July 2013
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ALSO INSIDE: Editors Boat to Row Racing New Killer Shoes And more...
PLUS: Espirito Brum brings Brazil to B14 / Looking ahead to One Beat Saturday / Birmingham’s best beer gardens / Festival Fashion / What’s on in July across the city July 2013
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Sat 21st Sept • £15 adv
Sun 3rd Nov
Bastille
Weds 27th Nov • £16.50 adv
Sun 22nd Sept • £17.50 adv Weekend ticket £25 adv
Sun 3rd Nov • £13 adv
Sat 30th Nov • £28.50 adv / £50 VIP
3pm - 11pm 5pm - 11pm
UK B-Boy Championships 2013 10.30pm-3.30am • £4 adv Early bird £3 tickets available in June, July & August. Over 18s only - Proof of age required.
Thurs 15th Aug • £3 adv
10.30pm - 3.30am • over 18s only
Propaganda A Level Results - Frat Party Mon 8th July • £25 adv
Saturday - Knock Out Jam Sunday - World Final 2013
Sat 28th Sept • £20 adv
Wiz Khalifa + Trinidad Jame$ Sat 28th Sept • £10 adv
Bury Tomorrow Fri 4th Oct • £15 adv 6pm - 10pm
Kendrick Lamar
Diamond Head & Uli Jon Roth
Sat 13th July • £8 adv
Sun 6th Oct • £15 adv
6pm - 10pm
Taking Hayley Sat 13th - Tues 16th July - 6.30pm Sun 14th July - 12.30pm £9 adv / £7 concs.
National Rock & Pop Festival Mon 15th July • £15 adv
Thurs 10th Oct • £12 adv
from Jackass is F**kface Unstoppable
Goldie Lookin Chain
Tues 6th Aug • £12.50 adv
Fri 11th Oct • £14 adv
Thurs 15th Aug • £30 adv
6pm - 10pm
Sleeping With Sirens
6pm - 10pm
Mon 14th Oct • £23 adv
Thurs 15th Aug • £3 adv
Tues 15th Oct • £19 adv
Propaganda A Level Results - Frat Party
Weds 16th Oct • £15 adv
The B52’s 10.30pm - 3.30am • over 18s only
Sat 17th Aug • £22.50 adv
9pm - 5am • last entry 2am • over 18s only
MC Bassman Birthday Bash 2013
Sun 1st Dec • £11 adv
The Doors Alive
Weds 6th Nov • £24 adv
Tues 3rd Dec • £20 adv
Boomtown Rats
Papa Roach
Tues 12th Nov • £18.50 adv
Tues 3rd Dec • £12 adv
Defenders of the Faith ft. Amon Amarth
Electric Six
+ Only The Good
Thurs 5th Dec • £25 adv
Fri 15th Nov • £10 adv
Basement Jaxx
6.30pm - 10pm
Craig Colton
Fri 22nd Nov
The Quireboys + Bonafide
30th Anniversary Concert
The Toy Dolls
Tues 8th Oct • £10 adv Weds 9th Oct • £15 adv
Howard Jones
Mon 4th Nov • £17.50 adv
Sat 16th Nov • £9 adv
Bam Margera The Adicts
Andrew Stockdale (Wolfmother)
Impericon Never Say Die! Tour ft. Emmure Black Spiders
Disclosure
Fri 6th Dec • £28 adv 6.30pm - 10pm
Happy Mondays
[spunge]
“Bummed” 25th Anniversary Tour
6pm - 10pm
Thurs 12th Dec • £26.50 adv
Sat 23rd Nov • £20 adv
Sat 14th Dec • £25 adv
ft. Ned’s Atomic Dustbin + Cud + Republica + DJ set from Steve Lamacq
Marchin’ Already Tour
Placebo
Imagine Dragons Nedstock 2013
Sat 23rd Nov • £11 adv
Rescheduled from 6th Dec • original tickets valid 6.30pm - 10pm
Complete Stone Roses
Ocean Colour Scene Tues 17th Dec • £26 adv
Revelations: The Mission & Fields Of The Nephilim
Babyshambles Lawson
Volbeat
Thurs 17th Oct • £15 adv
Rudimental
Weds 3rd July • £6 adv/£4concs.
School Of Rock & Pop Charity Showcase Sat 6th July • £8 adv
Sat 20th July • £6 adv
New Killer Shoes Sun 21st July • £6 adv
Emily’s Army
The Silence of the Bass
Sat 19th Oct • £20 adv / £50 VIP
Stereosonics
Thurs 25th July • £10.50 adv
(Stereophonics Tribute)
Luminites
Weds 4th Sept • £12.50 adv
Bid Farewell Tour 2013
Weds 10th July • £9.50 adv
Sat 27th July • £5 adv
Hoodie Allen
Thurs 5th Sept • £18.50 adv
Jimmy Eat World Sat 7th Sept • £14.50 adv
Wiley + Angel
Weds 11th Sept • £17.50 adv 6pm - 10pm
Bowling For Soup Sun 20th Oct • £26.50 adv
The Original Rudeboys
+ The Selecter
Thurs 11th July • £10 adv
Public Image Ltd
Sat 26th Oct • £18.50 adv
Rescheduled show • original tickets valid
The Feeling
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Mon 28th Oct Tues 29th Oct Sun 10th Nov • £17.50 adv
+ Chance The Rapper
Jake Bugg
Sat 14th Sept • £36 adv
Thurs 31st Oct • £26.50 adv
Soundgarden
Tues 17th Sept • £8.50 adv
Rescheduled show • original tickets valid
Janet Devlin
Fri 20th Sept • £12 adv 6pm - 10pm
Motionless In White
Suede
+ Teleman
Sat 2nd Nov • £20 adv 6.30pm - 11pm
Peter Hook and the Light Performing New Order’s “Movement” & “Power, Corruption and Lies” Live
Watsky + Twizzle
Valous
+ XVII, Burning The Day + Face of a Stranger + Cower + Hounds!
Sat 3rd Aug • £7 adv
Fri 12th July • £7.50 adv
6pm - 10pm
6.30pm - 10pm
StakeOut
+ Templeton Pek
Tues 13th Aug • £6 adv
Sat 13th July • £6 adv
Disclosure
4ft Fingers 6.30pm - 10.30pm
Propagator Presents:
Robert Craig Oulton + The New Revolutions + Radio Charmers + Rogue Ambition + Temptation
Fri 19th July • £5 adv 6pm - 10pm
Brokenwitt Rebels + Modern Minds + Ego Honey + Cold White Brother
6pm - 10pm
(Rock Band) facebook.com/disclosuremusic
Fri 16th Aug • £5 adv 6pm - 10pm
Cytota + Memories + Avantine + Taxi Treats
Mon 19th Aug • £8 adv Rescheduled show • original tickets valid
twenty | one | pilots
Sat 31st Aug • £5 adv
The Crimson Star (EP Launch) + Our World Below? + Piston + Black Star Bullet + Moody Bomber
Fri 20th Sept • £5 adv 6.30pm - 10pm
Layers
+ Romans + Mutes
Tues 1st Oct • £7 adv
Heights
Weds 2nd Oct • £6 adv
Evarose
Sat 5th Oct • £5 adv
Salvation
+ Fury + Fortress + Bullitstorm + Zombie Extras
Sun 6th Oct • £12 (early) / £15 adv
Romeo’s Daughter “Rapture” Tour
Weds 9th Oct • £10 adv
Young Knives
Weds 16th Oct • £6 adv 6pm - 10pm
The Last Carnival
16-18 Horsefair, Bristol St, Birmingham, B1 1DB 2
Doors 7.00pm unless stated • Venue box office opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-4pm, Sat 11am-4pm • No booking fee on cash transactions Brum Notes Magazine ticketweb.co.uk • seetickets.com • gigantic.com • ticketmaster.co.uk
CONTENTS
Victories at Sea live at The Sunflower Lounge. Turn to live reviews on P22-23. Photo by Jonathan Morgan. Brum Notes Magazine Unit 12 The Bond 180-182 Fazeley Street Digbeth Birmingham B5 5SE info@brumnotes.com 0121 224 7363 Advertising 0121 224 7363 advertising@brumnotes.com Distribution StickupMedia! 0121 224 7364 Editor: Chris Moriarty Contributors Words: Tom Pell, David Vincent, Amy Sumner, Daron Billings, Harley Cassidy, Ivy Photiou New Music Editor: Amy Sumner Food & Drink Editor: Daron Billings Pictures: Andy Hughes, Wayne Fox, Jonathan Morgan, Sinéad O’Callaghan, Gobinder Jhitta, Katja Ogrin Cover photo: Gobinder Jhitta Style editor: Jade Sukiya jade@brumnotes.com Design: Adam Williams, Andy Aitken, Charlotte Audrey Owen-Meehan Connect Twitter: @BrumNotesMag Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BrumNotesMagazine Online: www.brumnotes.com
July 2013
Regulars News 4-5 Hotlist 7 Live Reviews 22-23 Style 24-25 Food & Drink 26-27 What’s On Guide 29-30 Music and Features Fresh Talent: Sugar/FF Korova 6 Fresh Talent: Racing 8 Fresh Talent: New Killer Shoes 9 Espirito Brum Festival preview 12 One Beat Saturday: Boat to Row 14-15 Editors 18-19 Swim Deep 20-21
All content © Brum Notes Magazine. Views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily Brum Notes Magazine. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of content, Brum Notes Magazine will not be held liable for any errors or losses claimed to have been incurred by any errors. Advertising terms and conditions available on request. 3
WORLD RECORD DJ ATTEMPT TO TAKE PLACE AT BIRMINGHAM NIGHTSPOT A Birmingham nightclub will attempt to break the world record for the longest club DJ session relay at a charity fundraiser this month. Dozens of DJs are expected to take to the decks during the event at The Rainbow on August 3, which is being organised by Digbeth DJ store djtechdirect.com in aid of charity Balls To Cancer. Budding DJs are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to spin some tunes at one of Birmingham’s leading clubs. Organisers want to hear from anyone who can mix one tune into another to join the record attempt, while well-wishers and clubbers are urged to head down to enjoy an all-day party in the venue’s courtyard. Big name DJs are expected to be in attendance, alongside some of the leading brands in DJ tech brands. To register your interest in participating, contact owen@djtechdirect.com with the email title ‘I Can Play’ or visit www.djtechdirect.com/ballstocancer.
