O'Canada

I have been lucky enough to have family in Canada, and as a result have a strong connection to the country. My Gran's younger brother and sister both moved to Canada, after growing up in Wellington. They both had families, mainly on the eastern side of the country in Ontario and Quebec.  My parents visited their cousins on their travels in their early 20's and it was only fitting that my sisters and I would one day too.

When I had visions of building Rhythm and Vines into a world class music festival my Mum suggested I go to Montreal and work for my cousin Bruce Hills. He is the COO of Just For Laughs a world reknown comedy festival there. I took the opportunity and I had a memorable summer working there, learning about the inner workings of a world class entertainment brand which I have in turn been able to pass on to my own company. I returned to Montreal last year and am always charmed by the quaint french-influenced city.

When another of Mum's cousins Derek Roulston was getting married in Vancouver at the end of last month it was a great chance to get up to the North West and catch up with my Canadian rellies. I hadn't met the West Coast cousins yet, and it was a short hop skip and a jump from my current base in Los Angeles.

After a three hour flight from LAX I popped up out of the underground to a grey and wet Vancouver afternoon. I hadn't seen rain for months! It reminded me a lot of autumnal Auckland as I jumped on the sky loop towards my Burnaby. This took me on a loop around the city and I got the full scale of the place. The surrounding suburbs were nestled between green forests at the base of towering mountain ranges. Fog hung in the air, creating a damp and muggy almost spooky, still and sombre atmosphere. The first thing I noticed was the ethnicities of the locals - asian faces everywhere, a sign of Canada opening its doors to far eastern investment. Apartments dotted the skyline that wouldn't be out of place in Shanghai or Hong Kong.

After catching up with the cousins, great aunts and uncles at the family dinner, my younger Damon cousin and I decided to have a beer in town.  We met up with Joel Armstrong a DJ who had played at R&V in 2010. He took us to an authentic Japanese restaurant in trendy Gastown. Vancouver is known for its fresh sushi and I wasn't disappointed. Fresh, firm sashimi and spicy beef tataki all washed down with jugs of ice cold Saporo. Joel was a great insight into the vibrant music scene here and he took us for a quick look at the local club before we were back in bed ready for the celebrations ahead.

The next day was an early start with the service taking place at 10.30am in a quaint church. Derek and Anita had asked if I would be happy to sing a song during the signing of the registry. I wasn't familiar with their chosen song by a singer Don Fransisco - 'I could never promise you'.  Don had been an established folk singer in the 1960's.  He had written the song for his own wedding and the words were fitting to the occasion.

Don Fransico - I could never promise you

I performed it again at the reception along with my band Blackbird's song 'Hand in Hand'.  It seemed a fitting kiwi tribute to my Canadian cousin and his new bride

Blackbird - Hand in Hand

On the Sunday after a family brunch I made my way out to Pender Island to catch up with an old friend Adrian Shamberger. Adrian Shamberger had moved to NZ around 2006 with his wife Jodie - who was my good mate KB's sister. Being a few years older than us and having been in and around the band scene in Canada he was a fantastic musical mentor for us. I enjoyed music chats with him over the years from his love of Neil Young, Reggae and Roots music and the intricacies of live performance. He was in essence a Rick Rubin figure for our band Blackbird - giving direction, feedback, perspective and helping us record a number of crude demos.  His cycnical charm and passion for music had definitely worn off on me over the years. Given I was in his neck of the woods it was a great chance to catch up again.

After a patchy call back the Rhythm team in Auckland at the ferry terminal (Monday in NZ) I boarded the ferry bound for Pender Island. Once the ship passed through the straits we hit calmer warmers around the Gulf Island.  It reminded me of the Malborough Sounds, with wooden cabins poking through the scrub with paths down the glassy shore.  The sunset was magic, reflecting on the mirror-like Gulf. Whales popped out next to us much to the tourists delight. It was a serene and special moment.

