he Beaten Track•CUL 1 ide•PANTHERS•review jecT•Social edowN•PIXIE PARASOL GALLERY•HEXADECIMA ABOUT FILM•NEWS•REV •PIXIE PARASOL•THE RC ECIMAL•BEATRICE FLOW •NEWS•REVIEWS•CLOT view•Stop EjecT•Soc wN•PIXIE PARASOL•THE ERY•HEXADECIMAL•BEA T FILM•NEWS•REVIEWS• PARASOL•THE ARCHES• •CLOTHES SHOW•THE T EWS•TAKE ME HOME AN NE•SOCIAL CONSCIENC MUSIC • ART• CONSCIENCE
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CONSCience•ShinedowN•PIXIE PARASOL•TH ARCHES•CUADROS GALLERY•HEXADECIMAL•BE OWERS•THE TRUTHABOUT FILM•NEWS•REVIEW PARASOL•THE RCHES 4ence•ShinedowN•PIXIE SHOW LIVE•HEXADECIMAL•BEATRICE FLOWERS TRUTH ABOUT FILM•NEWS•REVIEWS•CLOT iews• news•Interview•Stop EjecT•Social CONSCience•ShinedowN•PIXIE PARASOL•THE ARCHES•CUADROS GALLERY•HEXADECIMAL•BEATRI WERS•THE TRUTHABOUT FILM•NEWS•REVIEWS• nce•ShinedowN•PIXIE PARASOL•THE ARCHES•CUA GALLERY•HEXADECIMAL•CLOTHES SHOW•THE TRUT ABOUT FILM•NEWS•REVIEWS•TAKE ME HOME AND R ME•FREEQ MAGAZINE•SOCIAL CONSCIENCE A new year and a new decade; time is flying by. I remember ‘as if it were yesterday’ flying off to Banff in Canada to go snowboarding for the Millennium celebrations just over 10 years ago. After 23 hours of planes, trains, and minivans I arrive in a metre of snow and a temperature of 25 below freezing. Roads were clear, people were going to work and the tourists (that included me) were enjoying the après-ski. Over here and we get a few centimetres of the white stuff and it’s like Armageddon. Schools close, roads freeze over and suddenly everyone lives on a hill in a village and can’t get in to work. Freak weather nowadays always gets blamed on ‘global warming’, the ‘climate change’ and it’s all our fault because we’re not separating the tins from the plastics. Actually, deforestation is the leading cause of CO2 emissions and I don’t know about you but I’ve never cut a tree down in my life.
EDITORIAL TEAM Editor in Chief: Sam Borrett Creative Director: Mellisa Harrison Reviews Editor: Jamie Brannon Features: Martin Guttridge-Hewitt Columnist: Phil Robinson Photography: Digital Resolution Cover: Mimi Design: Radar Creative Published by: Freeq Printed by: Midland Printers www.midlandprinters.co.uk
Anyway, that’s all for a future ‘conscience’ piece. Right now I need to tell you what to look forward to in this issue and over the coming weeks.
Advertising: Call: 07766 118 852 Email: info@freeqmagazine.com
We’ve got interviews with local musical talent in the shape of Stop Eject, Cult and Hexadecimal and international rock group Shinedown – we’re covering a range of tastes with this combination.
WEBSITE: www.freeqmagazine.com General enquiry email: info@freeqmagazine.com
We’ve featured new music venue Central, a preview of Light Night and highlighted a few of our favourite hideouts in the all new ‘Off The Beaten Track’ feature. You’ll also see some information about this year’s Bar Awards of which we’re proud to be an official media partner. The Bar Awards 2010 will be bigger than ever and we’ll give you a full rundown of the nominated venues in the next issue of Freeq.
Address: Freeq Magazine 177, Wollaton Street, Nottingham NG1 5GE There’s even more online now at www. freeqmagazine.com for you to peruse, including articles from all our back issues and image galleries of our favourite gigs and events. Facebook: search for freeq Myspace: www.myspace.co.uk/freeqmagazine Twitter: www.twitter.com/freeqmagazine
Printed onviddy paperwell from sustainable Until then, good readers,forests viddy well. www.freeqmagazine.com
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WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE
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FREEQ NEWS As our diary over the last few months has been pretty full, we thought we should mention a few of the highlights from the back end of 2009. Hockley Hustle then took on the partying responsibility on October 25th with an excellent event all for ‘charidy mate’. More than 25 venues put on music, art and entertainment with a total of £20,000 raised for good causes. We’ve got a full write up online at www. freeqmagazine.com and keep an eye on the 2010 event at www.myspace.com/hockleyhustle
In October Love Unlimited sound system converted the NasH Interiors building in Hockley, into the biggest house party of the year with stunning visuals and a range of party spaces with DJs such as Luke Unabomber, Kelvin Andrews, Richard Norris, Coyote, Red Rackem, Rob Soulfood and Rick Donohue with Love Unlimited DJs in the basement. Thanks to Jane Hoskyn (flickr.com/ladymuck) for the images.
Kasteel Cru supplied the beers – a premium champagne lager which has become a favourite of ours ever since, many thanks to them for hooking us up and look out for the lager in Nottingham, it’s a pleasant change to the usual and the ladies will like it too! Thanks also to Moog, Vedett and Nottingham’s Craft Mafia who all helped out on the day.
November saw Freeq’s own party at Moog with Basement Boogaloo, MyHouse YourHouse and Audiophile providing an awesome blend of house, while Dilk got creative with the spray paint.
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7 December was the turn of the Clothes Show live at the NEC – more high street than high fashion and the catwalk show was more like a theatre production but worth it for the buff guys and sexy ladies. We also met Gok Wan which quite frankly, made everything seem ok. www.clothesshowlive.com
We got ourselves down to the Rescue Rooms for the VV Brown and Frankmusik gigs (recommended in our previous issue) and they did not disappoint. Keep an eye out for both those guys this year if you like your pop music.