SUPPORTERS TO HAND IN PETITION CALLING FOR ARTS CENTRE TO BE SAVED
IN BRIEF
Protesters will hand a petition of thousands of signatures into council chiefs this month, in a bid to save a West Bromwich arts centre from the axe. Sandwell Council announced in May that it was in discussions to turn landmark venue The Public into a sixth form college. The distinctive pink and black building is currently used as a mixed arts centre, housing interactive art exhibitions, photographic displays, film screenings and live music, comedy and theatre performances, including indie music festival Now We Are Weekender. Since the council revealed discussions over a possible change of use had already begun with Sandwell College, supporters of The Public set up an online petition and a social media campaign #LoveOurPublic for people to give their backing to the bid to keep the building as an arts centre. Linda Saunders, managing director of The Public, said: “It’s fantastic to see people of all ages and backgrounds feeling so passionately about The Public, that off their own backs, they have written letters, set up petitions, launched social media campaigns, made films and banners showing their support.” The £72m building, which opened in 2008, has endured a difficult history, having suffered delays and spiralling costs during its construction and early years. But since its management was taken over by Sandwell Arts Trust in 2009 it has seen visitor numbers grow and welcomed its millionth visitor last month. Sandwell Council said the option to transform the building into a college campus could help secure its long term future and save £1.5m a year. Plans could also include retaining ground-floor gallery space for members of the public to visit. A final decision is expected at the end of the summer.
Cult film nights will return to city centre bar The Sunflower Lounge this month. The free weekly screenings will take place every Tuesday at the venue on Smallbrook Queensway, featuring cult, grindhouse and B-movie classics on the big screen, with beer and pizza available for £5. A treasure hunt will be taking place across Moseley this month to raise money for Oxfam. The Moseley Mysteries event, part of Moseley Festival takes place on July 21, with clues and maps available from the Patrick Kavanagh pub between midday and 2pm. Entry is £3 per adult and £1 per child. Kings Heath pub The Station reopens this month after a full refurbishment. The High Street boozer has been taken over by the team behind The Sun on the Hill in Birmingham city centre. It reopens on July 1, with a new menu, real ales and live music. Birmingham band Troumaca will release their debut album The Grace on August 26 through Brownswood Recordings. The 11-track LP is available to pre-order now.
PEACE SET FOR TRIUMPHANT HOMECOMING AFTER ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF BIGGEST EVER HEADLINE SHOWS Peace will headline Birmingham’s O2 Academy this December, after announcing details of their two biggest headline shows to date. The Birmingham band will play the triumphant homecoming show at the venue’s 3,000-capacity main room on December 13. They also headline London’s Shepherd’s Bush empire on December 6. The two December shows will cap off an eventful year for the band who will spend the next few months appearing at festivals across the world and touring countries including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, USA and Mexico. It follows the release of debut album In Love, which reached the top 20 in the UK album charts. Lovesick will be the next single to be released from the album and is out on July 8. Both shows are all ages. Tickets for the show at the O2 Academy, presented by Birmingham Promoters, are priced £15 and on sale now from www.birminghampromoters.com. 4
Brum Notes Magazine
INDEPENDENT BEER FESTIVAL COMBINES FINE ALES WITH FINE FOOD
FUNDRAISER FOR DIGBETH NIGHTCLUB
The first ever Birmingham Beer Bash hits the city this month, celebrating the finest in craft beers and independent brewers. The main event, which was conceived by beer bloggers and tweeters, takes place at canalside venue The Bond on Fazeley Street, Digbeth, on July 26 and 27. There will be two sessions per day for visitors to taste more than 100 cask and keg beers across three bars, as well as meet brewers and learn more about the brewing process. Organisers have also announced details of a fringe programme of events, including two exclusive dining sessions, combining a taste for fine food and beer. Over both nights of the festival, two of Birmingham’s top chefs will present a mouth-watering menu of five courses, each matched to a different beer, with dishes including black treacle salmon, bone marrow toast and ox cheek with celeriac. Friday night’s menu will be prepared by Brad Carter of Carter’s restaurant in Moseley, followed the next evening by executive chef Luke Tipping from the Michelin-starred Simpsons in Edgbaston. Tickets for the dining sessions, taking place in The Conservatory at The Bond, cost £45 per person and include access to the Beer Bash evening session. Limited places are available to book at birminghambeerbash.co.uk. Other fringe events include hop and malt seminars and expert tutored tastings. Entry to Birmingham Beer Bash costs £6 for the Friday afternoon session and £8 for all other sessions, with advance booking recommended. Sessions run from 11am to 4.30pm and 5.30pm to 11pm.
Digbeth nightclub Suki10c will host its second fundraising event this month in a bid to keep its licence. Save Our Suki10c Part 2 will take place on Friday, July 26, from 10pm to 5am with an exciting programme of DJs and live art to be announced. The unique venue, which opened just over a year ago in Bordesley Street, has been subject to complaints and threats of a noise abatement order, and is currently raising money to cover potential legal costs. A statement on the venue’s Facebook page says legal costs have already reached £3,000 and could top £10,000 if a formal noise abatement order is issued. The statement adds: “We survive on a weekto-week basis financially so we need your help. Fundraiser events are the only way that we are going to get the money together to pay these legal costs. So we urge you all to help us in every and any way possible. Because Birmingham needs venues like Suki10c.” The first fundraiser, an all-day music and arts event, took place in June. Visit www.facebook.com/Suki10c for more details on Part 2, taking place on July 26.
Birmingham Beer Bash Birmingham Beer
Bash
26th & 27th July 2013 The Bond Company 180-182 Fazeley Street Digbeth birminghambeerbash.co.uk
July 2013
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Words by Amy Sumner
Sugar Having been in existence as an outfit for less than six months, Sugar have already shared a stage with JAWS and Wolf Alice and bagged the opening slot for Superfood’s show at The Rainbow this month. Pretty tasty. Explosive and considered in completely equal measure, these boys display a talent far belying their years as well as a real and apparent passion for performance.
Sugar support Superfood at The Rainbow on July 4 and play One Beat Saturday at the Mac on July 20.
twitter.com/@_sugarbeat “We were all little cherubs with bright red rosy cheeks at school,” explains chief storyteller and lead singer Andy Brooks. “We came together as a band after a series of house parties at Cotterill’s [Jack, drums] house when we woke up one afternoon and he started playing. Vaughan [Jack, bass] walked into the room and we told him to pick up the bass stood in the corner and play a few notes, and Killing [Sam, guitar] was a no-brainer as we’ve played together since he had puppy fat. He was in Newcastle at the time so we rang him up and told him that he was in a band. He was alright with it.” Sugar hail from the dizzying heights of Droitwich, itself home to the boys who put Birmingham back on the musical map, Peace. As a spa town, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there’s been something in the water
FF Korova ‘Like building a spaceship we intend to travel the universe in,’ declares FF Korova’s Facebook description. And indeed, when quizzed on the origin of the intriguing name, Izzy Izenstain explains, “the ‘FF’ can mean whatever you want it to mean. To us it’s a spaceship. Korova is the milk bar in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange”. “Izzy came round to my flat a while ago,” explains other half of the duo, Richie Franklin, on the band’s formation. “We got inebriated, tattooed each other’s feet, and decided to start a band.” They’re an experimental duo, two boys who’ll take on any instrument and any vocal and who have no set or defined roles. With their debut track featuring guest appearances from Wide Eyed’s Jake Bellwood and Tommy Greaves, it’s a kind of collective. “Richie plays a lot [of instruments] live,” says Izzy. “I play fewer and we both sing. On record, we struggle to work out who’s played and written what.” 6
of late. “Droitwich is the place to be at the moment,” agrees Andy, with a conviction not altogether serious. “They’re extending our canal system, tourists are coming in, shit is going down on a huge scale...It is a lovely place but I’m not sure that we’re inspired by it,” he eventually concedes. Carefully crafting a heady grunge-hued sound prettily laced through with elements of Britpop, there are a wealth of influences woven into Sugar’s work. “They span from Zeppelin to TLC,” Andy says. “I grew up with all things 60s and Cotterill’s a Zeppelin fiend. Sam loves post-punk and angst full of romance and Vaughan’s a filthy bass head. Recently we’ve been more into the West Coast experimental sounds of Ariel Pink and Foxygen, but I’ll always have a soft spot for Damon Albarn.”
soundcloud.com/ff-korova The aforementioned song, Dali’s Dream, is a swirling five-minute epic, a beautiful psychedelic crescendo of a tune which leaves you wondering where the rest of their catalogue will take you. “Early on we bonded over a mutual love of bands like The Vines and BRMC,” says Richie. “And Tame Impala have been a big influence method-wise,” says Izzy. Apart from that, we just love interesting music – we’re as likely to be listening to Bananarama as Black Sabbath.
playing their debut live show at TALK on July 7. So what can we expect? “Take off,” says Izzy simply. “We’re using whatever gear and toys we have lying around - there’s a Yamaha synth we got for £2 at a car boot, numerous foot switches, pedals and strange desks that we’re running things through.” FF Korova are live at Talk, Birmingham, on July 7 and DJ at the Brum Notes July Issue Launch Party, headlined by Racing, at the Bull’s Head, Moseley, on July 11.
“And we’re always recording on some level – even if it’s just ideas or jams on an iPhone. There’s quite a bit of material that’s nearly ready to go but right now most of our time is spent working out the live set.” If you want to catch FF Korova in the flesh, they’ll be Brum Notes Magazine
HOTLIST
PREVIEW
THE PLAYLIST The best new material, material from from Birmingham and beyond.
Screamin Abdabz + more...
OLIVER RUDGE I Will Be Your Sun Spine-tinglingly haunting vocals from 18-year-old local talent, blending altfolk and soul, with a maturity to the songwriting that belies his age. A refreshingly stripped back sound gives his falsetto vocals space to soar. www.soundcloud.com/oliver-rudge
JAWS As far as names go, Wacky, Weird & Wonderful pretty much sums up how this particular promoter chooses their line-ups. This month sees said promoter making a welcome return with a packed line-up taking over the back yard of Digbeth’s favourite hidden gig venue The Wagon & Horses.
with the best of them.”
