Brighton Unsigned Magazine - Nov/Dec 12 - Issue 13

© ISSUE 13 • NOV/DEC 2012 • FREE

GUY LLOYD’S BLOG

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This Month

Be aware there will be no issue in December due to the holidays so have a great Christmas and Brighton Unsigned will be back in the New Year!

BAND INTERVIEW OH! MY HEAD PAGE

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EP / LIVE REVIEWS

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VIDEO REVIEWS

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SKEIF REVIEWS

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FEATURED ARTIST MILA FALLS

the cornerstone 2 Elm Grove, Brighton

Tel: 01273 691028

1ST BIRTHDAY GIG

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student deals - fosters & bulmers @ £2.95 shot deals • happy hours • back garden sun terrace • djs every friday food all week • amazing value roasts live acoustic performers • open mic comedy nights

BRIGHTON’S NEWEST MUSIC PR SERVICE

FIND US AT: www.brightonunsigned.co.uk www.facebook.com/BrightonUnsigned

www.youtube.com/BrightonUnsigned FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @BTONUNSIGNED For advertising enquiries please email Alex Clouter at advertising@brightonunsigned.co.uk or call 01903 267770 Editor:

Jordan Thomas

Email: jordan@ brightonunsigned.co.uk Home of the seven deadly sins chilli burger challenge..

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Design/Marketing: Steven Probets

Proofreader: Alex Clouter

Website Design & Developement

Jak Kimsey

www.brightonunsigned.co.uk

Writers:

Jordan Thomas Marcus Ivering Jess O’ Loughlin Matt Upchuck Lauren Dyson

Cover Photography:

David Apps

GUY LLOYD’S..

My wife and I have always lived in ‘the City.’

It’s not a real city of course, just an extended village by the sea but it has all the amenities;

..BLOG ABOUT STUFF AND NONSENSE had some very memorable parties, which of course, I remember little about (always the best).

But as time went on, our neighbours (we lived in a multi-purpose block of flats, filled with old people) eventually died or moved to retirement homes and the dreaded students moved in. From this point on, we missed our dead neighbours.

You know what they say, ‘Dead neighbours are quiet neighbours.’

With my ever increasing work load and an active family around me, space and peace suddenly became quite attractive. Our rock n’ roll London Road lifestyle was wearing thin and it was earlier this year, that we decided to make the big move. The move to the ‘burbs.

So here we are, in Hollingbury. There’s not much here; a shop, a pub, Asda, a library. But we like it. We have a big house. We have a big garden.

Total strangers say hello to you in the street, thankful for extra signs of suburban civilisation.

Sure, we have to get the bus but I get stuff done on the bus (beware of extra tweeting) and it’s a nice bit of down time between work and home (this will wear thin).

We’re keeping a little slice of our Rock n’ Roll London Road days by having a housewarming in a couple of weeks and you’re all invited.

shops, pubs, etc and that’s what makes it feel like a city. When we had our son, we moved out of Hove and lived up by the Level. This was a big move at the time, in fact moving to the Mecca that is London Road, felt like the equivalent to moving to the Bronx; a great area to raise a child.

We survived though and had some great times.

Our son took his first steps in that flat and we 4

But remember; please do keep the noise down.

Catch Guy’s blog at: guylloyd.co.uk Twitter: twitter.com/guy_lloyd

phy.co.uk

It’s happened. The big move has occurred. I’m a grown man with family and I’ve moved to the suburbs. I resisted for a long time. ‘How will I stagger home from the pub?’ was the repeated question I posed to my uninterested wife. But the signs were all there. We’d ignored them for a long time but you get to a certain age and noise becomes annoying and sleep becomes precious.

© nickreynol dsphotogra

RELOCATION RELOCATION RELOCATION

OH! My Head is one of the newest bands on the Brighton music circuit. Not to say they have just got together but have recently moved to the area, as a band to watch out for since playing for Brighton Unsigned, supporting Astro-Physics back in July, there’s time to find out more of what they’re all about…

What do you like about Brighton and Brighton’s music scene?

As we have only been here a little while we are still getting to know Brighton, but we love the sea, pubs and amount of live music on hand. The promoters seem to be more enthusiastic and loyal here towards the bands they like. There’s a much better vibe here than London, people find the time to go out and listen to local bands… and enjoy it! But we’re still exploring. © nickreynoldsphotography.co.uk

How did you all originally meet?

Clement and me met at a music school in Hackney, London.

Within a few months we started a band and we got Ross in (who was already a friend of mine). Since starting we have had a few different line-ups, finally settled with the original members as a 3-piece.