We popped along on December 5th to Montana as they were holding a bit of a party and exhibition for seven Spanish graffiti artists. This was the first chance for people of Nottingham to get to see the work of these acclaimed painters live and the event was quite the success. www.montanashopnottingham.com
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... Our staff Christmas meal was at Ripple and we had a thoroughly good feed and drink at the Sherwood venue. The food was excellent and full advantage was taken of the Editor’s first round of drinks as everyone ordered cocktails. We were well looked after all night and due to getting slightly worse for wear, couldn’t make the breakfast there the following morning. We did check out the breakfasts later in the week and they are definite hangover cures. Ripple are featured in our ‘Off The Beaten Track’ article on page 21 and we highly recommend them for a meal or a few drinks in the evening. www.ripplecafebar.co.uk We’ve been keeping one eye on the ice hockey in Nottingham as the Panthers aim to win the first league title in over 50 years. February and March sees the climax of the season with the Play Off Finals held at the NIC on Easter weekend – well worth checking out for some wholesome entertainment. If you’re out that weekend in the city you’ll see lots of people with hockey shirts on – now you’ll know why. There’s also the annual varsity ice hockey game on February 15th between the two Nottingham universities. It’s one of the biggest varsity games in the country, always some great banter and lots of beer! www.panthers.co.uk or www.trentfmarenanottingham. com for tickets.
Apart from being at all the glamorous events and gigs, we visited the Beeston Snooker Hall in January and thought we’d give them a mention. It’s been there since before the war and having tried to play ourselves, it would have taken us that long to pot anything – it’s a lot harder than it looks but with a few mates and the cheap beer, a good evening out.
Make sure you’re following us on Twitter as we’re giving away VIP tickets to selected gigs and you’ll find out first at www.twitter.com/freeqmagazine We’re also occasionally loitering with intent to socially network at Facebook and if you register at www.freeqmagazine.com you’ll get to hear all about the lovely opportunities at Freeq HQ.
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THE ARCHES
Our social conscience this issue led us to a project in Nottingham that supports thousands of marginalised people every year who find themselves in difficulty and need a helping hand.
mimi
The Arches is based under Abbey Bridge in Lenton and distributes food, clothes and furniture to those in need. Managed by a team of volunteers from the Trent Vineyard church, the beneficiaries of this altruistic venture include refugees, victims of domestic violence and young people who have been in supported housing. Established in 2001 and open three times a week, the Arches not only provides food and clothing but offers a welcoming retreat to simply get a cup of tea and some toast and meet with someone who’s willing to listen to you. It’s this compassion that’s evident when we popped down to see one of the project team, Pippa Neal. “We’re creating a community where people are welcome to come and just feel they’re part of something, often people are quite lonely and isolated so this is a place they can come.” There are obvious challenges running this type of project with minimal budgets and constantly dealing with people facing difficult life circumstances, “there’s always more demand, always a need. Sometimes you just feel this is the tip of the iceberg. When you don’t
have a bed and someone is sleeping on the floor, not always being able to sort things out immediately is a frustration.” Users of the Arches service have to be referred by an agency they are connected with such as Children’s Services, Social Cervices, Framework or the Refugee Forum and the Arches support over 100 organisations across Nottingham through the project. The positive stories certainly make up for the harder moments as Pippa recalls a recent event. “Just before Christmas I had a call from someone who was living in a hostel and her whole world had been turned upside down. She didn’t have any Christmas presents for her children and she had no food. Just being able to give her some toys and some food was a small thing but for her made a massive difference. It’s just trying to do what we can when we can.” Good quality donations of clothing, bedding, furniture and household goods are always welcomed by the Arches team – call 0115 9508774 beforehand as specific needs can change each week. The Arches is open on a Tuesday from 10.00am to 11.45am for the coffee lounge only and then on Thursday and Saturday from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Volunteers come through the Trent Vineyard church on Lenton industrial estate so visit them if you want to get involved. www.trentvineyard.org
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SHINEDOWN With only a handful of rock CDs in my entire collection I was intrigued to meet up with a band I had never seen play but who were selling out gigs across the UK. With an established following already in the States, Shinedown have been experiencing a rapid rise to prominence over the last couple of years in the UK rock scene. Their self-titled Arena Rock music has struck a chord with music lovers across the genres and a sell-out at Rock City was evidence of the burgeoning fame this side of the Atlantic. With ten consecutive top 5 singles in the mainstream rock charts and five number 1s on all three rock formats in the States, not to mention listing Otis Reading as one of his favourite singers of all time, Front man Brent Smith explains his view on the wider success of the band. “Crossing over into different formats is a beautiful thing because it opens up people’s minds about a band they might have thought was a certain way and it’s a completely different thing that they want to become a part of.” As for the difference in playing the UK guitarist Zach Myers explained; “If we had a show in the US and it was raining, no-one would show up, even if they bought tickets already. They appreciate music in the UK so much and are excited about it, so we’re excited to play here.” Despite the band being almost a decade old, the success in the UK is still relatively recent and I asked drummer Barry Kerch how easy it had been to establish themselves over here. “It’s easier than when we started 10 years ago back in the States, it’s been a lot of fun over here – I have drank too much, I don’t remember anything anymore.” Brent highlighted the tour as supports for Disturbed in 2008 as being a key element. “They could have picked anyone they wanted to come over here and they chose us, we have to give them props for that.” He continued with some pretty sound advice for aspiring bands: “If you can, get on a tour where you’re opening for someone more established, there was a real fit for us and Disturbed and it just worked.