The night of drinking, dancing and al fresco dining has been organised to raise funds for Water Aid, in memory of local drummer Matt Goodman who passed away in February of this year. Matt was well known across Birmingham, drumming in bands including This Amber Island, Sister Automatic, The Singles and Skynner, as well as nearly taking up the sticks for The Stereophonics many years ago. Jake Clifford and Carmen Vaughn decided to stage the concert in Matt’s honour, raising funds for one of his favoured charities, with Jake describing the late musician as a “cheeky bugger who laughed and jested
Also on the bill are Black Bombers and Sidewinders, Grand Union and garage rockers Sugar Razors.
The appropriately energetic line-up includes high octane sets from the likes of Hammond Organ-loving retro fuzz rockers Velvet Texas Cannonball, as well as adrenalin-fuelled punk rock’n’rollers Screamin Abdabz.
Spicing things up and keeping the energy levels high, Mexican street food sellers Habaneros will be providing some much needed sustenance throughout the evening too.
Gold Soaring new single from epic dreampoppers who get stronger with every new offering. Their most energetic track yet gives you a hazy glimpse of a very golden future. Released July 29 through Rattlepop
MIRRORHALL Cadmium II A gorgeously complimentary nod in the direction of 60s dream pop psych from duo Jack Soloman-Smith and Daniel Johnston. This hauntingly beautiful vocal is a perfect introduction to their Horrorscope EP. www.soundcloud.com/mirrorhall
Wacky Weird & Wonderful presents Water Aid Charity Gig, at the Wagon & Horses, Digbeth, on July 27, from 5pm until late. Doors are £6 with all funds going to Water Aid.
Follow us at soundcloud.com/ brumnotes for more
ONES TO WATCH JOSH RECORD
TABLE SCRAPS
YOUTH LAGOON
TWO FATHOMS
Silky voiced singer who has been quietly whipping up plenty of excitement with his searing falsettos and soul-soaked folk. His biggest tour yet brings him to Birmingham. Watch him: July 5, The Rainbow, Birmingham
Noisy duo of Scott Vincent Abbott and Poppy Twist combine to unleash a fuzzy assault of stripped down rock’n’roll which is something to behold. Gripping and thrilling on stage. Watch them: July 16, The Actress & Bishop, Birmingham
It seems almost criminal that US musician Trevor Powers, aka Youth Lagoon, has yet to play in Birmingham, but his lofi psych-pop will be most welcome this month. Watch him: July 18, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath
A one man whirlwind of acoustic folk-punk, delivered with refreshing honesty, bags of energy and lashings of charm. A Brummie hybrid of Billy Bragg and Frank Turner, only better. Watch him: July 11, Bull’s Head, Moseley; July 25, Mac
July 2013
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facebook.com/weareracing
RACE FOR THE PRIZE Photo by Douglas James Townsend
Born out of a desire to “keep off the streets and out of the pub”, Racing is the cleverly titled musical project of Birmingham likely lads James Rea and Alex Singh. Originally intended as a pretty ephemeral kind of outfit, the creative juices have proven hard to quell and the duo now have a full EP ready to release. Amy Sumner meets them at the start line. “When we put Summer Rain online there was a great reception,” lead singer James Rea explains of the band’s principle soiree into songwriting. “And The Traps asked us to support them at their single launch. We foolishly said yes and spent the next month in hyperdrive making sure we actually had enough songs to play. That was last summer and we didn’t think we were going to do anything apart from that initial gig. But we re-started earlier this year when we went on holiday to Dublin together and had an epiphany after drinking 23 pints of Guinness that we should start making music again. Sometimes 23 pints of Guinness really gets you thinking straight,” he adds.
Photo by Douglas James Townsend
“Alex is very into experimenting with different sounds and producing from an almost hip hop perspective, whilst I’m into doing James Brown dance moves badly. We’ve both got really eclectic tastes but we agree on jazz chords, hip hop beats, funk bass and pop hooks.” If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that this band got funk. They’re dapper, they’re engaging and they’re producing tunes pretty much as fly as they come. More than that, their live performance (featuring additional members on drums and bass), is just that – a performance, which smacks of good 8
old fashioned, all-inclusive entertainment. From start to finish punctuated by Rea’s wry and witty observations, you’re in for a visual treat as well. These boys don’t do things by half – and they certainly don’t dance by half either. “Alex is the mad scientist brewing up all the interesting sounds from his MPC and keyboard – I like to say he’s like a hip hop Rick Wakeman,” James describes. “I stand at the front and, as an audience member once described it, ‘sing like a crooner and dance like Alan Partridge’.” You’ll probably have heard Racing’s most recent offering, Quicksand, which has been grooving all over the airwaves since midApril. “That song came from messing around with this old 80s keyboard,” James explains. “It’s got all kinds of sounds on it and none of them sound like what they’re supposed to be. We came up with the main riff on that, then I laid some bass down and it came out sounding mega gritty which made for a nice juxtaposition. The video is probably highly illegal as it’s just old Soul Train footage which we’ve slowed down to fit the tempo of the song. It does mean that some of the dance moves in it are physically impossible though due to the laws of gravity. These are, of course, the ones we encourage people to attempt at our gigs.”
After sparse offerings of recordings so far, Racing release their debut EP at the beginning of July. “It’s self-titled so maybe people can call it by the colour of the artwork like Weezer’s Blue Album or The Beatles’ White Album? Our friend John ‘Scalawag’ Tedstone has done the artwork and it’s super vibrant, people will have to call it the Blue, Yellow, Green and Magenta EP,” says James. “There are four tracks on it so that we can release it as a 7ins vinyl at 33 1/3 RPM. The two tracks that we have put online, Quicksand and Summer Rain, are on it plus there’s a tune called Delirious which is like 90s RnB done wrong. Our epic EP closer is called Walk Away and it sounds like The Walker Brothers meets Grandmaster Flash.” If that hasn’t whetted your whistle, then there probably ain’t much that will. Do make sure to grab a copy at your first opportunity because this band come highly recommended indeed. Racing celebrate the release of their debut EP by headlining the Brum Notes July Issue Launch Party, taking place at the Bull’s Head, Moseley, on July 11. Also performing are The Cedar House Band, Midnight Bonfires and Two Fathoms, with FF Korova on DJ duty. Entry is £3 OTD. Brum Notes Magazine
newkillershoes.com
BROGUE TRADERS
Redditch rockers New Killer Shoes have enjoyed a busy year so far touring Europe and supporting the likes of Adam Ant, BRAD and Kids in Glass Houses, as well as making their debut appearance at Download Festival. With more festival dates lined up, as well as a headline show closer to home at Birmingham’s O2 Academy 3, Tom Pell tries on their blend of pop-punk, grunge and indie for size. New Killer Shoes picked their moniker after a girlfriend bought some new shoes, which were mockingly described as being ‘killer’. But presumably, they’d have gone for ‘FUN’, if it wasn’t already taken, because that’s what it sounds like these four Redditch lads are having. Their first full release, I Ain’t Even Lyin’, sets the tone. If you are aged between 20 and 25, then NKS will appeal to some part of you, it just depends how far down inside you’ve buried your 16-year-old self. Musically, it’s like a trip down memory lane, as echoes of cheeky pop-punk, Foo Fighters and Milburn’s entire discography are massively present. Make Your Move owes its riff to At The Drive In’s One Armed Scissor, whilst Losing My Mind sounds more like The Kooks than Luke Pritchard, Hugh Harris, Peter Denton and Paul Garred do. Fun is still the name of the game, with everything turned up to 11 and most tempos off to a flyer. Bizarrely but brilliantly, NKS have just been on tour with Adam Ant, after battling 500 other bands for a support slot. The bigger venues were good for experience, but a little more up their alley was a slot at Download Festival, says guitarist Ben Smith. “It was amazing,” recalls Ben. “Me, Ricky and John stayed for the whole weekend, Ryan July 2013
didn’t ‘cos he was ill. Jon met Corey Taylor, and me and Ricky met Josh Homme. They were super cool. Proper rockstars.” “And they’ve both got our album now,” frontman Jon Kings adds enthusiastically. “We gave them both a copy. He’s a cool dude, Corey. A very nice guy.” After their gallivanting with Adam Ant, the lads will now return to play in Birmingham on July 20, at the 02 Academy 3. “It’s for the people who’ve supported us from the beginning, so it’s always special,” says Ricky-Lee Cooper, the band’s drummer. “There’s always going to be new faces coming in and out, but when we started playing, there was a little group of people who used to follow us about. They’re not gonna pay 30 quid a ticket to watch us support Adam Ant for half an hour, so it’s good to get back to our original fans. Hopefully they can see how we’ve grown as a band. “We’ve made that transition now, from being a band where you know everyone who comes and watches, to having people come and see you just because of the band. It’s exciting,” he adds. To give more back to their fanbase, the lads have just put the finishing touches to I Ain’t
Even Plugged In, an acoustic take on their new debut album. “We’ve done a lot of acoustic shows before, and some people actually preferred it to the electric sound,” explains Ricky. “We thought it was a way of giving those guys something and also to appeal to other people who wouldn’t usually check us out.” On the whole, I Ain’t Even Lyin’ just sounds like the last seven years haven’t actually happened. It’s all terrifically good fun though, with crisp vocals, catchy hooks and over the top, face-melting guitar solos. It’s like School Of Rock, if the teachers’ lounge consisted of Alex Turner, Serj Tankian and Dave ‘Brownsound’ Beksh from Sum 41. On album track Leave Me Alone, the first song the band wrote together, the lyrical subject matter reaches its most poignant zenith. “I can’t sign into MSN, ‘cos that fat slag’s online again,” drawls Jon. It should be the album title, because it sums up NKS perfectly. It’s nostalgic, it’s a little bit silly. But somewhere inside, it made you smile, didn’t it? New Killer Shoes headline the O2 Academy 3, Birmingham, on July 20. Debut album I Ain’t Even Lyin’ is out now. 9
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Brum Notes Magazine
RONISIZE CRAIGCHARLES DON DJ DEREK LETTS TH E YOUTH WEEKS
TREMBLING BELLS
LAGOON
ERICANOCKALLS July 2013
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Arts & Culture
brazilian spirit Back for a third year with a new format and new home, the Espirito Brum festival will be bringing plenty of Brazilian flair to the streets of Birmingham this month. David Vincent takes a look at what’s in store.
