My Bikram story...

Right now I am going to Bikram Yoga classes like a woman possessed. After Xmas, I had the January blues & I felt the need for some activity & motivation and Bikram Yoga is it.
With over 800 schools worldwide, Bikram Yoga is the fastest growing yoga in the world and I officially love it! Bikram Yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury who was born in Calcutta in 1946. He began practicing yoga when he was 4 and by the age of 13 he won the National India Yoga contest. At 17 Bikram sustained a serious injury to his knee during a weight-lifting accident and with the guidance of Guru Bishnu Ghosh used the healing powers of yoga to rehabilitate himself to full health.

Bikram consists of a unique series of 26 postures performed in a 40degree heated room which warms your body, allowing you to stretch in a safe environment. Each class of Bikram Yoga is a mini detox that provides a total body workout. It improves your posture and ease aches and pains. For me it is the only thing that truly helps with my repetitive strain from years of DJing & working on a laptop/ driving constantly.

I go to the Hot Bikram Yoga studios in Balham, South London,(they also have a studio in Fulham). There are great classes and the focus is on total well being and a fresh new understanding of your body’s and mind’s capabilities.
The classes are for everyone from athletes to exercise virgins, all ages, shapes and sizes. They say that 'You will laugh, sweat and groan, and do more for your mind, body and health than you ever imagined possible'! which is kinda true, I do have a good time & feel exhilarated after. It also gets you very fit and flexible in a short space of time..and then you become quite addicted to the feeling great thing :)

The Hot Bikram Yoga Studio in Balham New members can take advantage of the special offer at the Balham Hot Bikram Yoga studio to kick start the New Year, and can get 10 consecutive days of yoga for only £10.

This week I taught some aspiring DJ's at We Girls Rock

This week and last I taught a course in London put together by We Girls Rock a project to introducer new skills and opportunities to young women. I taught the girls the basics of DJing...Big shout to all of them who gave it 100%.
If anyone has any questions about the DJ game or lessons they can hit me on djnikki@beatniktv.com

The We Girls Rock aspiring DJ's

Kelis performs new single '4th July' last night at BEP/ Dave Guetta Party, LA

The Dipdive folks have diabled the video of K's performance at the Dave Guetta/ BEP Party, so when I find it again, I'll post it..In the mean time here are some photos of Kelis, from her performance at the Sundance festival in Utah the other night.

Lady Stush performs at I Luv Live in London

Stush is one of my favourite female artists and is mightily under- rated in my opinion! Here she is performing at I Luv Live in London last week. I cant wait to get this lady on a Beatnik Riddim...

Mariah Pants on Fi-ah new Video featuring Nicki Minaj

Funny ones...astounding outfits

On the Lust List this week...a little piece of McQueen & Thakoon Shorts

Check these amazing leather denim effect shorts, the only down side being that they come in at £1030, available at Net- a - Porter
...and my McQueen lust known no bounds at the moment. This dress is super- dope & available at Liberty's of London

The Apple i-Pad, I hate to say it, but I want one...

I've seen the future & it's Apple shaped...

TWFW Beatnik Soundtrack

Beatnik - STATIS and I are thrilled to have one of our remixes used for TUNBRIDGE WELLS FASHION WEEK go to the site to check the BEATNIK tunes.

TWFW takes place from the 24th - 26th Feb at the Brew House Hotel, Tunbridge Wells. Get involved! You can follow TWFW on TWITTER

DJ NIKKI chats to Maxwell D about some Blackberry Hype...

NIKKI: Hey Maxwell, How are you? When did you come up with the idea for Blackberry Hype?
MD: When I got my bb phone back in april 2009.

NIKKI: I thought the promo video of you guys in the barber shop doing the Blackberry Hype was genius, but tell me about the official video..what is the concept & who features in it with you?
MD: The concept of the blacberry hype video is about people getting invited to a exclusive blackbery hype party free entry with a blackberrry phone. Also mainly promoting my blackberry hype energy drink .



NIKKI: Describe yourself in 5 words..?
MD: Positive, determined, focused, honest and a loving father

NIKKI: What does 2010 hold for Maxwell D, are you working on lots of other tunes?
MD: I have got loads of other new projects / tracks, definitely a MD album, mainly trying to place distribution for my blackberry hype energy drink

NIKKI Describe your personal style and is fashion important to you? Where do you like to shop?
MD: Im not intrested in labels just in what looks good. I shop all over the world...