It’s never going to hurt to come over and open up for 100,000 people rather than come over by yourself and play to 10.” On the subject of the weirdest things seen at their gigs bass player Eric Bass (possibly the most conveniently named man in music) revealed one of his favourite stories. “It was the first time we played at Download. We were waiting side stage to go out and there was a giant British flag with Shinedown written right through the middle of it and it was on a pole 20 feet up in the air. I got chills; that’s when it sunk in that we were maybe breaking out over here. Brent recounted some magical moments at shows in the US with packed crowds of over 50,000 and seeing people in wheelchairs being lifted up and crowd-surfed to the front. Music can do that sort of thing to people, it moves people in ways nothing else can. “Music can cure cancer – it’s done it before. It healed me, I’m still messed up but it heals me everyday.” Apart from touring the UK and US, there is still plenty of un-chartered territory for Shinedown as Barry explained. “The one place the band would like to go that we haven’t is Japan. Ireland would be nice, Brent and I have a deal that as soon as we step off the plane we have to go to a pub and have an Irish Whiskey and a Guiness. We’ve had that deal for about nine years. We asked Brent what’s on the horizon for the band. “Aside from touring, I feel in my gut and heart that the next record will be the most influential record the band has ever done. This one for me was a way I was able to get out what possibly could of killed me and now I get to release it every night on stage, that’s extremely therapeutic for me but the record that will be world changing and life changing will definitely be the next one.” “We don’t ever look at what happened yesterday because you can’t get it back, I think everybody should know this band continues to climb mountains and when we reach the top, we just go find a bigger one to climb.” Shinedown are planning on being back in the UK this summer for the festivals. Keep an eye on www.shinedown.com for details. www.freeqmagazine.com
THE REELTRUTH ABOUT FILM Film has been regarded as the recession proof art since its inception, but at what cost to grass roots practitioners are the audience figures maintained? An emerging trend in theatre, wherein plays are broadcast in cinemas, is perhaps a sign of the difference in health between the two creative forms. Look closer and this is not necessarily the case. Moving images are also suffering from a slow and silent illness. The ‘chilling effect’ of the multiplex means big business exhibitors retain a huge amount of influence over production. Mass marketable movies work because they appeal across the board. Small cinemas, the original platform for diverse film exposure, are rapidly losing influence and increasingly changing programming to match, and claw back audiences - bad news for diversity and bad news for viewers. Film should also be prepared for a potential spike in piracy as broadband speeds reach 50MB on fibre optic
networks. As has happened in the music industry, the effects of easy downloads devastate the independents, meaning only the strong - or rich - survive. The result is a tightening of purse strings and a narrowing of content margins. For some time London has been buzzing with talk of the ‘three screen media model’. Broadband, television and mobile platforms are all seen with equal significance, especially for filmmakers. A former documentary maker for big players such as BBC, Channel 4 and Discovery Channel, Hugh Mason has run Pembridge Partners for nearly a decade. The company has helped to improve the fortunes of over 2,000 media SMEs, supporting an increased diversity in production, and he currently acts as a ‘media mentor’ to the Singapore Media Development Agency, helping transform the city into an industry hub for South East Asia.
13 “The UK, as a nation, has been living way beyond its means and the correction needed is going to be harsh. I don’t think either of the main political parties believes it can afford to be honest with the public about what that is going to involve. Even the future of national organisations like the Film Council has to be subject to question given the dire state of the UK’s public finances,” explains Mason. “I think the message for UK content makers has to be move on from the traditional business models and focus on customers, not investors or subsidies. Get close to the audience and start selling.” “There’s a concept in psychotherapy called ‘reframing’ - you could say it’s like seeing yourself as a character in a script. Indie film companies can see themselves as victims - oppressed and ignored and undervalued creatives in a cold harsh world - if they stick to the frame that is traditional film production,” explains Mason. After working in the industry for more than 20 years Mason has developed a clear plan of how to avoid becoming a frustrated and vulnerable protagonist in your own real-world disaster movie. It’s imperative to stay realistic. Real people are losing real work, real jobs and real money, with real effects. “If I knew what I know now, and was starting out as a traditional filmmaker, I wouldn’t. Instead of casting myself as a victim character in a script where I’m bound to come out a loser, I’d jump into a different script. I would ally myself with tech friends who understand online and mobile media and start telling stories direct to an audience, getting feedback and revenue from them and honing my craft that way, on the front line,” states Mason.
“It’s never been easier to get exposure for your work,” says Hawkins. “You Tube, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Vimeo etcetera are platforms where millions can see your work - it’s about targeting. There are film festivals filmmakers can enter - WithoutABox is a good site that handles the entries of your film. You can use these viewing statistics and festivals to your advantage so when it comes to speaking to investors you’ll have a lot more weight to sell your talent.” For better or worse the media as a whole is changing into a cottage industry. When you’re at the first rung of the ladder you have to match. That means unique content, with intelligent promotion and pinpoint targeting. “My film school was making short films... and I started when I was 13,” says Hawkins. “I was teaching myself the ropes because I enjoyed it. I used these films to show to production companies to get my first job as a runner and worked up from there.” The clear message is that closed doors do not offer the best use of time. Use what is readily available to begin targeting your work, make sure you have plenty of work to exhibit, and do so in any way you can. Martin Guttridge-Hewitt
This engagement with filmmaking at its most fundamental is closer to the heroes of yesterday than is initially clear. Less profit-motivated influences mean more directorial control - an essential aspect in strong low-budget filmmaking. “Set your craft free on other platforms and prove that your stories and your enterprise can achieve traction with the one group of people who actually matter the audience. Show that they are dipping their hands in their pockets for your stories on the small screen in their pockets and, ironically, I think you will find yourself motoring back to making the big-screen movie you always wanted,” advises Mason. Elsewhere in the industry this is echoed. Phil Hawkins is a commercial, music video and feature director whose film The Butterfly Tattoo won Best Director at this year’s New York Independent Film Festival.
