26 posts tagged “camden”
Nope, Broken Hand isn't a new band. Though I do think it's a good band name.
I manage to royally mess up my hand playing djembes in a jam session last night. Went a bit drumcrazy and attempted some kind of pseudo-latino thing and manage to acheive stupido-fracturedhando instead. Kinda hurt at the time but my mate Chalky took me out for a few medicinal beers before coming home to a rather amazing lasagne. This morning was a different story, could barely grip my muffin.
(that's not slang, I had breakfast muffins this morning)
Anyhow, damaged body parts aside. I went to see Josh Weller playing upstairs at the Lock whilst medicating myself. I'd forgotten how much I like his quirky stylings, observant lyrics n such. He played a favourite of mine 'What Would My Girlfriend Say'. At least I think that's what it's called. It's not on the myspace at the moment. I had a brief chat with him after whilst he was surrounded by young pretty scenester girls (I really miss gigging). He seems to be developing well as an artist and taking it all in his stride. What does suprise me is the lack of deal. I would have thought an indie would have got an EP out of him at the very least by now. Last time I heard he was touring with Lightspeed Champion, he mentioned another peachy support coming up but I can't remember what he said. Think that was the medicine kicking in.
Anyhow, I have to do desk tidying in preparation for moving offices and also I will be getting a work experience assistant. THis is something I'm really looking forward to as it means I can spread the load a little and start exploring new avenues as regards talent tracking both in here and further affield. I'm talking to the digital creative guys about the changes being made to the pages today too. So that should be good fun.
Ran into one of the guys from Melody Nelson last night too. Great band well worth seeing if you like balls out retro riff driven rock. He did ask if I ever check my Vox which probably means there's a message unanswered for some time in my mail box. I do get quite a lot so it's difficult for me to get through them all. I must admit if it's entitled 'Check This Out' it kind of goes to the bottom of the pile as I will check it out anyway if it's in the A&R group. The tracks are simply added to a queue and I pile through them.
Anyhow, I think I'm waffling now. So I should get on with my tidying and maybe get me a special K bar in the process.
Hope all is well with you.
Hello,
Was one of the funnest weekends I've had in a long time. Most of which I can't write about. ;-)
It was my mate Chalky's 30th on Saturday and he had it at his pub. The place was packed with a lot of familiar faces, family and geordies. He booked a Beatles tribute act and they were amazing. Performance-wise I was totally blown away by the on-stage harmonies and how they were on stage. But I imagine they probably play most nights of the week so be unrehearsed would be unforgivable. I wish I could see more bands that tight, understanding onstage sound and really kick the behind out of a venue.
After a few bevvies Chalky was up there and playing drums for a quick turn. Forgotten how good a drummer he is. Then again he was in one of the best bands ever ;-)
Anyhow, all was messy but well behaved. I find Facebook really scarey. No sooner have I recovered from the hangover I see "You have been tagged in a picture" on email and have to review the evidence of my sillyness. Anyone remember the times when you could have a debauched night out without having to find evidence of it on t'internet in short order?
Sunday was spent editing some video and I ended up mastering a track for a friend which took forever. I'd forgotten how scarily nerdy I get with stuff like that (it's good fun though). After using various compressors and clever EQ's, T-Racks24 still produces quick and really decent results. For all you techie types I'm sure that makes sense.
The shitty weather is getting me down and as I haven't had a holiday in about 4 years I think it's about time to escape. I fancy doing and few nights here and there in the UK first, then I want to get on a plane somewhere. Any suggestions? I'm the worst travelled person you'll ever meet and have zero knowledge of where to go/what to do. Not for lack of wanting to, just been a bit busy for the past few...erm...years. I was gearing up to heading to San Francisco at one point but that fell through because of busyness.
Anyhow, this is a rambling pointless post but I though I should say something as its been ages.
Hope all is well with you.
Hello hello,
Looks like I have a lineup with still space for another act maybe (or two depending). So keep sending messages if you fancy playing. Kicks off around 7.30 and is at the usual venue, Tommy Flynn's.
This Saturday has a stunning line up. I'm really excited about this one. Saying that, gigs normally make me quite excitable but in this case the acts are really special.
Headlining the bill will be The Electric City. This is something that was passed onto me, I don't have their Vox address yet but will link to it when I do. You can always have a look at their myspace if you like.
Molloy (who've I've been trying to get for a while) will also be playing some of their crazy 'angular electro'. This band look a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to what they can do live. Check out the video for Tracy that I linked to a while back.
The Lost Levels (YES!) are also playing. I'm hoping they'll play the Early Sheets as I like that track so much I'm using the instrumental for my podcast hopefully.
