COME PL AY WITH AMYL & T HE SNIFFFERS THE WEDDING PRESENT H AT C HIE B L A C K B E LT E A G L E S C O U T MNNQNS STRAIGHT GIRL AND LOTS MORE... BEHIND THE SCENES AND UNDER THE SKIN OF ALL THINGS MUSIC
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WHAT’S INSIDE
TEAM CPWM MANAGEMENT Tony Ereira MAGAZINE Andrew Benge LABEL Scott Lewis EVENTS Sam Robinson AMYL & THE SNIFFERS COVER Andrew Benge THE WEDDING PRESENT COVER Jessica McMillan
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SPECIAL THANKS In no particular order - Ben, Melan, Jenelle, Amy, Bryce, Gus, Dec, James, Katherine, Sam, Laura, Danny, Alexia, Katja, Anthony, Frank, Burak, George, Liv, Adrian, David, Jessica, Paddy, Harriet, Holly and everyone else that helped make this happen.
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Come Play With is printed by Mixam. Copyright © 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email the publisher at andy@cpwm.co. Printed in the UK.
04 NEWS / AUGUST 2019 06 AMYL & THE SNIFFERS 12 BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT 14 20 YEARS OF THE WARDROBE 16 PHOTO BOOTH 19 MNNQNS 20 THE WEDDING PRESENT 26 HATCHIE 30 STRAIGHT GIRL 3
NEWS / AUGUST 2019 There were more cracking gigs in June from us - Crumbs, Curfew and Galaxians, Game Program, Hanibl x Dante in Leeds. We even managed a cheeky mini HerFest event as part of Tramlines Fringe with the good folks of DINA, Kycker and Her Music PR (Venus, Babe Punch and more...) Fitting that we also proudly signed up officially to the ReBalance initiative championed by the wonderful outgoing CEO of PRS Foundation, Vanessa Reed, to commit to ensuring that 50%+ of artists playing CPWM gigs by 2022 will be female-identifying... and to celebrate we announced The Orielles would be headlining this year’s HerFest at Brudenell Social Club, Leeds 19th October (quick - get your FREE tickets now from Eventbrite!) We’ve also got a bunch of exciting upcoming gigs coming from Witch Fever, Toya Delazy and Dead Naked Hippies. We also announced we’d temporarily change track from our singles club (don’t worry - it is definitely temporary!) to release a new studio single from this issue’s cover stars The Wedding Present ‘Jump In, The Water’s Fine.’ It landed 2nd August and made it to number 2 in the UK vinyl singles chart (ahead of the brilliant Idles and behind only Blur!) and is available on limited 7”, 10” picture disc (the band’s first in their 30+ years!) and a special Japanese 7” with Japanese spoken word intro from David Gedge. All with stunning Apollo 8 themed images commissioned from Darren Hayman (Hefner) Our next singles club release comes from the brilliant Uncle Buzzard and Faux Pas, two amazing new bands we’re very excited to be working with too. Thanks to everyone for all of your support so far - it means a lot. To keep up to date or get involved, just give us a follow on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter Tony Ereira, CPWM
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AMYL & THE SNIFFERS 6
Combating stereotypes with mullets and a no-nonsense Aussie-tude
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“People look at me like I’m a hooker/ I just want to be a venue booker”. This powerful line from Amyl and The Sniffers immediately conjures up the image of what this band is all about. Sporting mullets, Australian accents, retro outfits and a powerful message drenched in punk, it’s not a surprise that this group is gaining a lot of attention. Thanks to the wonders of technology, I managed to catch up with the band’s guitarist - Dec Martens, to explore the individuals behind the phenomenon that is Amyl and The Sniffers. Dec admits that he started learning the guitar in an almost coincidental and jokey manner. He was heavily involved in Melbourne’s underground music scene as a fan. After seeing that the friends who happened to be guitarists were getting a lot of attention, he decided to give the instrument a try. From then on, his newly discovered passion was fuelled by the music of the legends of another era, particularly Kurt Cobain, Deep Purple and Jimi Hendrix.
been in. But his perspective quickly changed. “Loads of our friends were telling us that we were really good,” he recalls, “I was pretty shocked. That was the moment when I realised that there was something different about us, but I never thought we were going to end up being an international touring band.”
