim to keep a regular mail out to people with give aways and also put 60-90 mins aside each week just to work on building this mailing list.

SO PEEPS, if you're reading this, please help my "growth" and sign up. Here's a widget here from my new website www.aronasmusic,com

If you sign up before the end of this month, you'll receive a free MP3. Happy Song from the debut lp, Culture Tunnels. (Sorry for those who already have this, but no worries, cause more to come)

Anyway, news for today
We're confirming a new LONDON show
5th November 2010 @CARGO shoreditch,
Its a night presented by the people at MUAK.
more details to come.

Cheers
A

Sponge Bob - (Oloron Jazz)

2010-09-10T16:33:00.001+01:00

IMGP3747, originally uploaded by abor1g.

Some photos from Oloron Jazz July 2009
Nick Fyffe - Bass
Steel Pan Sam - Percussion
Paul Derricott - Drums

Ebony ~ Musical Fire ~ HD Great Sound

2010-09-08T01:20:00.000+01:00

Music Success in 9 weeks NEWSLETTER LIST VS EMAIL LIST & CONDUCTING SURVEYS - Week 5

2010-09-07T23:46:00.000+01:00

YO YO YO YO

So I was still finishing off week 4 and now spending loads of time working on what I reckon is the hardest week for me so hard as far as this blogging challenge is concerned. Week 4, I had to look for 50 favorite blogs, that were linked to what I do in some way. Yeah, there's loads of music out there but nothing really with music like what I'm doing. All the great artists who inspired in the 90's are really succuessful and don't bother all this blogging stuff. But i;m going to keep searching to see if theres any weirdos out there making tribal dance jazz shit for the masses.
Jazz sites and more the urban types that stem off into the hip hop electronic dub, etc, etc worlds. Anyway. Just beginning to connect with them. Leave a comment or 2, with my SIG file of course.

This music business shit is starting to get real fiddly. Joining website after website. Te amount of times I've entered in my email address and password is tiring .Anyway, saying that, I'm quite excited about entering this blogging world. I've set up a RSS reader on my iphone with all my the blogs that have grabbed my attention so far.

SO!!! with WEEK 5 on the way. (I'm not sure if I'm doing this blogging challenge correctly anymore, just blogging whenever now, but thats the idea) SO!!!, as I was saying Week 5. Whats up with this chapter??? Arial!!! I need your attention. I'm finding it a bit confusing. Everything was going all cool up until this whole survey thing. And whats with the Newsletter list VS your email list?? DO I not email the newsletter to the same list. Or am I creating something a bit different. ummm, CONFUSED. Plus with this whole brainstorming my fan list thing is not that easy too, for instance,

Are my fans male or female?
Um, both
Singles or couples?
Um, both
How old are they?
young, middle aged and old, i guess. Even have a few babies putting some tracks on repeat
How much money do they make in average?
what??? which ones, the ones in NZ, AUS, FR, UK....fuck knows, hey
How much do they make on average?
1 MILLION!
Is there any activities, hobbies?
yeah, sex, drugs, and rock and role, how the hell do I know?!?!

Anyway, you get the drift. So do i need to survey my fans or somethings. Arial, you're not clear enough for me here. Hey, I am a musician after all. I mean, yeah I'll send out a survey. Cause really I can't answer these questions. But at the end of the day, everyone is going to be different, aren't they? What am I going to do with all this information. Anyway, I'm sure you'll explain later in the book, or I'll just smarten up or something.

So to Sum up, my fans: they do anything, anywhere, any age, any time, any old place, an old tune, ----you get the drift.

Right now I'm cleaning up my mailing list, and getting ready to send my first NEWSLETTER to my mailing list which is just below 1000. Yeah, its shit hey. But this is definitely an area I've been super lazy in. So glad this bloggin challenge is forcing me to do so.
I can't afford the www.bandletter.com link just yet, so i googled similar sites for mailing lists and found www.mailchimp.com
hoping it does the same thing. Waiting for it tom import my mailing list right.
So get ready for the newsletter. I do have lots of news, thankfully. Like the touring coming in October is going to be great.

