In 2003, I went for the first time to the Raison d’etre open mic. It was held every Tuesday at El Paso in London at that time. I felt in love with Healer Selecta and Crystal night straight away. Then every Tuesday I showed my face there, and every time I had such a good time between young talents playing ( as Charlie Winston, The Noisettes for example) and the wonderful and colourful Djing of Healer Selecta (I have to say best Dj in town). After few weeks I asked Crystal and Healer Selecta if I can take pictures at their nights. I was so happy when they accepted as I was looking to enter the music scene in London as a photographer. From there we developed a very loyal, inspiring work relationship.... Through their nights, I met some fantastic musicians, songwriters, bands. It gave me the opportunity to grow as a photographer and sharpen my eye... Raison d’Etre expanded massively over the last 7 years and it still brings me some wonderful opportunities. Healer Selecta and Crystal are truly music lovers and they are very passionate on promoting others and offering a excellent platform for unsigned artists by giving them the opportunities to play in re-known London venues, and most of all with in general in front of large crowd.
Healer Selecta and Crystal over the years encouraged me to live off my passion and I will never thanks them enough for their loyalty and love. I highly recommend you to look at Healer Selecta Project as well as his own band The Dustaphonics.
Steph Dray
To know more about Raison d’ Etre please read below or go to their website.
www.reason2b.net
Raison D'Etre, French for "Reason to be" is a community of International Music & Art Lovers. Created by Musician/DJ/Promoter Yvan Serrano-Fontova aka HEALER SELECTA and Crystal, in the soulful heart of London (Shoreditch-Hackney) in the early naughties.
slideshow photosSince 2000, Raison D'Etre- Reason2b Collective has established in London, and around the world, a solid reputation from like minded music fans and in the music and entertainment business. Raison D'Etre Collective organises quality and unique Live Music Events and highly popular Club Nights. RAISON D'ETRE supports and believes in underground/independent musicians/artists by pioneering a successful and innovative promotion strategy. This helps young talents to get exposure, experience, A&R and success in music, poetry, dance, photography, etc.. By doing so Raison D'Etre Collective has gained a wonderful reputation and the utmost respect. An already phenomenal movement in London, the domino effect is taking" the Raison D'Etre sound" global!
For the last 10 years a large number of very successful artists and musicians have come from the RAISON D'ETRE COLLECTIVE some even reaching the charts in the UK, FRANCE, USA, etc.. and more highly talented artists are joining the collective every month.
To name a few...THE NOISETTES - CHARLIE WINSTON - HEALER SELECTA - SIZE NINE - THE DUSTAPHONICS - MIRANDA BARBER - VENTRILOQUIST - THE CEDARS - JESSIE & THE ORBITS - PORTICO QUARTET - ASHER STORM - HINDA HICKS - MEDI & THE MEDICINE SHOW - EMILY LOISEAU - BIJOU NOIR - STEPH DRAY - NATTY - ERROL LINTON - EMI INABA - OPHELIA LOVIBOND - FILTHY SIX - ALEX MILLS - JEZEBEL SEXTET - BIKINI BEACH BAND - CLAIRE NICOLSON - SARITAH - MAX GREEWOOD - LITTLE GEORGE & many more
press:
*"If you've been to one fo Raison d'Etre nights before (held previously at Spitz, selling out Jazz Cafe three-fold). You'll know you're for a treat, anyone who's been will tell you so. An exceptional night with an array of today's leading independent and underground Musicians, Live Bands, Artits and Original Disc Jockeys.
With an unique Vibe of "downs to earth people", the Raison d'etre show will change your idea of clubbing and gigging. Music, 50's to mid 70's, rockin'bop, latin, funk, ska, soul, hammond groove, brazilian percussion, Afro Beat, swing, etc... "Organic dance party music" (no House, no Techno...)" (Sam Pow & David Swindells, TimeOut)