“WE ALL GET ALONG AND HANG OUT AND DO THINGS OUTSIDE OF MUSIC AS WELL. IT’S A MASSIVE NETWORK OF PEOPLE THAT SPANS ACROSS DIFFERENT GENRES”
and artists they look up to. This analysis led to a more mature and defined sound. Furthermore, the group felt the need to prove to everyone that they were a fantastic live band. After a tonne of practise sessions and rehearsals, the band emerged to record their debut album. They were definitely in good company when they decided to do so. Ross Orton - the drummer of Add N to (X), known for his production work on the Arctic Monkey’s 2013 album ‘AM’ - stepped in to produce the album. Orton allowed the band to express themselves to the max. He acted as their mentor when it came to adding the final touches to the tunes that they had already perfected, thanks to countless live performances.
The album’s massive success enabled the band to tour regularly, gaining a tonne A lot has changed since the of fans along the way. Since band’s 2016 release ‘Giddy Up!’. The group’s debut album they’ve just finished their tour - the self-titled ‘Amyl and The here in the U.K., I couldn’t help but ask: Are there Sniffers’, which was released any significant differences in May, depicts a unit that is between a U.K. audience and sure of its sound. During the past three years, the members an Australian audience? “Not really!” replies Dec, “There explored and experimented with their sound and gear. Dec are always good mosh pits when we’re playing live.” admits that he didn’t know After a chance meeting with However, he mentions that anything about guitar amps, Amy Taylor & Bryce Wilson, pedals, and the like, and made their U.K. audience is more Dec’s life changed forever. Initially, Dec thought that this an effort to learn and explore diverse in terms of music taste. Conversely, their this particular facet of the particular line-up, (consisting guitar world to take the band’s Australian audience is made of the main vocalist Amy up of die-hard punks who are Taylor, drummer Bryce Wilson, sound to the next level. heavily involved in the scene. bassist Gus Romer, and Dec The 4-piece started examining himself on guitar)) was just The band are widely viewed the music of the bands like any other band he had 9
as the new face of punk. Their striking look and visuals are two main features that music fans around the globe can’t get enough of. Moreover, they’ve collaborated with esteemed fashion houses such as Gucci, cementing their growing importance in the music and fashion spheres. The retro, signature Amyl and The Sniffers look which we now know and love, was something that was cleverly curated by the band. Inspired by Melbourne’s retro fashion sense, Dec noted that they could create a cool concept of a time-travelling group of musicians from the 70s who are now performing in 2019. (That sounds like a full concept album idea!) After adding a couple of mullets to the mix, their striking image was born. Unquestionably, Amyl and The Sniffers have had a crazy year. From incessant gigging to recording an album to fashion collaborations and whatnot, they’re quickly blowing up. Dec considers the moment when they got signed to be a life-changing experience that he’ll never forget. With not one, but three labels supporting the band’s endeavours (Flightless in Australia, Rough Trade in the U.K., & ATR in the U.S.), these four musicians were able to achieve more than they had initially imagined. Their first international tour was a career highlight.
Australian bands rarely get the opportunity to tour abroad. Due to the sheer amount of expenses involved when it comes to touring Europe and the U.S., Aussie bands mostly stick to Australia and New Zealand. Dec pinpoints the band’s performance at the 2018 edition of ‘The Great Escape’ in Brighton, as a particularly critical show since it led to the Rough Trade deal and a myriad of other opportunities. Being a fellow guitarist, I couldn’t help but ask Dec what his go-to gear is. Dec’s favourite amp is a specific 1977 Marshall JMP, belonging to a particular European touring company that the band regularly works with; an amp which Dec hopes to purchase in the future. As far as pedals go, Dec uses a Boss DD7 as his main delay pedal since it adds a certain thickness and ambience to his sound that’s required since he’s the band’s sole guitarist. Additionally, he always uses a boost pedal that he bought from a thrift shop in Brighton. “I don’t know what’s in it or anything!” exclaims Dec, “I just plugged it in, and it sounds great! I love it.” Dec is all about Fenders: he regularly uses a late 90’s Fender Strat as his main guitar but has a couple of other Fender Strats as a backup.
