How to know which path to choose

The question everyone, ever wants to know the answer to.

And here it is...

You don't.

Yup, there you go, there's my gem of advice. It sounds like a pretty crappy one right? But honestly, when I embraced that, things changed. 
I am a perfectionist, and I give it a whole new meaning, I am brutal to myself if I don't meet my own standards and always doing the best thing, choosing the perfect words to say at the exact right time, singing every note perfectly with no pitchyness, never making a silly mistake in a relationship. Wouldn't we all love it if things just fell into place like that?
Well they don't and you can't mould and shape everything around you, and that's what makes it so fun to be human.

Four years ago, I would have laughed at you if you told me I was going to be in an incredible relationship that, 3 and a half years in was as strong as Jay-Z and Beyonce. I would have laughed even harder if you'd told me he would be away for 6 months at a time playing drums in random countries whilst I stayed in the UK. Yet here I am, sat in Bahrain, taking 10 days out of my crazy (Boss Bitch) work life back in London, to see my amazing drummer boy 3 months into his 6 month stint.
Yeah, I've made some bad choices, some very very bad choices, that landed me in hospital for long periods of time (A story I may or may never tell on here, we'll see) but no matter how bad things get, there is always a path to take to rectify it. I also believe that any bad path can be turned into a good one. You learn from everything.
Somethings may seem like the worst at the time, yeah maybe you did something really bad or someone did something really bad to you, but thats the beauty. Great things can come from tiny screw ups, there is always a next day and there is always a chance for something awesome to happen.

I feel like this is turning into a full on hippy, peace and love post, so I'm going to shut up now. The point, however, still stands.
Sometimes just shut your eyes and walk down a path. Who knows what will happen, who knows who you might meet...you just need to put yourself out there for these things to happen...

Much Love,

Chloë Rona

XO

Ever wondered how to live without wifi?

No, you probably haven't. Let's be honest...

You wouldn't put yourself through that torture unless you absolutely had to. No, torture isn't too strong of a word, it is like weaning yourself off a drug or cigarettes, you go through phases of withdrawal. But do you come out stronger?

We moved into our new flat 2 months ago now, and we got wifi 2 days ago. TWO WHOLE MONTHS. NO INTERNET. NO CONNECTION TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD.

Stage one.

'What do I do? Seriously, there is nothing to do other than stare at a wall. Activities? What are they?'
This is the weird one, you feel disconnected and it's funny how you GENUINELY have no idea what to do or how to communicate with people on a face to face level without getting awkward and running out of things to do. I kept finding myself getting so bored and sitting there just doing nothing... If you're wondering, going through photos on your phone and deleting them, because you only know how to be on your phone, is still nothing.

Stage two.

People are actually interesting, it starts getting easier to live without the constant pinging of some kind of computer. 
I personally realised in this stage, I had finished university a month ago at this point, my boyfriend had moved to a land far, far away and I was living with my two best friends. So umm.... do something? And I did... I got a place on an internship, like an actual career boosting internship, not just walking around selling clothes. (I'm aware that is a career, and not an easy one at that, it's just not my choice) 
I started DOING things with my friends, going out, getting to REALLY know them, spending quality time with them and making memories. Also started really thinking about what I want to do with my future, networking, making valuable connections with people. 
I have always been healthy and cared about fitness, but I have started to be much more in tune with my body and actually dedicated to being the best version of myself, physically and mentally. Fitness is actually an incredible feeling!

Stage three.

Frustration. Yeah, stage two seemed all too good to be true? That's because it was... All of the above is 100% true and I still swear by it all...BUT...
You realise in this world, you now NEED internet to actually do all the things you need to do in these cool jobs you now have, to contact the people you have now met and to save the photos of the memories you have now created. Saying that, I do believe you can do it without internet, but you have to have some seriously strong moral thoughts on this and powerful commitment to the belief. I don't, sorry. The Electronic Music, and just music scene in general, really doesn't allow for that.

Stage four.