August 10, All Saints Church, Kings Heath A Kings Heath Community Cinema screening of director Lucy Walker’s Oscar nominated 2010 documentary study of artist Vik Muniz as he journeys from Brooklyn to his native Brazil, and the world’s largest garbage dump.
Espirito Brum 2013, which this year moves (almost) exclusively to the Kings Heath area of the city, is a Birmingham-based cultural exchange programme that facilitates collaborations and exchanges between artists from the UK and Brazil. Alongside the music and film, there’s also appearances from two Brazilian graffiti artists, former fashion designer turned activist and artist Fabio ‘Binho’ Cerqueira whose work questions the values of contemporary life, and Ficore, who’ll be leaving the South America for the first time. They’ll be joined by Kings Heath’s very own Hoakser, who has been creating memorable designs on brick, canvas and paper since the late 90s. launch the Intuitive EP. Joining him are the EP’s Birmingham contributors, classically trained tabla player and composer Mendi Singh and percussionist Joelle Barker. Visuals courtesy of arts collective Expurgação.
CirCusMash Flautins Matuá July 11, Old Printworks, Moseley Rd July 13, Kings Heath Village Square Two appearances from the playful yet energetic six-piece whose ‘interactive Brazilian folk performances’ feature traditional wind, string and percussive instruments. Brum Yum Yum street food market will also be at the free village square show.
Wanderson lopez July 13, All Saints Church, Kings Heath Brazilian guitarist and composer Lopez returns for his third successive festival appearance to 12
Waste land
July 20, Kings Heath Village Square Circus performances and workshops as part of All Saints Summer Fete. Expect juggling, stilt walking, plate spinning and the like.
rebel spirit July 26, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath Brazilian reggae and rap artist Jota III (whose latest video was shot in Brum), takes to the stage ably supported by Birmingham toaster Pablo Rider, hip hop crew Munchbreak, multiple DMC World Champ’ title holder DJ Switch, and Brighton’s Cut la Vis, famed for his mashups of Jamaican riddims and urban beats.
Espirito Brum 2013 runs throughout July and August at various venues in Kings Heath. For more information visit espiritobrum.org.
Situated on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Gramacho (Gramacho Gardens) was established in 1970 and soon attracted a sizeable squatter community (around 15-20,000 people) whose lives were dependent on salvaging and recycling materials from the thousands of tons of rubbish that arrived daily. Within sight of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the dump sat almost 300 feet high, spreading out across 14 million square feet. Filmed over several years, São Paulo born Vik sets out to create a series of ‘paintings’ using garbage, collaborating with pickers (catadores). On a good day, these catadores can earn twice the minimum wage, but of course, ill health is rife, vermin are everywhere, and finding headless corpses is not unheard of... “I was expecting to see people who were beaten and broken, but they were survivors,” said Vik. Incidentally, as a postscript to the film (which has a soundtrack by Moby), the site closed in 2012, replaced by a modern treatment centre. It was estimated that in the region of 75 million cubic metres of methane gas would be collected from Jardim Gramacho over a 15 year period, sludge would be turned into recycled water, and the site would eventually become a park. Plans were also set in place to support the remaining 2,000 scavengers. Brum Notes Magazine
Birmingham Repertory Theatre in association with The Albany presents
12 to 28 September
The Legend Of Mike Smith By Soweto Kinch Directed and Choreographed by Jonzi D
Award-winning jazz and hip hop star Soweto Kinch brings an incredible staged performance of his latest album.
Tickets £10 to £15
(Concessions available)
Box Office:
0121 236 4455 Online:
birmingham-rep.co.uk Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660
Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP.
BASS FESTIVAL WOULD LIKE TO SAY A BIG THANKS TO ALL BRUM NOTES READERS WHO ATTENDED ANY EVENTS DURING JUNE. SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR. July 2013
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Charming folk collective Boat to Row headline outdoor new music fest One Beat Saturday this month, nestled in the charmingly green surroundings of Cannon Hill Park at the Mac’s outdoor amphitheatre. It kicks off an eventful summer for the five-piece, fresh from their latest nationwide tour with a new sound and new material to boot. Amy Sumner meets a band with plenty to talk about. Making waves as one of Birmingham’s most intricately eclectic outfits, Boat to Row have earned quite a reputation for themselves for delivering reliably beautiful live sets. Since we last spoke to them last October they’ve been on several tours and have some killer live performances scheduled back home for the near future, including a headline set at One Beat Saturday where they’ll be sharing the bill with some of Birmingham’s most exciting emerging talent. So far, 2013 has seemed just as busy as 2012 for the much-heralded band. “We’ve been on tour a couple of times since we last spoke,” says bassist Ben Gilchrist. “Most recently at the end of May with a band called Hot Feet, which was amazing. We usually have to work during our tours too but we all managed to get the time off work and we shared a van so it was nice to do things properly for once. We played a great Birmingham show as part of it, curating the line-up and we had a lot of friends and bands that we admire play with us so that kicked off the tour in a really fun way. Other than that, we’ve got ourselves a lock up that we’ve been working hard in.” “It was so cool to go on the road with Hot Feet,” enthuses drummer Lydia Glanville of the tour. “They’re incredible musicians and lovely people, if a little mad. I had a blast shoulder dancing with them in the van. The highlights of the tour for me were definitely the surprises, 14
meeting Charlotte Church in Cardiff, hearing Charlie Parr in Bristol – he had this incredibly intense vibe when he performed and his audience really listened to every note. Northampton Labour Club is my new favourite venue though, it was like walking into a time warp, stepping back to the 70s.” Boat to Row’s upcoming headline set at One Beat Saturday is not to be missed. The festival, which takes place at the Mac in the beautiful surrounds of Cannon Hill Park, aims to give a platform to young and unsigned bands and musicians from around the West Midlands. Beginning last year, this second instalment promises to showcase the best in emerging local talent. And Boat to Row are understandably excited. “We’re massively looking forward to it,” explains lead singer Michael King, “it’s a privilege to be topping such a diverse and exciting line-up. When people see or hear a banjo or an acoustic guitar they automatically presume you’ll sound a certain way or will only fit on certain nights, but we like to think there’s more us than that and having been asked to play is a nice indication that others think the same. “And I think that giving artists a platform to have their music heard is vital,” continues violinist Anna Bennett. “With the amount of music that’s listened to and watched online, it’s so important for bands to have the opportunity to play
live, to live audiences, there’s nothing quite like it. We are excited to have the opportunity to get together with other local acts, to hear new music and to celebrate the richly diverse talent that the West Midlands has to offer.” “With regards to our set, people can expect intricate melodies and harmonious singing, folk rock highs and heart-on-your-sleeve ballads, simplicity injected with moments of virtuosity,” says Lydia. “The band sound will have changed a bit for people who haven’t seen us this year and we’re all very excited to be getting our new material out there alongside some of our favourite classics.” And after that? “We are seriously excited about the next year or so and are currently in the process of setting some foundations to build on,” says Michael. “At present, our priority is to keep writing and stockpiling as many songs as we can. We want our next release to really take us to the next step. Things are definitely flowing in the right direction.” So make sure that you head down to One Beat Saturday 2013 because by the sounds of it there are some very exciting things indeed in the pipeline for Boat to Row. And what better way to introduce yourselves to their music than taking in a live performance in such beautiful surroundings? Brum Notes Magazine
Boat to Row’s Guide to One Beat Saturday With such an eclectic line-up taking to the stage at this year’s festival, we asked headliners Boat to Row to give us the lowdown on the bands joining them on the bill. JAWS
DUMB
JAWS
The Grafham Water Sailing Club
Bad Moon
Mike: Like a smooth summer breeze carrying equal parts afro and dream pop delights. Think Youth Lagoon meets Real Estate.
Mike: These boys are pretty dark and amazing, they’re making beats to zone out to, smart music. Gang of Four meets a freaky encounter. Billy: Some of my students recommended them to me and I think they sound almost gothic, like Joy Division and Sisters Of Mercy meets XTRMNTR-era Primal Scream. They will probably hate that description.
Mike: Big chords, big beats, stoner-shoegaze vibes in a big way.
DUMB Ben: They remind me of Yuck with a bit of a Pavement vibe running through, they have that same kind of loose energy. I really like the production on Dive, it’s nice and lo-fi.
Wide Eyed Ben: I like Wide Eyed, I saw them supporting Wild Nothing a while ago and I was impressed. They're doing the shoegaze thing really well and live it's even better, it just washes over you and draws you in.
Velvet Texas Cannonball Lydia: I love organs, it's about time they had a comeback. From what I've heard online, it seems like this band has a great energy and should go down a storm at the festival.
Racing Ben: I really like what I've heard of these, it's fun and sounds like it could get a few dance moves out of me, especially if the sun is out. I'm really interested to see how they pull the sound off live as they're only a two-piece so I'll definitely be watching.
Mike: We haven't seen Sugar live yet and there's nothing online to listen to that we could find. We've heard great things though from friends so we'll be having a listen and ending the mystery.
These Kings
Youth Man
Ben: These guys have a really cool mix – there's a bit of Joy Division in there with the vocals but with the occasional post-rock kind of moments. There are some moments that remind me of Sigur Ros at their most euphoric so I'm really interested to hear more.
Mike: These are making awesome post-punk in the vein of Erase Errata, The Mae Shi and The Murder of Rosa Luxembourg. [Lead singer] Kaila Whyte is a breath of fresh air. Billy: I'm loving Youth Man too – they remind me of Sleater-Kinney which is a good thing.
Boat to Row headline One Beat Saturday at Mac, Birmingham on July 20. Tickets are £10 adv and advanced purchase is recommended. Visit www.macarts.co.uk to book.