to pay homage to the scene that practically raised them and crafted their sound. They’re grateful for what the Melbourne punk scene has given them. “The whole scene is like a big social thing really,” says Dec, “We all get along and hang out and do things outside of music as well. It’s a massive network of people that spans across different genres. There’s always a really fun party that we get to go to every weekend. Everyone’s really supportive and wants to hear stories from our time abroad.” It’s a wonder what beautiful things can emerge when DIY music communities are supportive. Amyl and The Sniffers are a clear example of a healthy music scene that inspires individuals to get together and work hard to create something meaningful. With a friendly and humble demeanour, a set of kickass songs, a badass live performance, and an iconic image, it’s safe to say that Amyl and The Sniffers are the face of what modern punk should look like, I.e. fun songs, good energy, and an inclusive and diverse community. Who knows, maybe after all these time-travelling musicians have crash-landed in 2019 to teach us a valuable thing or two in a time when the world really needs it.
In spite of their busy schedule, The album ‘Amyl and The Sniffers’ is out now on Rough these modern-day punk Trade Records. heroes are firmly grounded, and still manage to find time 10
Words by Janelle Borg | Photography by Andrew Benge
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BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT WHO ARE YOU?
My name is KP and I play music as Black Belt Eagle Scout.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I’m the guitarist, drummer, singer, keyboardist, percussionist, producer and soon to be an engineer for Black Belt Eagle Scout. I do it all. I take my project on the road and tour throughout Turtle Island, playing music festivals and clubs.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
I do what I do because I love music. Sound is one of the things that moves me the most. I do what I do because I want more people like me – indigenous, queer, femme womxn – to be
able to do the same and feel empowered when they do it!
“I DIDN’T HAVE THIS AS A KID GROWING UP AND TO BE A PART OF IT IS MIND BLOWING. WE NEED MORE!” WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?
I have an album coming out on August 30 called "At the Party With My Brown Friends" on Saddle Creek Records. I’m playing summer festivals and will be working with my live band on our 12
show for the album release tour later this year.
WHAT’S THE HOT TOPIC?
I’ve been a part of more womxn in color creating powerful roles for themselves in the music industry. A world where we have Mitski, Japanese Breakfast, Sasami and others like them is what I’m into right now! I didn’t have this as a kid growing up and to be a part of it is mind-blowing. We need more! Don’t stop!. The album "At The Party With My Brown Friends" is out August 30th on Saddle Creek Records.
Photography by Sarah Cass
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20 YEARS OF THE WARDROBE When it comes to live music, cities that are often taken as the leading example for what is up and coming are Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield. However, we should never close our eyes and ears for what is happening in Leeds. 14
Leeds is home of a couple of steaming and brewing talent-hubs amongst which are The Verve Bar, Oporto and The Lending Room. One other venue, in particular, is The Wardrobe, and the lively music venue is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a week full of jazz, soul, salsa and indie. Reason enough to have a closer look at what is happening and how they have been able to exist for 20 years already. The Wardrobe Bar & Kitchen opened in 1999 and is now one of the city’s longest-established independent venues. The décor of the venue reminisces of 1950’s New York industrialism and hosts a spacious café, bar and restaurant next to a live music basement in which over 250 live shows a year take place. Next to venues such as The Verve Bar, Oporto and The Lending Room, The Wardrobe has been a haven with a vast crowd of music lovers and has been pushing emerging bands to pull a bigger crowd and grow within their musical career. Leeds needed that push and has gone out of their way to catch up on cities with a richer musical heritage such as Manchester and Liverpool. The uprising of superior nightclubs kept the audience of the live music venues occupied. However, The Wardrobe survived that uprising by hosting legendary artists such as Amy Winehouse, Charles Bradley and Roy Ayres plus early shows of breakthrough artists like Lewis Capaldi, George Ezra and Catfish & The Bottlemen. It is hard to imagine now that even Lewis Capaldi started his career by playing in front of about fifty people during Live at Leeds Ones To Watch, and this was less than two years ago. MOBO awardwinning artist Corinne Bailey Rae was a regular at the Wardrobe both as a punter and onstage. “I went to The Wardrobe the first few weeks it was open. I used to work at legendary Leeds jazz club The Underground so I remember feeling excited that I would have somewhere to go out that was 'exotic' and not 'home'. I used to perform at The Wardrobe in the early days with The Haggis Horns and I performed with Wayne
Clarke, John Ellis (Cinematic Orchestra) and Cleave Freckleton. The backstage hang was always at least as good as what was happening front-of-house, if not better!”
