psp news

Super Solo from Abi at Pop Star Party

Every party is different and fuelled by the kids. This is so true and the kids who a Bronze party with us over the weekend totally enjoyed their experience of singing together but also of seeing Abi do a wonderful solo.

The group song chosen was Justine Timberlake's 'Can't Stop the Feeling' and amazingly, with all the girls kitted up with headphones, this went really smoothly in a very short time because they all knew the song so well and followed instructions on how we record in the party situation with ease.  Top job girls.

After a cool photoshoot and their buffet break in our special Party Hangout room they bounced back in to see Abi do her solo - stood on the hotspot box and under the heat of spotlights she rose to the challenge like a champ and sang 'How Far I'll Go' from Moana really well receiving a massive round of applause from her friends.  Well done Abi.

Below are a few snaps from the party - if you would like a party with us then please get in touch.

New Package added to the Parties page

Listening is vital and after some market research we have made a few changes to way things are done and what we offer.  Massive thanks to all those who contributed to the feedback requests.

The biggest thing we learned was that singing is the main focus so in our Bronze and Silver Packages we are going back to how the party service originated and focussing more on singing.  Lots of people really like the video that's produced after the party, but these do take a considerable amount of time (up to 2 hours) so to reflect this there will be more time in the party to discuss the filming process so kids really understand what they are doing.

The disco is also one of the best parts for many kids - and adults! - so we've been shopping and bought more lights - everyone loves a good disco.

A fourth package (Platinum) has been added to accommodate those that want to do everything.

The disco just got better!

The disco just got better!

Cake (just keep saying it!)

Cake - birthday cake in particular - surely the best invention ever!
We get to see so many amazing designs and creations at Pop Star Party because at least 90% of our groups bring their cake to the party.  All cakes are welcome and I do try to make sure I get a good pic of the cake before its cut, smashed, lit etc.  

So why not bring your cake to the party - and just incase you are stuck for decoration ideas here's a few that have been brought along recently.

Book a party with us and the rest is done for you - but don't forget the cake!

www.PopStarParty.rocks

Guinea Pig Day for Greasby!

Yep it's right I have been a guinea pig - sometimes the only way to find out if something is good, is to try it - which is what I started last October when I was introduced to a food supplement.

Long and short of it is - it works - and I'm still using it - so would you mind if I tell you about it?

Anyone who knows me well knows that I don't like lies - I generally have good gut instincts about situations and won't spend money on rubbish.  So, when I was introduced to a food supplement that is 'everything in 1 bag' I was very dubious.  I have never taken food supplements, I have never got involved with multi-level marketing organisations and I have never had any faith in stuff not sold in the shops, but for some reason I agreed to go to an evening presentation about this new product.  The lady who took me along runs an alternative healing clinic (who I have been making tons of short videos for at the studio) and is a genuine successful practitioner - so I trusted her - trust is such an important thing.  As it turned out it's not that new - it's been around a couple of years but I was sufficiently interested to give it a go.  Let's face it, I'm training for a marathon and anything which gives me more energy, fire and enthusiasm I am willing to consider.  But there's way more to this than just energy lift.

Clinton Sellers the CEO of the (local) company impressed me from the onset.  Here is a man who has worked in the food supplement industry all his life and decided to radically change everything - from the product, the packaging, the website & back office to the distribution and the price.  There's 1 product & 2 ways to get it - buy it or supply it. 

Integrity has to be Clintons middle name - everything he has done is squeaky clean, tested in the massive Brunswick labs in America, 100% organic, organically registered & approved and there's no bulky packing agents - this last point being one of the most impressive aspects to me.  I have a Chemistry degree so kind of feel I understand the nuts and bolts of packaging food - this doesn't have any 'stuff' in it to keep it fresh or bulk it out - it's just 100% useful product rammed full of the stuff we don't get in everyday foods (that have been genetically modified or 'processed' for us) sourced from the really cool ingredients of many, many foods we wouldn't normally buy, because they are expensive or unavailable - all the info is on the label, everything is transparent with this company and it just works.

What works? - what does it do? - well there's a question!!