The Grafham Water Sailing Club
Youth Man
Photo by Jonathan Morgan
Photo by Andy Hughes
July 2013
Sugar
These Kings
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ALL SAINTS CHURCH | SATURDAY 13TH JULY | 6.30PM KINGS HEATH COMMUNITY CINEMA PRESENTS
WANDERSON LOPEZ MENDI SINGH / JOELLE BARKER
Intuitive EP Launch With Cinematic visuals from Expurgação | £5 Adults | £3 Concessions THE HARE & HOUNDS | SATURDAY 26TH JULY | 9PM REBEL SPIRIT PRESENTS
JOTA III / PABLO RIDER MUNCHBREAK / CUT LA VIS / DJ SWITCH Intelligent hip hop and reggae from the UK and Brazil £5 Tickets | £7 On The Door
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Brum Notes Magazine
presents
in association with academy events
layers romans 路 mutes
friday 20 september o2 academy 3 birmingham tickets : 拢5 adv + stbf doors : 18:30 curfew : 10pm tickets also include free entry to propoganda clubnight facebook.com/layersband facebook.com/romansonline facebook.com/mutesuk o2academybirmingham.co.uk Institute Brum Notes 24_06 Advert PRINT.pdf brumnotes.com
July 2013
sponsored by
24/6/13
17:28:35
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The Weight Of Success
One out, two in, a new label … and a song written for X Factor? David Vincent catches up with Editors prior to the release of their fourth album, The Weight Of Your Love. “We knew we had to make a change,” says drummer Ed Lays. It’s not been an easy time for Editors. In the wake of scoring their second successive UK number one with challenging third album In The Light And On This Evening, the once Birmingham-based quartet found themselves in real trouble. “It’s been so difficult going through what we went through,” recalls drummer Ed Lay today. “We’d got to the stage where we weren’t writing new songs anymore, and we had nothing to communicate – whether we were rehearsing in Robannas [in Birmingham] or whether we were, I don’t know, in some plush recording studio in Berkshire, there was nothing coming out. “But we’re a band. We have to do new music. That’s what we do. But we’d become so stagnant by the end of 2011/ beginning of 2012. We knew we had to make a change, and as it came about … Chris left the band.” Guitarist Chris Urbanowicz’s ‘amicable’ (though clearly traumatic) departure left Ed, frontman Tom Smith and bassist Russell Leetch with a 18
pressing decision. Contractually obliged to headline Belgium’s 85,000 capacity Werchter Festival in just three months, should they cancel and regroup, or just go for it? With a two-to-one ‘for’, the next question was how could they do it without Chris? “So we had to decide, if we’d get a new member or a couple of guys in to help out, initially to do a couple of festivals, which is all that we initially asked them to commit to,” Ed says. Upon the recommendation of producer Flood, in came former YourCodeNameIs:Milo guitarist Justin Lockey and then Elliott Williams, from Mancunian nearly boys Airship, who share the same management as Editors and whose debut album, Stuck In This Ocean, was produced by Urbanowicz. “We bandied about new ideas, and they communicated with us well, they weren’t shy with ideas,” says Ed of the new arrivals. “That was when we first started kicking new material about, and that was the start of the new band if you like.” Brum Notes Magazine
“We'd got to the stage where we weren’t writing new songs anymore, and we had nothing to communicate… there was nothing coming out.”
So welcome Editors: The Second Edition. Now, with Justin and Elliott official members, a revitalised five-piece and ready to take on the world with album number four, The Weight Of Your Love. “They … the experience … taught us that the band can change tact, that we can record by ourselves, that we can get new people in, that we can continue,” Ed says with firm conviction. “We had all the ideas, we paid for the record, we did this all under our own steam, and we weren’t scared by it, it opened up a new direction for us.” Though album track Hyena has distinct echoes of early Editors, The Weight Of Your Love seems a distant relation to the dark, more experimental In The Light… . “Album number three felt more like an art project,” says Ed of their 2009 chart-topper. “We were very happy with how it turned out, but we’d taken that turn. Album number two and number three were both very different records, but we’d done that. But we used what we learnt doing album number three for this album. “Now we’ve got it back to the main elements of electric rock – the bass is upfront, the drums are thumping, the guitar is important, and it’s a solid rock base for Tom to add his voice.” And what a voice it is, with What Is This Thing Called Love finding the singer hitting some high notes. “I’m not blowing smoke up his arse, but Tom is on top form vocally, he really is,” reckons Ed, with a smile. “He’s so confident about himself, whereas previously he was always worried a bit. But not now. He’s really taken that frontman role. He definitely pushed his range a lot. When I’m walking about and he’s there playing Bob Dylan at a soundcheck acoustically, he fills the venue. But that … power … must be difficult to record, as we’ve never quite captured it before [on record], but you can hear it now…” What Is This Thing Called Love is a song that was surprisingly destined for a very different act. “Tom was talking to Mike Smith, who was head of A&R at Sony, about a mutual acquaintance and Mike was asking them to write a song for Matt Cardle for an album,” says Ed of the 2010 X Factor winner whose When We Collide number one was Biffy Cyro’s Many Of Horror retitled. “Tom wasn’t asked and I think he was slightly aggrieved, so went home and said ‘I can write a July 2013
song’ just to prove a point, that he could write a ballad like that. He sent it to us and we all thought ‘what a song! What are we going to do when we record it?’ Tom said he was thinking of giving it to someone else, but we wanted a chance to record it for us. He wasn’t comfortable writing a song like that, but he thought he’d just give it a go. It was the hardest song to record on the record, but we took a huge amount of pleasure from it. It’s this big pop ballad from this little indie band, and it really suits us…” The first taster of the album came with recent single A Ton Of Love. “The single is pretty much the only in-yer-face thing on there – when we heard it we knew that’s definitely a single, we knew that from the moment we wrote it; it’s anthemic, it’s upfront, it’s all those things. It’s an obvious first single for a band that’s been away for three years,” Ed says. “On the flipside, the second-to-last track, The Phone Book, is very soulful, it’s stripped back, a classy song with very simple elements. We recorded that with us all in the room together. The feeling I get from it is elation. It’s a love song on an album full of love songs, but they’re all very different. I can’t pin-point one song that’s an obvious highlight, they’re all so beautiful in their own way…”
A Family Affair Editors MkII made their official live debut at two triumphant HMV Institute shows back in June 2012, with support from Victories At Sea, Swim Deep, Peace and Free School. They were shows that helped the band to heal after the trauma of stagnation, Chris’ departure and finding themselves label-less. “We played a lot of songs,” laughs Ed of the gigs. “It started off as that classic idea of warming up for festivals, but it became something more than that really. It was nice to arrange them in our hometown, the band’s hometown. They were big shows for us. It was so nice to reconnect to our Birmingham fans. They were so important to us growing up in Birmingham, but now ... they’re like family, you get support when you need it most. When you have troubles, you look to your family, and that’s what we did with those shows. They were a massive deal for us. They were so supportive ... it did feel like we were back with family.”
couple of weeks in London finishing off – but it helped us really focus.”
Other notable tracks include album centrepiece Nothing, featuring just Tom’s voice and an understated string arrangement by Hollywood composer Clint Mansell, formerly of local 80s/90s ‘grebo’ legends Pop Will Eat Itself. “We asked him and were so surprised he could do it, that he had the passion to find the time to do it,” says Ed.
Surprisingly, the band felt no pressure to produce a third number one.
Still geographically dispersed between London (Tom), New York (Russ), Somerset (Ed), Manchester (Elliot) and Newcastle (Justin), the band opted to record new material somewhere new, and distant.
Now signed to PIAS (Play It Again Sam), who licensed Editors’ releases in Europe, Ed adds he has no real clue why Sony dropped them.
“When we’re together it focuses us, which is why we went to Nashville to record. If we’d stayed in the UK, we’d all have our own family lives still around us, and it’d be difficult to focus, there’d be family distractions, which is understandable – so we wanted to record somewhere where we’d have no contacts, where we didn’t know anyone and could just focus on the recording. “We did the second record in Ireland, kind of in the middle of nowhere, and we liked the experience, but we’d never been away before like this, for six weeks in a block. It did put a bit of pressure on us – six weeks recording followed by a
“We’d been dropped by our record company after having two number one albums in a row – which seems crazy,” says Ed. “[So] it was just about getting it right for us, that was the only pressure.”
“Maybe we cost too much? I have no idea. They didn’t want to hear the new demos or talk about the new stuff. We saw an opportunity and we took it. They weren’t interested basically, but we were delighted with how it turned out. Why would we want to put a record out on a label that didn’t care? That would be pretty miserable I’d imagine. So although we might not have thought it at the time, they did us a favour.”
The new album from Editors, The Weight Of Your Love, is out on July 1 through PIAS. UK festival dates include T In The Park (Jul 14), Leeds (Aug 23) and Reading (Aug 25), with autumn tour dates to be announced shortly. 19
Good Heavens
Birmingham’s latest sweethearts Swim Deep unveil their hotly-anticipated debut album this month amidst a wave of expectation. Frontman Austin Williams takes Amy Sumner on a track-by-track guide to Where The Heaven Are We.
“It’s a little nod towards the heaven is a place on earth idea, because I think that it can be heaven if you want it to be,” fantasises lead singer Austin Williams in reference to the title of Swim Deep’s debut album. Around two years into their existence, this is the record that fans have been waiting for and it’s a record which encapsulates the shimmering West Coast positivity which has always underpinned the ethos behind them. It drips as thoroughly in idealism as it does in sunshine. “As an album, it’s probably not what we set out to create, but I don’t know what I set out to create in the first place,” Austin admits. “But you’ve got all of these other people influencing it. There’s a certain aura to every song which is the same and that’s what I wanted in the long run – a certain sound.” And a certain sound is what Swim Deep have certainly achieved. The record is cohesive and 20
in keeping completely with the aesthetic that they have built for themselves. “I think it would be really easy to say ‘they’re signed so the label must want their faces on everything’,” explains Austin, about the move to use the band members’ faces as the album artwork, “but it was our choice. I always like to see the band that makes the music – imagine if you didn’t know what The Beatles looked like...I just compared us to The Beatles... didn’t mean to just yet. But you want to connect with the people that make the music you love so I think it’s cool and brave and bold to put yourself on the cover.” Swim Deep played a triumphant homecoming show at The Institute last month, their biggest show to date, where fans were treated to some of the new tracks for the first time. It seems it was an emotional occasion for band and fans alike.
“I don’t see us as a big band in the slightest but all of the bands that I’ve seen in that venue have been huge so it was really confusing. It’s really emotional to think that that many people want to come and see your music after so little time but it’s so good and I am so in love with our fans. “In the last half year, we never really thought about the live shows that much, which I suppose was a bit bratty and selfish of us. We’d just go on stage and drink as much as possible and we thought that if people were drunk and having a good time then that’s all that mattered. We wanted to step up our game and actually start playing music to the people who have paid to come and see us. We’re not there yet but we just want to make the best live show that we can.” Which they should achieve by playing at the Town Hall in Birmingham on September 20, a Brum Notes Magazine
Where The Heaven Are We Swim Deep frontman Austin gives Brum Notes a track-by-track guide to his band’s debut LP.