“THE BACKSTAGE HANG WAS ALWAYS AT LEAST AS GOOD AS WHAT WAS HAPPENING FRONT OF HOUSE, IF NOT BETTER!” - Corinne Bailey Rae The Verve Bar is hosting free indie-concept Double Denim Live which keeps pulling more and more visitors as well as emerging bands that want to play outside of their well-known local pub. Both The Lending Room and Oporto have become venues that are often visited by touring bands and all of a sudden Leeds is an important city to have played for any artist that wants to make it inter- and nationally. Even though music can be consumed for almost-free online, live music has been a steady phenomenon throughout the years and still seems to be growing. Maintaining a live music venue, however, is difficult and there are many risks and dangers attached to it. Last year local website Best in Leeds shared a list of a bunch of venues that did not make it into 2019, which shows how hard existing as a venue on its own is. Live music venue The Cockpit closed supposedly due to the changing industry, drag and cabaret club Birdcage was closed in 2010 by the police over concerns of public safety and a similar situation occurred at superclub Gatecrasher in 2011. In 2006 former cinema Majestyk was the victim of the superclubdomination and closed its doors. The Wardrobe stuck to their formula of promoting live artists, being a family-friendly place with great food and always having an open door. Besides bands and artists, The Wardrobe also has a 15
stage for spoken word, comedy shows and talks and saw Joe Lycett, James Acaster and Viv Albertine appear at the venue. This diversity of events made them live up and past the 20mark. The family-owned business is celebrating its birthday big. From the 20th until the 28th of September there will be plenty of events going on, including Gilles Peterson, Submotion Orchestra, Craig Charles’ Funk & Soul Club, The Dig Family Reunion and The Amy Winehouse Experience. The anniversary week will be opened by soul, funk, jazz legends The New Mastersounds who performed at the venue in the early days and will be supported by the reformed Dig Family. Sell-out Craig Charles returns for some more funk and soul, the Submotion Orchestra have also played The Wardrobe multiple times and are back home with soulful ambient. On the 11th of November 2006, Amy Winehouse took the stage to promote her newly released album ‘Back In Black’ and the celebration of The Wardrobe’s 20th year of existing would not be complete without a homage to the talented singer-songwriter who passed away eight years ago. The Amy Winehouse Experience also known as Lioness will feature tracks from ‘Frank’, ‘Back to Black’ and ‘Lioness’. For all local salsa-lovers, there will be an evening of salsa classes, live music and salsa DJ’s on the 27th of September. Now if that wasn’t enough, UK’s only all-female salsa band Guerrera and star teachers Tanya Cusan Espinosa and Mauricio Reyes will be taking over and even salsarookies are welcome to come down and give those hips a go! Musical centipede Gilles Peterson will also be performing with even more going on than the artists just mentioned, The Wardrobe’s anniversary-week promises to be a musical highlight of the past and a celebration of what will happen in the future.
Words by Laura Rosierse | Photography by Andrew Benge
PHOTO BOOTH
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01 KAISER CHEIFS (DANNY PAYNE) 02 ANITTA (BURAK CINGI) 03 DREAM WIFE (ANTHONY LONGSTAFF) 04 STARSET (KATJA OGRIN) 05 EMBRACE (ANTHONY LONGSTAFF) 06 BLUEDOT (GEORGE HARRISON) 07 SLOWTHAI (GEORGE HARRISON) 08 JANELLE MONÁE (FRANK RALPH) 09 KENDAL CALLING (GEORGE HARRISON) 10 KISS (ALEXIA ARRIZABALAGA) 11 LAURA MARLING (ALEXIA ARRIZABALAGA) 12 BLUEDOT (GEORGE HARRISON)
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MNNQNS WHO ARE YOU?
We are a four-piece band from Rouen, France. I (Adrian/singer) have been living in Wales as well. I started the band there.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
We’ve been playing together as MNNQNS (Mannequins) for 2 years now with the current line-up. We usually write fairly simple pop songs, then turn them into something stranger using weird effects and instruments.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
I guess we’re bad at pretty much everything else. At 25 I still don’t know how to cook rice without burning the pan.
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?