All in all this is going to be a really fun night so if you can make it down it would be great to see you. I am going to have to charge the £2 to make up for the other night aswell so I'll be doorman for a couple of hours I think. :-)
Once again, many thanks to My Kalashnikov for his design, it's going on my facebook invite thing.
Maybe see you on Saturday, hope all is well with you.
How do.
So, have you broken your new year's resolutions yet? I only made on specific one which I hope to stick to, the others are a bit more conceptual (be nicer, healthier, strongerfitterfasterbetter....etc)
For me, NY's has always been an astoundingly underwhelming anti-climax. For example, last year I booked a posh suite in the centre of Manchester, tickets for the Comedy Store and a nice restaurant, then got food poisioning and welcomed the new year with my girlfriend of the time nursing me and watching Lethal Weapon 4 in our hotel room. That's pretty much been par for the course for the past few years.
However, that was not the case this year. It did help that I didn't have the scrambled eggs from the hippie cafe again but it also was because the gig on the Saturday was superduper and the NY party I went to was the best I've been to.
I was really really worried about the gig. Ultimately because it wasn't xmas, wasn't new year, just sort of in that grey area where most people are in recovery or preparation for festivity. I also had pretty much everyone pull out on me and all the acts bar one were playing with very sort notice. 24 hours notice in some cases.
The night opened with Ollie from Worldview which worked really well. I took my guitar down so people could get involved if they wanted and Ollie had a good strum. All good stuff. Be sure to visit his blog and say hello.
We were also joined by Alexi, better know as the frontman from The Picture Show. I think it's a true test of a material's strength to cut it down to the bare basics and it was plain to see some strong songwriting there. The material came across really well and Alexi seems at ease in performing alone.
Finishing off the acoustic section of the evening was JB Newman, I was gutted that I couldn't catch all of his set but was really pleased with what I got to see. For a young chap he has a very mature voice and nature to his music and comes across as a seasoned veteran with his performance.
Enki was the wildcard band for me. I'd listened to their stuff a few times on their Vox but wasn't sure how they would be live. If I'm being honest I was a little concerned as I like to get to know an act reasonably well before booking them and these chaps were very last minute. However, I was very glad I did. Like the first End of Camden gig, my expectations were more than exceeded and I feel their recorded tracks aren't reflective of what they can achieve live. I must admit I was getting a little tipsy by this point but I think I would have still be bopping about had I been sober as a judge. Well worth seeing live if you have the chance to experience their huge sound on stage. A band very much punching above it's weight.
Headlining were Shortwave Fade, recent winners of the Slicethepie competition which has given them some nice investment for recording an album. On speaking to the fellas originally they told me they had a stage projector for some visuals which they like to stick on whilst playing. Great stuff I thought. Then I remembered that all the walls around the place are matte black, which doesn't make for much of a cinema. Anyhoo, a high energy, anthemic set ensued which has a real depth of sound and sense of atmosphere about it. Be sure to keep an ear out for what results their recent investment will produce. This will be a good example of what a complete DIY project can result in I think.
One person who should really get a mention is Ellis, the sound engineer. It's not often that engineers get praised but good god can he handle some tricky stage set ups. Nearly every band I've booked recently has had a combination of acoustic instruments, electric, drum samplers, sequencers, multiple vocals etc etc. Not only is feedback non-existent (bar once which wasn't his fault) but he delivers a wonderfully balanced mix. Unlike many venues I go to where all I hear is bass drum, some bass guitar (somewhere) and a huge swimming cesspool of over reverbarated guitar mess.
Managed to get some people to stay after including a couple of bizarre Finnish girls, they were nice enough but they scared me with their strangeness. Apart from that I got a small contingent back to mine to finish off the reminants of Stella and we ended up falling asleep watching Indiana Jones, rock n roll eh? :-/
Overall a really good night. Rather expensive as I didn't charge on the door but I wanted as many people as I could on a slow night. I'll make up the shortfall on the next one as the lineup I have planned is stunning. I wont be drinking next time as I can't handle another 24 hour hangover.
NY's eve was excellent. I recently found a friend of mine who I lived with and worked with for years but fell out of touch. Subsequently he invited me to his house party in New Cross and it was amazing. His flat's huge, on the ground floor and opens into a central courtyard. People were still turning up at 3am and I met some great characters. Got back to mine at about 9am and was good for nothing until this morning. Still got lots of chores to catch up on. :-(
So, what have you been up to? Did you wake up on new years day feeling like new people, driven to do new things and such? I think I have, but I'll start tomorrow as I'm really tired after suffering a bad case of Sundayitus (even though it was Tuesday)
Anyhoo, I have a whole lot of desk tidying to do. Come on, lets hear what you've been doing as I'd like to hear it.