NIKKI: Tell me a secret about Maxwell D...
MD: I'm obssessed with winning

Here is the Blackberry Hype Promo Video


Im On A Blackberry Hype...oooops I dont even own a Blackberry ;)
DJ NIKKI x

BEATNIK in winter OFFICE Magazine

BEATNIK- DJ NIKKI & STATIS band are in the Winter Issue of Office Magazine, about DJing & our music, go grab yourself a copy :)

The NRJ Awards, Cannes France- Rihanna wears Jean Paul Gaultier

Rihanna rocked up to the NRJ Awards in a Jean Paul Gaultier embroidered thigh- split gown held at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France.

I like her hair in this picture, it looks nice with the natural curls. Below is her live performance from the NRJ Awards, it is a bit out of tune, but her stylist really does deserve the award. Apparently she fell over during/ after this song :( poor thing.

Jay Z also performed on the night as did The Black Eyed Peas & Dave Guetta feat Kelly Rowland. I wish I knew how many of the performers on the night were really in the Masons ;) Awards for milking publicity to come...



Beyonce got 'Artist Of The Decade'



But this dude Helmut Fritz stole all the American artists thunder Big time- even with a crutch :) his lyrics are funny!

Today I'll Be Rockin my Reebok Roland Berry's & here's a great Video 'Let The Beat Build'

Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.

EXCLUSIVE! DJ NIKKI Interview with one of the best voices in music...TERRI WALKER- she's back!

Terri Walker has one of the best voices to come out of the UK. Reminiscent of Aretha, but with the jazz greats thrown in the mix as well- this lady can sing. Terri was signed to Def Soul Records, part of Def Jam back in the noughties, was Mobo nominated and released 3 Albums. Now in 2010 Ms Walker is back, stronger than ever with a new energy & rejuvenated sound.
I sat down with Terri recently to talk tunes, shoes & new music...

NIKKI: Hey Luv, How are you?
TERRI WALKER: Whad up!!!! Big up to the biggest female DJ in the game! PERIOD!!!!

NIKKI: Ok, so you and I go back years to just before you got signed to Def Jam in the UK as 'Terry Walker', but you have had a name change right? Can you explain all :) ?
TERRI: Well yes I did have a feeling sorry for myself moment ,where I thought I just wanted to start all over .I was going to go back to my real name ,which is actually 'Chanelle'.Thankfully though I came to my senses and decided to come back as 'Terri Walker'.
There is too much history there and achievements that cant be ignored .So now 'Terri' is back on this B#%ch!Lol!

NIKKI: I agree luv! It would be kinda crazy to start over when you did so much great work...So have you been working on new music recently?
TERRI: Yeaaaahhhhh maaaaaayynnneee! I've been getting it in whilst I've been away from it all.I've been stateside mostly.Miami/LA and more recently NY!
I'm involved with two projects at the moment."The Champagne Flutes" which is produced by the legendary "Salaam Remi" (Amy Winehouse,Fugees,Nas etc..).That will be out to buy soon.
The other project is "Belle-Vue" which I'm doing with my partner "Krunkadelic".It's more on the club vibe.You've already played that out for me!Love you for that.The fIrst heat of that is the track "LAST CALL". (see video below)
I'm also in the process of recording my 4th Album which I'm crazy excited about! So watch this space!:-)



NIKKI: oh yes, I have been playing 'Last Call' out in every club set since you gave it to me a few weeks back. It's a great record.
Tell me- How has your style & sound progressed & has it changed over the years?
TERRI: Oooh I'm definitely in tune with my tone and delivery more now than ever.I really believe less is more now.Back in the day I thought the louder you sing the better you are,but boy was I wrong!! Hhahahhahaahah!NIKKI: Describe yourself in 5 words...?
TERRI: Fun,honest,vibey,hilarious and crazy!

NIKKI: Who are your biggest musical influences?
TERRI: I would say my mum.The reason I say that is because there was never a boundary of music in my house.If it was good it got played.So obviously we had 'Whitney,Marvin,Anita,Gladys' etc... but we also played the 'Simon and Garfunkels ,Carly Simons and Carol Kings of this world.Classical,Soft Rock you name it.
So basically I'm just inspired by music overall.If it touches me it touches me.
NIKKI: So lady, I'm guessing you love shopping as much as the next girl..Describe your style?
TERRI: I am a simple chick.I love clean lines and the classics.So like a simple black dress with a minor detail always gets me.I love that boho chic look too.Skinny jeans with a funky t-shirt and some chunky jewelry occasionally does it for me as well.

NIKKI: Who are your favourite designers?
TERRI: For shoes, I like Kurt Geiger,Louboutin & Gucci. TERRI: When it comes to clothes & bags, I love Chanel, Armani, Mulberry, Aigner & Versace.