What is the theme and inspiration to your sound?

Irony, despair, bitterness, love, death, loneliness, alcohol, drugs, drinking and driving, annoyance, insomnia, sex, wisdom, the routine of life, artistic beauty, motivation, being hung over, friendship, adultery, living in the moment, anxiety, moving on...

How are you finding it so far?

We came down here with no local friends, jobs or fans and we found it quite tough in the beginning. Since being here we have met some great people, played some good gigs and we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the open mindedness and general friendliness of the people we have come across.

What stuff do you have coming up?

We are going to be recording lots of demos when we finally move into our new house (we’re still moving between temporary accommodation).

Keep an eye out for these guys on their page -

www.facebook.com/ohmyheadband 5

LIVE REVIEW

MATT UPCHUCK

www.facebook.com/BadBadWhiskeyBand

BAD BAD WHISKY

The Harkes

@ The Mesmerist

Skiffle-billy trio Bad Bad Whiskey make another triumphant return to The Mesmerist to bang out their niche brand of rockabilly to the anticipating brylcreemed crowd. It is isn’t long before a few people start twirling and hopping about hand in hand grinning and that’s exactly what this sort of music should make you want to do. I am too frightened of spilling my beer and/or slipping over but others are soon sucked into gleeful abandon.

VARIOUS TRACKS genre: Rock / Punk / Pop

Cindy Cheng

Forming only two years ago,The Harkes’ music is so full of soul and experience that it feels as though they have been going for far longer. Gone are the complicated, drowning sounds of modern-day synths and bouncy three-chord choruses that embellish a lot of new ‘next big thing’ bands that gain popularity for the moment. Instead, here is a band that appears seasoned and practised, with a sound that is devoid of cheap tricks that should invite longevity.

If they are this good now – as with the same principle as wine – the band should get better with age.

These guys really know how to please the crowd, ‘Minnie the Moocher’ and ‘Hit The Road Jack’ are perfect crowd participation songs which the crowd joyfully sing along to, hollering (“whoooa!”) and wagging fingers (“no more no more“) in all the right places.

‘She Knows’ starts like a true 80’s rock ‘n roll anthem: “Johnny never knew when to say no, went and drank himself half to death”, just as infectious, narrative and upbeat as ‘Summer of 69’. Additionally, ‘She Knows’ includes a bridge reminiscent of Queen’s recognisable ‘ba ba ba da’s on ‘Under Pressure’, commanding crowds to sing along just as Freddie had done, while ‘What A Waste’ gets greedily played over and over on my speakers.

With all this merriment and style (retro clothes, double bass, Gretsch guitar and one third of a kit) it is easy to overlook the fact that these guys are extraordinary musicians who clearly work hard and enjoy what they do. New boy Geo the drummer playing an almost faultless set kicking his own drink over in the process, Oli’s vocals, guitar style, showmanship and kazzoo use with Justin’s double bass slappin’ and backing vocals all make for a great way to spend an evening.

I grinned at the title of ‘Palpitations’. Two people close to me get this abnormal, frantic heartbeat and I have now come to associate it as a sweet vulnerability in a person. So I was instantly warmed to the song and rather unconventionally, mentally prepared myself to like it before I’d even heard it. The medical condition now takes another form in that of a perfectly moving break-up song.

If you like the rockabilly fifties thing and don’t have regular access to a time machine then go see Bad Bad Whiskey.

Oh! My Head

PAPERFACES

MISHKIN FITZGERALD

SIMONNE AND THE DARK STARS

@ THE LATEST MUSIC BAR 28TH SEPTEMBER 2012 PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON BRICE

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EP/ALBUM REVIEWS

Becoming a fan of The Harkes now is good timing, as they have a fresh new track entitled ‘Brother’ which showcases the lead singer’s gruff, throaty vocals being taken to another level, emulating grittiness and gravelly prowess. Go ahead and treat yourself, it’s in the name – give them a listen! www.facebook.com/theharkes

EP/ALBUM REVIEWS

Lauren Dyson

Gruz

Brighton-based music project Gruz are an original band with a fresh melodic and sometimes funky feel. Opening track ‘Lion’ is a perfect mush of groovy guitar and soulful mellow lyrics and vocals. The first few notes are laden with a Red Hot Chilli Peppers feel. This mood changes within the next piece. ‘Don’t Speak Out Loud’, slower and building up to a more epic chorus. This song shows a more sensitive and sentimental dimension to the band, especially with the heartfelt female vocals accompanied by the fuzzy guitar solo towards the close of the track.