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CENTRAL MUSICVENUE If you were worried about the state of live music in Nottingham with the closures of Seven and The Running Horse late last year then be prepared to stop worrying and start rejoicing; The Central Music Venue is here to save the day! We went down to Central on Huntingdon Street to check out what may well be a home from home for us over the coming months and the future’s looking very bright for the live music lovers amongst you. The 300 capacity venue is split between live room, 50s retro themed bar and a restaurant upstairs which is available for functions and has its own PA system. It means you can get a full night out under one roof. Located right next to Confetti music academy, the area is becoming something of a hub for new music talent. We’ll also be working with Central to source exciting new bands to play. We caught up with the venue owner to find out some of the plans for the Central. “We are always looking for new bands and artists of any type to join our regular line up of entertainment. We are able to offer live performance DVD and sound recordings, photo shoots for your band, promotion assistance and promotion management facility, we can
arrange flier and poster design and circulation, we also have a band office situated at the venue fully staffed to help you manage band administration.” “Bands can book practice space and store their kit here and if you’re popping in for lunch, phone ahead to pre-order with our Central loyalty card. Upstairs is also used as a corporate conference suite for up to 80 people but we’re happy to cater for smaller groups, birthday parties and weddings.” Central are also offering a slight twist on the classic Sunday lunch; it’s served with jazz and lounge music between 1pm and 4pm every week. One Nottingham band you may well have heard of, Green For Go, are regulars down at Central, and well worth checking out. If you want to play at Central, get down to one of their open mic nights and band audition nights on Tuesday and Wednesday. Artists and bands should call 07826803941 to book a slot at one of these evenings or email info@centralmusicvenue.co.uk For all Sunday lunch bookings and for more information about hiring the facilities call Central on 07826803941. www.freeqmagazine.com
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LIGHT NIGHT 2010
Friday February 12 is Light Night in Nottingham. The city centre will come to life with the annual Light Night festival. An evening of activities and events including art, music and poetry, everyone is catered for with a host of activities for people to see, participate in, or just to wander the streets and enjoy events unfolding before your eyes. Don’t miss your chance to experience the city in a new way. Some of the highlights include: light installations from artists and designers, with an international light company creating site-specific work; bands performing on the streets and a pyrotechnic show at the castle with fencers duelling in the castle café . Children will enjoy the secret garden at St Peter’s church and there will be a children’s choir underneath the Wheel of Nottingham, which will offer stunning views of the city from the Market Square. Pedal a bubble bike, listen to tales from the darker side, join a ghost tour or parade with Nottingham’s Goddess Bromley House garden will be turned into a magical setting and St Mary’s Church will be illuminated outside and lit by candlelight inside. For the energetic among you there’s a Dealmaker Disco in Trinity Square, watch Johnny and the Raindrops in Lace Market Square or get your feet
tapping at pianothon a non stop music session played by local pianists in the Theatre Royal’s circle bar. Look out for artist’s commissions of light and silhouettes in shop windows. Nottingham Contemporary, Nottingham Playhouse and the New Art Exchange all have special events just for Light Night. Get out and stroll the streets or go to an indoor event – you won’t have the opportunity again ‘til next year and with so much on offer - much of it FREE it’s a night not to be missed. Full details visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/lightnight or contact Nottingham Tourism Centre on 08444 77 5678. Just for Light Night, Nottingham Tourism Centre will stay open until 10pm Deals on Transport - catch a NCT bus and the kids go FREE! or enjoy 2 for 1 on the Tram (Offers valid after 4pm on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February)
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HEXADECIMAL Award winning Nottingham Producer and DJ Hexadecimal gave us a few minutes of his busy schedule to talk DJ-ing, going it alone and getting hit by a car. What’s behind the name? Is there a reason you chose a numerical system for your name? The name isn’t really for my love of numbers. It is down to being stuck for a name when we did a remix for James Zabiela’s first ever mix CD compilation (when we were a duo). There was a Hexadecimal chart on the studio wall which my friend Chris (Inxec) pointed out and we decided to run with it. I’m glad we did, I like the name but people spell it wrong a lot! Where did it all start? Has music always been a passion for you? I’ve always been into music. I’m one of those producers who started out playing guitar in a band at school. I then got into DJing when I went to University. I used my first student loan to by some decks and got a slot on University radio. I used the radio to get gigs from local promoters in return for featuring their night on my show. I have always been determined so once I got into producing and had a few records to my name it gave me the bargaining power in order to progress to where I am today. Hexadecimal used to be two, do you miss partnership or do you enjoy being a one man band? I miss having someone to mess about with in the studio but at least now I can call all the shots and decide how to progress. I was always more determined than Ben
so it is probably best that I was able to take full control in the end. We are still good friends although I don’t see that much of him but I wish him well for the future. You won best breakthrough DJ back in 2007 at the International Breakbeat Awards, what impact did that have on your career? It certainly made people take notice but I wouldn’t say it brought about an overnight change. Breakspoll awards are good but they aren’t the Oscars. In some ways it has put more pressure on me to perform well but I have no problem with that; I like the challenge! Do you have a creative formula or process or do you bounce off whatever is around you at the time? It is weird. I don’t really listen to all that much music. I seem to pull ideas out of thin air as I spend most time concentrating on my own music rather than taking time to listen to what everyone else is doing. I guess that is what makes Hexadecimal music different because it is not influenced by the latest cool trend. You have just returned from the other side of the world, what have you been doing out there? Just chilling out mainly. 2009 was a really crazy year for me. I needed a break to chill out after a pretty horrific ordeal. I’ve had to put things on hold quite a lot since getting run over in May. I ended up in hospital with a fractured skull, broken eye socket and a broken cheek. It sucked big time, I’m still not completely over it but I am a sh*t load better than I was.
That pretty much put a halt to my 2009 but I am looking forward to getting back in action again in 2010. Advice for budding DJs and music makers? Don’t do it! I’m joking of course! New people is what the scene needs. I’d say keep at it but try not to jump the gun and release everything you produce until you have refined your sound. Everyone is having a go at producing these days and sadly the quality control is not there, meaning there is a lot of under produced tracks for sale. I think it would be better to release something after you have got yourself to a good enough level to be proud of, then people will only know you for making awesome tunes and not just being hit and miss. It takes a hell of a lot of dedication to make it in this industry but if you have the drive and passion then anything is possible. Where can we get your album/ tracks/downloads? The album should hit the shelves in April on Distinctive Records with the first single (Serious Action Feat. Percydread). My latest release The Secret Agent EP is out now featuring 3 tunes off the album. It’s available at Beatport, Itunes, DJDownload etc. Hexadecimal is planning a UK and Europe tour later this year. Serious Action - The next single will be released on Distinctive Records on 22nd March. Base 16 - The Album will be released on Distinctive Records on 10th May.