We’re playing a lot of festivals these days, and our debut album ‘Body Negative’ will be released in
October. We’ll also play London, Brighton, Birmingham and Manchester in October.
“MAYBE IT’S JUST ME BUT I FEEL LIKE THERE’S A LOT OF HONESTY IN UNDERGROUND SCENES RIGHT NOW... IT’S THE POST-INTERNET WORLD, DIY HAS NEVER BEEN MORE REAL...” WHAT’S THE HOT TOPIC?
What’s the deal with people saying that everything’s been said and done? I like where guitar music is heading these days, especially in France and the UK. Bands seem to be looking for new sounds instead of repeating things over 19
and over. It’s a fact that modern music has always evolved with technology and all the new stuff on the pedal market is a gold mine for people wanting to break away from classicism in music, which is an extreme necessity. I mean, who needs Deep Purple cover bands? Maybe it’s just me but I feel like there’s a lot of honesty in underground scenes right now... It’s the post-internet world, DIY has never been more real…Just look at Crack Cloud in Canada or the SOZA collective in our hometown Rouen… Anyway, I’m amazed at how King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard went Trash Metal on the latest record. A few albums to go and they’re into Dubstep. Can’t wait. The debut album 'Body Negative' is out on the 11th October on FatCat Records. Photography by Dan Ramaën
THE WEDDING PRESENT Mongolian Diaries, 2019 By David Gedge 20
South By Southwest is an enormous music festival that happens every spring in Austin, Texas. It’s always a worthwhile place for bands to play because, even though concert fees are virtually nonexistent and expenses are high, your audience may be comprised of music business movers and shakers from all over the world. So you never know just who’s going to be watching you perform. Literally.
65 metres underground to a park full of hundreds of Soviet monuments that were torn from their pedestals in 1991. It’s a fascinating city to explore but understanding some of the culture can be a challenge. We went to a fabulous mid-century furnished, Cosmonautthemed restaurant called Voskhod and was asked, ‘Inside or outside?’ It was a hot afternoon and so I replied that we’d prefer to that Playtime was indeed a be in the air-conditioned bona fide event. Moreover, interior. The hostess The last time The Wedding our friends – The Pains of looked me up and down Present appeared there sternly and said, ‘But we Being Pure at Heart – had was in 2018 and, after appeared there. We asked have a dress code inside. one of the several sets we No shorts. But you can sit them how it had gone. played in the scorching They told us it was the best outside, if you like?’ I was heat, an excited fellow festival they’d ever played. absolutely fine with that came up to me, introduced We signed on the dotted but did wonder why we himself as ‘George’ and were given the option in line. said, ‘That was amazing! the first place! You should come and play This being The Wedding at my festival in Mongolia!’ Present, we don’t do things When we arrived in I replied that we’d love in the most straightforward Yekaterinburg – which to, although my unspoken is close to the boundary way, of course. So, rather thoughts were more between Europe and Asia than looking at flights along the lines of ‘Yeah, – the taxi driver took one to Mongolia, we looked like that’s ever going to look at my guitars and at flights to Russia. A happen!’ Still, I thanked assumed we were there couple of us had decided him for his offer and we for the Ural Music Night that we would fly to swapped email addresses. Moscow and then take festival that was taking I wandered off wondering the Trans-Siberian Railway place the following day. what a festival in Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar. I think Our hotel was filled with might be like. musicians and there were you can do this journey stages set up all over the in seven days but we Some months later, the city. It was like being back decided to take it slightly official invitation came at South By Southwest and more leisurely and have through from George kind of strange that we a look around Moscow, [whose real name is were at a city-wide festival Yekaterinburg, Listvyanka Natsagdorj]. ‘Would The but not playing at it! and Irkutsk en route. Wedding Present be interested in headlining As a result of this decision, We re-boarded the the final night of the 2019 Moscow has now rocketed train. Our next stop was Playtime Festival which Listvyanka, on the shores towards the top of our was to take place in the of Lake Baikal – the list of favourite places to village of Gachuurt, 30km largest freshwater lake in visit by virtue of all the outside of Ulaanbaatar?’ fascinating stuff that there the world. It apparently Despite our still being none is to see there. From Red contains more water than the wiser about Mongolian Square to stunning brutalist all the North American festivals, a quick internet Great Lakes combined. We architecture... from search verified had completed 77 hours of former Cold War bunkers
“WE ASKED THEM HOW IT HAD GONE. THEY TOLD US IT WAS THE BEST FESTIVAL THEY’D EVER PLAYED. WE SIGNED ON THE DOTTED LINE.”
