The agoraphobic YouTube star: British singer is a huge hit in China

By CLAIRE ELLICOTT

Home studio: Jemma Hixon from Malvern, Worcestershire, who is agoraphobic, has become an internet sensation


Blessed with a beautiful singing voice and a talent for song-writing, Jemma Pixie Hixon had always dreamed of becoming a star.

But her fledgling career came to a halt when she developed agoraphobia, a condition which left her so frightened of the outside world she has been unable to leave her house for two years.

So she decided to film herself singing in a makeshift recording studio in her bedroom in Malvern, Worcestershire, using a webcam then post the footage on the internet.


YouTube star: Jemma Pixie Hixon has racked up 2.3m views of her YouTube cover songs, despite battling agoraphobia for two years


Thanks to those recordings Miss Hixon, 20, is now a big name in China and Japan, and more than two million have watched her performances on the video-sharing website YouTube.

She performs a mixture of covers of chart hits and her own songs, and last month, one video achieved ‘most viewed’ status in China.

She said: ‘For the last two years I’ve been struggling with agoraphobia. I used to perform all the time and I really wanted a way I could continue.

‘I decided to put my songs up on YouTube so I could share them with lots of people, even though I’m still housebound.’


Household name: The 20-year-old's performances made her videos the 'most viewed' in China last month


Miss Hixon, who lives with her parents Tonia, 50, and Mark, 49, in a six-bedroom detached home, has never suffered stage fright and even once sang on live television.

She said: ‘When I was 13 I won a competition on The Saturday Show on BBC1 to sing with the Sugababes.

‘I sang on live TV and it didn’t bother me at all, but I just turn into a big panic ball when I try to leave the house.

‘It’s a strange thing because I know logically I have nothing to worry about walking out of the house but it’s a completely different thing when I actually try to do it.’


Ambition: Miss Hixon hopes her online success can help her land a recording contract


‘If I was able to get better – and I know it can happen – I would want to sing because all I have ever wanted to do is to be a recording artist.’

Miss Hixon started suffering panic attacks when she was just six years old and gradually her condition worsened.

She has seen dozens of psychologists and hypnotherapists but they have so far been unable to make any breakthrough.

She said: ‘I want to be cured and lead a normal life and I would love it if my music would help that.

‘I would like to think that one day I will have the courage to leave the house and perform on stage.’


Jemma Pixie Hixon- Parachute Acoustic- Cheryl Cole- Cover



Jemma Pixie Hixon- Now We Are Free Cover- Gladiator Theme Tune Soundtrack-Lisa Gerrard



source :dailymail

Dal Shabet returns on a ‘Pink Rocket’ to Inkigayo

Having charmed many after debuting in January with “Supa Dupa Diva“, the ladies of Dal Shabet have returned with more of their sweet charms on tonight’s episode of SBS’s Inkigayo.

With their second mini-album and title track of the same name, “Pink Rocket“, the members have retained their sweet charms with only slight changes in hairstyles.

“Pink Rocket” is a trendy pop dance track with a unique story of a girl holding in the pink light of love in her heart and propelling herself towards the sky with a rocket.

The synthesizer sounds was revealed to represent the clouds she flies through, while the interesting arrangement is meant to give the feeling of flying through space.

Happy Face Entertainment explained, “Like their debut album, their comeback work was also produced by hit composer E-TRIBE. The girls will be returning with trendy music that’s a bit more modern and mature compared to their debut. We ask that you give them your love and attention.”



source: allkpop

Dal Shabet returns on a ‘Pink Rocket’ to M! Countdown

Having charmed many after debuting in January with “Supa Dupa Diva“, the ladies of Dal Shabet have returned with more of their sweet charms on tonight’s episode of Mnet’s M! Countdown.

With their second mini-album and title track of the same name, “Pink Rocket“, the members have retained their sweet charms with only slight changes in hairstyles.

“Pink Rocket” is a trendy pop dance track with a unique story of a girl holding in the pink light of love in her heart and propelling herself towards the sky with a rocket.


The synthesizer sounds was revealed to represent the clouds she flies through, while the interesting arrangement is meant to give the feeling of flying through space.