Right!, my Laptop is burning hot now, really gotta switch it off soon. This blogging challenge is really testing its fan cooling system.

Aronas, Montreal Jazz Festival

2010-09-07T19:38:00.002+01:00

Aronas, Montreal Jazz Festival, July 2010 (7)
Originally uploaded by proacguy1

Brothers at work

london hip clubs/venues websites

2010-09-06T19:24:00.002+01:00

http://www.plasticpeople.co.uk/
http://www.fabriclondon.com/
http://www.plan-brixton.co.uk/
http://www.rhythmfactory.co.uk/
http://www.cargo-london.com/
http://www.bigchill.net/house...t
http://www.thealibilondon.co.uk/
http://www.nottinghillartsclub.com/saturday.html
http://sonicrouter.blogspot.com/
http://www.xlr8r.com/
http://www.dazeddigital.com/Default.aspx
http://www.factmag.com/
http://www.buggedout.net/
http://www.hyponik.com/
http://thequietus.com/
http://nmbrs.net/

Commoncraft

2010-09-06T17:09:00.001+01:00

Just spent some time learning a whole lot about the internet and all its amazing uses via simple general knowledge videos set up by Lee and Sachi LeFever.
I watched these ones recommended by Arial Hyatt. Fantastic videos on how amazing the internet is. But actually on www.commoncraft.com there seems to be loads of mentoring in many different areas. Can't wait to get right into this advice. I have Lee and Sachi have some really valuable advice to offer.

Social Networking in Plain English
Social Bookmarking in Plain English
Wikis in Plain English
RSS in Plain English
Blogs in Plain English.

http://www.commoncraft.com

At first I was thinking how all these online gadgets just glue us to our screens then breaking down the physical communication between human beings. But then, actually what all this wiki, blogging, etc stuff does really well, is it bypasses all the time wasting of leaving the house only to be disappointed by the appointment arranged with lack of insight/info. Ok, i'm starting to sound confusing. Yeah, just saying out aloud, its awesome, wish I started all this stuff a long time ago. Going to be able to make choices in life a lot easier. And in some ways control what I'm confronted by in the big bad world. Yes blogging and this sort of thing can take a lot of the surprise out things but, I know me, I'm an adventurer.

Music Success in 9 weeks MUSICIAN’S WEB 2.0 GUIDE - Week 4

2010-09-01T20:04:00.003+01:00

Woooah woooah woooah....Carnival!!!!! Nottinghill, west London. Panorama....Ebony Steel Pan Champions.

Just to let you know I'm completely behind on my blogging challenge. My schedule has been jammed packed and at the moment I'm very really at my laptop. It is physically impossible. Carnival time in London means partying festivities, etc.

I had an extremely busy time rehearsing with Ebony and tomorrow I rehearse with Sarah Blasko for a gig in Denmark on Friday.

I have skim read the musicians web 2.0 guide and see that there is a lot of work to be done. But I have a few things covered like, keeping the twitter updated and setting up an account with Flickr.

So I gotta go compose some music now. I'll leave you a link of some iphone pictures setup on Flickr.

My apologies to the blogging challenge. I'll be back in full force next week once things quieten down.

Here is a video of me playing with EBONY STEEL PAN ORCHESTRA.
Yes we won Panorama. Champions of steel with incredible arrangement by Steel Pan Sam Dubois (Fireman Sam)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l44d7dDFhJU

PHOTOS Here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aronottignon/sets/72157624857726788/

ebony's reaction after winning

and something from my camera....the sound is terrible, but you get an idea.

Music Success in 9 weeks - OPTIMIZING YOUR WEBSITE - Week 3

2010-08-24T16:43:00.000+01:00

wow!!! its crazy at the moment...Just finding a little time to fit in this blog. Rehearsals for Panorama competition are everyday. I have a recording session with new orleans band the Coalminers tomorrow, and endless appointments & deadlines to make.
So week 3 of the Blogging Challenge. First of all I didn't have a bloody website. I've finally attempted to launch one on my own using BandZoogle.

I figured that if set it up here first for free, then I can slowly take advise and raise budget for me to have my own domain name and pay a proper web design artist to help make it uber cool.