1. Intro This forms a bookend to the record with She Changes the Weather. It eases you in and I think it’s a good nod towards what the record’s going to be like.
2. Francisco
“It’s really emotional to think that so many people want to come and see your music after so little time but it’s so good and I am so in love with our fans.”
This is actually one of our oldest songs – it’s one that I wrote when Cav [McCarthy, bass] wasn’t in the band and it marks the start of our chronological journey. I wrote it in my bedroom on this keyboard that my gran gave me – that was when I first started writing songs and I was basically just trying to copy MGMT. After a while I got bored of doing that and that’s when I started writing my own songs.
3. King City The name King City isn’t a reference to Birmingham, it’s a place in California and it never occurred to me that it could be interpreted that way. When we started out, we used to look on Wikipedia for places in California and name our songs after them - Orange County, Santa Maria, Isla Vista. When I wrote it, I just wanted to get out, to live a bit more and experience happier things. The whole Jenny Lee Lindberg reference isn’t personal, it’s just a nod to that kind of teenage fantasy. I’m not at all anti-romance - I love romance and anything to do with happiness.
4. Honey
surprisingly unique choice of venue for the home leg of what will be the band’s biggest ever tour. “We’ve played The Institute now so we thought ‘where the hell do we play next?’ We’ve got to top it but we can’t go to the arenas just yet’. There was the option of not playing in Birmingham and playing in Wolverhampton instead, but I said ‘fuck that’ straight away. No part of me wanted to announce a tour and say ‘our date is in Wolverhampton so you’re all going to have to get the train’. We’re from Birmingham – that’s our main fan base – they love us so much and we love them and to give them a special show was something that we really wanted to do. It’s going to be a special occasion.”
Me and Zach [Robinson, drums] were writing over the phone. I was listening to a lot of hip hop at that point – a lot of Kanye West because he samples loads and I really like sampling. Zach sent through this little loop that he’d just made on the guitar and with the phone to my ear I put some chords over it. That’s what I wanted to do at the time – just make a real feel-good Kanye West song. We wanted to put all of the ‘bangers’ at the start of the record because it’s a statement – it’s saying ‘this is the music we want you to hear first because we want it to hit you hard before taking you somewhere more serious’.
5. Colour Your Ways This song is older than King City and was written when me and Higgy [Tom, guitar] were listening to a lot of Smashing Pumpkins. It used to be called Pink and is quite an uplifting tune which is actually about Higgy. It means that you have to see stuff in the right light and look at things in the right way.
6. Make My Sun Shine Photo by Gobinder Jhitta
July 2013
This used to be called Gold and is so old that I can’t actually remember writing it. The lyrics to
the chorus came out immediately and I said to the guys, ‘that’s lame isn’t it?’. But they didn’t think so and when I went home and thought about it, I thought ‘it can’t be lame if you don’t want it to be’. If you really mean it then it isn’t lame, and I do mean it.
7. The Sea I wrote The Sea in a friend’s bedroom. She had this microphone connected to her laptop and I was playing around on the guitar. I always feel like I write the best music when I’m around people but also I feel like I shouldn’t be writing music then because it’s anti-social. She’s got this ringtone on her old phone and I didn’t realise until after the song was released but this was the annoying sound that I made into a nice sound. Sometimes you don’t realise it but you take on influences I like that string theory idea that vibrations carry on through people even though they don’t know about it. That’s why music comes back and crops up and connects with people in different ways through the generations - when the feeling comes back, the music comes back.
8. Red Lips I Know This is the newest song on the album. After the album was recorded, I went into the studio to record a b-side. This is that song and it turns out that we wanted to include it.
9. Soul Trippin It’s very idealistic and almost like I’m talking about someone else. But it’s talking about explaining to a lover that you have all these dreams. It’s quite up itself, but I like that.
10. Stray This is another old one – in the sense that it’s old to us but not to everybody else because they’re all new to those people…
11. She Changes the Weather We wrote it here in Robannas and it was just a jam. We’d been listening to a lot of psychedelic music and it was the last song we wrote before we went into the studio. There was never meant to be a chorus but we just kept on building it up because we were so happy with it. We might as well have put an orchestra on it – actually, that’s something I want to do live at some point…
Swim Deep release debut album Where the Heaven Are We on July 29, through Chess Club/RCA Victor. Next single King City is out on July 22. They are live at the Town Hall, Birmingham, on September 20. Tickets are on sale now. 21
LIVE SWIM DEEP + WIDE EYED + LACED The Institute Birmingham 31/05/13
Laced have been relatively quiet since revealing their two debut tracks, Jade Vine and Glue, to the world a few months back, so tonight is a nice introduction to further material. Along with Wide Eyed, who themselves reveal a new number, it’s completely obvious from the reaction of the assembled crowds that they are on course for a big one tonight. And so they should be – Swim Deep’s performance in this room marks not only one of their biggest shows to date surrounded by family and friends, but also the perfect opportunity to showcase their new record to their doting fans. Aesthetically Swim Deep have intensified over the past few months and musically they’ve done the same. Reactions to She Changes the Weather and the anthemic King City are understandably the largest, and when confetti shoots from the cannons for their final number, it’s not an overstatement to describe a sense of total euphoria in the room. The band twirl flowers from the stage into the crowd and as a handful of enthusiasts cross town to catch Wolf Alice headline The Victoria, there is a definite sense that musically, right now is a very good time to be around Birmingham. Amy Sumner
GOODNIGHT LENIN The Old Rep, Birmingham 31/05/13
This year’s been unusually quiet for Goodnight Lenin so far, with just a single support slot since 2012’s sell out Christmas show at Birmingham Cathedral. But any fears that they’d run out of steam were rapidly dismissed during tonight’s triumphant Glastonbury warm-up gig. Whilst those vocal harmonies remain in place, old favourites have now been beefed up with a slightly rockier feel serving up a much richer, fuller 22
Photo by Katja Ogrin
sound than ever before. Even the betweensong banter (always a big feature of any Goodnight Lenin gig) seemed a little fresher. Most intriguingly of all though were the new tracks. You Were Always Waiting’s late period Beatles meets CSNY...Lenin go Lennon anyone?...could well be one of their best songs so far, whilst other tunes span off into a more experimental direction, shades of space rock and psych colliding with the band’s more traditionally folky feel. The big break they so richly deserve seems to remain frustratingly out of reach but who knows, with that much anticipated debut album finally nearing completion (allegedly...) and this heavier, gutsier sound, Lenin-thing’s possible now. Daron Billings
SPLASHH Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath
that only formed last February, Splashh’s sound and style seems honed far beyond their one year anniversary. In a music scene where Birmingham is adopting a labyrinth of summery vibes with names referencing the sea (Swim Deep) and things that go in the sea (JAWS), Splashh seem to almost fit snugly into this bracket, despite the cultural differences. With support from Birmingham’s scuzz-happy Heavy Waves (the water references just keep on coming guys) in which effortlessly cool frontman Luke Morgan meanders his way through a set that is already well attuned to the Brummie ear, and the diversely packaged Popstrangers offering songs that can whet pretty much anyone’s appetite, tonight boasts a roll call of a 90s travel through the ages. Splashh’s start was mellow and it wasn’t until five songs in when All I Wanna Do crash landed into the Hare & Hounds that the crowd really took off. What went from bobbing to full scale crowd surfing during Vacation ultimately resulted in a stage invasion to an elongated outro of Need It which was so long you could shave on it, and so did the band and audience truly merge into one. Splashh’s sound is refreshing, at times euphoric and, more than anything, catchy. Which is all the essence of a great indie band. Paired with Toto Vivian’s pining vocals and sun-soaked riffs, if these guys can manage to set themselves aside from their musical peers during live performances, they may well and truly be onto something. Freshh. Harley Cassidy
DRENGE Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath 04/06/13
02/06/13
When Splashh first erupted onto the new music scene with their debut single All I Wanna Do late summer last year, it seemed palpable that a new ‘buzz band’ had generated from the ol’ hype machine. Hailing from Hackney, the band’s 90s tinged, anthemic sound filters neatly and significantly into your ‘Indie Summer Playlist of 2k13’, somewhere between Gross Magic and Peace. From a band
Jesus Christ it feels like it’s 1995 in here. Partly because of the masses of baggy clothing and bigger haircuts, and partly because that’s the year in which most of the crowd here tonight were born.
