6 posts tagged “the lost levels”
... was the answer I gave my friend yesterday. She called to remind me of my promise to take her swimming.
I have never been so bruised, stiff and otherwise useless to the world as I was on Sunday. Why? Well, you may remember from my last post that I was going to give Roman-Greco wrestling a go. I did. I don't think I've ever done a more physically demanding sport in my life. Jujitsu is tough, but I don't do as much groundwork. This is INSANE. Saying that, the more experienced chaps know how to use the minimum amount of energy to maximum effect. Whereas I looked like I was somehow drowning with arms and legs flailing around. Most of the guys there are intimidatigly athletic and much fitter than me. One of the guys I met is an ex training partner of Chuck Liddell. Eek.
That said, I couldn't have met a bunch of more friendly, accomodating people. I was invited out to lunch afterwards and for a drink in the west end which was a really nice gesture. THere's no meat heads or ego's there. So I'll be going again.
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Anyhow, just been over to phonogenic for a chat about this and that as I like to on Monday's sometimes. As mentioned before I really like heading over there as I always walk away with some new insight into the dark art of A&R. Was chatting about some new signings that have been happening here and there including a couple of acts that recently created a feeding frenzy amongst the majors.
I've just got a message from the CHAPMAN FAMILY, they've confirmed for the 22nd March. So that should be great fun. The 22nd will also see the return of THE LOST LEVELS, who I frickin love. In a purely professional manner of course. They've got some new stuff including a track called '5' which I really like. Still confirming acts so new submissions always welcome.
So what's happening out there? I haven't really got any news from any of you. Are you still out there? Are you doing wonderful things? I hope so. If so I want to hear about them. Big apologies to Stewart at Emsar as I haven't got back to you yet. Just got out the end of a horrible week. Will be in touch today.
Hope all is well with you.
Hello,
I wasn't exposed to any boobage today. I was almost disappointed, but not quite.
Reading Jack Kerouac "On The Road" at the moment. Fantastic book, though I do want to quit my job and hitchhike accross the US. I recommend you have a read.
Anyhow, I went to see the Lost Levels last night at 93 Feet East. As mentioned before, I really like these chaps and their set was really good. The sound was amazing too which is sometimes a bit hit and miss at 93FE. They threw a new song in there called Five which I really liked. Not that they were bad when they played my night but they really seemed to up their game for last night's gig. You could see them enjoying performing songs like the Early Sheets (one of my favourites). Plus their overall look on stage was really good. They certainly benefit from a larger stage. For some reason I was reminded of early Super Furries in places, I could imagine them playing
Ugh, I've got so much to do and so little motivation to do it. It's not the fun stuff like writing this, listening to new stuff etc. It's mostly mess cleaning, meetings, organising etc etc. Cannot be arsed to say the least. :-)
Hello,
I am still in an exceptionally good mood from the gig on Saturday. It actually made my month and has taken my mind off glandular fever (well I think it is, waiting for the results).
The venue manager wanted to stick a couple of acts on much later on in the evening, as my last band finished at 10.45 I didn't have a problem with that.
The Lost Levels were everything I hoped. I was speaking to a couple of artist managers who were in attendance bigging them up so they had some expectations to fulfill. Admittedly, they started the set with a couple of slower tunes which is often risky with people who don't know the material. However, when the likes of 'Never The First' kicked in it had even the most elitist camdenite bopping on the spot. I could imagine much pogo'ing to both this and 'The Early Sheets'. If you are lucky enough to live near somewhere they are playing, go see them, make them famous.
Molloy. Molloy....... MOLLOY! Got it?! I can't tell you how many time I got asked about 'That second band that were on'. Not to make any negative comments about any punters that were there but never follow a career in forensic science. Apart from the molloy t-shirts, molloy badges, a TV screen with Molloy written on, "We are Molloy" being mentioned throughout the set it was also written on the schedule and flyers everywhere. Anyhoo, all questions were because of how much they enjoyed the set. It was as charmingly odd as I'd imagined. Everything was in their green and orange colour scheme which I'm a big fan of. Much respect to Ellis the engineer who I think had years knocked off his life keeping the mix balanced throughout. Never before have I seen a band needing 'more telephone' in the monitors(?!?) Interesting use of toys and megaphone onstage too. Stomping electro anthems and mad performance from the impishly sexy Caz. Plus it was loud, really really loud. 'Tracey' and 'The Healer' were my personal highlights. They're playing the 31st January at The Cross Kings in Kings Cross if you fancy it.