Initially I was interested in the food supplement side of things to get essential minerals and natural chemicals into my body which will help with digestion and general healthiness to boost my running, but after 6 months of testing it myself, going to presentations every 6 weeks at Warwick Castle and hearing genuine testimonials from people who have (had) medical complaints I'm just amazed at how much more is going on - the antioxidants in the product is mind blowing, the pre & probiotics in the product is amazing and the healing properties seem too good to be true, but everyone is telling how their psoriasis, fibromyalgia, hair loss, rheumatism, arthritis and allergies are reduced/eliminated.  Now I'm genuinely lucky that so far to date, I've not had a medical condition that's needed prescribed drugs to keep under control so I can't actually vouch for whether any of these things are true myself, but I can't deny what my ears have heard consistently for 6 months now - this stuff is like magic!!
Last night I was at a massive awards ceremony in the Grand Hall at Warwick Castle - so many people being rewarded for their involvement in the company (see pic of Rhian at bottom).
Quote from Rhian: "it ticks boxes for things we don't even have boxes for" - Quite simply a game-changer!!

So what is it?

It's called NewGen Direct Superfoods Plus and the company is based in Warwick.

Here is my page on the company website which details everything you need to know about the product:

https://www.newgendirect.com/PopStarFood

There is a promotion on for another week until new stock arrives - they just put in an order for £1 Million worth of stock - you can try it it for yourself for £27.99.  Less than what you probably spend on cups of coffee in a month. PLUS - free shipping until April 22nd 2018.  Surely this is a no-brainer!

PS - I called my page PopStarFood because you will notice the model used in the brochure is actually a pop star - her name is Yennis Cheung who you may also have seen in the James Bond film SkyFall as a casino cashier.  Well, since I run Pop Star Party and know that a lot of singers take supplements and are fastidious about their diet/health I realised the potential right there.  But I wanted to test it on myself first and now feel 100% satisfied that this product absolutely rocks.

 

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And now for something very different

We tried a different experience yesterday with a large group of 17 year olds.  This was a birthday celebration but we didn't run the event like a party.  These guys just wanted to have a karaoke party really so we ran about 10 different songs and whoever wanted to sing jumped on a mic and we recorded the lot.  It was fun - it was hectic - it was chaos, but everyone had a great time.

These guys had a slight political angle to their fun and we created a stunning picture for that lasting memory of the day.  Other political views do exist!!

Pop Star Party is all about people having fun and getting an experience in the studio focussed on recording songs.  If you want a party with us then just give us a ring - we will do the rest.

www.PopStarParty.rocks

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New promo video for Pop Star Party

If you would like to see what the party pals get up to at a party and how a video can look after they have filmed the footage, then this is the perfect video to watch.

The party pals are filmed from 4 different perspectives after they have recorded the singing so a fairly complicated video can be constructed after the party (believe me I really need a bit of peace n quiet to put the video together) and sent out to the person who booked the party - this can then be shared by them of course.
Roll 1 - wearing headphones around our headphone hub recording the singing
Roll 2 - using any accessories they choose from hats & glasses to wigs & masks
Roll 3 - using our lights, smoke & lasers for atmosphere and club feel
Roll 4 - having fun in the green screen filming room - easily large enough area for 12 pals

The video is viewable by clicking this link (scroll down once there):
http://www.popstarparty.rocks/

Although a format is followed every video is unique and changes according to what the group want to do and the general vibe from the group as a whole.
 

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10th Birthday an absolute Blast

Running a marathon invokes less fear than the fear involved in running my own daughters party last weekend!

Thankfully it was a total success - I don't try to do anything different just because it's my daughter and her mates, all of which I know of course, but this doesn't make it any less stressful before we get going.

Grace wanted Touch by Little Mix and Rain by The Script as her 2 songs and didn't want to do any solo - phew. All the kids in her gang had been on a 3 day school trip just before the party and all bonded even more than normal with new hand signals and actions in play, making the party very cool for them and bonkers to watch.  It was a pleasure to run and they all had a top time and Hannah even played along on the drums to Touch at the end - great to see.

Grace had a 'smash' cake (for once I didn't have to bake anything - yay) which as the name suggests she had to smash open to reveal the chocs and sweets inside - very cool.

Great party great vibe and the video looks amazing as they all totally got into the video filming part making my job easier producing it.  