So please check what I've done....JOIN THE MAILING LIST.

www.aronas.bandzoogle.com

I wanna give away my whole album download for free for people signing to my mailing list. But I'm finding this a bit complicated...hopefully have it working soon. Trying to use fizzkicks to give away the album...anyone can help?? Its tricky.

you can listen to the whole album here...

www.fizzkicks.com/aronas

you can also make a contribution on the mailing list page. Help me buy my domain name and web design.

Other Things

Played V Festival with Sarah Blasko on the weekend..it was real fun...heres some picks...
and can't wait for Panorama this weekend.

LAUSANNE - live vids & pics

2010-08-20T22:13:00.002+01:00

VIDEO LINK HERE

Funny what you find when browsing the web on a friday night
Tap this link for some ARONAS pics
http://www.dgostoliphotography.com/Concerts/Festival-de-la-Cite-2010/12875527_9RLuG#930587646_8Dt9x
These are some pictures from a very memorable Aronas gig in Lausanne, Switzerland. FESTIVAL DE LA CITE LAUSANNE...http://www.festivalcite.ch

This is an amazing festival with a brilliant stage.
Check out the images here.

FESTIVAL de la cite ARONAS

Preview

:)

Music Success in 9 weeks - BLOGGING CHALLENGE - Week 2

2010-08-16T15:10:00.000+01:00

My Perfect Pitch

So, here we are on Monday, week 2 of the blogging challenge, spent the morning twitting about london's crap weather & now rushing this blog a little so I can get out to catch some sun, its just all blue skies right now. Lucky I'm own boss hey, time to have a swim I think.
With my 5 success' a day task I'm doing, I did manage to get a bit behind...only completed 3 days this week, physically writing the success' down that is..its been a chocka block full week. Started rehearsing with award winning Ebony steel pan orchestra. Taken a challenge to see if I can learn to play the tenor bass steel pan in time for Panorama competition in 2 weeks. Its a 10 minute song I have to learn. Bloody complex too. Rehearsals are almost every night now for 2 weeks. On friday night I stumbled upon Troy bar in Shoreditch and ended up jamming with some great musicians. A bit fusiony for my liking but fun.

Allright to work. This week I have to come up with a pitch. I did the www.15secondpitch.com site. but could never get to the end or save the pitch online, some problems with the website. A bit frustrating really. Anyway, heres what it came up with.

My name is Aron Ottignon and I am a composer specializing in piano wizzardry. A New Zealander now based in the UK, a musical world-traveler & leader of Jazz/dance/world band ARONAS: electronic and tribal rhythms from the South Pacific, rock and classical piano, jazz, punk and Caribbean percussion. Was recognised for being a child prodigy at jazz piano very early & at 11years old began winning international awards in music. Starting gigging & touring professionally at 13 performing with the finest musicians in Australian and NZ. Finished my debut album Culture Tunnels at 24 years old and am now touring the album around the world.

But this seems just a little long for a pitch, maybe good a meeting. I need something really short and snappy that sums all this up.

Aron Ottignon, composer and piano wizard and musical world traveler. Leader of Jazz Dance World band ARONAS: electronic and tribal rhythms from the South Pacific, rock and classical piano, jazz, punk and Caribbean percussion.

So what do you think. Is it too long? Its hard to describe this sort of thing today. Don't like the boxes you know.
Ok, lets see if i can post some pictures from the week, waiting for iphone to backup, bit slow with that aren't, should be wireless and fast really...
just one for now....here's ebony in action in west london, from yesterday...Blockoramma, fundraiser for carnival.

Music Success in 9 weeks - BLOGGING CHALLENGE - Week 1

2010-08-09T00:29:00.000+01:00

The Blogging Challenge

Well here I am using my Sunday evening to work and begin Arial Hyatt's blogging challenge. Glad fully too. Also thankful that I'm currently off tour because knowing what I'm like on the road, getting me do this sort of thing in the past has been quite difficult. Anyway, I'm really beginning to understand the importance of social media and the significance of blogging and updating your movements for people out there to follow. It is an extremely competitive world today and I'm afraid its not bands versus bands in the music business anymore. Its bands in the music business versus youtube popular pets, iFart four your iphone, foursquare, etc, etc.

