Ray Gun, Celine Dion(!?) and Vox gig in Camden.
Long post today as I have some catching up to do.
On Thursday night I was invited to a do for the RCA label near Baker St. It was excellent and nice to see them all in a social setting. There was a buffet consisting of the hottest curry I've ever eaten. I was trying to look cool whilst speaking to Stormyduke, one of their A&R fellas, when I had my first mouthful, nearly spat rice accross the room. Subsequently I ended up drinking a lot of beer for its' medicinal value. Luckily, I didn't make too much of a t**t of myself.
The highlight of the evening was a performance by newly signed Ray Gun & the Aggitators. When I first started this blog I made a deal that I wouldn't use it to punt signed talent but I was really left childishly excitable after the gig.
The vocalist Ray has a great voice, moves and looks like Iggy Pop/David Bowie and the band are musically brilliant. Once more, it's a rock n roll band (with elements of disco). I mentioned to Craig that I thought it was a really brave signing when labels are searching out retro-electro wizardry or mass-acousitic Arcade-Fire-Esque bands to sign a four piece rock band who would have easily
been at home playing CBGB's in the mid 70's.
Irrespective of what you're into. You couldn't sit back and say Ray Gun and the Aggitators were crap. I doubt I'm articulate enough to make clever comparions and insightful comment on their influences. So it's easier to give you a link to their myspace and leave it at that. You have to see this band live before the venues get too big and the tickets too expensive.
On Friday I was asked to film Celine Dion. You're probably staring at your screen like it's a magic-eye picture with a '?' above your head. A colleague of mine asked if I had access to a decent video camera. I said yes but suggested that I come along to film as it would lessen the chance of mishap.
It was at the Dorchester Hotel in an amazing suite. After much shuffling about, testing and re-tesing the camera, the light etc. I was ushered into the room where I was filming. I've not met many international superstar-types, infact she's the first but she was lovely. I was really hoping she'd be a major nasty diva so I'd have lots to write about in the way of tantrums, but no. Polite and friendly after a long day of interviews and such. On finishing the shoot she asked "Is that ok sir?" and then I was left to pack away my stuff. All straightforward. However, after about five mins I realised I was locked in. I was meeting a friend, itching for beer, and a knew my taxi was waiting. There was a fully stocked bar aswell that I didn't touch. The only way out was through a room where they were recording a radio interview. Damn. So I explored the various features of the camera on my phone and got the pics to the right. I didn't ask to take any of C.D. as I didn't think I should. I think the film might end up on youtube so I'll post the link once I have it.
Anyway! Here we go THE END OF CAMDEN IS BACK ON!!!!! Come on you good thing! I have a better DV cam, and people to help me film and edit. So, who have I got confirmed so far? Well, I want FOX CUBS to headline the 10th November slot so far supported by Vote Show Pony and Susie Wilkins. I've got one more slot to fill. The venue manager and me will be going through what I've got to decide what we need to complete the lineup. I'm really excited about this. It's going to be a FREE GIG. So come down and get inebriated with me and watch some fantastic bands at Tommy F's in Camden. I hear there's already some non-Sony BMG industry types turning up. Maybe they're spying. ;-)
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Gigs 29/10/2007
Just the one tonight it seems.
Ashley Hicklin is playing (again) a free solo acoustic set at Revolution, stage time 8pm. If any of you go let me know.
Hope all is good with you.
Comments
Sounds very cool mate, just checked out the RG&tA's myspace. Good stuff, though I get the impression from the pics that they must sound a lot crazier live than they do on what's recorded - I'd get someone to try recording a band like that live in the studio.
Sounds like the gig'll be great - wish I could come check it out (it's ten minutes from where I live) but I'm booked up for some session work over in Northern Ireland that week. How often are you gonna be putting them on? Do bear me in mind for any future dates of course ;)
JBN
I'd be happy to have you play as long as you open with I Fought the Floor. ;-)
You're right about the Myspace. I don't think it captures what they're like live. It's really about the show with them and couldn't recommend it enough. I got his number that night and hope to book him at some point.