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train travel since we’d left Moscow so it was nice to be in one spot for a while.
that bad. Perhaps that’s because every other car seemed to be a hybrid. It’s like those developing After mooching around African countries that went Listvyanka we headed to straight to mobile ’phones Irkutsk. In Yekaterinburg and bypassed the whole they were setting up for a landline era. It seemed like music festival, in Irkutsk everyone who had recently it was the day before the bought a car in Mongolia Silk Way Rally – a 5,000km owned a Prius. The actual race to China via the Gobi driving was completely Desert. Away from the crazy. If you consider racing cars, we wandered manoeuvring around Paris down streets named after roads to be a challenge you Lenin and Marx. I wondered might not want to hire a why they had changed car in Ulaanbaatar. Leningrad back to St. Petersburg but left other places named after heroes “THE FESTIVAL of the Soviet Union intact. SITE WAS IN A You could even buy white chocolate Lenin heads in RIDICULOUSLY Irkutsk. Most people who ‘do’ the Trans-Siberian Railway head to Vladivostok after Irkutsk but we were Mongolia-bound, of course, so we jumped on a train heading south to Ulaanbaatar and prepared ourselves for another twenty-three hour journey.
PICTURESQUE VALLEY SURROUNDED BY HILLS NEXT TO AN OLD HOTEL THAT BOASTED ACTUAL YURTS FOR ROOMS.”
Before arriving there, the only things I knew about Mongolia were that it was sandwiched between Russia and China [ from a childhood spent pouring over maps ] and that it had been a satellite country of the Soviet Union. The name had changed from the Mongolian People's Republic to plain old Mongolia following the regime change in 1990. It’s a developing country and so the infrastructure isn’t on a par with ‘the west’. I’d been warned that the pollution was terrible in Ulaanbaatar but I didn’t think it was
And so to Playtime. The festival site was in a ridiculously picturesque valley surrounded by hills next to an old hotel that boasted actual yurts for rooms. Wild horses frolicked in adjoining fields and cows watched the proceedings inquisitively from over a river. Our concert preparations were somewhat hampered by technical issues but I think this was more down to communication problems than anything else. The local crew were supplemented by Koreans at the stage area and, 24
at front-of-house, by Japanese technicians. We got there in the end, however, and our performance, which closed the festival, went down well. Someone in the audience had even heard of Cinerama! The festival-goers and organisers all seemed very happy and, on a friendliness level alone, I could see why The Pains of Being Pure at Heart had rated this festival so highly. George, in particular, seemed pleased and very kindly invited us to share a bottle of Mongolian vodka after the show. We didn’t really partake, if I’m honest. The Wedding Present have never been the most rock ‘n’ roll of bands in the first place but we were also mindful of the five hours’ sleep we were going to have before we were due to depart for Tokyo. For the Playtime Festival organisers, of course, the work was over. But, for us, an Asia tour was really only just beginning and Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam were all beckoning... The new single "Jump In, The Water’s Fine" is out now on Come Play With Me. "Tommy 30", a rerecording of the band’s Tommy compilation from 1989 is out now via Scopitones Records. Pomona Books have also just published the 4th in their series of ‘Sleevenotes’ books, written by David Gedge.
Words by David Gedge | Photography by Jessica McMillan
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HATCHIE From Australian suburbia to the British gig circuit, Hatchie proves that location is no limitation in the modern music industry. 26
Guitars drenched in a chorus, 80’s synthesisers and dreamy vocals soaked in reverb, Hatchie’s music provides the perfect soundtrack for your summertime drive. Currently living out in Brisbane, Australia where she grew up, Dream Pop purveyor Hatchie is one of the important artists challenging, redefining and shaping what it means to be a pop artist in 2019. Taking influence from ‘The Cranberries’ and ‘Cocteau Twins’, Hatchie creates a universe of melody and colourful visuals for fans to delve into.
“I want to try and work on subject matter that touches on the complexities of life to illustrate that women are multi-faceted beings who don’t just sit at home thinking about men or heartbreak.”