Goodnight Lenin Photo by Wayne Fox
Brum Notes Magazine
Survivors were rewarded with a pair of 24ct classics, though, and both Heart of Gold and Blowin’ In The Wind saw Young stripped back and acoustic. With Crazy Horse back on board, late era classic-in-themaking Ramada Inn (off new album PsyVictories at Sea Photo by Jonathan Morgan chedelic Pill), a devastating portrayal of an alcohol blighted Y’know how Pearl Jam got pissed off after relationship on the rocks (literally), justified Ten and made Vs, then got more pissed off its 15-minute length proving that Young’s and made Vitalogy? Well, if they’d gone an- not ready to burn out or fade away just yet. other couple of rebellious steps in that di- Cinnamon Girl’s killer riffs sprinkled more rection, they might have ended up sounding magic on the set before Hey Hey, My My something like openers Bad Moon. (Into The Black) sent grunge lovers into their Cue a change of about four facial features own personal nirvana. Okay, so some of the and a different plaid shirt, and we have The jams went on forever and the tiresome frat Wytches. The three-piece mix their particular boy call and responses during Fuckin’ Up brand of grunge with elements of Fugazi and were frankly embarrassing, but 45 years into the whiff of Josh Homme on Arctic Monkeys’ their partnership the fact that Young and the Humbug to create massive waves of intrigue. Horse are still willing to keep on shocking in Come 10pm, brothers Eoin and Rory Love- the free world is pretty admirable. less rifle through the first half of their set like Daron Billings a band that have 30 minutes of material to fill a 45 minute set, with a barrage of two- TEMPLES + CHARLIE BOYER & minute songs that all unfortunately sound THE VOYEURS the same. A lack of dynamics and options Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath makes Drenge, at this point, rather limited in 19/06/2013 what they can do. But, luckily for them, what they can do is make a terrific bloody rack- Tonight’s show sold out in an impressively et. Bloodsports sounds immediately iconic short amount of time. In part because psyand new single Backwaters is an absolute chedelic Kettering four-piece Temples are cracker, with passion by the bucket load, an widely regarded as one of THE bands to enormous lead guitar track, and lyrics that get out and see right now and this show, not make you want to rip your clothes off and so far from where they were raised, marks throw a brick through the nearest window. a special point in their progression. But in Tom Pell part because support act, London’s Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs are causing a bit of NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE a commotion too. Voyaging through highLG Arena, Birmingham lights from their recently released debut al11/06/13 bum, Clarietta, The Voyeurs’ progressive 70s-indebted psych rock is pulled off well, As the grinding noise enters its fifth minute, particularly in terms of Boyer’s live vocal. If an old couple gingerly descend the stairs you are unaware of this band, make sure to on their way out of the venue, hearing aids check out Be Glamorous, Be Nice and set shot to pieces and the last blobs of Poligrip closer, I Watch You. Temples brand themshaken free from their dentures. Walk Like selves ‘neo-psych’. Wherever that means a Giant’s just the fourth number of tonight’s they fit onto the musical landscape, they cergig but Young seems determined to weed tainly do look the part tonight. As expected, out/annihilate anyone who was expecting Prisms and Shelter Song prove particular a gentle evening of folk-tinged loveliness. highlights and silhouetted against a backOf course this is a Neil Young AND Cra- drop of blue green lights, the band make zy Horse gig, such sonic experimentation for extremely impressive viewing. Temples’ shouldn’t be unexpected but even so the music is a complete throwback to a bygone first quarter of the show possibly tested the era. But it’s a welcome sound delivered with patience of some. panache and the crowd tonight, some of July 2013
whom have come dressed to boot, are justly completely enamoured. We look forward to their record. Amy Sumner
VICTORIES AT SEA The Sunflower Lounge 21/06/13
At the launch party of an EP that’s been about three years in the making, there is a definite buzz in the air – something in the water, if you like, for the introduction of Victories at Sea’s debut EP, In Memory Of. Skull TV’s reliably atmospheric pedal-hued lo-fi ambience contributes deliciously to this anticipation and the brooding electronica of The Grafham Water Sailing Club’s light-enhanced show, which is broodingly industrial (if a little quiet on the vocal front), sets the scene beautifully. So that when Victories at Sea drop anchor, there’s a special feel to the room. The three-
Temples Photo by Andy Hughes
piece treat us to songs from the record, highlights of which include Stay Positive and their newest tune, Dive, as well as a completely fantastic and unanticipated cover of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s Relax. Live, the drums are spot on and when vocals make way to full-blown instrumentals, it really is a pleasure to watch this band go. The performance is punctuated by gushing thanks to everybody who has lent a hand along the way and the night really is tribute to what this band are and what they look set to become. Victories indeed. Amy Sumner
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TOR'SPICK STYLE FESTIVAL PICKS
URBAN OUTFITTERS £45.00
H&M £7.99
FOR HER TOPMAN £30.00
FOR HIM
TOPSHOP £85.00
OFFICE £54.99 BURTON £20.00 OASIS £45.00
RIVER ISLAND £22.00
H&M £6.99 TOPSHOP £72.00 P&CO RICKI HALL £14.00
P&Co is the ever growing Birminghambased fashion lovechild of Adison Rudall and Lee Timms. It bridges together the popular streetwear trend with British heritage to provide simplistic designs wearable by both men and women. The brand is currently pushing forward two very different new collections, The Ricki Hall and the Elegant Creature collections. The Ricki Hall collection is an idea that combined P&Co’s elegant designs with the Midland’s own tattooed fashion model Ricki Hall to create “The Unloveable Heartbreaker”. The collection sees a range of three t-shirt designs and a wooden engraved hair comb in an attempt to convey Ricki’s style without overdoing it. The Elegant Creature collection has introduced colour schemes into the picture by incorporating three elements of nature in preparation for the British summer, so this is quite a step away from the simplistic white designs the brand is known for, but it is a very welcome addition. P&Co will be releasing various lines over the summer that will all have different themes and inspirations behind them. One of the new lines, Living is Easy, will go live in July so watch this space. Visit P&Co online at pand.co
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Brum Notes Magazine
KS
birmingham street style photography by Sinéad O’Callaghan
ALEX, 21, SHOP ASSISTANT AT DIESEL Alex is wearing an Armani trench coat, brogues from Grenson at Autograph, Diesel jeans, a Topman t-shirt and a bag from River Island. His style icon is David Beckham and his favourite retailer in Birmingham is Selfridges.
EVENCE, 19, LANGUAGES STUDENT Evence wears a thrifted shirt, Topshop jeans, a bag from French retailer Raaad, a watch from Mr Birds Emporium in the Custard Factory and boots handed down from her mother. Her style icon is Charlotte Gainsbourg and her favourite retailer in Birmingham is Mr Birds Emporium.
BROGAN, 20, FASHION DESIGN STUDENT Brogan wears green Dr Marten boots, a vintage bag, an umbrella from Primark and her jacket and dress were thrifted from charity shops. Brogan’s style icon is Agyness Deyn and her favourite retailer in Birmingham is Topshop.
GARY, 26, VISUAL MERCHANDISER Gary is wearing a shirt from Cheap Monday at Urban Outfitters, trainers from Gola at Asos, River Island jeans and a Zara leather jacket. Gary’s style icons are bearded men the world over and his favourite retailer in Birmingham is Zara.
July 2013
ERICA, 16, STUDENT Erica is wearing a jumper and top from Zara, trousers from H&M Kids, socks from River Island, Nike trainers, a bag from H&M and an Armani watch. Erica’s style inspiration comes from watching Clothes Encounters, a video-blog on YouTube and her favourite retailer in Birmingham is H&M.
CALLUM, 16, STUDENT Callum wears a vintage t-shirt and shirt from Cow, Topman jeans, New Balance trainers and a rucksack from JanSport. He takes his style inspiration from the fashion label Marc by Marc Jacobs and his favourite retailer in Birmingham is Cow.
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Fiesta del Asado 229 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, B16 9RP 0121 455 9331
French, Indian, Caribbean, Austrian, Black Country… you name it, Birmingham’s pretty well served when it comes to global grub. Here’s something new though, the city’s very first Argentinian eatery, from the team behind the awardwinning Lasan restaurant. Opened at the end of last year, it’s already made some ‘Top 10 Birmingham’ restaurant lists and it’s not hard to see why. Even before you’ve eaten anything the place feels nicely relaxed and intimate, despite boasting 120 covers, and you’d struggle to believe you’re just a few feet away from the busy Hagley Road. For aperitivos we went for the saltily seductive pan fried padron peppers following by entrantes of gambas al ajillo, huge tiger prawns tossed in garlic, chilli and sobrasado and a pair of light chicken and sweetcorn empanadas (stuffed pastries). This was all just a mere warm up for the main event though, the meat lover’s paradise of parrilla mixta. Sweet lamb chops, juicy
Cuisine:
Argentinian
Price:
Around £30 per head (3 courses)
Service: Atmosphere: Food: Overall:
chicken wings, bavette and rump steaks and a trio of sausages all barbecued to utter perfection and served with malbec and béarnaise sauces along with a pot of fresh chimichurri. The steaks were exceptional, well aged, infused with Fiesta del Asado’s signature dry rub and delivering a truly meaty hit of flavour. Of the three sausages the undisputed winner was the morcilla, black pudding’s sexier, more exotic cousin, as rich as a Russian oligarch with a seductively smoky aftertaste. The side order of potatoes in a truffle cream
was best enjoyed before tackling the meat mountain, its subtle but distinctive flavour unsurprisingly soon overwhelmed by the stronger flavours on offer. It’s a hell of lot of meat, even between two of you, but the different textures and tastes, plus the fresh garlic and palate-cleansing bursts of oregano provided by the chimichurri kept things interesting right up to the last mouthful. After a much needed break, churros (long Spanish doughnuts) with spiced hot chocolate were a must. Fried to perfection, these were soft and doughy but (mercifully) surprisingly light. Service throughout was friendly and efficient but unhurried, wine was magically topped up, the table dusted down for crumbs after each dish and sufficient time allowed between courses to truly enjoy the whole experience. Rustic and relaxed but with a level of sophistication that lifts this place way above a mere steakhouse. Del-icious. Daron Billings
VENUE WATCH: The POST OFFICE VAULTS 84 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4BA
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It’s all too easy to miss the unassuming New Street entrance to the Post Office Vaults. Easy but unforgiveable, frankly, especially as this place has one of the biggest and best selections of bottled beers anywhere in the UK. Just how many they have in stock caused the amiable barman and co-owner Mike a moment of reflection when quizzed, but eventually he settled on an incredible 380 different bottled beers at any one time, plus eight or so draft real ales and almost a dozen proper ciders. The quantity’s impressive but it’s the quality of this stuff that’s the real appeal. Mike and his team are on an almost fanatical quest to track down and import the rarest and best tasting beers on
www.postofficevaults.co.uk
the planet, adding several new ones each week. This is as far away from the mass produced cat’s piss that passes as beer or lager at most pubs as you can get, but with prices ranging from a modest £3.50 or so a bottle, it’s still perfectly possible to enjoy truly world class brews without breaking the bank. For the beer geeks out there the recently launched Beer Passport (a kind of Man/Woman vs Beer) is a dream come true. Buy a passport for £2.50, get a stamp for each one of the 200 beers listed within it (probably not all on the same night…) and you’ll enjoy a free crate of beer, exclusive t-shirt and everlasting glory on the wall of fame. Daron Billings Brum Notes Magazine
SIX OF THE BEST…
THESUNONTHEHILL.CO.UK
0121 448 7966
BEER GARDENS THE PLOUGH harborne
This popular pub is beautifully decorated throughout and the garden is no different, presenting a true urban oasis on Harborne High Street. Enjoy lamplit wooden tables and benches, reclaimed cinema seating in front of the TV, heaters, fresh plants and flowers delightfully dotted around, plus thoughtful touches such as umbrellas when it’s wet and free suncream when it’s sunny.
EVERY WEEKEND UNTIL 1AM!