Some of you might be asking "what is aron doing a bloody music success in 9 weeks for?", "he was successful when he was 11 years old"!! Well yes, I've had a great success and have toured almost half the globe playing my own and other peoples music. But now I'm 27years old, my parents getting older too, I'm feeling a fire inside of me to make and itake it to another level. When asking myself of goals I'm wanting to acheive in the next 12 months, I managed to fill 2 pages. There are many gaps and grey areas in my business that I want firm up and clear up. A lot of people are counting on me for things and it is building immense pressure. So I'm really really fired up now, and clear headed and ready to take on the world with my own style of piano playing. Wanna earn some bucks too so I can some holidays and visit my grandparents on the other side of globe in AUCKLAND, NZ on a regular basis.

Most of importantly is to make my online presence as exciting if not more then my actual live show. It seems if i'm to reach my niche market/audience in all the given territories, I must reach them online first, grab there attention to receive comments and feedback requesting I COME for REAL. ok...enough of this mad ranting.

So yesterday and today, I've starting a new notebook in which I'll put down everything in writing first. I like the little motivation tool of writing down minimum 5 successes a day. When out and catching the late tube or bus home I'll look forward to making this task every day.
I've also created all the important focus areas for my music....most importantly I DON'T HAVE A WEBSITE.....eeeekkkk.....I'm going to sort this first. geeez Its so bad I don't have one. I look forward to making it my own online shop...aronas tea bags, aronas earings, aronas rolling papers, you name it i'll have it. lol.
I've got 2 giant school sized White Boards in my room. These are dedicated also to this challenge. One board has all my music goals for the next 12 months and life time, with deadlines of course. and also the money goals (i'm sick of being poor), and lifetime goals. hmmm, i found the lifetime goals a little difficult. As I feel I need to know happiness even if I achieve what I seek out to or DON'T. I will die trying to make my goals but worst cased scenarrios, its important to be happy in the moment so I try not to set to many lifetime goals. A family one day would be nice, but the world is overpopulated so I'm not bothered....
So then, I also rushed on to WEEK 2 to make my pitch. But then saw the WAVE 2 applications. I need to find out if thats what I'm in. Hope so cause I'm resting on my PITCH...my music is weird. : )

SO thats the end of WEEK 1. Happy to make this step. Bring on the pitch and WEEK 2 of the Arial Hyatts's challenge!!!

Thanks for reading guys....

Just to fill you in a bit, I recently returned from New Zealand. There I was recording an exciting new record for Whiri Mako Black. Was asked to MD the recording. It was very special to be part of this as it is her first album in English.
Here's some pics of my setup from my iphone.

ROUNDHEAD STUDIOS - AUCKLAND, NZ

WURLI, RHODES, HAMMOND, JUNO

AUCKLAND HARBOUR

WHIRI MAKO BLACK - IN JONATHAN ZWARTZ' IPHONE

Aronas 2010 begins

2010-05-11T01:52:00.000+01:00

I'm actually really bloody exhausted right now cause its 1:30am and I've been fiddling around with internet too long now.
But I'm going to try and come back here a couple times a month from now on. I'm going to be leading an interesting life for the remainder of the year. Starting with shows in London, moving on to Belgium, Switzerland, France, Russia.

I have to jump back to NZ maybe to record with a famous singer there. But the plane tickets are not booked yet so I'll hold on before describing this whole situation. Yeah, there's been this volcano up in iceland haulting all flights in and out of the UK. Thinking about that, I might not be going anywhere this year. Shit. No! Lets be Positive. I need to tour to survive.

SURVIVAL?!?! Yes this is the game I play in London. Prices are rising, recording industry diminishing. What the Fuck is a kiwi pianist supposed to do. PERFORM live all the fucking time. Its exhausting but I love it. And I love playing my own music so much I keep losing loads of other gigs cause of the dedication to my own project. But all is well, cause the support just keeps on growing and especially proud to be signed with Caramba Spectacles the best touring agency in the world.