Having just released her debut album, 26-year-old Harriette Pilbeam, better known by the pseudonym ‘Hatchie’, finds herself back home in the suburbs of Brisbane catching up with her family and friends after what has been a whirlwind of a year in the lead up to her much anticipated debut album.
Despite the escapism that Hatchie’s music provides it is clear that she takes full responsibility when it comes to using the platform she has received as a pop artist. “I’d like to be a good example for other people listening to my music, particularly young women.” She continues, “Anything artists can do to open up the conversation is a positive thing.”
“I feel like a weight has lifted now that I have a full body of work out in the world.” Aptly titled, ‘Keepsake’ oozes nostalgia both sonically and lyrically from start to finish. Talking about her reasoning behind the name of the record, Hatchie explained: “Keepsake’ felt appropriate because I realised the album is essentially a keepsake for myself, a little time capsule of this period in my life.” Hatchie’s music holds all the same romantic qualities of a John Hughes soundtrack. But make no mistake, Hatchie takes great care to steer her lyrics away from the typically love-orientated lyrics of modern pop music.
“WOMEN ARE MULTI-FACETED BEINGS WHO DON’T JUST SIT AT HOME THINKING ABOUT MEN OR HEARTBREAK”
to fans over there.” Although Hatchie has played in various bands over the last ten years, touring the world is still a relatively new experience. With new experiences, come new challenges and it’s no different for Hatchie. “I’m getting better at dealing with jetlag, but mixed in with meeting new people each day, selling my own merch, trying to find healthy food in the middle of nowhere, avoiding alcohol when you’re constantly surrounded by it, all while trying not to get sick from being run-down... It’s physically and mentally exhausting.” She weighs up the pros against the cons; “It’s truly rewarding though. It’s all about the balance, which I’m still figuring out.” Despite touring the world, Hatchie still describes herself as a ‘hermit’ and ‘homebody’ even if she does spend most of her time these days away from home.
Type ‘Hatchie’ into YouTube and find yourself immediately Perhaps one of her most diving into a rabbit hole outstanding achievements and of colour and 80’s/90’s a testament to dreaming big iconography. Strikingly is Hatchie’s ability to create creative DIY videos tastefully a fan base in the UK from the created to match with other side of the world. In less Hatchie’s already reminiscent than three years, Hatchie has tracks. “Visuals are super already amassed a significant important to me” she explains. following despite having only “I’m in awe of artists who played a handful of tours can create visual landscapes in the UK so far. “It’s pretty that connect with people unreal that I’ve had such a and bring their thoughts to connection over in the UK,” life.” She attributes much of she says. “I’m so honoured the visual success to fellow and excited to continue to band member Joe Aigus who tour over there!” “The UK often shoots the videos with fans are always really keen a DIY approach. “The ‘Sugar to chat about 80s and 90s & Spice’ video was shot in our music that I’m influenced by, living room and I cut out the which is really sweet.” “I feel collages with Joe’s mum.” a different type of connection 27
As one of the most interesting names in modern pop, Hatchie has every right to cast her opinion on the genre. “I love a lot of pop music. There has and always will be unsavoury, shallow and mindless pop music that doesn’t please everyone.” “I do think that the pop industry still has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity.” “Something I hope to see more of in the future of pop music is more inclusion of and more opportunity for LGBTQI artists, non-cis, non-male and non-binary artists and artists with different abilities.” Hatchie’s time at home will soon be coming to an end as she sets off to the States next month for her headline US tour. With dates
in Los Angeles, San Diego and Detroit, Hatchie seems excited at the prospect of touring again - “You’re always guaranteed to meet some interesting characters on the road. Our friends Orchin are supporting too, which will be amazing.” Although she has no solid plans to jump back into the studio just yet, she mentions that she’s about to start work on some new ideas.
she does. “I think the most important thing when creating in any field or capacity is to just keep at it as long as it’s making you happy and you’re doing it for yourself.” Having played in various bands for the last ten years, it’s safe to say that Hatchie won’t be leaving us any time soon and we can look forward to more melody fuelled, nostalgia from across the seas.