Check out www.myspace.com/scotthexadecimal or keep in touch via facebook (search for Hexadecimal in groups). Latest mixes and downloads are available at www.soundcloud.com/scotthexadecimal
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CUADROS Cuadros opened its doors in the winter of 2009 in the bustling Hockley area of Nottingham and impressed immediately with the quality of art on display. Now, you know we like independent creative businesses, so we invited ourselves along to the grand opening to get a sneaky peak at the artistic offerings of Cuadros and we weren’t disappointed.
The concept behind the gallery according to owner George Thornton was to “source, display and sell contemporary, modern artwork at reasonable prices.” The majority of the works are originals but they also sell some signed limited prints and sculpture. We asked George on opening night about how the gallery links in with local artists. He explained, “We want to celebrate our very own Nottingham home gown talent. We promote some truly exceptional artists, notably the weird but wonderfully charming works by Jon Burgerman plus the graffiti boys behind Urban Canvas, whose works you may see in various locations around the city.”
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As a 7 year art industry aficionado under a more corporate brief, George is now able to represent his own tastes with the work on display. “All the artists we promote have been personally selected by ourselves and although they each create their own distinct style, they all work well together in the gallery as a group, bridging the gap between traditional portraits and that of a more modern cutting edge fashion of art.” All this wouldn’t be complete without some internationally renowned names such as Italian artist Zoe Lacchei, Ed Chapman with his unusual mosaic compositions, British urban artist Anthony Micallef and stencil artist Banksy. Cuadros are currently the only gallery in Nottingham to exhibit and sell work
by Banksy and Micallef. I guess that’s er, kudos to Cuadros. The gallery is beautifully fresh with delicate lighting, wooden floors and gleaming white walls – it enables the art to really capture your attention when browsing the gallery. If you haven’t already been in then go take a look. Tell George we sent you and enjoy the range of art on display. Cuadros are at 1A Heathcoat Street, Hockley. Visit www.cuadros.co.uk or call 01159 243 555 for opening times. www.freeqmagazine.com
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STOP EJECT
Producing music out of the ordinary and adopting Nottingham as their home, Stop Eject are a 4-piece with a mission; to do it all their own way - so far it’s working. We shone the torch of interrogation in the face of guitarist Topher Batchelor. Describe your music: Well we were recently described as “plugging in 10 record players, slipping on 10 examples of the best albums or singles from the last 30-odd years (Buzzcocks, The Jam, Joy Division and Radiohead for example), turning up the volume to full pelt, then asking 10 of your best mates to hold a deck each and walk towards the top of a spiral staircase whilst holding onto the revolving masterpieces in front of them - and then kicking every single one of them down that stairwell with the bloody things still plugged in”. More recently we have been described as “a commercial kiss death”. Why should people come and watch you play? We put on a good show and aren’t one of these ‘stand around looking too cool to dance bands’. We enjoy what we do and I think that comes out most when we play live. And hopefully, we do sound a bit different to what people might be used to listening to so it’s nice getting people out of their comfort zone.
What are the plans for Stop Eject in 2010? We have our second single out in a couple of months which will be free just like the first. Love Ends Disaster! have done a really great remix as the b-side and is probably better than the title track so if you get it for anything get it for that. We are writing a lot at the moment too, and have a few gigs lined up, the next is at Rescue Rooms with some great bands on February 13th. We have one the Saturday after that at Chameleon and then another in March. We have some interesting ideas for a full-length release but that’s probably a way off at the moment. Every chain has a weak link what’s yours? We take too long to finish songs. We have maybe about seven or eight bits of song lying around the studio that have been played a couple of times and then we move on to another bit of something else so they just get left. What would make Nottingham better for live music? The main problem that Nottingham has had is that there were promoters who didn’t care about the music and would only put a band on as long as they brought twenty people or so. What’s the point in that? Or when promoters put on a metal band, an indie band
and an acoustic singer and that say that there was “something for everyone”. Actually, some really great promoters have started popping up who aren’t trying to make money and just want to put on bands they like. There have always been good promoters like Damn You! but now more people seem to be adopting their ethos and that can only be good for the city. Sounding like a poor version of the Kaiser Chiefs (a challenge in itself) won’t put Nottingham on the map so encouraging different and better music is the right way to go. All it needs now is a community. If you could join any other band which would it be? Well the long answer is that I don’t think any of us would join the same band, which makes answering this question quite hard. If we weren’t in stop eject we probably wouldn’t be in a band; I don’t think we can really imagine playing with other people and being able to have the music be the same, or the process be the same. The short answer is any band, as soon as possible. Stop Eject are: Rob Enola – Vocals Alexander Scott – Drums Ross Swift – Bass Topher Batchelor – Guitar www.myspace.com/stopejectmusic www.freeqmagazine.com
21 Each issue we’re going to highlight some of our favourite places that you might not have seen or visited yet. If you’ve found somewhere tucked away that the world needs to know about, email us at info@freeqmagazine.com
AMARONE
RIPPLE
Ripple is a vibrant, cosy café bar in Sherwood offering the ideal retreat from the city. Famous for inventive cocktails (including the popping-candy inspired Sherwood Sherbet), seasonal food and a laid-back vibe; their motto of ‘eating, drinking, relaxing’ suits us perfectly.
Amarone is a new, independently owned restaurant on Derby road (Canning Circus) serving modern Italian food, and has successfully appealed to a discerning clientele with its quality, home-made food, warmth and charm but also attracted young people looking for an affordable meal out. The cellar dining space is available to hire for free and the set price menus are a good option for those on a budget. Until the end of March, a table of four Freeq readers can get a free bottle of house wine – call 0115 941 9443 for full details or visit www.restaurantamarone.co.uk for bookings.