Happy Face Entertainment explained, “Like their debut album, their comeback work was also produced by hit composer E-TRIBE. The girls will be returning with trendy music that’s a bit more modern and mature compared to their debut. We ask that you give them your love and attention.”




source: allkpop

'I love fine foods and hate the gym': Adele reveals she is happy with her weight

By SARAH BULL

Curvy and confident: Adele has revealed she is happy with her weight as she graces the cover of Rolling Stone magazine


She's the larger than life singer who has enjoyed phenomenal success so far this year.

And now Adele has continued her quest for world domination by gracing the cover of America's Rolling Stone magazine in their Best of Rock 2011 issue.

The 22-year-old singer looks stunning on the cover, with her black eyeliner and voluminous hair turning her into a glamourpuss, and insists in the accompanying interview she isn't worried about her weight and is happy with how she looks.


'I like my food': The Someone Like You singer, seen in Dublin earlier this week, said she isn't going to try and change her figure


She said: 'My life is full of drama and I won't have time to worry about something as petty as what I look like. I don't like going to the gym.

'I like eating fine foods and drinking nice wine. Even if I had a really good figure, I don't think I'd get my t**s and a** out for no one.

'I love seeing Lady Gaga’s boobs and bum. I love seeing Katy Perry’s boobs and bum.

Love it. But that’s not what my music is about. I don’t make music for eyes, I make music for ears.'


Popular: Adele was bombarded by fans outside Dublin's Olympia Theatre ahead of her show


Adele, who has been top of the UK album charts for the past 11 weeks with her second record 21, also spoke to the magazine about her struggles with stage fright.

She said: 'I'm scared of audiences. One show in Amsterdam I was so nervous I escaped out the fire exit. I've thrown up a couple of times.

'Once in Brussels I projectile vomited on someone. I just gotta bear it. But I don't like touring. I have anxiety attacks a lot.'


However, Adele admits she took inspiration from her idol Beyoncé as to how to get over her anxiety by channelling Beyoncé's alter-ego Sasha Fierce and coming up with her own version.

The album was inspired by a relationship breakdown and Adele says she will remain eternally grateful to her ex-boyfriend for his part in her life story.

She said: 'He was artistic, but not romantic. We'd just bicker over a cup of tea or the fact that my lighter wasn't working.

'He made me an adult and put me on the road that I'm travelling on.'



Emotional: Adele's album 21 was inspired by a relationship breakdown




source: dailymail

SNSD wins an award from Japan’s “SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS”

Back in August of last year, SNSD dropped the MV for their debut Japanese single, “Genie“, and quickly became a Hallyu sensation in Japan, thanks to their sleek long legs and cute charms.

Having garnered an impressive array of awards and chart-topper recognition from Japan’s entertainment industry, the girls can now add another award to their trophy case. Recently, the “SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS” announced its list of winners for the year of 2010 – the nine ladies of SNSD secured the “Best Pop Video” of the year with “Genie”.


The award will definitely give the girls a boost of encouragement as they prepare for their comeback in Japan later on this month. Congratulations, ladies!



source: allkpop

Rainbow makes their Inkigayo comeback

After a long few months of waiting, the lovely Rainbow girls are finally back on tonight’s Inkigayo with promotions for their latest mini album, “SO女“.

Rainbow has teamed up with Japan’s Daishi Dance for their comeback title track, named “To Me“, which talks about exacting revenge on an untrue lover.

Check out their charismatic comeback stage below!




source: allkpop

4minute makes a comeback on Music Core

After a long hiatus, the 4minute girls are back to become a hot issue on MBC’s Music Core.

Whether it’s the light and flirty song, “Heart to Heart“, or the powerful and unique feel of “Mirror Mirror“, the girls are definitely showing an upgraded twist to their charismatic color.


“Heart To Heart” blends the members of 4minute’s individual tastes into one energetic track that captivates listeners with the energy of spring, while “Mirror Mirror” shows the mature transformation of the girls as they head into their 20s with their unique sound and an energetic beat.

Check out their comeback stage below!





source: allkpop

Music Core performances from April 9th

MBC’s Music Core is back once again with yet another fun and exciting show!

Due to the Korean baseball league opener broadcast, last week’s show was canceled although recording took place as normal, and they were finally shown a week later today.