After a good nights sleep at Adrian I awoke to a stunning bluebird day on Pender. After attending to some emails and writing I went for a run to get my bearings. The air was sticky and sweet - you could almost smell the summer that hung thick around me. Retired folk chipped away on the pristine local golf course. Bees buzzed and birds swooped as I covered the 6 or so mile loop. Pender reminded me of time spent in Lake Tahoe - tall pine trees flanking winding roads, that hugged the dark blue shoreline. This time of course was sea rather than lake but the same boulders and pebbles freckled the calm waters.

On my return I took my guitar down to the local beach and had a little jam. I was able to start writing a song called 'Slowly' based on a riff I had been tampering around with for years.  Song writing is an interesting process. My technique is to start with the riff or a chord progression. Ive got a number of them I've written over the years so I run through them until one sticks. I play it over and over again scatting and humming along until I have a melody. Then I start to form the lyrics around the melody. As in the case with 'Slowly' I came up with the chorus quickly which gave the song context. I took out my iphone and recorded me playing the riff mumbling some words around the topic, that being slowly falling in love with someone.  I could easily tidy up the lyrics at a later date which I intend to. There is also a harmonica part for this song that I had written previously which I will throw in the mix too.

Adrian came home from his job as a local Park Ranger and we fired up the BBQ with Jodie and their daughter Kora. It was great recounting stories of their time in in NZ, some memories of which I had not thought about for year.  We laughed about a memorable Blackbird tour of the country, 6 shows in 6 nights leaving us broken and bruised. And the early days of R&V when Adrian and Jody lived on Waiohika woofing to help prepare the venue for the impending festivities.  And promoting a NZ tour for a legendary Canadian band we both loved - Bedouin Soundclash. We dug out some old photos and listened to some old music we had recorded together years ago.

Blackbird - Soundcloud

Bedouin Soundclash - When the night feels my song

The next morning was Canada Day. I borrowed Jodie's scooter and I zipped down to the local parade. Cora was singing the national anthem in the service, as flags were raised and speeches of past glories ensued.  She had been under 10 in NZ and now was 14, I had hardly recognised the same girl who used to run around Waiohika those many summers ago. We went back and picked fresh cherries and strawberries at Jodies farm, juicy and sweet. I caught a bit of the USA v Belgium game before a lazy afternoon spent lake side at Higgs Beach taking in the stunning distant views of Seattle mountain line.

Another BBQ that night, Adrian I chewed the fat and enjoyed the sunset over the lake. I felt relaxed and rejuvenated for my next chapter back in the jungle of LA. It had been a non-stop 2.5 months since my arrival so nice to take some time and reflect and set some new goals for the coming months ahead.

After a 3 hour ferry and again to Vancouver I took the wrong train and next minute ended up in what could be only described as Chinatown. Ethnic faces greeted me every where I looked. Soon enough I was back on track on a plane, soaring high above sprawling neighbourhoods of Los Angeles.

Although a memorable wedding and a relaxing time in the Gulf Island, I feel I didn't get the full Vancouver experience on this trip. I intend to experience the city's bars and restaurants, bike along the shoreline and take in the breathtaking views of the mountains that signify this most liveable city. Maybe in the winter time to experience Whistler too. O'Canada with glowing hearts we see the rise - the true north strong and free!

#LALife Part 2

If the first 6 weeks in LA were about settling in, the last 6 weeks have definitely been about hustle. I remember in London meeting a kiwi who was working in a senior role for MTV. He told me he spent his first 2 months meeting as many people as he could before committing to any sort of job or project. Just to get a lay of the land and find out what opportunities lay before him in his new home.  He carried a black notebook and would jott down as much info as he could that would come out of meetings - names, ideas, advice. I have been applying a similar technique here in LA. You only know what you know, you never know who you might meet and when one contact will lead to the next. It is a great way to learn what is going on here and where I see myself fitting into the city.