A whole lot of switching between stages two and three. 
The arguments, the annoyance of losing money and time thanks to jobs you can't do/take longer. Being forced into actually SEEING people, resulting in having way more fun. Not being able to talk to your boyfriend properly other than in Pret (Pret, I love you forever). Thinking you've got it, then realising Talk Talk have screwed it up again, and again, and again. Paying £90 a month on phone bills because you've had to pay for more data, and then ran out again and realised - IPHONES DON'T WORK WITHOUT DATA... like... AT ALL.

Stage five.

The day you finally get internet again! Yeah, so, what does it do again?

Over doing it and spending far too much online shopping. Writing blog posts. Taking the opportunity to work from home, in your PJs all day, finally.
Basically, I am currently binging or you could call it a relapse...

BUT. Lesson?

I genuinely prefer human contact. 
I have learnt so much about myself on this little internet cleanse. Yes, I had limited access to internet whilst in the office or for those few days a month I actually had data on my phone, (Snapchat and Instagram apparently RINSE all data) but that's the definition of weaning right?
I have over come so many of my weird hang ups, just as a result of going out and putting myself in scary/beneficial situations. 
I have done SO much for myself, partially because Will (boyfriend) hasn't been here as well (sorry to admit that one Willy...what can I say, you're needy ;).)

Proof that I have actually stepped outside my house and not hid under a rock? Okay, here you go:

1|| Your Mum's House, The Nest with Casey
2|| Walk to work over Tower Bridge
3|| New Job includes being in studios. Yeah. Awesome, I know
4|| My little Chia Seed
5|| All Saints Squad. Ollie, Emma & Alex. Babes.
6|| SW4 Festival with the Chia Seed
7|| So this happened at work. A dog. In a bag.
8|| This also happened at work... Clearly there were mixed feelings.

So, I recommend it, put yourself into internet rehab/cleanse/whatever you wanna call it. It might actually shock you how much fun you have and how much there is to learn about the people you already know, they aren't actually that lame.

Much Love,

Chloë Rona

XO

The next stage...

So again, it has been a while, which I am sorry for but hopefully now I will be a bit more active on here and on my other platforms (mainly Instagram, I'm obsessed).

So as you know, if you are a regular to my blog, I have spent the last 4 years at BIMM London, doing a Vocal performance degree, and the past 6 months tearing my hair out for my finals. I can finally say....IT IS ALL OVER. I have mixed feelings about this though to be honest. 

First, you don't really feel anything, then it hits you and it's devastating, scary and weird all at the same time (you'll find yourself crying in the shower if you're as lame as me). The next part is relief, everything seems to fall off your shoulders, embrace this moment because it doesn't last. Not long after you'll be faced with the realisation that it's NOW that the real struggle begins, not knowing what comes next, the weird fear of not having work...bills...it's not cute to ask for help anymore...you are on your own in the real world. People who used to help you now see you as the competition. 

Saying all that though, this is the fun part, you can do what YOU want to do, you don't have to do what university is making you do, create your own projects to your own timelines, go do things you never had time to do. If you're lucky, the connections you made in uni will come back around and opportunities will arise that you hadn't expected. Karma is talked about for a reason!

So, I am really trying to make this blogging thing take off again now, mainly on Instagram, but I want to catch a bit of attention on here as well. Photos are great, but it's nice to be able to write to all of you as well!

I'll update you a little bit whilst I'm here. 

I moved house last week, out of student accommodation (thank God) into a nice little flat in East London with my two best friends. I couldn't be in a better place. Us three little Powerpuff Girls will take over the world one day…when we finally have internet, using an iPhone hotspot sucks.

My boyfriend moved to Bahrain/Dubai, for 6 months, last week to play drums for an entertainment company… which, obviously I am far from happy about.. BUT.. I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason and he so deserves this recognition for how much of an amazing drummer he is! I will do a post about this in the future when it’s not such a raw subject..for now... Look how pretty he is..

Both of these things mean that I have more time to focus on me and do things with friends and start creating a life for myself beyond the boundaries of uni, my boyfriend (I created the boundary, not him) etc… it’s just easy to get into habits and comfort zones, getting yourself out of them is hard, but freeing.