If you want a party at the barn with us at PSP then please get in touch:
http://www.popstarparty.rocks/booknow/

 

Pop Star Party Graces video.jpg
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Booking Your Party

The magical day for your child is approaching and you are hunting for the perfect party.  No easy job in this age with so much to choose from.  This is why over the last few years I have (to the best of my knowledge) made the party booking procedure dead easy for the busy parent who is tasked with getting a party arranged.  

I take booking deposits over the phone sometimes, via email sometimes, but mostly through the website which is the easiest way I believe.  All bookings are penciled in to the diary my end but no booking is firm until a deposit has been made which is done through the website.  I've read on other party venue sites and in discussion forums that taking a deposit is the normal practice preferred by everyone.  It shows commitment from the customer and allows the venue/entertainer to be certain the booking will be met on the day.  The deposit covers ancillary expenses, such as food in my case, and should there be a 'no show' then nobody is out of pocket - but I'm pleased to say that in all the time I have been running parties there has never been a no show.

After receiving your deposit I email you to confirm I have received the deposit and send you some Free party invites plus ask 2 quick questions for my marketing purposes and its wonderful to read the replies.

Just this month I received this reply from Jo who has booked her daughter in for a party later this year: 
"In terms of website, it all worked fine for me. It's clear, descriptive (many of them don't give you much idea what it involves), plenty of photos/video and good contact details (another fault with some...they'll only communicate via email and not phone!). Easy to pay deposit and all packages clear. I'm always pretty pedantic and like to know what I'm paying for, hence the visit. I've done it with all my parties...the last thing I want is to have a rubbish party. It's a waste of money and ruins the day. I'll also try and get a recommendation which again I had for you.
I just want a nice, fun experience for my daughter and her friends (and us!) and the website describes what I saw and hopefully what we will experience.  
Thanks - Jo"

So there we go - Pop Star Party - making every step of your party easy.

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What goes into a party? Before and After.

So much goes into planning the perfect party - it starts with a phone-call from a parent and you deciding the date. Once this is agreed your deposit is made and I send out invites for you to pass onto to your party pals.  The day of the party arrives and everything is ready because ahead of the party you have received, completed and returned the checklist detailing which songs and what party you want and the food can be bought for the buffet accordingly.  This is why our parties always run smoothly.

Of course the kids make the party what it is and every party has different things happen depending on interactions with the kids.  The best part always seems to be when we fill the room with dry ice and the smoke and lasers kick in making the room a dream.

But most parents probably don't realise that after the party it takes a couple of hours to produce the video for you if you have chosen that option - always a pleasure to make of course and I really appreciate the feedback comments  Also the production of branded photo prints takes time and is one of the unpredictable aspects of the parties. Frames, paper ink etc all cost and sadly last year we saw a bit of a rise in costs to just about everything.  So to try and keep in line with things I have had to increase the price of the parties just a bit.  Don't worry the level of chaos and hilarity will stay the same though.

I really look forward to running your party this year - contact me (Roger) to book yours on: 07956 624376. Let's get this party started!

 

Avoid tears at your party

Singing your favourite song is easy, right?

Give it a go at home – sing the song from start to finish and see if you actually can – you may well find there’s at least 1 tricky bit that you conveniently skip over, but this is barely noticed because the lyrics are still on the track you are singing too – we all do it.

But when you record your own voice singing to a backing track there will be no pro singers on the track you are singing too and errors will be exposed – most can be overcome by simply going over the dodgy lines or layering a section if there’s an overlap.

But during a solo with the pressure of all your party pals watching you whilst under the some cool spotlights we don’t want a song to go wrong – you need to be really confident to rock your solo out in front of your friends and not get it wrong or feel bad if you forget anything – this can all lead to tears – and nobody wants them at your party.

It doesn't have to be stressful!

It doesn't have to be stressful!

So how can tears be avoided?

Pick an easy song – not necessarily your fave.

Practice it at home – a lot. Try not to cheat.

Be honest. Are there bits that are layered or a bit fast and tricky?  Is there a rap section, which you can’t really do?

Download a backing track for around 79p on iTunes and actually practice to a backing track.