The vocals are somewhat rough around the edges but this only emphasises the experimental and unmanufactured feel of the band. ‘Everything You Are’ almost has a dubby groove and this is blended creatively with the funky STRUGGLE infused guitars. The final two tracks carry on with this genre: Indie original combination of mellow funkiness. From what I understand this E.P. was recorded live and this thoroughly demonstrates how tight this band actually are and how successfully their performances work as a well-oiled musicmaking machine. The professional cover and layout also introduce the listener to the thoughtful and experimental journey that the E.P. takes you on. This is an enjoyable and accomplished piece of musical work from beginning to end. www.soundcloud.com/gruzmusic Taylor Madison Damion

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EP REVIEW

EMBERHONEY

SMOKE

genre: Indie Noir genre: Alternative / Indie Noir Those of you who were at the last Brighton Unsigned gig night on 28th September will no doubt remember Taylor Madison Damion.What you may not realise is that Taylor, when not performing solo, forms part of the fourpart project Emberhoney. Along with Taylor, The Baron completes the group on guitar and production, Ben King on bass and Mark Bullock on drums. Emberhoney create a uniquely dark and contemplative sound juxtaposed with sweet, dreamy melodies keeping in line with the contrasting images conjured by the two nouns that comprise their name. Their second E.P. ‘Smoke’ is made up of three bewitching tracks: ‘Some Kind Of Alchemy’, ‘Crimes Against Your Vanity’ and ‘Smoke’. Each of the

Jessica O’Loughlin

tracks are equally dreamy and seductive, mischievously leading you into some kind of strange, entranced state through the steady, creeping pace of the songs and Taylor’s captivating vocal style. ‘Smoke’ uses a highpitched, plucky guitar-driven cine noir sound to set the mood of the song. As it develops, heavy, bold bass lines kick-in approaching the chorus that builds into Taylor’s impassioned declaration that she will return with a fire in her eyes “like a phoenix from the flame”.

The meaningful and poetic lyrical content of all three songs is one of the most admirable and distinguishable elements of the band’s music. ‘Crimes Against Your Vanity’ is a powerful piece that is so easy to get lost in. The track features a strong electric guitar element with carefully placed phrases and hooks that work really well in building tension in the song. Taylor’s voice is particularly impressive on this track as it switches from sweet, melodic tones to a deeper, darker address. ‘Some Kind Of Alchemy’ features a beautiful piano melody that, coupled with Taylor’s enchanting vocals and story-telling nature of the lyrics, create a particularly spellbinding piece. Emberhoney will be busy this year, with a number of gigs lined up and an album due for release so check back with Brighton Unsigned for updates on the band’s progress. In the meantime check out their Facebook to listen to their new single ‘Drop Everything’.

Catch Emberhoney @ the Sevens Stars ‘Zooberon’ event, 27 Ship Street - Friday 16th Novemeber

www.facebook.com/Emberhoney

EP REVIEW

MARCUS IVRING

THE PUPPET KINGS

Jessica O’Loughlin

Brian McNamara

VARIOUS TRACKS genre: Nu-Folk / Soul

VARIOUS TRACKS genre: Rock

After listening to these guys on sound cloud ‘Double Bluff’ starts out as the band’s lightest track. 70’s blue /rock style playing kicks in with ‘Chameleon’ and things take a heavier progression with still a light air of melancholy throughout the song.

Further on the sound cloud the band draw on influences of Terrorvision’s style of breaking down songs to a fast outro. The vocals hint of early Mike Patton and Silverchair later on with the tracks giving off that mid-nineties vibe…is it coming back? Maybe?

The opening and choruses on ‘The Voyeur’ give the drive of early Pearl Jam so it’s worth seeing with these guys what a live performance will demonstrate.

Tom’s voice has an excellent range with definition and scope.

‘Stubborn Little Thing’ is a fantastic track, feeling rather epic yet soothing. A very accessible track and would sound best on summer days on the beach.

The brilliant and complementary backing vocals show the bands versatility. Ending with some great early rock guitar hooks. The final track ‘Born in the Summertime’ follows, which is in a similar vein - slick bass and great hooks.