Also got myself involved in a little event with Plant Based Pixie (a few of you might know her), she’s a babe and her recipes are yummy, so if you don’t know her, you should. End of. Here are some photos…

Anyways, I may have exciting news next week and I may not so I won’t give anything away just yet incase all falls through.

Much Love, as always. Happy to be back :)

Chloë

XO

Summary (Past Few Weeks)

I am horrendous. I know, I'm sorry. I am going to blame my finals again, I am also going to blame people though. Broad statement, potentially a bit of a dickish one as well, but why...WHY are people so unreliable?! I am going to be a one woman team. Or a weird version of Gollum that only relies on herself soon...

Anyways, just so you haven't all assumed I've died. If you cared... The past few weeks have looked a little like this...

It will be more than just updates soon, I promise. Pinky promise in fact.

1|| Superfood Salad at Jamie's Italian with Pops

2|| Masterclass with Lalah Hathaway at BIMM. She is a true inspiration.

3|| New Purchases. Both Necklaces are Regal Rose. A new fave!

4|| I am obsessed with Banana Ice Cream. Every morning.

5|| Morning well spent at Sky Garden with Tom Joy

6|| The amazing view minus us

7|| My best friends and I found a flat!!! YAY.

8|| One of the reasons they are my best friends...

9|| Uni work for daaaayyyyysss

10|| Lunching with my Boy at Moosh, Fulham. One of my favourite healthy go to's.

11|| Another shot of my ring and two chokers from Regal Rose

12|| The best work team at the best. Nandos, obviously.

More to come soon, I promise.

Much Love

Chloë Rona

XO

Sunday Summery 19/04/15

1|| The one hot day we had this week and probably the only one we will have all summer..

2|| Music Technology lessons are the one. Especially now they're i this sweeeet ass room

3|| Spent a lot of this week not doing uni work and writing/recording songs instead, Oops.

4|| I may have done an oopsie. I bought Toga Pulla boots!! Poor bank account. Happy Chloë though! :)

5|| OOTD. Skirt - H&M last season (Link is a similar one). Top - Topshop. Boots. Toga Pulla

6|| Dinner date at the best restaurant in Hammersmith. La Petite Bretagne.

7|| OBSSESSED. Rihanna - Bitch Better Have My Money. I care not what you think. I love this song.

Sorry mine hasn't been a super exciting one. What have you done this week?

Much Love,

Chloë Rona

XO

Band Merch, Crackheads and George the Soldier.

I am the worst, I know, truly the worst.
I promised I'd post sooner than this, but I am just so busy!

But, now for the long awaited rant.
Band merchandise. For anyone who doesn't know what that is, it's the printed tees, hoodies, beanies blah blah... some get weird, so we will leave it at that.
At any gig you go to you will see a stall of clothes with their album cover, name or logo scrawled over it, they aren't that expensive, they tend to be cheaper than the average top you'd buy at Topshop and some of them, if done well, are actually pretty sweet, not the emo band tees you have in your mind. They tend to go down pretty well, but you will without fail, at any decent sized band's gig, get people selling fake ones outside. This annoys me. This will annoy any musician.

Point one. This is stealing, living off other people's success. Bands work their asses off to get to where they are and to built the brand they are, the march goes with this. They will usually have spent hours designing it themselves and it's not okay for someone to stand next to you with exactly what you've made, with cheaper materials and a few mistakes, and sell it cheaper. It's just as wrong as someone stealing your song, maybe not as annoying, but technically still just as wrong.

Point two. THESE PEOPLE HAVE NO IDEA. They genuinely think the bands on stage are minted. Let me just make one thing very clear, they are NOT minted. Unless you're going to see someone like Rihanna, Coldplay blah blah... Smaller bands like Architects, Letlive., Of Mice and Men...blah blah... will not be rich. All that equipment you see? Most of that is rented or endorsed.