So I must sleep now. I'm planning on streaming live, www.ustream.com my show this Thursday at Jazz re:freshed. i've got many things to prepare.
Good night all.
And see you back here soon.

Oh check out this link...just finished it today, you know, internet fiddling and shit

http://flavors.me/aronottignon

2010-04-01T00:46:00.004+01:00

POLICE BRUTALITY on unarmed steel pan musician

AWARD WINNING STEEL PAN CHAMPION AND GIFTED INSTRUMENTALIST
HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF EBONY STEEL PAN ORCHESTRA FOR MANY YEARS HAS ALSO PERFORMED WITH LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, BILLY OCEAN AS WELL AS PERFORMING FOR MOVIE STAS BILL MURRAY AND PIERCE BROSNAN, NOW PERFORMING WITH COURTNEY PINE AND WITH ARONAS DUE AT THE NEXT 2010 MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, CANADA. HE HAS ALSO RECEIVED THE QUEEN’S REWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE COMMUNITY AND WORKS FOR NSPCC, PROTECTION OF CHILDREN.

Dear friends & family, please read as this is a REAL person whom many of us have known for decades and these events have REAL consequences that will affect him forever regardless of the outcome……

On September 29th 2009, Samuel spent a whole night in a Notting Hill police station cell after being harassed, sworn at, CS g...assed, racially abused and beaten at the hands of the officers involved. In the morning he was cautioned, on a charge of public disorder, officers claiming Samuel swore and assaulted a police officer.

As many of us know Samuel personally, i think we can safely say that this young, hardworking family man, who has been in no trouble with the law before has been the victim of a sickening miscarriage of justice, but please read below for the facts so you may make your own decision.
That evening Samuel was busking outside South Kensington station, a place he has performed many times before and also a place he is totally entitled to perform at barring any complaints. While briefly speaking on his phone, two officers, male and female approached and abruptly asked him to stop talking… Sam replied,... asking if there had been a complaint? (Samuel being very aware of the laws surrounding busking as he has done so for over ten years.) The female said that there had indeed been a complaint made. Samuel replied, "ok I'll pack up" this being a request and procedure he has encountered countless times. The male officer asked "do you have a permit?". Sam's response was "No? i've been playing here for 8 years and this particular council don't issue permits". The male officer then asks demeaningly, "Why do you think they don't issue permits?" This is where the events started to turn
Samuel told the officer "its fine, you've done your job, I'm going to move, let me pack up my things" However, upon Samuel trying to walk in front of his pans to pack up, the Police officer told him to stop. Then the officer asked "why don't you have a licence to busk in the underground?" He replied" I do have a licence, but I prefer to busk outdoors, but anyway, you've asked me to pack up and that is cool, i'm moving."

While Sam tried to pack up his pans, the officer said abruptly "Stop, I'm speaking to you". Sam says defensively (well aware of the use of bad language and threatening body language) "whats wrong, little man?" (the PO was short). The PO responds "what did you say?" Sam answers "little man, you're acting like a little ...man. I'm packing up its fine. The PO says" if you say little man one more time, you're nicked" Sam replies, "don't be silly, you can't arrest somebody for calling you little man, little man".

At that point the officer grabbed Samuel's hands, (over the instrument) and tried to quickly hand cuff him. Confused by the aggressiveness and quick actions of the officer, Samuel grabbed his left hand to stop him hand cuffing, and asked "why are you arresting me?"
both officers shouted "Stop resisting!", Samuel again... asked "why are you arresting me?" The officers struggled to put the handcuffs on Sam swiftly, fumbling the cuffs carelessly. At that point Sam being pushed, knocked his Steel pans over, straight away causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage to his instruments a huge crash/noise escalating the situation.

Suddenly, the officer pulled out his CS spray and without any warning sprayed Sam in the face. At the same time backup arrived in the form of two more passing officers. Samuel was forced to the ground, Samuel then started to vomit while on the ground as the CS gas started to reach his airways, eyes and chest. Samuel p...leaded to be let up as he was beginning to choke on his own vomit but his requests fell on deaf ears. They jumped in and assaulted Samuel while handcuffing him .Samuel, now vomiting, disorientated and incredibly nauseous, begs again "please let me up, please let me up".