It also benefits from not having city-centre prices (very refreshing) and some of the friendliest bar staff you’re likely to find. We’ve found ourselves feeding a hangover in Ripple on a Sunday morning now and again; breakfasts are great value and the Sunday roasts are something special. If you want something a bit different for your night out, then head on up to Ripple. www.ripplecafebar.co.uk 0115 9693335
BELLE & JEROME JAM CAFE
We really like Belle & Jerome: Two relaxed yet sophisticated bistros in Beeston and West Bridgford that offer a little taste of the continental café culture any time of day or night.
Located in the heart of Hockley, Jam Café epitomises the vibe of this part of town. There’s a distinct bohemian feel You can get breakfast from 8am (or pick up an excellent and laid back atmosphere; you’ll be mixing with local artists, coffee en route to work) and the food is superb, with a menu designed to complement the extensive wine list. musicians and Hockley residents here. The menu offers great options day or night, all food is made There’s a quiz night on Sundays and mellow live music on from locally sourced ingredients and veggies are also well Tuesday and Wednesday to accompany your evening meal. catered for. The bar is well stocked and is complete with a guest Belgian beer on draught, changing every month. The prices are very reasonable The West Bridgford bistro Free wifi provides a place to work in the day and the has a private upstairs bar for functions and if you’re looking entertainment in the evening includes an open mic night to treat the better half to a romantic dinner then this is a on Wednesday, live music Friday, Jazz night one Saturday a sure winner. month and a quiz two Thursdays a month. www.jamcafe.info 0115 9483566 www.belleandjerome.co.uk 0115 9817070 www.freeqmagazine.com
22
ARTIST PROFILES PIXIE PARASOL BEATRICE FLOWERS
How long have you been performing? I have been performing since I was a child. During my teens and early twenties I pursued a career in music then I decided I wanted to dance again, which is when I became interested in Burlesque. I took up belly dancing in 2005 and instantly became addicted; the rest as they say is history. Tell us about your specialty as you are not a typical burlesque performer? Indeed I am not, although I have been know to adorn a pair of tassels on occasion I am actually a belly dancer by trade. A lot of my choreography is inspired by gothic and vintage styles but I also love to combine elements of parody and cabaret to my performance which is how Shangri-la came to be what it is. What is Shangri la? Shangri-la Lounge is an annual Vaudeville belly dance show. Each year we have a different theme and for those who want to get their shimmy on, the event includes a weekend of workshops. The aim of the event is to promote this type of performance by making it accessible to the non-dancing public, who might not be as belly dance obsessed as some of us and might not enjoy a show of just pure dance. What do you like about the burlesque scene? There are so many exciting performers with wonderful ideas, but I love the fact that it welcomes and celebrates diversity. My favourite dance troupes are Zafira from Pittsburgh and The Uzumé from Holland, both of which I have had the pleasure to meet and learn from. Carolena Nericcio the wonderful lady that created the dance format that I teach and also the teacher behind most of my favorite dancers. The Indigo Belly Dance are also a big inspiration with their vintage cabaret/vaudevillian belly dance show. I teach American Tribal Style Belly Dance (FCBD format) and Tribal Fusion and I am always looking for new and interesting artists whether it’s for my show or for collaborative performances and projects. You can find me online at www.beatriceflowers.com shangrilalounge.co.uk
How long have you been performing? I debuted in November 2008 at the ‘Tease and Squeeze’ event in Stoke on Trent. I got into it as I have a dance background, love of performing and a penchant for costumes! I also like the vintage / retro / burlesque scene so altogether it was a great combination. I learnt so much initially from the Ministry of Burlesque (www.ministryofburlesque.com) website and would recommend that as a starting point for anyone interested in the burlesque scene. I now trying to focus on the modeling side too and I am very lucky to have worked with some great photographers. Nottingham burlesque scene? There is a thriving burlesque scene in Nottingham and the local area. The fabulous Cherry DeVille runs The Pitty Patt Club in Nottingham which is held at the Bodega Social Club, usually on the second Saturday of every month. I would recommend it as a must for anyone who wants a fun and entertaining night out. Recently Dr Sketchys have started a bi-monthly event in Nottingham which is held at Escucha. It is a life drawing event with a burlesque twist and a fabulous afternoon’s entertainment. The East Midlands is a thriving hotbed of burlesque with events being held all over. It’s worth checking out the burlesque event listing website www.shakeitdoll. com to find out what’s going on. What do you like about the burlesque scene? I like the fact that the burlesque scene is so open and accepting. I have made some really lovely and supportive friends through my involvement with burlesque and it has given me so much extra confidence and so many lovely opportunities too. I am far from perfect myself, but I have had such great audience feedback that it makes me realise that women don’t have to be a certain size and shape to be happy or to entertain others. Who is your burlesque heroine? One of my favourite alltime routines has to be the fantastic ‘Betty Bingo’ routine by Ryvita von Cheese which I saw recently at Dr Sketchys in Nottingham, it had me in stitches. Beatrix von Bourbons ‘Tooth Fairy’ routine is also amazing as is Tempest Devynes ‘Russian Dolls’ routine. If I was pushed to name just one allround burlesque heroine though, it would have to be the truly amazing Anna Fur Laxis who I saw perform recently at the Heresy n Heelz event in Derby......she is AWESOME and her axe throwing routine ‘The Laxis of Evil’ is totally amazing! I can usually be found performing at The Pitty Patt Club in Nottingham most months or find me on facebook www.facebook.com/pixie.parasol. www.freeqmagazine.com
23
KISS ME QUICK Anyone that has been on a date will be familiar with this sequence of events: Chat, a few drinks, laugh at each others jokes, move a little closer, feel the sudden electric silence as you find yourself being magnetically pulled towards each others lips for a knee trembling smooch that leaves you dizzy and weak. Now imagine having to stop inches from their mouth, paranoid of hatefully watching eyes, simply because the gesture is between a same sex couple in an establishment not seen to be safe for such a ‘depraved’ act. Whereas usually I would loose my inhibitions at the bottom of a gin mixer and launch myself over the table for a heated round of tonsil tennis, regardless of onlookers, this time I found myself uncomfortably aware. This got me thinking about the amount of awareness and acceptance there actually is around open displays of homosexual affection. I am not speaking strictly of passionate kissing (as I don’t particularly think a lot of people are comfortable seeing a heterosexual couple going at it full throttle). I am referring to any loving gesture between two same sex people be it a kiss, a long hug, or just holding hands. The threat of violence or aggressive behaviour is always a main factor in what gestures you display, and after discussing it with my date it was remarked that it is our responsibility to make people aware of it, in hopes of change in attitude towards public displays of affection (PDA). I am not an activist and don’t consider my homosexuality something to tell everyone about, and responsibility is a heavy word when faced with the possibility of an angry mob. However I do agree in remaining true to yourself, and if I feel the need to give my partner a goodbye kiss or hug them of course I will, so long as our personal safety is not at risk from angry gay bashers!