Point three. Merchandise is where bands make most of their money when they're on tour. Yeah. Let that one sink in. Those tickets you're buying? That pays off everyone involved, the transport from venue to venue, the venue hire, food. It barely gives them any profit at all when they're at the stage of the bands I mentioned above. Obviously when you reach global chart topping level for a few years, that's when you rake in the money from gigs. So for these people to be stood outside, taking money from fans who love and support these bands, when it should be going to the band so they can afford to carry on touring for these fans. Well, you can see how wrong that is.

The reason I am making this point and rant is because at the Of Mice and Men gig I went to a couple of weeks ago. I went with one of my favourite humans, George. Little fact about George, he speaks his mind, very bluntly. 
So this woman selling Of Mice & Men merch was wandering up and down the queue telling everyone her stuff was £5 cheaper than what they were selling inside. Naturally George asked how much of the profit went to the band, to which she made up a random figure. Of course George told her she was lying and her response was 'You think you're doing the right thing supporting your band, how much have you paid for your ticket? You're stuck out here whilst they live like kings. How do you live? Do you live well?'

Firstly, that's an odd thing to say to someone you don't know, especially when they are obviously doing better than you as you are dependant on drugs (I know that is an unnecessary dig, but she annoyed me)

Secondly, one again, I really wish people wouldn't assume that because you are a band playing a sold out gig that you are instantly loaded and robbing people of their money. Okay, Of Mice and Men are probably one of the more successful. But bands from the UK that haven't broken into America yet, or the support bands still get these people lurking outside their gigs, and trust me those bands are NOT well off. The majority of them are probably still working a day job in Burger king just to pay for the tour.
The tickets you buy pay for everyone else pay check who is involved, the lighting, the venues, the sound... the profit is usually the merchandise. Yeah, now you see the problem. These people are taking away the bands only true profit.

I just think that this is definitely something to think about next time you go to a gig. DON'T buy the cheap FAKE merch from the crackheads outside to support their drug addiction, spend a fiver more and support the band you love so they can go on tour again!

Sorry, that really was a full on rant with no pretty pictures. But I hope you learnt something anyways! 

George was not harmed in the research for this blog post, but I suggest you don't try arguing with these people. They seem to get quite into the argument.

Much Love,

Chloë Rona

xo

This world it needs a cleansing. Remove all it's filth.

I had a pretty good few weeks for gigs, two of my favourite bands. Architects not long ago, of Mice & Men last week. Not complaining!

It was was at Brixton Academy, which I am sure anyone will tell you is such a cool venue. Sound is crazy and it just looks awesome, like a shakespeare style theatre. Admittedly, I spend a lot of time staring at that... especially when the support acts are a bit boring.
Sorry.... Amity Affliction are great on record, they're studio recorded stuff is good, but they are just boring live. I found myself wishing my phone still had battery so I could check my Instagram... that is a VERY bad sign.

Moving on to better things (I hate putting bands down), of Mice & Men are definitely ones to go and see. I missed them last time they were here and i was so gutted, I feel like I've filled a little gap in my life now. Austin Carlile, seriously, what planet are you from?! AMAZING front man. If you don't know, they have a couple of songs that he does literally nothing on, as he doesn't do any clean vocals (sang, not screamed). Some of their songs are just cleans, done by the bass player, Aaron Pauley, but Austin Carlile still drives the entire band whilst making no sound and just running around the stage like a mad man. Seriously, not one shit is given by him. Amazing.

I will just leave you with a few photos of the incredibleness.

Tomorrow I will try to write a post on my lunch break at work, as there is something VERY important I need to talk about and I think everyone who is a part of the music world, artists, fans, musicians, industry people alike, should ALL read. ESPECIALLY PEOPLE WHO STAND OUTSIDE GIGS SELLING FAKE MERCH. I wonder what this post could be about...hmmmm...! (Hence the title of this post)
So check back tomorrow or the day after, I should have it up.

Much Love,

Chloë Rona

Sunday Summary 29/03

I am so sorry about the lack of posts recently, between finals, working to pay for my expensive taste and pretending to have some pathetic excuse for a social life... it's been a tad hard, I don't have a whole lot of interesting things for you to read about! I do post on Instagram a lot though, if I am annoying you with my slight ghosting on here, chloeronauk is my username :)

Anyway, I spent a week at my parents house to chill out a bit after my exams, and to prepare myself for the next round!