MC Cuts.




Besides the usual stages, 4minute, U-Kiss, Yangpa, and Orange Caramel all made their comebacks. Elsewhere, project group Clover made their debut, while Song Ji Eun had her final goodbye stage for her ‘Going Crazy‘ solo promotions with rapper Bang Yong Guk.

Other performers who took to the stage this afternoon included TVXQ, CNBLUE, INFINITE, Wheesung (feat. Hoya), ZE:A, K.Will, Girl’s Day, Dalmatian, CHI CHI, and Han Groo.

Check out their stages below!


















source: allkpop

Tony An is a ‘Top Star’ on Music Bank comeback

Having debuted almost 16 years ago, Tony An begins another chapter in his illustrious career with his recent mini album release, “Top Star“, and full promotions on Music Bank from tonight.

Tony wanted to give his fans a treat for this comeback and he decided to play around with different genres through this mini album. His title track “Top Star” is an energetic dance track written by PSY, and it will definitely get you to move along with the beat.

Check out his comeback stage below!



source: allkpop

Kylie unusual! Glam Ms Minogue looks as if she's about to walk to work in the spring sunshine - but a cab was just round the corner

By JODY THOMPSON

Summertime blues: Kylie Minogue was wearing a stylish navy belted coat dress as she left her London home house before her show at the capital's O2 Arena last night


With a retinue of staff at her beck and call, Kylie Minogue only has to click her fingers and a car will come brmm-ing.

But the star looked like she just wanted a little bit of time to enjoy the beautiful spring sunshine yesterday before she had to hit the road and get to work at London's O2 Arena.

The star looked incredibly chic in a navy blue belted coat dress, cute navy and white cork wedge sandals and black sunglasses, all topped off with a slick of red lipstick.


With her blonde hair up in a tousled French pleat, the star's ensemble looked more suited to taking a lazy tea outside a smart café in town rather than rehearsing in a sweaty venue.


Still, at least she had the night before off, when she headed to London's Garrick theatre for the opening night of her stylist William Baker's Hurly Burly Show, starring burlesque queen Miss Polly Rae.

Kylie was clearly impressed by the saucy show, raunchily writing on her Twitter when she got home: 'Great show tonight @TheMissPollyRae and the cast of @hurlyburlyshow.... T and A!!!!!'


And so to work: Kylie gets into her car and heads off for the first of five nights at London's O2 Arena


The Spinnng Around star was heading east for the last minute finishing touches to the opening date of her five-night stint at the capital's prestigious venue.

It's part of her Aphrodite: Les Folies tour, which kicked off in February in Denmark and winds up in Perth, Australia, on June 22.

The singer seemed excited about the date in her adopted hometown, writing on her Twitter: LONDON! Who is feeling fierce and mighty???? Get your Aphrosizzle on!!! LONDON!!'

The O2 finale is on April 12, before she has a few days off before scheduled dates in Japan starting on April 23.


On stage: Kylie performs one of her numbers on her Aphrodite: Les Folies tour in London last night


Helping hand: Not for the first time yesterday, Kylie got a lift


Kind-hearted Kylie meanwhile invited a group of sick children to go backstage and meet her earlier this week at her gig in Glasgow.

One of them was 12-year-old Colin mcLaren who suffers from the rare genetic condition adrenoleukodystrophy.

He told the Scottish Daily Record: 'Kylie was brilliant. I got a big kiss on my left cheek and she sang my favourite song Higher to me.

'She gave me a rose from the stage too. I've already Facebooked it and everyone is jealous.'


[HD] Kylie Minogue, APHRODITE LES FOLIES 2011 TOUR, Herning, Denmark, Illusion


source: dailymail

eL's Musical tattoo

Last month, much to my surprise, our old friend Paul (see his most recent work here) told me there was a tattoo shop nearby.

I was surprised, to say the least. "New?" I asked him. "Been open over a year," he replied.

I was puzzled. How had I missed a tattoo shop within walking distance of work? Was I blind?

Not quite. I was just too busy looking around me, and not looking up.


Because Fort Apache Tattoo Studio is just a stone's throw away from my regular inkspotting stomping ground, at West 31st Street near the corner of 8th Avenue.