The Puppet Kings are technically good as a group and come across as fresh sounding in this currently area of Brighton bands around. You can catch their EP on iTunes and Amazon as this young but clued up band obviously have a future in front of them.

www.facebook.com/ puppetkings 8

EP REVIEW

Joining the troupe of talented Irish musicians emigrating to Brighton in recent years is Brian McNamara. What is Ireland’s loss is certainly Britain’s gain with singer/songwriters reminiscent of Damien Rice and Glen Hansard playing intimate pub gigs all over the country. If you are lucky enough to happen across a Brian McNamara gig then you can expect soulful, deep songs set to melodic acoustic guitar rhythms overridden by Brian’s smooth, clean vocal style. Tracks like the beautiful ‘Lost In Her Sound’ are scene-setting numbers that would silence the rowdiest of pub crowds. As the lyrics suggest, the music is certainly conducive to getting lost in a sound.

Brian may then choose to wake his audience up with his happier, more upbeat numbers such as ‘What’s Funny ‘Bout It’ and ‘Whispers Lead To Blame’. The latter is both deep and thoughtful yet at the same time, light and uplifting with an easily recognisable foot-tapping chorus. More mellow numbers such as ‘Radio One’ are vocal heavy with “sit up and listen” type lyrics set to soft, unobtrusive guitar strumming.

Similar to ‘Lost In Her Sound’, this track is a romantic, mood-setter that is folky in its story-telling quality. It also shows off McNamara’s vocal ability as he passionately jumps from soft pleas to strong declarations. A Brian McNamara session not only features his original work; he also throws in some familiar covers to the mix. Adding his own unique twist to popular tracks, Brian does original acoustic covers of popular songs as diverse as Girls Aloud’s ‘Sound Of The Underground’ and a great bluesy version of ‘Born In The USA’ by Bruce Springsteen.

Keep an eye-out for a Brian McNamara gig coming to a pub near you soon.

www.facebook.com/ bmcnamaramusic 9

out from the rest is my lyrical content about robots and spaceships. My lyrics are inspired by TV shows like Button Moon and Red Dwarf. ‘PARTY IN THE STARS’ tells the tale of me travelling about in a rocket ‘coz we’ve partied out this planet”. I don’t know about you but have you ever heard of a song with the lyric ‘ALIEN HOE-DOWN’? Certainly original! And with a new music video coming soon for one of these spacesongs, can you wait?

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Mila first got into music from a very young age, buying her first pair of vinyl decks at the sweet young age of twelve and has been writing songs ever since. She quotes from her new song ‘Starlight’… “Since playing in the sandpit, I knew that I was different, I always had this fire burning,” and explains, “I know it’s a cliché, but I always say, you don’t choose music, it chooses you! I just can’t switch it off, it’s like a healthy addiction.” Well no wonder, her natural flair of originality is not something to be taught. With inspirations of well-known artists such as Gwen Stefani, Salt N Pepa, Nina Simone, Fleetwood Mac and Ebony Bones, they are not Mila’s only influences. Her influences stems from the local good stuff also, talking on local music, Mila revealed: “Brighton bands such as Mean Poppa Lean, Dolls & The Kicks and Two Spot Gobi has been a big inspiration too. I remember seeing them all for the first time thinking, “I want to do that too! I can’t believe Mean Poppa Lean have just broken up! Nooooo!”. Unfortunately, Dolls & The Kicks has broken up too, not too long ago… But with a silver lining, at least they have inspired new talents such as Mila to rise upon the stage with original material. “Listening to a lot of music has given me my fuel. What makes me stand

But what is Mila’s first experience of performing on stage? Well, it’s a rather obscure first time. “My very first gig was when I was 15 on a talent show called gridlocked in the middle of a motorway, what do The Next Big Thing on BBC1, which gave me the you do? “On the way home from one of the shows, taste for the lights and cameras!” This doesn’t come I played a gig in the most random location yet, in the as a surprise with her huge self-confidence and the middle of the motorway (as in the middle lane with alternative glam appearance she projects herself in a Polish lorry driver lighting up the “stage” with his gigs and media. As ‘Mila Falls’, her first gigs were in full beam!).” What a rare experience! You can catch Brighton pubs shortly before getting heads on with the video on her YouTube page – www.youtube.com/ the legwork of doing numerous of shows and live milafalls. This is certainly one (and awesome) way of radio sessions around the “My very first gig was when I was 15 on passing the time in traffic!