At that point Sam’s eye site blurred as he was restrained (knee in the back/arms twisted behind) in his own bile. At this point Samuel endured an officer kneeling on his back whispering into his ear, : you fucking b***k cunt, you b***k cunt" . The officers pulled Sam up of the floor still whispering in his ear…… Sam be...lieves that this was an entirely different officer to the ones already involved. They put Samuel in the van and drove him to the station.

Asked at the station which one had said these horrendous racial remarks….all officers looked at each other, shrugged and said "not me?" Samuel received facial scarring and unquantifiable mental stress at the hands of these officers.

The police say there is no CCTV camera catching any of this action……..

He awaits his trial and we must rouse support for Samuel in any way possible. Samuel has worked tirelessly for good causes throughout the last 20 years and is a dedicated family man who has never shown any indication that he is a violent person. Ask ...anyone who has met Samuel and they will agree he is a pillar of the community and a great role model to all the kids he has taught and brought up. This could not have happened to a more unworthy person that Samuel as we all know so please do something to help otherwise this type of thing will continue to be gotten away with by the authorities
Samuel was found guilty of all charges in court (2 counts of assaulting of an officer/1 count of resisting arrest), the Police colluding with no evidence against him. He faces prison time or a hefty fine unless he appeals and is to be sentenced on THURSDAY 1ST APRIL 2010.

ARONAS

2009-12-18T16:08:00.006Z

Dear Family & friends,

The heating is on high at my little place in north London, as the winter season is trying to make its way up through the cracks in my floor boards...4:30pm and I'm out doing my grocery shopping in the dark with more then enough layers. So now, just beginning to find some time to write this and conclude another massive year of music and madness before hitting Australia and New Zealand for christmas, NY and the real summer. To be honest, I'm nursing a lovely hang over caused by Eddie Izzard's after party boat cruise thing. That guy performed in front of 18, 000 people last night! Thats massive! Don't know how I get into these places?

OK, Going to have to look back at my myspace calender to remind myself where I have been with Aronas, so much has happened. Debut shows in Greece & Germany are definite highlights of new territories being explored via the concerts and music presented from Culture Tunnels.

I've linked all my friends website pages to there names. I would just love it if you could click on there names when you have a chance to check out there pages and listen/watch there sounds. They've all been huge inspirations and great support.

Now, I'm pleased to announce the end of Culture Tunnels and the beginning of The Team Aquatic & Digging Tunnels. Yes, production of the Aronas' 2nd album has begun!!!!

HERE'S A PREVIEW!!!

E.P Sampler 1 by aronottignon

ALSO LISTEN ON MYSPACE

ARONAS

Currently in the exciting stage of mixing, new sound experimentations with Toni Economedez. In early November we spent 1 week in livingston(home to Bjorks' Debut). Samuel on Steel pans/ perc (oh yeah, Ebony steel, National Award winners again!!!), Nick bass & tea pot, Jerry on Drums. Also for one day we had Vanya & Carlene (Ebony steel). Beats of Polynesia were also in with the log drums. Good mate James Fisher dropped in with his camera, check out this link for shots in the studio. PHOTOS. The engineer was the experienced engineer Andy Strange (assisted by Anthony Leung) who I met during some CIRQUE De SOLIEL recording sessions made earlier this year. Yes, a lots been happening.

In October I signed a Partnership deal in Paris with CARAMBA SPECTACLES They are also producing the 2nd album and are looking to release APRIL 2010. Yes, the pressure is on but I'm loving it.
THe last 2 weeks have been spent celebrating my birthday, also with LA CLIQUE asking me to perform with outrageous and beautiful Meow Meow I've had a good time shutting off from my compositions, giving myself some fresh ears. I think it was a good 2 months there, where all I played/listened too was my own music. Getting back into the mixes with Toni on wednesday.

What now, well yes...finishing off most the mixing process for this 2nd LP (sweeeeet). Got a solo show in Paris on tuesday, then another one in Athens on the weekend, Then hitting Sydney for christmas and New Years. Will spend a couple of weeks there in the sun then make my way over to Auckland for 7-10 days to see my ole friends from way back. Maybe try to save the London Bar from going under, i wish!!! ARTICLE LINK. Canada - Jazz in Montreal is on the way (july 2010). Also touring with Liam Lever early Feb.
Dakhla Festival in Morrocco. 18th feb - 28th feb

2010!!! I can't wait to bring on the new sounds and experiences. Knowing london well enough now and looking forward to creating as much entertainment as possible, get your asses of your seats and come see some piano tribal funk drumming yeah!

Big love to my brother Matt's engagement to the beautiful Rachel.
Check out www.myspace.com/thehappytourist

HOT TUB @ RHINO Jazz festival in France

And one @ La clique

And everybody doing the starfish!!!!!

Also, things to check out in 2010
FREE STEEL PAN SAM
ARONAS & THE TEAM AQUATIC

Thankyou for everyone who contributed to an amazing year!!! Who can hardly wait for 2010?!?!

Lots of Love

Aron

p.s. Come say hello to me here, loving having a gossip....pppffrrrrr..
http://www.facebook.com/aronottignon

Birthdays + Aronas end of Year = Party

2008-10-22T16:00:00.010+01:00

Sooooooo - party details 14th november 08, but wait.....

What a year, where to begin???? Sitting on my couch in wood green, north london listening to Janelle Monae (what a voice) thinking of how to put together this blog. I guess I'm just going to mention as much as possible, until the music stops.

October was huge, We put 5 tracks down in MICROBE studios in Paris. I was eager to capture the current line up with the extraordinary virtuosic drummer Jose Joyette, legend bassist Nick Fyffe and best mate and steel pan player in the world Sam Dubois. A few songs like Team Aquatic in which we capture moments and fun times had on recent coastal rock pool tours over summer. The nile, representing the exotic sex move - the flying camel, in which audience memebers having been recently participating in with beautiful wing like arm flapping. Check out for my younger sis Holly who will dropping in over in the next couple of weeks to lay some vocals down. Think Habibi!!!

Legendary filming production company CLC were at our last gig especially. They had an amazing set up with extendable half human half robot camera catching all sorts of angles. Had to be extra careful to avoid running into this as thinking of the 1st show this month, I foolishly ran onto the stage for the 1st song banging into the fold back speaker. I sat down playing the 1st half of the set, everything being cool...but then I look down to see my white techtonic pants slowly turning red from blood. Waiting for the drum solo I wander back to find a huge injury. Anyway, limping around, its a scar i'll keep to remember this crazy time in my career. So, yeah, Look out for the DVD in the future, hoping CLC will make the best one yet!!! No trip on this footage!!

Caramaba Spectacles are confirming shows for next year whilst RT-Music have also confirmed some shows in Aus in January, so looking forward to heading home to NZ/AUS to catch some sun, friends and family. Well missed.

At the moment I'm working on the 2nd album so am also looking for the right company to make its new home, hope not to make the same mistake with past UK company. *sigh*

Sooooooooo, Its November coming up, I've been in London now for 3 years and have not thrown a damn Party. Its now my turn. I've chosen my location in Dalston, more details coming. Its going to be radical with full fancy dress, special guests from Award winnning Ebony, other bands, djs, lights, drinking, shisha's, etc, etc, etc. Aronas is going to be playing a late long set hopefully having all the great players that have been part of the band at some point join in. I might even be bar guy for an hour just to help those cocktails flow faster...Yes its the party of the year - my brother from another mother Sam Dubios shares the same birthdate so we're going to go party for show!!! Backed Up!!!!

14th NOVEMBER ITs coming up, get ready now!!!

well, thats all for now.

I really hope everyone comes to the party, it will be a very special night for me, so I hope to see all my favourite faces i've been seeing in tthis part of the world.

Ok, i'm going to get on facebook to make this event.
Big hello to everyone in AUS/NZ look forward to seeing in JAN 09

And big love to Team Aquatic, the shark, starfish, jellyfish, walrus, sea horse, clam, crabs, big bearded baby octopus...what great days!

Best,

Aron