1|| Real Techniques Core Collection are AMAZING. I don't get paid to say that, I have wanted them for ages and they are worth it!

2|| So I dyed my hair two tone :) On it's way to being black and white... got to take it slowly though.

3|| Lunching with Mumma Bear

4|| The new love of my life. Finally bought an Alexander McQueen Bag.

5|| Go home and Mum takes naps ;) so chilled though!

6|| Mumma Bear. Lotta love.

7|| So good to spend the week with my little man.

8|| Entered back into London with a bang. Of Mice & Men at Brixton. 100%. Blogging this ASAP!

Much Love,

Chloë Rona

Fuck it, I'm a dreamer and I'm dreaming on.

For anyone who doesn't know, yes, I sing more electronic stuff now, but you can't forget your roots.

I've always had a weird music taste, Electronic, Metal and R&B kinda being my go to favs. Which covers everything a bit... Basically I am easily pleased, apparently!

That's a lie, I'm not easily pleased, I am so fussy with bands/artists I actually like in those genres. Especially in Metal, because my God, do you get some shockers... I can't stand the winey singing stuff. Not to say it's bad, just not quite my thing anymore :) I also can't deal with overly heavy stuff, because I'm a bit of a pussy, let's be honest. So I just like a happy medium. So Architects, sit kinda perfect! And, that's exactly who I'm writing about...

So, most important people first, the vocals (I AM JOKING), Sam Carter... where do I start, how do you do that?! How do you get through an entire gig without messing up once?! It's not even just him, that whole band are so so on point. Perfect balance of serious and pissing about as well... gotta have a bit of fun really, can't be dealing with bands that take themselves too seriously! Saying that though... I am going to have to rant in a bit.. prepare yourself.

Roundhouse, immense. Architects, obviously immense.

They put on a show, perform well, connect with the crowd, they tick all the boxes. I was pleasantly surprised that they didn’t do their usual moaning. Sorry guys, but you don’t half moan in interviews. My only bit of sceptisism was that they would do that on stage, but thank God, there was none of that, they were pretty much the opposite, super appreciative and blown away as it was their biggest show to date, and their tour finale.

BUT. Here comes the rant... So, my Boyfriend, Will, told me the other day about an interview they had recently. with VICE, which you can read (here). I do agree with them that music needs to be sending a message and not just about insignificant nonsense, but insignificant nonsense is still quite nice sometimes if you just want to mentally chill out and turn off. I definitely think they should do a bit of research before saying Of Mice & Men are screaming about home cooked dinners, maybe then they might think before they speak, as the song is actually about Austin Carlille’s Mum, who passed away when he was 17. (Read Here) Just seems a whole lot like putting other people down to justify what you’re doing?

I actually did an essay recently on what other people in the music industry see as musicians and how confused the whole industry is, it was super interesting, when I get my grades back (if they’re good) I might tell you about it. But something that stood out to me was something that my friend and Will said in the surveys they did for me. ‘If you’re moaning about what someone else is doing then you’re not putting enough time into what you’re doing. Why does what other people do effect you?!'

Saying all that though, I would still definitely recommend seeing them live if you have the chance. They are decent guys and good musicians, they just need to cheer up a bit and maybe not lay into other people so much!



But again, put that aside, Architects are AMAZING. Too many bands/artists are too quick to fire insults, not just them, it actually pained me to say anything bad about them.

Much Love,

Chloë Rona

Sunday Summary 14/03

Hey Hey!

I know it's Tuesday (still Monday for me, because I am still awake...SHOCKER). But it is exam week, my timetable is crazy, I am only just managing to do a weekly update now, that is all I have time for!! I'm sorry! Trust me, I'd rather be writing a blog post than an essay...


So I'm just going to quickly pop up a couple snaps of my favourite moments this week.