UK. As always in the music a talent show called The Next Big Thing industry, it’s very rare that So quite a lot of experience on BBC1” people come to you so you in Mila’s music career so far. have to bring yourself to them and this is certainly So what’s next? “Well… I’m flying to Australia to meet what Mila did. When asked on how she finds each some people about my project next month, working location differs, she replied, “Each town has a different with producers in LA on my debut album (which is vibe, each show has a different vibe. When I was nearly finished, woo-hooo!). The album is going to supporting Ringo Starr on tour, it was crazy to see be MAGIC!” So it should be magic as the producers how the same show was received in different ways. who Mila is working with, has previously worked for In Liverpool, the crowds were dancing from start Tinie Tempah, Britney Spears and Outkast!. Not to to finish! They were SO wild!!” Hang on, supported mention they have previously earned Grammies, with Ringo Starr?? How did that happen?? “My old manager this combo… how could Mila lose? Mila is releasing gave me a call and asked if I wanted to do it. So… her debut single and album soon whilst playing a large I said YES!” Connections certainly help and she isn’t number of shows around the UK. short of any!

Keep your eye on the ball and check out her YouTube But this is not the only thing Mila has got to remember page and live dates on www.milafalls.com/live. She is from her gigs, something rather peculiar. When you’re releasing a free text download next month and be sure to follow her on Twitter @milafalls or ‘like’ her page on www.facebook.com/milafalls.

PHOTO: Tobias Marshall

PHOTO: David Apps

Mila Falls is certainly the next rising artist to listen out for. Through the circuit of Astro-Physics in July’s issue/ gig, Mila came to Brighton Unsigned’s attention and she joined to support the gig. As a great addition to the night, she is now a great addition to the magazine.

PHOTO: Tobias Marshall

If you want a super-spacey Mila Falls experience, enter her competition for free tickets to the VIP screening of her brand new music video of PARTY IN THE STARS. Just follow her pages for more information.

Mila Falls is headlining the ‘Brighton Unsgned Presents’ gig on the 24th November at The Hope. Supported by Mok, Fresh Like Dexie and The Ballpoints.

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VIDEO REVIEWS

Skief Promotions

GOOD MUSIC • GOOD CAUSES

www.skiefpromotions.org

In Dynamics – Liposuction The video starts off in the familiar location of the motorway heading to Brighton, only seeing the back of the girl walking down alongside it. In a similar video style to what you’d expect from an era of The Offspring, the band are portrayed in the dark with duct tapes stuck alongside their faces. The girl rescued them by taking off their faces in time for the bashing instrumental of strobe lightings in a traditional living room. It’s certainly enticing for a video of three and a half minutes (it really does feel like less than a minute!) with a catchy song to match. The fast pace of the track will get you watching it at least twice in a row.

Funk/ Punk band Fresh Like Dexie came to be during a camping trip on top of the Downs, overlooking Brighton.The group is currently made up of Dani Bruton on Lead Vocals, Cameron Williams-Hill on Guitar and Vocals, Tuggy on Bass and Backing Vocals, and recent additions David Stewart on Drums and Shaz on Keys/Synth. It was initially the bassist and guitarist’s love of Funk and Punk that led the band to establish the direction of their music, along with the fact that the group hold Stevie Wonder, Jamiroquai and Rage Against the Machine all in high esteem.

The Light Brigade – Monkeys with Tools The video is quickly clear that most scenes were done in backward mode but in a sense that it looks like a rough Claymation but isn’t. The majority of it looks like it is filmed in someone’s living room but rightly so as it gives a sort of housebound feeling, trapped even. The storyline seems to surround a man in a pointy sparrow-like mask playing with lights and a flute around the band. In a song slow-pace and slightly creepy yet catchy sound, the track as well as the video speaks of a Bjork/Radiohead theme that is just plain good to chill out along to.

www.facebook.com/fresh.like.dexie

Their EP, ‘ In The Sun’, is both uplifting and funky. Interestingly enough, it was made before Fresh Like Dexie had even played their first gig. My favourite song from the EP is the first song that I ever heard by the band, ‘Step in the Sun (Slip into Night)’. Fresh Like Dexie told me, ”All our lyrics aim to be positive but equally realistic in subject matter” and after listening to their various songs, I completely agreed. This is apparent in ‘Step in the Sun (Slip into Night)’ due to the positive imagery of ‘bright sun’ and ‘summer sky’ as well as less idealistic lyrics such as ‘we’ll take our time’. This track holds an especially feel-good vibe not only through the laid back strumming of the electric guitar, but also because the combination of Cameron’s and Dani’s voices sound so incredible, yet at the same time effortless. This is a song that could easily be listened to on repeat, each time making the listener feel even more chilled out and happy.

Flash Bang Band – DananananaFreud A track from the Flash Bang Band’s upcoming debut E.P., the video is simply put with the band members playing a game of ball where the other half is reflected in a mirror shot. It is a simple video with the speed of the video keeping in tune with the speed of the song’s guitar speed and chorus. Relatively simple and a high quality image to the video but the track is the best thing in it, with the mind seeming to be obsessed with playing the riffs over and over again.