How I missed it was the fact that it peers out over the southwest corner of Madison Square Garden from the 4th floor. Four flights of old-style New York City stairs.

But once I made it up there, I was pleasantly surprised by the layout of the shop. Four artists have separate work areas separated by low walls.

While there, I met Freak, who specializes in custom designs with a comics influence.

Do check out the website to see everyone's work.

But another question arose, how had I gone for over a year with this shop in my backyard and never met anyone who had been tattooed there? Of the hundreds of people I have met, no one had shared any work from Fort Apache!

Until the next day.

Which brings me to the point of this post.

The following day I stopped to talk to a guy sitting on a bench at the corner of 7th Avenue and 33rd Street.

He had this cool tattoo on his upper right arm:


"And where did you have this done?" I asked.

Yup, Fort Apache.

(And thank you for sharing your post with my story about finally finding the shop, by the way.)

The owner of this tattoo is named eL. He is an artist and a guitarist.

The tattoo represents a scar from a bad break-up. Because of the central role of music in eL's life, it only made sense to represent the heartbreak with symbolism near and dear to eL's heart.

I asked if the notes actually made up a tune, but they do not. For aesthetic reasons, they are musical symbols inked in flesh, nothing more, nothing less.

This tattoo was done by Hexx.

Thanks to eL for sharing this tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Also a thank you to Freak for welcoming us with open arms as we checked out the shop!

Here's hoping we'll see more work from Fort Apache in the future!

Hang the DJ

I met Rohan on a Brooklyn-bound A train.

He has "thirteen or fourteen" tattoos, and he offered up this one from his right arm:


The phrase "Hang the DJ" refers to lyrics sung by Morrissey when he was with The Smiths.

I was only on the train with him for two stops, so I didn't get a full explanation of the tattoo until later, when Rohan e-mailed me:

I got this tattoo for several reasons - first and foremost I love The Smiths and their music changed the way I viewed myself against the social and cultural backdrop that we're all in. I thought a jukebox with the lyrics "Hang the DJ", the refrain from the song "Panic", was ironic.


The jukebox is what allows all of us to be the DJ and in "Panic", Morrissey is singing about how the music the DJ is playing means nothing to him and his life, and I share that sentiment with most of what I hear. The tattoo is sort of an encapsulation of how I feel about rock and roll and how certain bands and certain songs can, when they're really good and really honest, mean a lot more than just entertainment value.

The tattoo was inked by Dusty Neal in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is currently working at Donny Manco's New Republic Tattoo.

UPDATE: I exchange a few e-mails with the artist Dusty Neal after this posted and he remembered doing this tattoo very early on in his career as an artist. He wanted me to clarify this point, and to communicate that he feels that his art has developed to the point that this piece does not best represent his work as a tattooer. A look at photos of his work on MySpace here certainly showcases some amazing tattoos. Dusty encourages people to check out his current endeavors and, with all due respect to Rohan and the tattoo in this post, judge his talents based on what he has done more recently, and not early on in his career.

Thanks again to Rohan for sharing this cool tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

As a little bonus, here is the video from "Panic" by the Smiths:

The Return of Victor's Ink

One of my favorite posts last year was my encounter with Victor, whose tattoos were numerous and wonderfully eclectic. The post was one of the first "tatalogs," as I call them, when a subject shares a multitude of their ink.

So, when I had just finished speaking with Austin about his sleeve, and saw a familiar face (and ink) hanging out in front of Fuse at the corner of 32nd and 7th, I ambled on over to say hi to Victor.

He had new tattoos, of course, and I soon had my camera out, adding to the tatalog.

I contacted him later to get the scoop on the work. Although he told me about it on the street, I didn't write any of it down, as I was too busy taking pictures. We've added five more pieces to the record here, and I'll let Victor narrate the rest:

The Divine Tattoo [just above his left wrist] was done by my cousin Ed Bonacore in the poconos. He is the only tattoo artist I really go to know. I trust him, he does good work. He works at this amazing shop in the Poconos called FUNHOUSE TATTOOING. The vibe there is cool from the colorful horror movie atmosphere, to all the artists and the friendly shop girl.