NIKKI: So Terri, what are your favourite shops? Do you have any hidden gems for my readers?
TERRI: I heart Urban Outfitters! I always find something in there.Especially in the US stores. I love Zara too.TERRI'S Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Insert Tulip Dress


NIKKI: Yeah Zara is killing it at the moment! What were your last 5 purchases?
TERRI:
1.Black suede Kurt Geiger platform closed toe with a sexy gold heel
2.Carvela Black silver studded open toe stilettos
3.Black feathered winter jacket from Zara
4.Lancomes Juicy tubes
5.Valentino's Rock chick

NIKKI: Thanks Terri!
TERRI: Speak soon missy!xxxx

Below is some of Terri's amazing work...
You can check her new project with CHAMPAGNE FLUTES HERE



Terri Walker on MUZU


Terri Walker on MUZU

Video Premier, Hollow Point feat Maaly 'Showdown'

Some Bashy Hip Hop Vibes..

New Ms Dynamite Record- with DJ Zinc

One of my Favourite records of all time...Voices Of East Harlem 'Wanted Dead or Alive'

Im a rare groove fanatic, these are some of the records I loved when I was a kid & have influenced my whole DJ career, alongside 80's synths, basslines & lots of great stuff. This one gets me every time though...The vocals are fantastical & it's such an original record. This record moves me every time I hear it.

New Tunage Steve Aoki feat Zuper Blahq

Here is Steve Aoki's new tune featuring Zuper Blahq 'Im In The House'. Steve is the founder of the infamous Dim Mak Recordings, that include massive artists such as MSTRKRFT, The Bloody Beetroots and Diplo. He aslo has a remix portfolio that boasts artists such as Kid Cudi, Snoop Dogg and even Duran Duran.

Chloe Bow Shoes. The ones that got away...

Every season there is a pair (or 10) of shoes which elude me, these Chloe bow shoes are this seasons, they have gone down to around £450 in the sale but there are no size 7's and thats still steep right? But oh how I wish these were mine.

DJ NIKKI Beatnik spins at Jalouse, London Wed 20th Jan 2010

Tonight I'll be spinning at Jalouse on Hanover Square, central London. My set is from 1am-2.30am...see you there! Lots of electronic Beatnik lovliness & some amazing random tunes thrown in.

New Tunage KCAT 'Boys Dont Cry'

KCAT (pronounced as "Cat") is back with solo material fresh from her chart exploits on previous UK dance material with Delinquent ("My Destiny" and "I Got U"). She looks cute in the Video, but I really want to remix this tune to give it an edgier sound I think it deserves...

Check out these amazing pieces by Adrian Morales, here are a few questions I had for him recently when we hung out in LDN...

NIKKI: Hi Adrian How are you? So, you have a dope jewellery collection, which is available on Not Just A Label, what is behind this collection?

ADRIAN: Hello Nikki. I am well, just a little jet lag at the moment.
My current collection titled the “Origin” was inspired by my recent journeys, medals of honor, the Boy Scouts of America, kilts worn in the Scottish Highlands during the 16th century and symbols of faith. It is a fusion of the past and present with a modern influence.

NIKKI: I'm Scottish, so I'm feeling the Highland influences, that's where I grew up. Do you just concentrate on jewellery pieces?
ADRIAN: At the moment yes, but exploring my options.

NIKKI: Tell me about your life in Fashion...did you study, what is your history?
ADRIAN: Well, I was working in the corporate world for several years until I realized my creative thirst. Never too late to purse a dream, I quit my posh job, sold most of my things and with only two suitcases, moved from the States to London to study the art. Been here ever since.

NIKKI: Who are your favourite designers at the moment?
ADRIAN: Wow, there are so many that are inspirational to me for different reasons but to name a few are Comme de Garcons, Viktor and Rolf, Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, Raf Simons, Karl Lagerfeld and Maison Martin Margiela.




NIKKI: Do you have any style icons?
ADRIAN: Not really but who’s style I have always admired is Lenny Kravitz.

NIKKI: What music or artists inspire you?
ADRIAN: There are too many. All kinds of music and artists inspire me. I guess its what I am feeling at the moment. Right now, been listening to the selection of music on the Colette website, The XX, Miike Snow and Kid Cudi and graffiti artwork from the streets.

NIKKI: What are your plans for 2010.
ADRIAN: Working on some new special projects in fashion and the new jewellery collection

http://www.notjustalabel.com/adrian_eric_morales
http://snappylifestyle.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/adrian_e_morales

Hanging out with the 'Bionda Castana' Ladies, Natalia & Jennifer- Shoe Designers Extraordinaire...