- Jordan Thomas

The last song, as it made such an impression on me, is ‘Sparks, Fuse, Energy’. The listener is launched straight into this feisty track with the vigorous drums, guitar and keys. This fast-paced song gives way to a punchy chorus with strongly accentuated vocals that are of course added to by the lead singer’s soulful voice. Aside from the catchy chorus though, the mini guitar-solo and epic drums towards the end give this song its edge.

Fresh Like Dexie are busy writing and recording new material. Catch them live at ‘Brighton Unsigned Presents’ on the 24th November at The Hope - supporting Mila Falls and Mok.

Fickle Friends are a group whose songs will leave their listeners with goose bumps. The captivating voice of Natassja Shine is enough to draw listeners in, but the double bass, keys, drums and backing singers are what give the band the raw energy that makes the band so unforgettable. This feel-good Folk band was formed in Brighton by Natassja, who along with her band mates Jaimie Tullo, Hannah Verstoep, Sam Morris, Chris Hall and Jack Wilson, currently attends BIMM. Their songs are hauntingly beautiful, yet still have the feel-good factor that compels their audience to get up and dance, never wanting their enchanting sounds to stop.

Their official single ‘I Am the Wolf’ can be downloaded for free from their Facebook page. Its mellow introduction along with the lead singer’s beautifully pure and soulful voice eases the listener in gently before the energetic chorus begins. With its strong drumbeat, the song is broken up by the bridge, which employs a bona fide sense of excitement, building anticipation before the song’s powerful second half. www.facebook.com/ ficklefriends

Another favourite that is also available to download for free is ‘When I was a Child’. This song is particularly elevating with great beat and uplifting lyrics that, despite referring to feeling lost, reminisces on the little things that life has to offer. This track is one to dance to and one in which the singer’s zest for life comes across with a passion.

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Reviews by Sasha Flatau for Skief Promotions

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Brighton Unsigned interrogates KERRY-LEE CHAPMAN WHO FOUNDED a locally based PR service ‘LIGHTNING TO THE NATIONS’ EARLY THIS YEAR. THEY SPECIALISE IN PR for all up and coming bands WHO really show the potential to be something special. They also deal with events, magaegment, distribution and production.

Tell us about your background and how you got involved with the music business?

I have 10 years’ experience within the music industry covering events, marketing, PR and publicity. I commenced my career in the music industry in 2003 working for The Sanctuary Group. I was involved in internal and external communications, public as well as artist relations and the organization of pre- and post-show parties for artists such as Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Morrissey, Mastodon, Beyonce and Elton John. Between 2005-2008 I managed Johnny Truant and for a brief time Architects (UK). I also branched out into tour managing for a short period. In early 2007 I co-founded United By Fate Records and have worked on releases by Sights & Sounds, Bend Sinister, Johnny Truant, Architects and more.

Wideboy Generation

Between 2008 - 2011 I worked within marketing and events/ artist relations for Fender with key responsibilities including organizing, overseeing, managing and promoting events such as the Custom Guitar Event at Abbey Road Studios (2008) and Longleat (2010), exhibitions such as London Music Show, Guitar Nation and Birmingham Guitar Show, backstage appearances at festivals including Download, Sonisphere and Reading. In 2011 I completed a 3-month contract position at PAPA Projects as Festival Administration/Project Executive.

I was responsible for the delivery of a range of projects and my role saw me managing all manners of pre-event planning as well as onsite delivery for five UK festivals (Lovebox, High Voltage, Vintage, Wilderness and Leeds). I have also worked on a freelance basis as a promoter in Brighton and have put on shows by Sights & Sounds, The Smoking Hearts, Verses and The Painted Smiles – to name but a few.

Like Thor bringing down the hammer! Ha-ha, we strike by playing to each other’s strengths and helping each other any way we can really. It helps that we’re all easygoing people who love what they do.

Dead Beat

In August 2012 I co-founded LTTN’s with Jill Mikkelson.

How do you guys and girls work as team?

“Why are we at Lightning To The Nations any different from the other Excel sheet peddling, office-dwelling, out-of-touch industry schmucks in the game? Well, for starters, we’ve had experience in virtually every sector of the music industry: between us we’ve been involved in PR, band management, label management, music journalism, gig/tour booking and promotion, festival management, radio and online television presenting... hell, we’ve even got actual musicians amongst our ranks. We’re die-hard music fans who have spent years passionately promoting the music we believe in, cultivating excellent relationships and amassing an extensive set of contacts within the industry. We’ve got a broad range of expertise in rock, metal, punk, hardcore, indie and all the various sub-genres there of.”