Anyway, I got the JOHN WATERS signature tattooed on [on my outer left forearm] last summer the day after I had met him with my best friend RUBY LAROCCA.


She got the same thing. She got him to sign his name to her arm as well! We make films and John Waters is one of our biggest influences so to have his mark on us for life is a reminder to keep making dangerous art.

I got the John Waters done at RED ROCKET TATTOO in NYC, I had to get it quick and fast so the autograph didn't fade. The artist's name slips my mind, but he was making a guest spot at that shop and he was originally from Texas. Red Rocket is one of the best shops in Manhattan.

So anyway, I got the autograph super big on my forearm, because in his movie Cecil B. Demented, all the characters get the favorite director tattooed on their arm. I though it would be pretty cool, to do that in real life, from the director that created that idea.

Back to Divine. Then I got the Divine tattoo because, how can't you love Divine. One of the greatest actors ever. I saw Pink Flamingos as a youngster, and I remember my parents talking about how this tranny was eating poop at the end of the film, and how they were all gagging watching the film! That got me really interested to say the least. And after Female Trouble, I know I would love anything these people collaborated on. I unfortunately cannot dig up Divine and get him to sign my arm, so [I] did a little portrait of him. He was a true artist, actor, performer, comedian, and I respect that.

Mink Stole, is also from the original DreamLand gang, and is in almost every John Waters film. She is amazing in Desperate Living, and when I met her, she was so sweet, so I figured with John Waters already inked into my arm, I would start the John Waters tribute arm. I met her at a horror convention in Baltimore, and one of the vendors was a tattoo artist, so I got the autograph, then got it tattooed and was able to show Mink by the next day. She was in shock.


The Taxi Driver tattoo [on my inner left wrist] was again done by my cousin Ed Bonacore...I have loved that movie forever, and think Travis Bickle [Robert De Niro's character] is the ultimate Anti-Hero. Its like an oil painting version of the shot at the end after he has killed all the pimps and scumbags in the brothel.

The quote on [the left side of] my ribs was also done by my cousin Eddie, but this is before he was in a shop.


It was done at this house after I had smoked a fat blunt and [was] high as a kite. It hurt a lot, my most painful tattoo. The side of the ribs hurts a lot because there no skin there, and every time the needle hits your skin, your ribs vibrate. It took 3 different sessions to do that tattoo. The quote is from a band called HUNCHBACK, that just split up. And it's from a song called "RED IS THE COLOR OF MY TRUE LOVES HAIR." When I saw the song live for the first time, I was convinced this would be my new favorite band. And I can honestly say, this is the best song ever performed live. It blew me away. And the lettering that was used is the font from THE WARRIORS. Another one of my favorite films!

So, there you have it, folks. Another block of Victor's tattoos! I can't wait to run into him again to see what's new!

Thanks once again to Victor for his generosity and sharing his ink with us here on Tattoosday!

Tattoos I Know: Avital's Ink

It seems odd and yet is not beyond comprehension that, at the last two bat mitzvahs I have attended, I came home with tattoo pictures.

The first time (documented here) was a pleasant surprise. On Saturday, August 8, however, I had no expectations, as it was my daughter's bat mitzvah.

However, much to my amazement, I noticed that one of my sister's closest friends, Avital, has two small tattoos. I was more surprised, considering that Avital is a cantor, and that whereas tattooed Jews are not as rare as they used to be, an inked cantor is still an unusual sight.

Granted, her two tattoos don't jump out at you. The om on her right ankle:


and the slender "b+" on her right wrist


are discreet enough to be overlooked by a discriminating eye, and yet these two small tattoos are large with meaning.

Avital gave me a synopsis the day I took the photos, summing up that the "b+" was a personal message to herself to always "be positive," and that it is her blood type, but she has since offered up a lengthier, more thorough explanation, which I'll share here:

" [The b+], though it is very small (1/2") represents many important parts of my life: past, present and future. When my college friend, Erica died in December from Leukemia, I was devastated. Throughout her illness, she managed to have good spirits and enjoy time with her friends and family. Her battle against cancer put life in perspective for me. I have struggled with depression most of my adult life, and when she died, I made the conscious decision to turn my life around, completely. The morning after her death, my father was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Double whammy. My sister and I had both been contemplating a tattoo for several years, but Jewish guilt always managed to turn me away. After several hours in the ER with our father, we ventured down to Kingdom [Tattoos] and got our matching b+ tattoos. It's incredible how much strength I find from this little symbol on my wrist.