TRY OUR BRAND NEW MENU
The Lord Clifden hockley
This hidden gem is known for its unique street art, dotted throughout the outdoor space which boasts a true secret garden vibe. Table tennis, an outdoor bar, TV screens, a pink postbox and other oddities capture your attention, while the spacious garden is at its bustling best when hosting barbecues or outdoor music events.
THE PRINCE OF WALES moseley
This buzzing beer garden is surprisingly large, tucked away behind this traditional pub, offering a rare outdoor haven in Moseley. It’s a veritable melting pot of characters, adding some summer spirit with its beach sand, outdoor tiki bar and regular entertainment. A huge weather-proof marquee, heaters and table service are added bonuses.
THE CHURCH INN hockley
A new addition to Birmingham’s pub scene but one that has made an instant impression. The rooftop terrace is a true sun trap and offers a unique perspective on the urban surroundings of Hockley, perfect place for sampling seasonal cocktails and delicious food.
THE FLAPPER city centre
This no-frills concrete beer garden is a great space for socialising, soaking up some rays or cooling down after a gig in the downstairs gig room. Picnic tables alongside the canal make it ideal for lazy summer days and evenings in one of the city centre’s best alternative boozers.
TWITTER @THESUNONTHEHILL
FACEBOOK.COM/ THESUNONTHEHILL
FOURSQUARE THE SUN ON THE HILL
WELCOME TO OUR NEW PUB!
RE-OPENS JULY 1ST AFTER A FULL REFURBISHMENT BIRMINGHAM JAZZ + BLUES FESTIVAL SUNDAY 15TH JULY AT 3PM, FREE ENTRY! FIND US AT 7 KINGS HEATH HIGH ST, B14 7BB
THE old crown Digbeth
The city centre’s oldest boozer has plenty of character and now a refurbished hideaway garden too, with crowds flocking from nearby workplaces whenever the sun is out. Plenty of space for outdoor parties, this sociable garden is a2013 hit with Digbeth’s trendy crowds. July
TWITTER @THESUNATTHESTATION
FACEBOOK.COM/ THESUNATTHESTATION
FOURSQUARE THE SUN AT THE STATION
THESUNATTHESTATION.CO.UK 0121 444 8749
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birmingham THE UK’s LEADING POPULAR MUSIC COLLEGE Courses for everyone from beginners to advanced musicians and producers
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www.accesstomusic.co.uk . 0800 28 18 42
Brum Notes Magazine
WHAT’S ON Monday, Jul 1
CN Jam Jah M M M M M M M C M M M M M M M M
Tuesday, Jul 2 Matthew E. White
Bull’s Head
Moseley
C
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Ort
Balsall Heath
Inches From The Ground Thursday, Jul 4 Beware Soul Brother
The Yardbird
Birmingham
Ort
Balsall Heath
Embrace The Tide
The Asylum
Birmingham
Superfood
The Rainbow
Birmingham
Ben Norris
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Friday, Jul 5 Arkala
M
Ort
Balsall Heath
M
Secret Oktober
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
The New Age Saints
Birmingham
Marc Malone
The Actress & Bishop The Asylum
Simone Felice
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Josh Record
The Rainbow
Birmingham
Prisms
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
My Great Affliction
The Slade Rooms Gatecrasher
Wolverhampton
Birmingham
CN
Kings Heath
Ms Dynamite Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival After Party Freestyle
CN Ben Norris C
Saturday, Jul 6 The Matchsellers
Warehouse Hare & Hounds
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Ort
Balsall Heath Birmingham
These Kings Bounce Back Returns
Subway City
Birmingham
FACE x 2:31
The Rainbow
Birmingham
Bruk Up
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival After Party Hot Wax
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
The Glee Club
Birmingham
O2 Academy
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Asylum
Birmingham
The Asylum
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham Moseley
Mac
Birmingham
Watsky + Twizzle
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Her Dark Embrace
The Rainbow
Birmingham
The Nortons
The Rainbow
Birmingham
The Mend
The Temple @ The Institute Hare & Hounds
Birmingham
Brum Notes July Issue Party with Racing + The Cedar House Band + Mindnight Bonfires + Two Fathoms + FF Korova DJs Henning When
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
John Robins Edinburgh Preview Show Friday, Jul 12 Rudie & The Revolvers The New Mendicants
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
The Adam & Eve The Glee Club
Birmingham
Manakin
The Rainbow
Birmingham
The Culture/Invade The Armada One Eye + Tempting Rosie Freestyle presents Keziasoul Supersonic Vague
The Victoria
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Bull’s Head
Moseley
CN CN Escapes Birthday
Gatecrasher
Birmingham
Suki10c
Birmingham
C
The Glee Club
Birmingham
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
The Actress & Bishop The Asylum
Birmingham
M M M M M M M
C C M
M
M CN CN CN CN
Kevin Mark Trail: Unplugged Wednesday, Jul 10 The Original Rudeboys Kate Gee Band
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Birmingham
Tift Merritt
Tuesday, Jul 9 NO CONSEQUENCE (Asylum 2) The Roy Wood Band (The Asylum) Honey Ryder
The Yardbird
Thursday, Jul 11 Brooks Williams
M
M
July 2013
M M
Birmingham
Holocene
Sunday, Jul 7 FF Korova
M
Birmingham
M
CN Ben Norris C
M
M M M
The Actress & Bishop The Sunflower Lounge The Temple @ The Institute The Flapper
Revolver
M CN Jam Jah
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Bethan and The Morgans Jon Richardson Monday, Jul 8 Kendrick Lamar
The Glee Club
Birmingham
M
M
Prayers + John Napier & The Guitar Heads Wednesday, Jul 3 Metamorphic
CN Supersonic Vague CN EBL Summer Ball feat The Rainbow
M M
KEY TO LISTINGS: M = LIVE MUSIC CN = CLUB NIGHT C = COMEDY
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
M M
TALK
Birmingham
M
The Weeks
Celebration Henning When
Saturday, Jul 13 Taking Hayley Reaside Blood Red Throne
Kings Heath
Birmingham
Birmingham
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M
Raglans
Terrors M CN Kicks live hip hop
CN FACE x Milkk CN 10:31 Summer Sessions Festival
CN Balkanic Eruption Summer Blowout
CN Habit Henning When C M M CN M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M
Sunday, Jul 14 Butterfly Culture Bohemian Jukebox Sunday Social Monday, Jul 15 Jam Jah Tuesday, Jul 16 Brennen Leigh
Birmingham
The Adam & Eve The Rainbow
Birmingham
The Rainbow Warehouse Hare & Hounds
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
The Actress & Bishop Bull’s Head
Bull’s Head
Birmingham
Birmingham
Kings Heath
Birmingham Moseley
Moseley
Ort
Balsall Heath
The Actress & Bishop The Asylum
Birmingham
The Institute
Birmingham Birmingham
Erica Nockalls
The Temple @ The Institute Hare & Hounds
Trembling Bells
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Fearless Vampire Killers Wednesday, Jul 17 Jess Vincent
The Slade Rooms
Wolverhampton
Ort
Balsall Heath
Oh Stockholm!
The Yardbird
Birmingham
Thursday, Jul 18 Matt Tyler & Friends
Mac
Birmingham
In Dante’s Eclipse
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Karma to Burn
The Asylum
Birmingham
Leeroy Stagger
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Youth Lagoon
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
With One Last Breath
The Slade Rooms Bull’s Head
Wolverhampton
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Friday, Jul 19 John Fleming Quartet
Ort
Balsall Heath
Brokenwitt Rebels
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Sunday, Jan 1
Birmingham
Table Scraps Carnal Decay Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra MS MR
CN Soundkitchen James Acaster C M M M
The Sunflower Lounge The Flapper
Birmingham
M M M M
The Indigo Kings
Ort
Balsall Heath
One Beat Saturday
Mac
Birmingham
New Killer Shoes
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
The Good Water
Birmingham
M
Wildfights
The Actress & Bishop The Sunflower Lounge Unplug Digbeth Hare & Hounds Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Sunday, Jul 21 Emily’s Army
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Shebrew
The Asylum
Birmingham
Velvet Riot
The Yardbird
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Tuesday, Jul 23 Visage
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Wednesday, Jul 24 Patty Griffin
The Glee Club
Birmingham Wolverhampton
Matt Forde
The Slade Rooms Hare & Hounds
Thursday, Jul 25 Two Fathoms
Mac
Birmingham
Frieda Antan
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Friends Launch Party
Bull’s Head
Moseley
David Rees-Jones
Ort
Balsall Heath
Jason John Whitehead
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Friday, Jul 26 Winston’s Big Brother
The Rainbow
Birmingham
Room 94
The Institute
Birmingham
THIEVES
The Victoria
Birmingham
Freestyle presents Jimmy Davis Supersonic Vague
Bull’s Head
Moseley
CN CN Surreal CN Advanced Under-
Gatecrasher
Birmingham
Adam & Eve
Birmingham
The Rainbow
Birmingham
C C
Mac
Birmingham
The Glee Club
Birmingham Birmingham
CN Girls Love Bass CN DJ Derek CN Uber James Acaster C M M M
M M M C M M CN C C M M M M
Fighting Wolves
ground Music Barbara Nice
Jason John Whitehead
M
The Smoking Hearts
CN CN CN C
FACE
Wagon & Horses The Sunflower Lounge The Rainbow
Roni Size
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Curious Orange
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Jason John Whitehead
The Glee Club
Birmingham
M
Sunday, Jul 28 Rose Redd
The Yardbird
Birmingham
Monday, Jul 29 Deception’s Pocket
The Temple @ The Institute Bull’s Head
Birmingham
Two Gallants
M M M M
Arbor Lights Shatter Effect
The Victoria
Birmingham
Peaky Blinders
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Freestyle presents The Bluebeat Arkestra Supersonic Vague
Bull’s Head
Moseley
CN CN Fidget presents
Gatecrasher
Birmingham
The Rainbow
Birmingham
M
C
The Glee Club
Birmingham
CN Jam Jah
Simma Black James Acaster
Saturday, Jul 20 30
Kings Heath
M
M
Birmingham
Kings Heath
Saturday, Jul 27 Water Aid charity gig
The Actress & Bishop The Library @ The Institute The Rainbow
Birmingham
Birmingham
Monday, Jul 22 Akron/Family M CN Jam Jah
Kings Heath
Moseley
Birmingham
Birmingham Birmingham
Moseley
Brum Notes Magazine
July 2013
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Brum Notes Magazine