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- Kerry-Lee Chapman (LTTN Founder)

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It comes down to all five of us having a sincere passion for music. That may sound a bit stark but I’m not sure there’s any other way to put it. We’ve immersed ourselves in this world since we were kids and will never be content to march to the beat of society’s drum. Suits and ties? Try Metallica t-shirts and tattoos. Nine to five? More like 24/7.

Tell us about the recent bands you have on your books such as Cavorts and Wideboy Generation?

Cavorts is a balls out, rock and roll bulldozer who just slayed it on tour with DragonForce and The Defiled. Wideboy Generation is a fun-loving, anthemic punk rock band whose passion is nothing short of the real deal. Blurred Vision is some of the finest, most extraordinary rock going – all serious players and distinguished musicians. Dead Beat is a fresh take on the classic punk of yesteryear who will soon be ripping y’all with a new one. Not to boast but... Best.

Roster. Ever.

How have you helped these bands gain success?

/DEADBEATUK

.com

Put simply, we work our asses off! No such thing as business hours here. From our many combined years in the industry, we know the avenues that need to be explored and roads we need to follow. It also helps when you’ve got a band that kicks so much ass they sell themselves.

Any bizarre or outlandish moments you have had together at gigs and festivals?

Ha-ha! Where to begin?! We’re all party people and more or less everything we touch turns to fun, but I seem to remember a particularly hilarious and incredibly bizarre moment several years ago at Bloodstock where myself and Jill were sitting in the van of a band who shall remain nameless when Nick Barker (a very well known metal drummer who is about 6’2” and 20 stone) climbed on top of the van and rocked it back and forth. Too many good times to account for though!

We’ve all got experience in so many different aspects of the music industry, but primarily deal with band management, PR, distribution, event management and we’ve recently teamed up with Fatality Bookings, which is also based in Brighton. We all worship at the altar of the riff and keep to what we know - rock, punk, and metal - within all of which there are no boundaries!

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Plastichead has become synonymous with quality in terms of their distribution.They’re one of the biggest players in the game and their reach is global. There is absolutely no one better to be working with in this area.

Tell us how bands can get involved with Lightning to the Nations.

Simple as dropping us a line! We can work with any budget and work towards any goals. We’re also interested in working with promoters and events coordinators as we’ve got full access to a major venue in Camden, London and can LTTN STAFF

hapman ly Kid -Lee C Jett, Ug : Kerry : Founder e m a er, Joan N p N o o T C T tL lice Role a e bands: A rit blishing Favou Jovi and esta avorts are g in k r o n Joe/, Bo f the job: W germeister (C o g Ja ting Perks ds and drinkin then ea an !) m eth and e great b te th y y b m d g in re sponso abits: Brush ady, h Little L Weird – mainly and Milly ts e r r e F y grapes imal: p, Minx uttercu rite an Favou Vinnie, Petal, B ippie).

P g, Dimeba Tom Tom and .I.P R o ls (a

Name: Jill M ikke Role at LTT lson N: Favourite ba Founder/Events Manager nds: Soundg arden, Atheist Gorguts, Ope , th,Voivod, Car cass Perks of th e job: Gettin g to promote th local/UK band e s I love!

Weird habi ts: Eating ho t sauce by its a spoon. elf on Favourite an imal: Llamas and alpacas.

What do you services do you specialise in and for what genres?

Tell us more about the staff and the teamwork involved that helps Lightning to the Nations?

You have a partnership with Plastichead Distribution - how will this help your clients?

EP OUT NOW via iTunes & Amazon /cavortsmakenoise @Cavorts

facilitate pretty much any project in this capacity.

What direction and successes are you hoping for in the future?

We want to continue to grow working with and promoting the artists we love. That’s the main thing. We would never take on clients we didn’t whole-heartedly believe in. We want to take on more bands and help build their careers.

Eventually we plan to expand into other aspects of event production, tour management, etc. and hope to forge more partnerships similar to what we have with Fatality Bookings, but for now we’re keeping our eyes on the prize – our bands and our events.