And Avital added:

"And the B in the b+ tattoo is a flat. in music. since I'm a musician. I can't believe I forgot that part! flats are most commonly associated with minor, "sad" keys. so, there is a bit of sadness in the tattoo. too."

As for the om, she elaborates:

"One of the major changes I made in my life after E died was a regular Yoga practice. An unfortunate encounter with a sharp blade left a 1" scar on my inner right ankle. After about 3 months of drawing an OM over the scar with a sharpie (so tedious!) I decided to make it permanent. The OM, like my b+, centers me, calms me, and reminds me of the simpler, more important things in life."

Much thanks to Avital for sharing her tattoos and the powerful stories behind them here with us on Tattoosday.

Milo's Tattoos Honor Family

I met Milo at Trader Joe's in Brooklyn on the first Saturday in May. Working the door as a greeter, Milo's tattoos were peeking out from under a shirt sleeve so I couldn't help but stop to chat. Twenty minutes later, when Milo was on break and my groceries were bought, we continued our conversation.

This tattoo is actually a series of family-themed pieces that make up what is currently a quarter-sleeve. The work to date has been completed over the course of two years by Myles Karr at Saved Tattoo in Brooklyn. Myles is now co-owner of Three Kings Tattoo in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Each element is a tribute to, and/or inspired by, members of Milo's family.

I generally shy away from larger pieces that circumvent the limbs, but each part, in and of itself, as fascinating.

For example, Milo's grandfather was a doctor and a skier, which is represented by a stethoscope and crossed skis.

Milo's grandmother was a musician and the instrument on the inner part of the bicep is a scaled-down representation of her double bass.


What I originally took for severed octopus arms dripping colorful blood, upon closer examination, and a gentle explanation from Milo, was revealed to be shofars (ram's horns). These are traditional instruments that are sounded on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, to welcome the arrival of another year. They are included in this mix of symbols as a tribute to the
Jewish heritage of Milo's father and paternal grandmother.

The lines of color exuding from tubes of paint nestled in the shofars are a nod to the same two forebears, who were artists.

The top of the tattoo, which features a baby eagle and a crown, represents Milo's paternal family crest.


And finally, on the back side of the bicep, these leaves pop out in a brilliant explosion of greens:


Tattooed are three different types of kale: your basic everyday kale, dinosaur kale and Tuscan flatleaf. Milo explained that, growing up, food culture dominated the home. It was integral to the family and the kale not only pays tribute to family, but reminds Milo to eat right. It seemed
fitting to find a kale-themed tattoo at Trader Joe's, one of my favorite grocery stores, and a standard for healthy food.

I want to thank Milo for taking the time to tell me about the numerous tattoos that seemed so personal, yet universal for so many. We here at Tattoosday loved the uniqueness of Milo's ink.

Check out this other piece, also by Myles Karr at Saved Tattoo, which appeared last May on Tattoosday.

Michael Has an Ear for Music

Coming out of Penn Station, I spotted a guy on the escalator with an inked hand. Of course, I stopped him to talk tattoo, and he was more than happy to oblige.

Michael has eleven tattoos in all. Only four were visible, and he offered up this one:


He had this musical symbol (the treble, or G Clef) tattooed in his left ear,

because it made sense to him. He loves music, even music he doesn't understand. Michael has seen many people with musical notes inked on their bodies, but he thought it was significant to tattoo a symbol for something he loves on the part of the body where the music is received.

I asked him, on a scale of one to ten, ten being highest, how he had would rank the pain from having his ear tattooed. He said "6". And the most painful tattoo spot for him? "My thighs," he responded.

This note was tattooed at by a shop in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn by an artist named Steven. I am trying to confirm the name before linking it here.

I mentioned that Michael had three other visible tattoos. You can see them over here at Knuckle Tattoos.

Thanks again to Michael for sharing his musical ink with us here on Tattoosday!