NIKKI: Hey Natalia, how are you luv? Great Shoes!
NIKKI: Tell me about your label BIONDA CASTANA - where did you get the name from?
NATALIA: Myself and Jennifer met at University in London (on our very first day) whilst studying an International Business degree but we had always had an intrinsic desire to set up our own footwear label together since we met. We have both loved shoes since we can remember – and always high heels. We wanted to create a brand whose designs were wearable, elegant and consist of classic shapes with a modern edge.
Jennifer and I had always been referred to as the ‘blonde and brunette’ duo at University so it seemed fitting for our company name to take on this name – we just translated it into Italian as we are both from Italian heritage. ‘Bionda’ signifying Blonde and ‘Castana’ signifying Brunette.


NIKKI: Have you always had a passion for shoes?
NATALIA: We have both loved shoes since we can remember – and always high heels. We wanted to create a brand whose designs were wearable, elegant and consist of classic shapes with a modern edge.
Heels are the most flattering style for the majority of women: elongating legs, creating a leaner silhouette. The beauty of a high heeled shoe is how it transforms a look and how it changes people’s personalities and attitudes. Your feet never have a fat day!

NIKKI:Can you explain your labels style in a nutshell?
NATALIA: Each Bionda Castana design marries femininity with an innovative edge. They are pieces which are fashionable and ‘of the moment’ yet timeless and very wearable.
One of our core values is premium quality. Each shoe is entirely hand-made by Italian artisans using traditional techniques and only materials of the highest tannery grade are selected. They provide the customer with a product which is not only unique and original in its design, but also combines authenticity and longevity.

NIKKI: How did you start your label & gain so much success so quickly (you are stocked in Browns & have been featured in Grazia & Elle!)
NATALIA: We both grew up in London but travelled to Italy very often as we had a lot of family there growing up. We were both inspired by the glamour and culture of Italian design so travelling there as frequently as we did opened our eyes to this from a young age. That definitely does come through in our designs.

We absolutely LOVED high heeled shoes since we can remember but if am honest, I never dreamed that I could be so lucky to be able to have my own shoe brand. When we both graduated from University, Jennifer held several successful roles in Marketing, QA/QC & NPD and Business Strategy and I worked within the Investment Banking Sector. We knew from then that the roles we were in were not for us and we dreamt of something bigger. So we took the risk, resigned from our jobs and set up the shoe business.



The only thing I can put our success down to is just sheer determination, passion and pestering buyers and press consistently! Saying this, in this mix is always a bit of luck.

NIKKI: What is your style tip for shoes SS 2010 and beyond?
NATALIA: Style for shoes is and will always be - wear walkable high heels!
What have been your greatest successes for your label so far?
I would say getting our first stockist on board in our second season which was Browns.

NIKKI: What are your plans shoe wise for the next year?
NATALIA: We have a few collaborations in place for the up and coming AW10 shows so keep your eyes peeled. We're also introducing a 12cm heel height on a 1cm platform for AW10 which we're looking forward to launching.

NIKKI: Who would you love to see wearing your shoes?
NATALIA: Honestly, seeing everyone wear our shoes gets us excited. It's great to be at a party and see someone in them and then its great to receive a phone call from a celebrity stylist who is dressing their client and has requested our shoes.

NIKKI: Hook me up ladies! The nude studded sandals & the hot pink sandals are to die for! ...and the black ankle strap pair..and...uh all of them actually..

Stockists
United Kingdom
Browns, London
+44 (0) 20 7514 0016
Harrods, London
+44 (0) 20 7730 1234
Milletré, Kensington, London
+44 (0) 207 584 1588
Courtyard, Guildford
+44 (0) 1483 452825

TIMEX Brights! How cute are these new watches from Timex...

Anyone who knows me will know I love a watch & I love bright colours, so these babies from The Timex Brights collection are right up my cul-de-sac. They launched just before Christmas 09' but I have only just had time to post them up!

They are apparently suitable for 'Ironman' type sports people! ie: nut nuts (lol), which makes them pretty damn durable as well as being super-cute in design. They are Shock-Resistant to ISO Standards feature a 30-lap memory, 100-hour chronograph with lap and split options, on-the-fly lap recall, and an easy to use countdown timer.

I don't actually understand all the sports technology stuff, but I know these would look great with my high tops or Louboutin studs.

Times Brights also have customisable alarm, 2 time zone settings, and are water resistance down to 200m in case I ever feel the need to get into water above my waist... :)
The pink & purple versions are my favourites.
DJ NIKKI Beatnik x

Saturday Garms, laid back kicks & Beatnik Sounds...our Beatnik Remix 'Chelley- I Took The Night'

Today I'll mostly be wearing my Adidas high tops in Leopard Print, boyfriend Jeans from Asos my River Island studded Union Jack Bag & Listening to new BEATNIK tunes the Beatnik Remix of Chelley 'I Took The Night'.