Name: Sa Role at rika Rice L Head of TTN: Artist M anager/P So R Execu Favour cial Media tive/ ite Ban ds: Mötl Bronx, B e lack Sab y C rü e , bath, Eag D Melvins, les of De anzig, The De ath Meta Perks o stiny’s Child. l, The f the jo b drinking Jagerme : Working with ister wit rad band Weird h said ra s, habits: d ba W Know A LL the w orrying addictio nds. ords to n to Nand School o o’s. f Rock.

Name: Tommy Taylor Role at LTTN: Press Officer Favourite Bands: Nirvana, Pixies, Beach Boys, Libertines, Dylan.

Perks of the job: Free music and free gigs.

Weird habits: Falling out of bed, often.

Favourite animal: Penguin

eld Name: Whitnee Springfi cer Offi ss Pre : TN LT at Role e, Alkaline Trio, bag Gar s: nd Favourite ba The Pretty Reckless t to be involved with Perks of the job: Ge ds and often cheap/ ban the “making of” new :D gigs al loc to ry ent free , I tend to sing to Weird habits: Hmmm ndane chores... mu myself a lot when doing er!

Tig al: im an te Favouri

LTTN Contact Email: kerry@lightningtothenations.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/lightningtothenationsuk Email: sarika@lightningtothenations.co.uk Website: www.lightningtothenations.co.uk

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Having an ability to experiment with various arrangements whilst performing with refreshing enthusiasm is what makes Fragile Creatures stand out in a line-up. Brighton is notably full of enough pouty hipster wannabees so it’s nice to see a band who actually enjoy themselves and have a real talent for their craft on and off stage.

Fragile Creatures

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October 2012 So a year has gone by and we have finally celebrated our first birthday. The Saturday gig was mental, being packed up for the majority of the gig and Jipsy Magic getting in the Halloween mood with witch hats. It was a brilliant time, even with Guy Lloyd getting myself on stage with The Watermelons playing ‘Happy Birthday’ and being presented with a toffee cake… Slightly embarrassing but very cool indeed, cheers!

And especially thanks to Trip to Dover for my present, a “Be Juliet” T-shirt, which just happens to be one of my favourite tracks! Sunday was inevitably quieter due to hangovers, work looming the next day and the heavy downpour of rain outside but everyone still played on their top form regardless. You might as well say it felt more of a “private party” as there was not one person left out from dancing by the end of the night at the front of the stage. Anyone who didn’t turn up, you definitely have missed out! Unfortunately Steven (designer and magazine partner) couldn’t make it to the weekend but he was there in spirit (simultaneously playing tracks on Spotify probably!).

Aside from all that, it was brilliant to see all the featured cover bands again (minus Birdeatsbaby but we’ll get them to come back soon!), especially all together. It really brought it into perspective of how many people we 18

@ THE CROWN & ANCHOR (EASTBOURNE) 9TH NOV @ STICKY MIKE’S FROG BAR 7TH DEC GIG PREVIEW: Carmen Jose photo: Tori Maria Barratt-Crane

With their double A-side of ‘Dear Michael/She Makes Me Nervous’ released digitally in June, the band is currently working with producer Andy Lyden (U2, The Cure) in Normandy, France with plans to release their next EP early next year.

Catch the boys play at The Crown & Anchor on Friday 9th November in Eastbourne for ‘Children in Need’, or on our very own home turf for ‘Brighton Rocks’ at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar on Friday 7th December.

For more info on the band and for up and coming gigs visit their website.

www.facebook.com/ fragilecreaturesuk

gave the opportunities to promote themselves as how they want to be seen. But for most, it was sort of like seeing old friends again. I really could not imagine a bunch of nicer and talented people to work with so it’s just a big cherry on the top that each month, I walk away with new friends to keep in contact with. And of course, they’re all always welcome to return to Brighton Unsigned for more pints and music.

Fragile Creatures are much more than just another indieshmindie Brighton band. This five-piece are a bona fide example of a band who understand the fundamentals of what ‘good and proper’ British music is all about. Showcasing tight harmonies, unique riffs and catchy melodies, Fragile Creatures move seamlessly between genres with the credibility of genuinely talented and informed musicians. With a little nudge in the direction of early nineties Brit Pop, you can sense their appreciation for bands like Blur and Radiohead as inspiration to their song writing.

GET ALL THE LOCAL AND MOST UPTO DATE GIG LISTINGS BY GOING ONLINE uk www brightonnoise co

So, here’s to friends, new and old, and another year of Brighton Unsigned! PS Just to let you know we take a break in December so the next issue of our mag will be our January 2013 edition!! Have a FAB Christmas and we’re the first guys to wish you and yours a great new year next year!!!!!

- Jordan Thomas (Editor)

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