I find our culture conflicted and hypocritical when it comes to acceptance of homosexuality and how it is displayed. On the one hand we seem to adore figures such as Alan Carr, Paul O’Grady, Graham Norton and shows such as Queer Eye For the straight guy, and Gok Wan’s how to look good naked. But god forbid should we be exposed any actual displays of homosexuality. Don’t get me wrong, I will happily turn off my phone for an hour with aunty Gok, however funny jokes, camp behaviour and a love of anything fashionable, trendy or witty/bitchy seems as much as anyone is willing to accept. Although I like to believe our culture is warming to homosexuality, I also have to remind myself was only in 1967 when we saw the decriminalisation of homosexuality, and only in 2005 when civil partnership was introduced. With statistics saying that roughly one in ten people are homosexual (quite ambiguously given the rainbow range of orientation and expression), is it not about time that we began to make homosexuality and PDA seen as a social norm, rather than label it as a threat or perverse act? I think the only way our culture will one day not even notice two men or two women kiss or holding hands is through awareness and support in the education system, for both parents and children. Rather than letting young homosexuals battle with their sexuality alone and look for comfort and support in the wrong places, (and potentially with the wrong people), we could make youngsters aware that it is normal and acceptable. This would go a long way in combating homophobia, and maybe I would get to finish that kiss in peace! Phil Robinson
www.freeqmagazine.com
24
FETISHISM,FEMINITY & FANTASY After a chance meeting last year at an art show we invited an up and coming Manchester painter to show people her work in our beautiful magazine. Thankfully we also had time for a quick chat.
In a world of digital the traditional is often overlooked, left slumped at the back of the room, sick from underexposure. In contrast, 31-year-old Gemma Parker trained in multiple disciplines to explore medium but now paints rose-tinted pasts with imagined characters. She graduated with an MA in Communication Design from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2001. When she finished studying her work had been, through independent and influenced decisions, focused on variety. “When I met David Hancock in Manchester he looked at my work and recommended that I try getting into painting, which isn’t something I would necessarily have focused on. Eight years later I always paint,” explains Parker. ‘Allure’ creeps to the lips when looking at Parker’s paintings. There’s the nod back in time to an era of perceived ‘innocence in sexuality’, the curvaceous feminine creatures created in homage to a pre War Britain of glamour and the witty tone inherent throughout her work means it’s easy to see why these images have proved so successful both at exhibitions and with private commissioners.
“I have a lot of requests for portraiture, with the oddest private commission coming from a gentleman who just wanted a tiny segment of a girl’s back drawing. It makes sense really when you think about my work,” she quips. Making it as a freelance artist in Manchester can often be a mammoth task- the city’s scene is notoriously under-funded when compared to rival ‘creative hubs’ such as Glasgow or Liverpool. To ease the burden Parker and other artists who work at the city’s URBIS gallery formed the URBIS Creatives in early 2009.
“It’s been a strange year in art, as galleries, exposure and interest have all suffered thanks to the recession. The Creatives really helps stabilise some of this as it means that everyone has their ear to the ground and can assist each other, even if we all work in hugely different styles,” says Parker. “I personally try to celebrate femininity through artwork, and give it a sexual but tongue in cheek touch. I find glamour, theatrics and showmanship very important and want to show people this. I hope that people can see this in both the burlesque figures, and my new work, which deals with sailor tattoos, female imagery and the importance of nautical phrases in common language,” states Parker, a young woman beginning to make waves against the tide of the times. Martin Guttridge-Hewitt
www.freeqmagazine.com
25
DEAD KIDS GERMAN HEART
For many Dead Kids single German Heart will make them clamour for the dance floor. Personally I think the track is an uncomfortable mix of synth-pop and pseudo punk. Comparisons have been bafflingly made with PIL, which is a shade disrespectful as PIL left a legacy as an innovative and pioneering band. Dead Kids on this evidence are just the latest synth-pop upstarts who can only dream of emulating the impact of John Lydon’s anarchic bunch. Rating: 2/10 Listen to this if you like Empire of the Sun
POLLY SCATTERGOOD BUNNY CLUB Polly Scattergood is a ravishing and seductive talent. Her new EP Bunny Club is strong a statement that showcases her sensual vocal fragility and audio visual imagery surrounded by alluring pop sensibilities. Opener Bunny Club is the highlight; it remains dark but wonderfully magical at the same time. Similarly, Unforgiving Arms finds Scattergood at her heart rending and tender best. I would bypass the mix of Nitrogen Pink it is disjointed musically and makes Scattergood sound mechanical. Overall this is a divine piece of work that has a warm but chilling quality. Rating:7/10 Listen to this if you like Charlotte Hatherley
ONE MOMENT ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLACE
One Moment are heavily influenced by a number of 80s bands and scenes if their debut album, Another Time, Another Place is a barometer of their militant sound. Lyrically it reflects the playfulness of The Specials, this is particularly evident on Dripfeed, a ‘new romantic’ tinged song that contains at its heartbeat a devilishly dark synthesiser sound that permeates through the record. Vocalist Dik Ellis has a compelling voice that aids the bounciness of the music, but can sound a little laborious on the softer tracks. Overall, One Moment have created a polished and solid album that for a few songs in is eerily captivating but flags into melancholic selfindulgence. Rating: 6/10 Listen to this if you like The Specials
THE CRIBS, BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY The Cribs arrived at the Birmingham Academy playing a feisty show which marked the six year anniversary of touring for the Wakefield trio, now supplemented by Smiths legend Johnny Marr on guitar. Although Marr may have increased their credibility, I wonder if his presence has made the Jarman brothers abandon their energetic tendencies. There was plenty of intensity in their militant playing with Gary Jarman on bass in particularly punishing mode. But it lacked the wild antics that have characterised the Cribs live shows of the past. Starting with The Wrong Way to Be, they charged through a barrage of tracks old and new that contained lots of Northern passion and defiant chanting vocals. Main highlights were Hey Scenesters! Cheat On Me and We Were Aborted.