As a result I have met some interesting people. I was introduced to the President of Digital Music at Universal through a friend of a friend so had lunch with him. His office is at the Global HQ in Santa Monica with sweeping views over the westside. He had moved here a couple of years from London to drive the company's digital strategy on new platforms like Youtube and Spotify.  Along with some industry banter he was able to tell me stories of life living in Malibu. The difference between LA and London he said was the diversity of people you mix with. You will be at a BBQ and there will be everyone from the local builder, a retired banker. Mike D from the Beastie Boys, a teacher, Laird Hamilton or Matthew McConaughey.  We got on famously, I really appreciated his hospitality and look forward to catching up again.

Another meeting I had was with one of the top entertainment lawyers here, with clients such as Calvin Harris, Ariana Grande and Will i am. I had met him at TED Global conference last year.  He had a corner office, 10th floor of a Century City, over looking Beverly Hills with distant views of Downtown.  I was impressed by his stand up office. So LA. He invited me to an exhibition of rock and roll photos presented by reknown South African Norman Seef. He was most famous for shooting the Steve Jobs portraits, along with numerous other personalities.  It was cool to hear the creative process in capturing these rocks stars in all their glory. I was able to meet a few of the other partners and learn about the legal, marketing and other aspects of their firm here in LA.

Last month I worked at a charity event in Beverly Hills. It is amazing the amount of resources on offer. It certainly pales in comparison with the jack of all trades / smell of an oily rag mentality that we have in NZ. I did a walk through the day before and was impressed with the scores of workers installing stages, shrubs, installations, all for a 3 hour event. When the gates opened we had teams of volunteers assisting from. Was a great afternoon as some guests like Rob Machado were honoured for the work they had done for children and the environment.

Rob Machado Foundation

My flexible schedule has meant I have been able to work on my own music. Before I went away I recorded an EP with my new music project 'Black White Dynamite'. So I have been editing that up with the producer and preparing it for mastering. I recently released the first single 'Build Me Up' I have also setting up my online assets, licencing songs and getting them out on social media. It has been fun digging out some of my back catalouge of Blackbird. Although haven't spent to much time in a studio over the years then have loads of demos and live recordings. Have dusted some of them off and bringing back lots of memories of past adventures!

Blackbird - Soundcloud

Black White Dynamite - Build Me Up

I surprisingly haven't been to as much live music as I thought I might. Living out at Venice, which has a limited music scene, it is about a 40 min drive into the venues in Hollywood.  Soon there will be live music at the Santa Monica Pier just down the beach from me though. There are is live music in the weekends at local dive bar 'Hinanos'.  Old timers playing 12 bar blues. I did get along to the Viper Room one night to catch up with a kiwi music manager I know. It was a Monday night so not too debaucherous as the stories of old but overall was more about networking and checking out some up and coming bands from Australia on a little mini tour of the state.

I did manage to have a fun night out clubbing at hot new spot 1Oak on Sunset.  I was surprised at how little the music plays part. People tend to just dancing in groups, talking, mingling and watching each other. One of the girls we were with was friends with Calvin Harris's so next thing you know we are in the booth next to the stage. Local starlets Paris Hilton and Rosie Huntington-Whitely were there as well enjoying the attention from scores of on lookers.

It appears there are always people coming through LA as well. Given it is the main route for Air NZ on the way to Europe there seem to be lots of people coming and going, already for some beach/pool action, see the sites or shopping. I have been trying to find time to catch up with people where I can. Although I have flaked on a few people too! I had a memorable Monday catching up with friend Gemma at the Beverly Hills Hotel. She was on her way home to Auckland.  A couple of mohitos, some inspiring conversation around the pool in the warm California sun. There are worse ways to kick the week off.

There are definitely challenges that go with settling into a new place.  Parking tickets are the bain of my life here in LA. You can't leave your car for one minute over time without getting pinged. In NZ you can get away with being a few moments over, as you meet a friend for coffee or dash into the supermarket. But no, not here.  As soon as your time is up, the red lights start flashing and boom game over. It is not even a slap on the hand either, at $65 it is more like a slit to the wrist. I learnt my lesson about street cleaning day the hard way. From 8.30-10.30 Monday morning outside my flat all cars to be moved. I learnt about Tuesday's across the road the following week!