1|| My Pops enjoying the size of his coffee a bit too much at Le Pain Quotidien 

2|| The amazing Vegan Coconut Chia Pudding at Le Pain. (I went Vegan for a couple weeks, Post to come)

3|| OOTD. Leather Jacket & Jumper - AllSaints. Bag - Urban Outfitters

4|| Architects @ Roundhouse were on point (Post to come.)

5|| Exam week. Killer. Technology remix of a Moby track I was working on.

6|| My beautiful new MacBook Air 11", kitted out with a Michael Kors Sleeve & Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" Background

7|| Last but DEFINITELY not least. George, my housemate, not coping very well with exam week.

Much Love,

Chloë Rona

XO

I Solemnly Swear that I am up to no good

Guys.

Promise not to be jealous when you read this post, 'kay?

Don't mean to brag but... sometimes, I manage to be pretty awesome (by shear luck).

Okay, so I've built this up enough. A few months ago, early December to be precise (that feels like way too long ago), Will, my boyfriend, put his trust in me that I was going to sort our Christmas presents out this year, all he had to do was give me the money.

We are a very 'Do things over buy things' kind of couple, we would prefer to spend money on doing awesome things with each other than buying/receiving expensive presents. Although, Will hasn't quite got the hang of it and does both. Not complaining...

I'm proud of this, I kept this years activity a secret from him from EARLY DECEMBER to THE SECOND WE WALKED THROUGH THE DOOR LAST SUNDAY. Proud moment. I am a secret keeper, just saying.

I've dragged this out. My bad.

Three words.

HARRY POTTER WEEKEND.

Yeah.

On Sunday we went on the Muggle Tour, which was very cold, very long and a bit embarrassing at times, but SO worth it. You are taken to see lots of places that influenced J.K. Rowling, places that were in the film and I think I know more about Harry Potter than I know about myself now. I for some reason didn't take any photos... I KNOW. What happened? I was freezing my tits off, so I'm guessing my hands just weren't coming out of my pockets for any camera. Sorry...

Sunday night we stayed at The Georgian House Hotel, by Victoria. This is where my genius idea started, I can't remember where I found this place, but when I checked them out I saw they did this WHOLE package, for a pretty decent price, they organised everything!

Just look at this place...

No words needed, no words.

Clearly, no good Harry Potter weekend would be complete without the Warner Brother's Studio Tour. It's actually nuts, the majority of the things in the film that you would think were special effects aren't, they are actually fully functioning props. Like the Chamber of Secrets Door, the one with all the moving Snakes... yeah they actually move. I know. MIND. BLOWN.

Basically I have now decided it's all real. Harry Potter exists. Hogwarts have just slipped up and not realised I am awesome and full of magic, they'll apologise and fast track me through soon.

Had NO idea the animals would be there! FANG! :)

I saw myself with a record deal and an album out. He saw....me. Obviously. (You'll get that if you've seen/read Hazza P and you know what this mirror is)

The happiest kid there.

Oh and I was sorted into either Slytherin or Gryffindor. This makes me on par with Harry Potter. Just saying.

On that note...

Much Love,

Chloë Rona

XO

Sunday Summary 01/03

Well, just looked back and realised it's been two weeks since I last posted, my bad!

Anyone in their final year at uni will understand how you literally lose your brain cells and memory at this point...but whateverrrr, I'm going to make it through. No stress!

I said I was going to do Sunday Summaries, so... here I am again, doing one for you!

1|| Will and I went on a little adventure around London and found a few little gems. This one is where Winston Churchill lived :) 

2|| Embrace the curls. If you have them, don't straighten them. Don't be boring.

3|| Late night songwriting vibes. Songwriting and new covers for all of you have been taking up my time this week.

4|| No words needed. I spoilt Will to a Harry Potter filled weekend, this time last week. Blog post coming very soon! 

5|| An amazing package from The Protein Pick and Mix and Graze, as always. Quest bars and sugar free Nutella fo' life yo.

Things I have decided are true this week?

1|| Harry Potter is real
2|| I procrastinate like crazy
3|| People care more about a dress that may or may not be gold or blue than they should

And that's that...
Enjoy your Sunday!

Much Love

Chloë Rona

XO