After a fast and furious first forty minutes, a change of pace saw Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth appear on a backdrop to deliver his pre-recorded voiceover part for the melancholic Be Safe. Unfortunately it didn’t work as Ranaldo could not be heard over a pretty bland song. They closed the evening with signature tune Men’s Needs and followed it with the turgid City of Bugs. But this lacked the ferocity of the first half that had threatened to turn this show into a classic. There was laudably no encore, instead The Cribs could content themselves that they had delivered their lo-fi indie in an uplifting and strong way, but hopefully it won’t always be at the expense of the madness that has made The Cribs one of the most explosive live acts around. www.freeqmagazine.com
26 Monday 1st Feb
Notts In A Nutshell presents... The Franchise / Apollo / Cavalry / Opium Toad / Stay For The Festival
The Maze
The Circus Of Horrors
Oceansize
Rock City Basslaced present Sir David ‘Ramjam’ Rodigan Caspa, Shy FX & more tbc Rescue Rooms / Stealth
Royal Concert Hall
Saturday 6th Feb
Tuesday 2nd Feb
The Maze
The Maze
Wildside clubnight- the UK’s premier sleazed & glam clubnight!
Funhouse Comedy presents... “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” Open Mic Sessions. All welcome, free entry! From 8pm
Central Music Venue
COUNT ARTHUR STRONG The Man Behind The Smile
Lakeside Arts Theatre JLS
Back To Basics
COLIN CARR CELLO & THOMAS SAUER PIANO
Lakeside Arts Theatre The Smyths + Re Order
Rescue Rooms Saving Aimee
Wednesday 3rd Feb Band Auditions. To reserve a place call 07826803941
Sunday 7
Central Music Venue Open Mic
Jam Cafe COUNT ARTHUR STRONG - The Man Behind The Smile
Lakeside Arts Theatre
Rock City
th
Feb
She Keeps Bees with Hammer No More The Fingers + Oh Ruin
Rescue Rooms The Eden House
The Bodega
Lostprophets with support from Young Guns
Thursday 4th Feb
Rock City
The Maze
Arficeden, Dutch Schultz, Cyril Snear, BTPAM
Cosmic American presents... THE WIYOS The Doors Alive
Rescue Rooms
Rock City
Wednesday 10th Feb CHESNEY HAWKES + Owen Harvey
The Maze
Central Music Venue
Royal Concert Hall
Shockwaves present NME Awards Tour 2010 The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Big Pink and The Drums
Chameleon
Monday 8th Feb
Open Mic
Jam Cafe FITKIN
Lakeside Arts Theatre Miike Snow
Rescue Rooms Band Auditions. To reserve a place call 07826803941
Central Music Venue
Everybody Was In The French Resistance Now
The Bodega
Thursday 11th Feb
Notts in a Nutshell presents: Last Call Home / Twenty Year Hurricane
The Maze Brides + Giants
Rock City Alan Pownall
Lee Rosy’s Tea Shop Faster Pussycat, Enuff Z’nuff, Dirty Passion, Suicide Tuesday Central Music Venue
DIVE :: FOAMO [Chew The Fat!]
EPIC FAIL ska-punk clubnight Gabriel from Tagnuts
Market Bar
The Maze
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Twin Atlantic + Canterbury
Royal Concert Hall
Rock City
Friday 5th Feb
Jesca Hoop
Friday 12th Feb Rubber Room 50s party The Maze
The Maze
Tuesday 9th Feb
The Pit of Curiosities After Party Central Music Venue
Trapped Under Ice, Rise And Fall, Hang The Bastard, World Gone Mad, Wiretap, Breaking Point, Forced Out
The Maze
Marble / Basement Forte / Bodukwe / DJ Sigma 6
Central Music Venue
The Bodega Rack & Ruin (metal night) Open Mic Sessions. All welcome, free entry! From 8pm
Central Music Venue
KISHANI JAYASINGHE, VUYANI MLINDE & INGRID SURGENOR Lakeside Arts Theatre
Dollop with Erol Alkan, Rustie (Warp) & more tbc Stealth
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27 Hot Club De Paris
The Bodega
Saturday 13th Feb Ghoul Garden
The Maze
We Are The Union, Anti Vigilante, Kids Can’t Fly, Almost Home, Solution Against
Open Mic Sessions. All welcome, free entry! From 8pm
Central Music Venue
Goonies never say Die + Silent Front and Black Heart Orchestra
Chameleon
Central Music Venue
UNIVERSITY PHILHARMONIA CHAMBER ENSEMBLE & UNIVERSITY CHOIR
Blaze Bayley with Sinocence
Blonde Louis
Rock City
The Bodega
Fenech-Soler
Erland And The Carnival with Hhymn
Stealth
The Pitty Pat Club
Lakeside Arts Theatre
Rescue Rooms
The Bodega
The Jon Allen Band
Love Ends Disaster! + Stop Eject + Pope Joan
Czech National Symphony Orchestra
Rescue Rooms
Royal Concert Hall
Dave Gorman
Wednesday 17th Feb
Royal Concert Hall Sunday 14th Feb
Lovers Lounge: Emily Rachel Martin / