Welcome North Spice

 “Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.” 

― Roy T. Bennett | The Light in the Heart

On the 14 November 2016 Sydney engineer, entrepreneur a dear friend of mine Georgina North, launched a social enterprise business called North Spice. Gina's a mega bebe and maybe the most intelligent person I know.  North Spice is her baby. A crowdfunding campaign aiming raise $10,000 with an anti-oxidant rich, revitalising range of Golden Turmeric Latte products. 

And the profits, they go to supplying India's Urban poor with solar power electricity. I'm honoured to be working on this project with Gina by assisting her with the marketing and PR in which we are 49% of the on achieving our $10,000 goal!

See North Spice does not only taste flipping amazing BUT all the cashola raised is donated to Pollinate Energy - a charity and social business that is combatting climate change and global poverty in India. Pollinate Energy, also co-founded by young Australians, provides affordable solar lighting and other sustainable products. Since their inception in 2012, Pollinate Energy have installed over 17,000 solar power systems, saving 2 million litres of kerosene and 20 million kilograms of C02 emissions, reaching over 75,000 people in India. 

So when you purchase North Spice (before December 31 2016) your not only going to receive a high-quality turmeric latte blend but you will also be supporting our social enterprise whilst consciously changing you purchasing habits. 

So far we've raised nearly $5000, but we still need to raise another $5000 for our crowd funding campaign to be successful. Unfortunately, if we don't make our goal of $10,000 by December 31 2016 we wont get to keep any of the funds raised and our project will be forfeited. So we're asking you to dig deep, pledge and amount & get some of Gina's golden latte blend in ya! 

NORTH SPICE CROWD FUNDING PAGE 

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#CraftOverShaft | A Fling with Feathers

Purchase some pizza & maybe a refreshing beverage while we create.

We'll be crafting some super dope bunting which can be used to decorate your bedroom, baby rooms, as an engagement gift or used get festive around the house come this Halloween or Christmas.

Cost is by donation ($7 per person will cover my costs) and everything you need will be supplied!

Follow us on Instagram at @craftovershaft & #craftovershaft

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Isolated Yet Inspired | October

On the first of August I left Australia on a one way flight from Perth to Canada. After spending 12 months in the dry solitude of the North West Desert the last place I imagined finding myself content would be in a tiny mountain town. Of only ten thousand people. Hidden in British Columbia. 

The isolation I experienced in the desert mining town of Tom Price was confronting and dark. The opposite to this new, simple yet creative life I'm living here in Nelson.  

The music curated below is a selection of tracks from artist's that I've been listening to over the recent weeks. Not a "fresh" collection of works but a playlist for this stage in time. Inspired by leaving the island, seeking new experience and adventures & reflecting on life back home.

Lo & Behold - One Way Ticket

Lower Spectrum - Atlas (Movements 1 & 2) 

Franz Ferdinand cover The Go-Betweens Was There Anything I Could Do?

Frocktober 2016

Local artist & fantastic friend of mine Mary Marinangeli & I are taking part in Frocktober 2016! It's a FUN way to raise funds & awareness for Ovarian Cancer Research. Everyday in October we'll be sportin' a frock (dress) & documenting it on our pledging page.

By donating you'll be helping us raise funds for:

1. The development and implementation of an early detection program for ovarian cancer.

2. Improving the mortality rate, management and long-term survival of women with ovarian cancer.

3. Gaining fundamental understanding of the causes of ovarian cancer.

You can help us on our quest to raise $1000 by spreading the word by sharing this page with your friends, family and colleagues and encouraging others to get involved in changing the future of women’s health. Oh and thank you in advance for your generosity!

WOO HOO YOU CAN DONATE HERE

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Shambhala Series | Zeke Beats

Travelling to a music festival in the middle of the British Columbia forest is an extraordinary experience. Reading that your homegrown hero Zeke Beats is to open the Amphitheater Stage at the festival is insane! I took sometime with fellow Perth producer DNGRFLD to deliver this Shambhala Series feat. Zeke Beats!

DNGRFLD: I’m stoked to be able to ask you some questions ahead of your gig at what will be your very first Shambhala experience! How are you feeling about the festival?

Zeke Beats: I'm very excited to be playing one of the festivals I've always dreamed of playing!

DNGRFLD: You're playing The Amphitheater stage, alongside some producer buddies of yours? You made a track with BLEEP BLOOP – MARS ATTACKS that was released via Skrillex’s NEST HQ as a premiere in 2015, which is a bomb by the way! How did that collab come about ? and how did you find the process of writing a tune with someone on the other side of the world?

Zeke Beats: We got along on Facebook chat etc etc and dug each others music.… So I was in the states early 2015 and met up with Bleep Bloop in person, we had about 4 - 5 hours time together, and in that time we managed to bang out the main skeleton of mars attacks. It was really good being in the studio together and vibing off each other, also learning each others tips and tricks.

[DANGER - Zeke Beats]

DNGRFLD: Speaking of fellow stage buddies, I can’t neglect to mention a ‘little' shoutout given to you back in March this year, when GASLAMP KILLER not only tipped you as ‘one to watch’ but had your original track DANGER in his TOP TEN INSTRUMENTAL BEATS According to GLK, congratulations firstly, I think it’s every producers’ dream to have their peers pick up and play their tunes let alone give them an accolade such as this! How was that feeling for you and have you seen your music pop up anywhere else you may not have expected?

Zeke Beats: Willie is such a great dude, and also has a really awesome and unique taste in music, I feel really humbled and grateful to have been regarded so highly by him :-)  Other places my music has popped up where I didn’t expect would be things such as hack on triple j using it as background segment music haa, and also recently getting Triple J support on “Virtual Purple” has been great, shouts to Lewis “Dirt Dog” McKirdy! Getting playback from BBC1 Radio Xtra by Toddla T has also been a nice surprise, so I am very thankful.

DNGRFLD: It would seem the LA Beat scene with guys like GLK, Flying Lotus, Toki, Teebs etc certainly seems to have drawn you in when it comes to making the music you do, can you name 1 or 2 seminal tracks for you from that Scene that made you stop and think… what the f** ..

Zeke Beats: Definitely!  EPROM - Regis Chillbin will always be one that constantly baffles me as to how someone could possibly make such a unique masterpiece…

DNGRFLD: In order to harness the incredible frequencies you do with your music you must have some ‘go to’ plugins or gear.. Can you name something In your studio arsenal that you couldn’t live without?

Zeke Beats: One thing I could not live without in my studio in terms of actual equipment would have to be my Korg Mono/Poly… it is such a unique Synthesizer and just when I think I have made every possible patch that I could have made with it… another one come along and blows me away.

DNGRFLD:Ok, enough about music for now! I’m not sure if you have been to Canada before, I know you’ve hit the states before but as close as they are geographically they are quite different in nature.. I’m going to name a few things and you have to (without google!) say what you think they might be/mean: (make the answers up if you don’t know)

Zeke Beats...

• Poutine: damn I already know that this is Fries with gravy and Cheese curds
• Perogie: If this is what I think it is, I would say a polish style dumpling, I have been to Poland before :p
• Molson: no freakin idea, perhaps some type of savoury maple and bacon type food?
• Clamato: Clam and tomato broth lol
• Saskatoon: A cartoon figure of a sasquatch?

DNGRFLD: Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions Zeke! So stoked to have a Perth hometown hero and friend of mine playing what I consider the best festival in the world, Outside of Perth, Breakfest of course ;) 

You can catch Zeke Beats at the Amphitheatre Stage at 12pm on Thursday 4 August! 

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Shambhala Series | Featurecast

As Shambhala Music Festival fast approaches I've teamed up with homegrown, Perth producer DNGRFLD & UK Bass Badman Featurecast to bring you the next installment of According to Evie|Shambahala Series. In May, Featurecast dropped his highly anticipated 2nd LP "Shout It Out". The album not only delivered a fabulous collection of mid-tempo break beat tracks but also skips & jumps over a wide range of genres. From funk to DnB, hip hop to rock. The result; a magical display of turntable & production wizardry. In true Featurecast form of coarse ! 

Featurecast: Shambhala is a very unique festival for me especially the fractal forest. It's almost become the central hub for everything mid-tempo and funky. They have some of the best DJ's up on that stage I think, DJ's that have their own sound and tend to go against the grain a bit, which I really like. I feel very lucky to be a part of it all to be honest. As well as that you have some of the most amazing festival punters wanting to hear and appreciate good music. I love the fact that everyone is just as excited and supportive about seeing one of the local DJ's as they are about seeing a headliner.. I can't think of many festivals where this happens.

DNGRFLD: Your mixtapes are an inspiration for not only myself but for djs/producers and punters across the globe, in a fast paced and ever changing music scene, How much pressure do you feel to put out these incredible mixes and stay  on top of the latest sounds coming through?

Featurecast: Thank you! Yes there is a bit of pressure to get them done. I kind of shot my self in the foot with those mixes as when I started putting them together I had a very unique way of doing it which enabled me to get very creative with them, but it also means each one needs to be better than the last so they have become quite a labour of love. This is why I just do one a year. 

DNGRFLD: On that note, I have noticed a lean towards the drum and bass from you over the years, is there a tempo you hold favourite when playing / producing?
Featurecast: As for the D&B... yes I've loved Drum & Bass for years and it's something I always play in my sets. I'm trying to make more D&B when I can by releasing on the Jungle Strikes label.
DNGRFLD: As you know Perth is the home of another small festival called Breakfest do you think Breakfest and Shambala draw any similarities to one another in terms of vibe?

Featurecast: I think they both have a different feel but for me, music wise It was still the same. People just want to have a great time and dance to some good music... that never changes. I'd still put Breakfest down as one of my favourite shows I've ever played, that was a very special gig for me.

DNGRFLD: We’ve recently had some lock-downs in Sydney due to quote “drunken violence which has had some significant negative impact on the to the nightclub and live music scene over there” Shambhala is alcohol free. How do  you think that affects the vibe compared to other festivals being that there is no alcohol?
Featurecast: I think it's amazing! and one of the main factors of it being so successful. The other factor is it's run and attended by Canadians who are very appreciative and supportive to the music they love. I always feel very lucky to be able to come to Canada as much as I have....and when there is no alcohol involved there's nothing but love. They definitely do not have the bad attitude towards drinking like we have here in the UK and Australia by the sounds of it.

DNGRFLD: You’ve done some collaborations in the past the various artists who is someone that you really still wish to take off that wish list in terms of collaboration and why?
Featurecast: Only one person....Liam Howlett from the Prodigy, I studied him closely growing up and would love to pick his brains on music. He is super talented and writes killer riffs and hooks :) Other than that i'd probably say it would be great to work with some amazing singers like Stevie Wonder or someone like that. I find working with singers pretty straight forward but not so easy with other producers.

DNGRFLD: You always pull out a few surprise from your crate, whenever I see you play live, can you let us in on any insider information in terms of what we can expect from from Featurecast this year at Fractal Forest?
Featurecast: I've got a load of new music i'm working on at the moment so there will be a lot of new surprises in my sets as well as a lot of Featurecast-edits, there might be a few surprises with genres this year as well. I find Shambhala is the one place you have to come correct each time you play, I want people to have fun and enjoy the music but there are also a lot of chin scratching from other DJ's that stand behind you so there's double the pressure to come with a good set. lol. ;)

You can catch Featurecast at Shambhala playing on the Fractal Forest stage at 3am on Sunday Morning!Oh & here's a lil bit of lovin' for all my DJ's out there... head HERE for a heap of free Featurecast edits, remixes and mashups! Keep an eye our for a new mixtape in the near future n a production sample pack for Loopmasters, this will be accompanied by a series of production video(CAN I GET A HELL YEAH)!!!

A massive thank you to both DNGRFLD & Featurecast for taking the time to complete these questions, you guys rock! I can't wait to see you both at the Farm, not long now.

Want more? You can follow me Insty and Twitter @according2evie & ya'll can subscribe to all things fun here!

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Shambhala Series | Stickybuds

It’s no hidden fact that Stickybuds favourite gig to play is Shambhala Music Festival, Like derrr, if you had been crowned a  returning resident I'm sure you would totally be feelin' the same vibez! It’s no secret the love this events organizers and annually returning punters have for the legendary, Multi-genre Connoisseur and all round nice guy Tyler Martens! Listening back to his Fractal Forest mix from 2014 you can witness the fitness of his on-point party tune selection, smooth mixing & crowd pleasing bangers. Actually, if you listen back to any of his mixes from past years this will be displayed over and over again! With such an array of talent on this year’s stellar Shambs line-up I have asked the question to Stickybuds “Who’s on your MUST SEE list at Shambhala 2016?"

"Cut Chemist - Amazing turntablist, crate digger, creative guru, can't wait to see what he brings to our festival."

"The Noisy Freaks - Huge fan of these guys, they make amazing funky tunes, been pushing for them on the lineup for a few years."

"Roni Size + Krust Ft. Dynamite Mc - Whole bunch of legends, wicked dnb. Size was one of the first guys I really loved back in the day."

"The Upbeats - Because these guys slay, will be a proper dnb rinseout."

"Flamingosis- Listen to this guys albums all the time. Love his jams, well talented and makes great music."

Shambhala Series | Neon Steve

Neon Steve, the Canadian West Coast Bass Warrior has really cultivated his sound in recent years as a DJ/Producer. Resulting in a reputation for his high energy sets that blend and twist conventional genres. While his production spans over a variety of tempos, at the moment you’ll find him in the studio working with Askillz on them 808 vibez & on that release tip of a new booty house banger with Basement Freaks!  Over the coming months you’ll find him hitting’ up Shambhala (hell yes!!!) and Basscoast festivals . Then he’s headed to Europe in October for a stack of shows over 6 weeks! I caught up with this Breakfest legend to talk all things Shamb’s Production tips and Tim Tam Slams… 

You’re from Canada, with that in mind what was the biggest opportunity that paved the way for you to move from being a local act to an international one? I think the key to the success I’ve had so far is just a bunch of really cool/lucky opportunities (Playing Shambhala, remixing my fav artists, getting blog support etc..) that have accumulated over the years. I’ve never had any one significant event that has launched my career. The shows/tours/releases just keep stacking up and the resume gets stronger and stronger every year. I’ve toured internationally but I still don’t feel like an “International act” I’d like to feel that way though, and I’m definitely working towards it. Slowly but surely!

Your Fractal Forest from Shambhala last year has over had over 80,000 plays! The set is a hell of a lot of fun, crossing over to so many different genres. How was the experience on the day? Thanks, Glad you think so! It’s a pretty crazy experience playing the Fractal Forest. Anyone that’s had the chance would argue it’s one of the greatest stages ever. For some reason (apart from the first year) I’ve never been nervous before playing. I’ve even had the worst possible nightmare happen (dead mixer from the jump off) and it was still such a breeze. I think it’s because the crowd is so accepting and the vibes are so thick you feel supercharged up there. The programming is all killer-no filler too, so it’s flattering getting invited back every year.

As you know I’m from Perth, the most isolated capital city in the world. What advice or tips can you give me as I head over to Canada for the Shamb’s? Perth was the only Australian city that reminded me of BC while I was over there so I think you’ll transition quite nicely! Very similar vibe of people and we even love our breakbeats just as much! I would say make the time to go on some hikes and swim in some rivers or lakes and eat all the food. We have some of the best restaurants no matter what you’re into. Also, bring warm clothes ‘cause the mountains still get super cold at night!

There is so much amazing new music at the moment. I personally find it hard to keep up! What are you diggin’ right now?I’m always so all over the map but my top 3 artists right now are Malaa, Wuki, and Tropkillaz!

Lil one for the producer heads out there; what are your top 3 plug-ins and why?

1. Really digging the new Izotope Ozone 7 Exciter. You can give some nice colour to 808’s with it, or rough em right up for some nastiness.

2. Serum. Move aside Massive!

3. Max for Live’s Convolution Reverbs. If you haven’t purchased the max for live upgrade in Ableton, it’s worth it just for these reverbs in my opinion. They have totally changed the game for me.

Have you ever had a Tim Tam Slam before? Keen to have one at the festival? I’ll bring the biccy’s!Haha say what!? No I definitely haven’t had one of those. What are they? As long as they’re meat/dairy free I’m open to trying one!

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Testimonials

“Evie Lavers worked closely with the Jonté Designs Fashion Label over the period of 10 weeks and focused on the Jonté Designer Hire social media Instagram account. She was an invaluable asset to the Jonté Team. With an incredible amount of bright ideas and ongoing initiative to maintain constant marketing concepts, Evie grew the Jonté Designer Hire Instagram account at an exponential level and with great traction. She took the time to teach our team her methods which has allowed us to continue these marketing schemes. She also took the time to give us tips on how to run our other social media platforms more effectively and goes above and beyond her role. It was such a pleasure working with you!“

Jonte Pike | Owner and Designer at Jonte Designs

“Evie when organizing my first exhibition demonstrated a high degree of professional and organisation, she guaranteed that I stayed on track and my quirk and creativity did not dwindle. Through her passion for artistic endeavours, she understood what I was trying to achieve and who I was, as not only and artist but a person and this was clearly reflected in the final show.

Evie constantly showed that the impossible can be achieved, miracles can happen and you can have a damn good laugh along the way.”

Alison Draper | Visual  Artist at ‘All The Alison’

“Evie did an amazing job on organising &promoting  Alison's and my exhibition, from finding the space to selling the pieces she did it all from start to finish. It was a pleasure working with her and would highly recommend booking her for your next function.”

Jamie McKercher | Visual Artist at ‘Aolie’

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ISOLATED YET INSPIRED | MARCH

Here’s a little compilation of tunes that I've been diggin' over the last week. I’m lovin’ them so much that I thought I would share them with chu! Mostly motivated but my efforts to get fit  I've been also stepping up my new-music-listening game,as I run circles around this tiny town of Tom Price. 

Torren Foot | After Midnight
Torren Foot is one of my favourite Australian producers, self-proclaimed as 'Professional Panty Dropper' his set's NEVER fail to disappoint. Neither do his mixes or bootlegs. He's got tracks signed to Mad Decent, One Love & Sweat It Out! This G-house banger is a free download n excites my earlobes greatly.

Format: B | Chunky

I've been searching for this track ID for months. Finally, I can stop goggling “Tail feather" & "until the break of dawn" which have only resulted  references to the Bible. I discovered the ID in the Shiba San Shambhala Mix 2015 (another great mix) that has me pumped for the Shamb's line-up drop tomorrow!!!

DNGRFLD | Kiiara - Gold (DNGRFLD Rousey #DNB Edit) 

I'm not sure if I'm embarrassed when I say I only heard this track for the first time when DNGRFLD sent this re-work to me last week. Now I hear it everywhere! 

Beautiful track + DnB twist = Bass Filled Bliss! 

The Martin Brothers  | ‘Rainy Sunrise' Drum And Bass Mix

This mix makes me run! Motivation Maxed! Chuck on your sneakers get ready for an hour of powerful bass tunes.

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Immerse Yourself

 I live in a tiny town, the tallest in our state I might add. Tom Price. Where our Iron Ore paved, safe streets are filled with children’s laughter. The days are dry & the night’s sky is filled with millions of illuminating stars. It seems our residents communicate better, and more often, in Facebook Groups than in person and if you don’t contribute to team sports, you can live here pretty much non-existent. Once a year though the residents and visitors of Ashburton can discover the magnificent Karijini Experience. Think of it as an Outback Fringe Festival in the middle of the desert! Ya’ll can be immersed in the landscape, the culture and the sensual joys of the region.

 Now in its fourth year, Karijini Experience has cemented a reputation for delivering an intimate, authentic, once-in-a-lifetime event. Held on the traditional lands of the Banjima people, the festival is a celebration of environmental protection, connection & culture. Now, choosing what events to head to has been super hard! Especially when wine, food AND CRAFT are listed in the program. I have locked in one event though, a wine night with mah ladies at Moonrise Lounge…

The Moonrise Lounge is on Friday 22 April n is held in Karijini National Park. It boasts of spine chilling performances from Frank Yamma, Stephen and Alan Pigram. It’s BYO booze (Yay!) and there is a courtesy bus to and from Tom Price = WINNING! Now for anyone that complains the bush is boring, you better be getting a ticket for an opportunity to immerse yourself in our rich countries local culture!

 Tickets | Facebook Event

I'm taking my camera, so if you're out there too make sure you say hi! 

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