Ok, The Electric City (still trying to find there Vox page) were spectacular. A couple of people wanted to know what that 'signed band' were called, which is a good sign if people are already assuming they have a career going. I think this was because of how comfortable they are on stage, how tight their playing was and the continuity/gang look they had about them. I like being able to see a band in a crowd, dressed as everyone else but just having a natural way of standing out. Not in a forced 'look at us way', just as a group I guess. I often get to see what I consider good music, well performed sets etc, but it's rare that I really get to enjoy a gig. That is feel like I'm not working at it, listening, looking, picking a band apart and such. I really enjoyed the set and found two tunes stuck in my head straightaway. Those being 'The Game' and 'Dark Skies'. Dark Skies is truely like receiving a good kicking off several large blokes, but in a good way (?). Even the rude shits in the corner who'd been talking through everyone's set stood up and had a listen for that one. They're playing 93 Feet East on the 29th. I would really go to see them whilst you can still see them in smaller venues.
Every band that played are what I consider 'Headline' bands and I'd been looking forward to seeing them for a while, so it was a great night for me personally. It was also good that the place was packed for the evening. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to speak to anyone as it was so packed and loud plus I couldn't spot anyone. I'm going to have to get some kind of Vox badge thing going so Voxers can identify each other. What do you reckon, good idea?
Anyway, I'm off to get various orifices probed and have some blood tests (I hate needles). Please leave me some comments on what you're up to. Need to get various balls rolling as I don't feel like things have started again properly since xmas. What you doing where you at etc etc. :-)
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.
My neck STILL hurts. If anything it's worse, sympathise please.
Last night was spent not doing anything I should have done, in fact I'm probably worse off than yesterday as regards stuff to do.
I have the startling realisation that my first music event is just over a week away and there's loads to do. So I've been contacting bands and such today in the hopes of achieving a booking. I have one group that is keen which I will confirm today once I'm totally sure the night is running.
I've approached some old favourites of mine too such as Lightningtype and The Lost Levels, plus newcomers Fez. As a headline I'm gunning for the Underground Heros as they're good live, played the venue before and I really want to see them live too. :-)
I completely lack any artistic talent as regards graphic design. Any good artists out there? I would like a flyer designing. "Indieboy presents: The End of Camden @ Tommy Flynn's" "Entry Free" "Saturday 8th September" plus the band names once they're confirmed of course. Any concepts, graphics etc greatfully received and of course I would name drop you continiously for the contribution, fill you with beer if you attend or compensate you in some way.
Hope all is good with you.
Had a great response for a short notice gig. I don't know that much about the evening as I left it in the hands of the venue. Chalky just asked me if I knew any bands who'd want to do a gig in Camden. Turns out I did looking at the response. So far (please correct me if I'm wrong) I think the following are playing:
He's waiting on news from:
He also mentioned the Melancholiacs? They haven't been in touch with me, are they in Vox. Couldn't find them.
As gig's go I'm not sure what you can expect. I did the sound there a couple of times. They've since upgraded the PA and it sounds pretty good from what I could tell. The stage is tiny (see right*), so if you're akin to the Arcade Fire/Polyphonic Spree (anyone remember them?) in size you may struggle.
What I do remember is a great atmosphere in there with many sweaty youths dancing around and drinking lots.
I will get a camera down there and film the evening as best I can. I've found a really posh camera but it's missing a battery (anyone got a BP-915 battery or similar I can borrow for a Canon XL1?). If not it will have to be my trusty handicam. Served me well but the sound can be dodgy. I interviewed Nigel Place a while back and I'm still trying to get the audio right. When I filmed The Beat Poets it was just white noise. I've asked if I can take an audio feed off the desk so I can mix in the overall sound. Be warned, I'm no cameraman or video editing professional so don't expect the 'Seven Ages of Rock' or anything. I'm looking forward to it though.
Just got a message from Chalky, he may have another slot going so if you're up for a gig tomorrow drop me a PM.
(*Found the pictures on Flickr, let me know if you want em taken down)
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