Having released her first single less than three years ago, Hatchie has already stolen hearts around the globe proving that location is no boundary for an artist in the modern industry. There is a real sense that Hatchie’s music is a result of genuine love for her art, and that shines through in everything
The album “Keepsake” is out now on Heavenly Recordings.
Words by Declan Vink | Photography by Andrew Benge
GOLD FLAKE PAINT A PHYSICAL MUSIC JOURNAL FOR THE DIGITAL WORLD OVER 100 PAGES OF IN-DEPTH CONVERSATIONS, REVIEWS, AND CAREFULLY-CURATED MUSIC SUGGESTIONS RECENT FEATURES INCLUDE: Big Thief, Mitski, Sharon Van Etten, The Twilight Sad, The National, Phoebe Bridgers, Jamila Woods & DIGITAL much more A PHYSICAL MUSIC JOURNAL FOR THE WORLD AVAILABLE IN-STORE AND ONLINE
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Issue Four - August 2019
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The Wedding Present COMPETITION TO WIN ONE OF TWO TEST PRESSINGS FROM THE WEDDING PRESENT Hatch Records have released a series of albums / EPs in recent years of sessions that The Wedding Present recorded for different Radio 1 / 6 Music DJs (hatchrecords.awesomedistro.com/artists/the-wedding-present)
They have kindly given us TWO different album test pressings to give away to competition winners - just answer this question: “Hatch has been considering what other artist’s radio sessions would sound and look good pressed up to vinyl / CD next. What was your favourite session recording by any band any why? “ Answers to info@hatchrecords.co.uk before 20th September 2019 and the best two will receive TWP test pressings!
UPCOMING ARTISTS A6 The Wedding Present Competition.indd 1
19/08/20
THESE ARE THE ARTISTS WE’RE WORKING WITH NEXT, LISTEN + FOLLOW ON SPOTIFY
TALKBOY
UNCLE BUZZARD
FAUX PAS
DENSE
SEA LEGS
VAN HOUTEN
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Open Spotify App > Search > Camera > Scan
STRAIGHT GIRL WHO ARE YOU?
I’m the reason they stopped making Guitar Hero - otherwise known as the ugly, thunder thighed, grave-ravin’, ass-jigglin’, pussy waxin’, drop-deadimmediately-right-now-gorgeous bisexual succubus, sad-dance connoisseur and gender-bending juggernaut, STRAIGHT GIRL @straightgirluk.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I made big-beat electro-punk that makes people want to dance and cry at the same time. Outside of that, I like smelling petrol and cutting the flares off of flared jeans.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
For the power.
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?
There is TOO MUCH happening Photography by Andrew Benge
ALL THE TIME. I am RELEASING my next SUPER HOT NEW SINGLE titled ‘UGLY’ on SEPTEMBER 13TH.
“WE ARE FINALLY TALKING ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY” I am CELEBRATING said release with a SEXY RELEASE PARTY at CHUNK in LEEDS on SEPTEMBER 14TH and EVERYONE is INVITED. I am then ALMOST IMMEDIATELY packing my GAY BAGS and going on a UK TOUR with my VERY GOOD friends *TEAM PICTURE* and *FLIRTING.* in OCTOBER. I’m ALSO releasing my OWN FRAGRANCE called ‘MOTOR OIL’. 30
WHAT’S THE HOT TOPIC?
It’s not a topic that’s ‘hot’ in a good way BUT I am SO glad that we are finally talking about the problem with exploitation of women in the music industry, and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone and everyone who reads this please read up on the #SolidarityNotSilence campaign and consider donating towards their fundraiser to cover their legal costs and defences. I want all victims of abuse, assault and sexism in this industry to know that I love you, I support you, and I will forever stand and fight with you. The single ‘UGLY’ is out 13th September.
Celebrating two years of Both Sides Now in Leeds Creating change for female music creators and industry professionals in the North of England
• artistic residencies led by Beth Orton, Shiva Feshareki and Bianca Gerald • creative commissions • training and apprenticeships
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Connect with us at brightersound.com @BrighterSound #BothSidesNow
COME PL AY WITH T HE WEDDING PRESENT AMYL & THE SNIFFERS H AT C HIE B L A C K B E LT E A G L E S C O U T MNNQNS STRAIGHT GIRL AND LOTS MORE... BEHIND THE SCENES AND UNDER THE SKIN OF ALL THINGS MUSIC
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