Don’t worry – we have recorded kids for years doing their solos at our parties and really know how to help them through.  Remember also that it is just an ‘experience’ of recording a solo and not an opportunity to get absolutely the best recording – we can do that, but it’s much better if it’s done on a separate day where there is no pressure from friends and family watching.  Most actual stars spend hours recording their original songs, so don’t worry if you don’t nail it in 15 minutes in your party – just enjoy the experience!!

Anyone who has had a party with us is more than welcome to come back on a separate occasion and make a real recording of themselves at a later date and we find that generally this works so well because you already know us, have seen around the studio and know what to expect – so you are relaxed and ready to deliver!

Keeping kids happy is what we do.

For more info on all our parties check:
www.PopStarParty.rocks/parties/

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4 tips for choosing your songs

What songs should you choose as a parent and as the party person?

It's a big decision for the big day - there's just so many songs!!  

How are you going to get it right? Will everyone enjoy the party based on your taste? Can any song be done? These are some of the worries parents have - kids don't have worries they just pick what they know! But is the song appropriate? 

Tip 1 - Pick something all the friends to the party will know - if party pals have to learn a song at the party its going to slow things down and lower the mood. If someone doesn't know the song they may feel excluded or under pressure.  If only the main party person knows the song then perhaps it should be only used for a solo.

Tip 2 - Try to pick upbeat songs. This will keep the group vibrant and happy, even bouncing and bobbing as they sing.  Also the video will be more fun to make than a slower ballad style song.

Tip 3 - Really check the song for lyrical delivery styles - a lot of pop songs these days have extra artists featuring on the song, sometimes as rappers.  Check that the rap section is deliverable by your child or someone at the party.  If it's too much, then it can slow the recording procedure and lower the mood.  Remember - its 'pop star party' so charted Pop music is going to be most ideal.

Tip 4 - Double check the song for any bad language which you may not feel is appropriate. Often the words in question can be substituted easily for more appropriate words, or just sounds like 'shhh' for example!  This can remove the awkward parental moment of embarrassment as they hear their kids swearing as a group and giggling profusely!

www.PopStarParty.rocks - the original recording studio experience party for girls & boys.

CDs are available at the end of a party for everyone.

CDs are available at the end of a party for everyone.

Printed pictures are a hit!

Recently we introduced a new 'bolt on extra' in the form of printed pictures from your red carpet shoots on glossy card and they are proving very popular so far - A5 or A4.

Our red carpet photoshoot in Pop Star Parade is fun for everyone and we quite often get parents pictured with their children, as well as the individual and group shots.

Now you can have these pics printed out after the party and sent to you all dressed up with our logo and anything you want writing on the design.  

On the day you can also take away framed A4 pictures of the group on the red carpet or just 1 exclusive big print of your child, or the solo set-up if you are performing a solo - it's up to you!

 

Pop Star Party individual prints

What to sing at your party?

Common questions asked by eager parents when booking their party are:

What songs can they sing?
Is there a list?
Whats the most popular at the moment?

Well the answers are anything, no and it varies!

Unlike some events you go to where everything is funnelled down so the organisers are basically performing the same stunts, I don't like to have limits on the kids at their parties - it is their party after all. So this is why you can choose any songs you want.  I always advise that you pick something a bit funky or with an uptempo beat so that the party is lively and to ensure all the kids know the song. It's also easier to film kids being active than singing slow & moody ballads and makes for more entertaining viewing later! But if you want to sing ballads that's also fine - it's your party.
No list - the list is whatever song your child is into, so long as there is a backing track available then we will download it.
With so many parties it's tricky to say which song is currently most popular but last year Uptown Funk was definitely top of the list - maybe it will be a Honey G song this year!!  Where has Jessie J gone? 

 

Red Carpet Photoshoot at Pop Star Party

Elvis is in the house - all 8 of him!

Just recently we had a local business visit celebrating part of their Christmas at the barn by singing Suspicious Minds by Elvis as a group.  Things went pretty well and we certainly got a unique version of the song - the main thing was everyone enjoyed themselves.

If you want a team building event, group outing or just want to come along and sing a few songs in a private group then get in touch and we can sort it all out for you.

The group here had really gone to town and bought all the wigs, glasses, footwear and clothing to set the scene - great effort.

http://www.popstarparty.rocks/pop-celeb-party/

 

Elvis is here everybody!

Elvis is here everybody!