IB
Hello,
Fox Cubs in Camden
Overall a fun-packed weekend, had a visit from the Foxcubs....well.... I went to see them first at the Purple Turtle on Saturday and they came over to Tommy's afterward. I was at Tommy's to see how the refurb had gone and I'm really impressed. The stage is great, as is the PA, house backline/kit and the new area around the back.
The gig was great, heard some new material that I was impressed with and I like the new direction the band seems to be taking.
If you're interested they're headlining my night on Saturday.
Final Lineup for Saturday Night
I'm getting this finalised today, one band couldn't make it and the venue manager has made room for one more slot, so that'll be five acts on.
I got loads and loads of responses to my appeal for acts, I've forwarded on a shortlist to the venue to help me decide. Thanks to all those who've contacted me.
It's Not Free :-(
As of Saturday I've found out that I'm not getting the venue for free as I have to hire backline and get an engineer in. I'd engineer myself but I'm going to be filming this aswell. Plus I'll be mingling :-). To cover costs I'm going to have to charge on the door but will keep it low as possible. I'm thinking £2 should do it. If there's any profit I'll stick it back to the bands or charity depending on what I agree with everyone. WIll let you know. It should only cost me about £85/90 to run.
Digital A&R Scouty Bods
I've had a big response to those wanting to do my job, YOU CAN'T HAVE IT! IT'S MINE, ALL MINE I TELL YOU!!! Actually, a little help is always appreciated as the best acts I come accross are usually on the recommendation of someone. I'm getting a core group of UK based people who I'm going to meet a few times a month. I will be contacting the person who is co-ordinating this today so further details later this week hopefully.
Beyond that, I want to build a small, possibly international network of those interested scouting.
You have to be really really passionate about new music as self-motivation is the key. If you spend all your time and myspace and youtube checking new stuff out anyway this is the sort of person I'm after. Have you been into a band and 12 months later they're huge? Happened more than once? Again, those are the sort of folks I'm after. I'll set up a group accordingly.
The way to approach me on this is:
Send me a PM entitled - RE: Digital Scout
Include links to two bands you know or have approached that you think are truely amazing and exceptional (that's actually quite hard). 'Sell' them to me as to why they would make a good signing. This would be very difficult without actually speaking to the band. Aswell as the music, what they're working on, who they're working with, radio/media exposure, current sales activity etc all count towards the desireability of a potential signing.
A short bio of yourself (100 words of less) so I know what music-y background you have.
Collaborations
Over the weekend I wrote my proposal for what functionality/interactivity I'd like to see between Vox and LastFM which I'll be forwarding on shortly. Again, as I have no real idea what I'm talking about when it comes to the more technical issues, I need to find out what's possible, how it works etc etc. I will keep you up to speed as things happen. I hope to have more developments by the end of the week.
Overall
I'm thinking about making some quite big changes to the community now I've got what seems like a good direction to take from the suggestions made. Ideally, I want a general facelift of the blogs and they way they are currently used. A lot more people will be publishing via them in the new year, which will mean a lot more posts rather than it being used mostly as a channel of communication for submissions. I see the central A&R 'group' being tied to, or becoming, the central portal for all submissions, and first port of call for artists, with a page directly attached to that to publish A&R-group-specific information.
The new year should be really interesting as regards what happens with this as as long as it's kept driven by the motivations and input of the community, I don't think we can go far wrong. If we do, I'm sure it would be sortable anyway. :-)
Hope all is well with you.
IB
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Gigs 26/11/2007
The Mattew Bennett are playing my hometown Stockport at The Venue. Starts at 8pm, maybe I'll ask my mum to go along.
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.
Yes! That's right! As of next week, it will be 'Hug an Engineer' month! From the discussions that have popped up regarding disinterested, bitter and vengeful sound engineers, I think that they must just be unhappy. Therefore, it's our duty to cheer them up. Bring a bit of sunshine into their lives and give them a nice big hug. They'll love it.
I haven't really thought this through and am making it us as I type, but.... hug an engineer, get a picture of said scenario and then get it to me. Just stick it on your blog and let me know, or email it to onlinedemos@googlemail.com and let me know that you've sent it.
I will post the better ones up, and the best one gets..... erm..... some CD's and stuff, I'll try and scrounge a couple of tickets to something. It wont be Led Zeppelin. If I manage to get hold of a pair you will have to prise them from my cold, dead, hand.
Went to visit my good pal Chalky at his pub last night to find out what's what. The pub has some exciting stuff going on which wont be sorted for a month at least. I don't know whether I can give details, I'll check with Chalky later to see if I can mention it. So my night can't happen for a month at least. May start looking for an interim venue.
Saw Uxia from Piper Saint again. She was having a quick beer in there. Said a quick hello.
Spent most of the evening chatting to Chalky and a couple of randoms in the pub. I wasn't going to go out but at 9.30 I got bored and made my way up to Camden. I should probably get a flat around there, I'd save a lot of time in travel.