The DMV is an interesting experience for anyone who has moved to LA. The red tape and beaucracy is something that everyone has to deal with at some time or another. The lines there are ridiculous. You take a ticket and often have to wait up to 2 hours to see an attendant. Cash not credit. Smog test required and certificate on hand. It feels like the famous episode of the Seinfeld - play by the rules or 'no soup for you!'

Overall it is a definitely a challenge setting up and settling in to a new city. Things take a lot long to achieve, eventuate, to come to fruition. It can be frustrating at times not having a routine or a clear path in front of me. Or knowing where the next pay check will come. But if it was easy everyone would be doing it. I'm taking my time, stay positive and try to enjoy each moment. Even it is a walk along the canals or a friendly smile from a stranger. It is important to grab every opportunity, to enquire about every lead and or follow up on an introduction. You never know what opportunity might be just around the corner. Its all a great adventure and one I will look back on fondly in time no doubt.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

The Phoenix Summit

This month I applied for a role to work with NZ entreprenuer and social thinker Derek Handley as his COO. The campaign to find his right hand man was called #theshouldertap. It was intended to encourage those who are passionate about NZ's growth and making a social difference through business to put their ideas on the table and turn them into reality.

The Shoulder Tap

After making it through the initial application process I was shortlisted for the role. The next part of the process was to recognise a problem in NZ and how you would go about solving it. 

Derek and I had spoken a few years back about an entrepreneurial 'Summit' style event in NZ - a conference to attract the brightest and best people from around NZ together to network, converse and leave inspired for their journey.

Being part of the final stages of the Shoulder Tap gave me a good chance to flesh out my idea for the Phoenix Summit, and you can see my brief on the concept.  You can also see my video submission, where we were asked to pitch our idea while out of our comfort zone.

As it stands, I didn't make it through to the final list of candidates to help assist Derek in his vision. Being LA based and with my own number of creative projects on the go, I have no doubt they will find a more suitable candidate to help realise some of Derek's vision.

However we have already been speaking offline about bringing this idea to fruition in some form. Watch this space!

THE PHOENIX SUMMIT

The Problem

If we intend to grow as a nation, NZ’s future needs to be built on strong foundations.  We need to make educated decisions about our path forward. We need to be engaged with and discuss real world issues and their implications at a local level.  We need to motivate others in this journey. We need to be inspired. We need to innovate.

To do this NZ entreprenuers, doers, thinkers and leaders need a community. They need a forum for inspiration. They need to share stories of success. They need confidence and support. They need strong personal and professional networks. They need to be engaged in real social issues and how to solve them.

Our future leaders also needs mentors to inspire, provide vision, clarity and pass on their experience.

We need the future of NZ to rise up as one.

We need The Phoenix Summit.

What?

The Phoenix Summit will be annual gathering of minds at a 3-day conference to address such issues. The Summit will be take place in Hawke’s Bay at the end of each summer. It will be held in the shoulder season to work in with our strategic partners around event tourism.

Potential delegates will apply to attend. They will have to show they are embodiment of action. They need to be positive, engaged, with a global vision for NZ and its place in the world. They need to be ambitious and enthusiastic.

The inaugural Summit of only 50-100 delegates will take place in 2015. The first sessions will start on a Friday and run through until Sunday night.  Delegates will hear stories about local and global issues, inspiring outlooks, and enlightening perspectives from world-class speakers. They will be encouraged to share their own stories and journeys with each other over the course of the weekend.

It won’t be all work though. Delegates will get to experience some of the best of what NZ has to offer. There will be break out modules on offer wine tasting, fishing charters and surfing. Live music by some of the best local and international acts will keep the conversations last long into the night. The Summit will be catered by fresh local food and wine.

How will it be scalable?

The Phoenix Summit will become a must attend for anyone looking to make a difference in NZ. It will become a hot bed for innovation, with high level and educated discussions, and most all fun. Because if it is not fun its not worth doing!

The Phoenix Summit will start small to set the initial vision. It will grow fast but at a manageable rate.  We want to engage as many young leaders attend the Summit as possible, but ensuring they are the right characters to help ensure the ethos and mission of the conference.