I was meant to be at gigs on Sat and Sun but now they're both cancelled, anyone else playing around London this weekend, or will have have to get on with housework instead? Come on, save me from domestic boredom.
The novelty has already worn off.
The GPS is rubbish which is one of the reasons I got it. To make it work you have to be stood on a mountain, on a clear day, directly under a satallite and know exactly where you are.
Saying that, I don't have a proper camera, or MP3 player so this covers those aswell. Oh yes, it works quite well as a phone too.
Maybe heading up to Camden to meet a friend tonight which should be fun. Have been hoping to catch up with them for a while. If not there's always tomorrow.
Been a bit of a non starter today. Wanted to have a meeting regarding an artist with someone this morning. They've been unavailable till about an hour ago. Got that sorted but don't have enough time to see the other chap I wanted. Currently working on developing a partnership with another company which should really help this along. But I've not even discussed it yet so can't really give any details as there's nothing to tell.
Ooh! Something I do want to develop if people would use it, is a page within Vox, available to everyone where you can write your gigs. Like a big annual wall-planner. It would be great to make something really clever that you'd expect to see on an iPhone, but chances are it will just be a big chart. This will help me and other A&R guys organise our diaries better. What d'you reckon?
Captive State are playing next week, go and see them, they're great. Elements of the Beta Band and Hot Chip thrown in with some great skills. (I'm starting to sound like Napoleon Dynamite).
The weather is fantastic so it's bbq time I think. Not sure what day or who to invite but I fancy burning some food again. Got the house to myself this weekend as the housemates are away. It always feels like my parents have left the place when that happens and I should have some kind of gathering.
Forgot to make the pic of my jeans post-theft public if you're curious. Not that it's that interesting, it's just so you believe me I think.
Anyone else out in Camden tonight?
Hello,
I'm currently working from home as I'm waiting on an estate agent to do a 'house inspection'. So far he's two hours late. I need to make it in for lunchtime as I have a meeting this afternoon. I wont mention which estate agent but it's one that is famous for being a pain.
I made a total t**t of myself on Friday whilst out at the work local. It's something I specialise in these days it seems. No harm done really, well, none that I know of.
However, Saturday was what my weekend was all about. For once everything pretty much came to plan. I spent most of the day bimbling (a new word I heard recently, look it up) and then called up a friend to see if they wanted to come along to the Fox Cubs gig. They did so we met for a quick meal and headed up to Camden. On getting there we had a gamble on how long it would take before we were offered some illicit substance or other. 8 Seconds.
Next time I will try and guess what I'll be offered first.
It's always fun trying to get into a venue on the guest list as there are several variations of my name, plus throw 'indieboy' into the equation and I have to reel off a list of possibilities at the door. I begin to wonder if they just think I'm just guessing at names.
The place was completely packed, though I am told that was for the headliners Imperial Leisure. However they won over the crowd easily with a series of belters. I pretty much enjoyed every song except one I haven't heard before which reminded me of Pearl Jam a little. Which was strange considering the sound of the band.
Towards the end of the set, one of the guitarist's pickups fell out and was madly searching on the floor for it. The band carried on and Tim (the singer) was faced with the horrified expression and the mouthed words "I can't find it!". Luckily it was found, pressed back into said guitar, just in time for the following chorus.
Beasts of England was really excellent as was their final tune 'I Could Be Wrong'. Despite any technical mishaps the gig was one of the best I've been to in a while.
I had a quick chat with them after. As usual, two pints later I was babbling on random subjects, mostly music or Vox based. They all seem nice chaps. One thing that did amuse me was their mailing list, a lifesize polystyrene head. Not something you see everyday and apparently they have a good supply. So be sure to sign the head if you make it to their gig tonight at the Fly.
Ooh, the estate agent guy just arrived. He was here for less than 10 mins. That was worth 2 hours wait.
Rather than starting at an audio editing screen for hours on end, I'm now staring at a video timeline instead. Again, I realise that it's not exactly my calling, but I am getting by.
I forgot to mention my night has been put back two weeks! There's some work being done on the venue and it's not finished or something. Will let you know details as I do. I've already contacted the bands. I'm sorry if there was anyone out there thinking of attending but it will happen. Watch this space.
I'm going to see Fox Cubs tomorrow in Camden. I reckon it will be excellent. They will be supporting Imperial Leisure.
Sunday I'm finally going to the cinema for this first time in ages. Not sure what I'm going to see yet. Maybe the Simpsons film, or the Bourne Ultimatum.
We're doing well in the charts at the moment so I'm meeting up with some friends to celebrate a little, but not too much. This week has been heavy going. I'm looking forward to my bed tonight.