In time the Phoenix Summit will become a global brand. It will put NZ on the map in terms of leadership, addressing global issues, and innovation. It will be a unique reason for young thinkers and leaders to visit NZ.

There could even be an opportunity to help take NZ’s leading Summit off shore in future. E.g. Phoenix Fiji

Partners

The Phoenix will integrate other link-minded partners already operating in this space.

First up the Icehouse who already run incubator and mentoring programs aimed at entrepreneurs and SME owners. They will assist with designing the program and selecting relevant speakers and delegates.

Tourism NZ will be a big strategic partner. They have been tasked with increasing ultra high net worth visitors to NZ. These people will be sourced to both speak and attend. From successful and established business people, up and coming tech visionaries, political leaders to sports stars. A rich and colourful tapestry of speakers and guests will be invited to attend and experience what NZ has to offer around the Phoenix Summit.

We will also work closely with other business groups such as KEA, Entrepreneurs Organistion, Global Woman to promote the event and select the kind of delegates we want the Phoenix Summit to attract.

The Phoenix Summit will align with the Summit Series in the US. The organisers will be invited to attend. We will send delegates over to attend their events and work closer to share resources, ideas, programs and contacts.

We will also align with local bodies such as Hawkes Bay Tourism and Napier City Council to ensure smooth event management and local engagement.

Finally

The Phoenix Summit will be fresh and fun. It will be inspiring and different.

Let’s see NZ’s leadership, innovation, and entrepreneur culture rise up.

See you at The Phoenix Summit 2015.

#LALife

As I sit at hipster Tom's Cafe on Abbott Kinney, Venice Beach - just minutes walk from my new flat - it is a great chance to reflect on my last 6 weeks experiencing and settling in to #LAlife.

LA is about small wins amongst the struggle of a sparse city. Its about chat around what visa you have and why you are here.  Its about traffic. Its about what you drive. Its about what part of town you live in. Its about the industry and your dream in it. Its about sunshine. Of fitness. Of burgers. Of micro-brewed beers. Of ambition. And lifestyle.

I arrived on the Californian coast for a double dose of Coachella and haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face since. Ok maybe the days following the festivals when reality of moving to this vast megalopolis set in. There is lots to think about. Car. Flat. Job. Girlfriend?

The hospitality of my great mate and school friend Bodie and his partner Colleen has been tremendous. Having a room to come and go from in Santa Monica on my arrival has been a godsend. Getting to know the feel of the posh Montana Ave area over the first few weeks was fun. A little quiet for my liking, with not much happening in the evenings as people retreat into their million dollar homes. Yoga mums walk their prams up and down the leafy streets.  Trendy script writers and film producers do their shopping at Whole Foods and the other organic boutiques.  I did see LA Clippers hometown hero Blake Griffin though, grabbing his coffee and salad before hopping in his shiny silver Mercedes.

Having a small bunch of solid kiwi mates has made the transition easier, and its been great able to share stories of unique city experiences. Bodie is the godfather has been here for over 4 years now, coming after winning a Green Card in the lottery.  He works downtown in legal recruitment and is always keen for a beer to pass on his war stories of his time on the SoCal coast. His partner Colleen was born and raised here and have been able to point in the right direction for life on the West side.  Another kiwi couple Shane and Nikki Bloor are also settling in, arriving a few weeks before me have been fantastic company and great for a laugh. Rees and Leon at the NZ Consulate are super hospitable passing on business contacts and invitations to events.  My new flat mate Alex who has been here for 6 years working in TV industry and recently launched her own event caravan 'Your Little Local'. She has introduced me her friends, found me a flat and my own Ford truck! I am very grateful for their help in settling in. And another kiwi Jordan over here pitching a movie has been a welcome distraction to chew the fat and plan big ambitious creative ideas to work towards.

You definitely need a car in LA.  On the Westside you can get away with a bike but still is challenging. Even getting from Santa Monica to Venice is still a good 20/30 mins bike and arriving hot and sweaty for meetings is not ideal. After borrowing my friend Natalia's for a couple of weeks on arrival I recently splashed out on a Ford Explorer truck. It was a steal at $1500 and I spent a bit more getting it road and smog test ready.  I look forward to cruising up to Malibu or even further a far this summer.

There have been some memorable events and nights out. Eight of us managed to secure some tickets to the NBA playoffs and saw Steven Adams come on against my new local team the Clippers. Clubbing in Hollywood amongst the celebs and scensters, witnessing the EDM boom taking over the city.  Memorial Day Weekend was spent up at actor Chris Pine's place in Los Feliz.  It was cool to meet some likeminded LA locals and see the kind of life success in this city can lead to. The views of the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign were an inspiring site.

I got to go out on the water the other week with a bunch of kiwi actors and other creative business people living over here. Captain Phil has been over here for 20 odd years and takes regular charters out into the Bay. We sailed over to Malibu and anchored for a few hours about 200 yards off the beach. Some of the crew took boards and went surfing in the crowded break, while others went paddle boarding and swam.  It was a lazy afternoon sailing back in the salty California air. Given it was a Thursday you had to wonder if anyone works in this town?

The hustle remains top of agenda and trying to meet as many people as I can around town to see what work opportunities may be available in the entertainment space. I've met with music agents, tech entreprenuers, lawyers and promoters.  They say you never have a bad meeting in LA. It is easy to say yes to ideas and to keep you engaged, but no one ever wants to give you a no.  You never know who may come in handy down the track. People have the tendency to flake. Meetings get postponed, pushed out, rescheduled. Luckily I'm reasonable flexible. It's all about keeping the momentum. I've managed to get a good lay of the land and some opportunities are starting to appear. Watch this space!

My roaming office life has lead me to become a coffee connoisseur of LA's West side. After frequenting the Montana Ave haunts of Creation and Groundworks and I'm now firmly entrenched in the Abbot Kinney scene. Minottis, Zinque, Toms, GTA, Intelligencia all pack a decent punch. No one seems to have the coffee / brunch combo thing going on though.  I met up with a friend for brunch at the lively Brick and Mortar cafe on Main Street. The sour, brown liquid they poured out a drip dispenser would be laughed out of any decent cafe in NZ.

Fitness is a big focus here in LA.  With the great weather everyday there is no excuse to get outside and move around. I have spent most weekends biking between Santa Monica and Venice.  And a decent game of beach volley ball on a Saturday afternoon as well. I am looking forward to more beach culture as summer starts to wind up. Living on Montana Ave in Santa Monica meant I was close to the infamous stairs at the end of 4th Ave. Bounding up and down the 200 odd steps is a great work out and you arrive at the top with your heart jumping out of your chest.  Its not just a killer work out it is also great people watching. Fake boobs bouncing, wannabe entertainment moguls yapping on their phones or pumped-up actors keeping in shape for an upcoming role.  Or just low key kiwis who are settling in to the area. It can really be a snapshot of LA life.

   

It's not all palm trees and sunshine though. At times it can be a scary and unforgiving place. There are dark parts to town and you need to keep your wits about you. Getting pulled over by the Police for running a stop sign was not ideal and gave me a wake up. Especially when I didn't have any insurance or a Californian licence.  Luckily I was able to sweet talk the officer with my kiwi accent and bamboozle her with tales of waiting in line for the DMV to get my registrations in order, which was of course the truth. It does take a while to get things processed as one thing waits on the next - be it social security registration, drivers licence, or proof of mailing address.  I got let off with a slap on the hand but it encouraged me to get my admin in order to avoid further issues.

Overall I haven't been happier settling into this crazy creative city. I definitely have a new respect for anyone who has moved overseas to start a new life. The admin, the homesickness, missing friends and family, and the twists and turns can all be balanced out with the adventure, the new friends to meet and the freedom of a blank canvas on which to build a new chapter on. I'm looking forward to the coming summer and being more settled to continue to make the most of everything on offer.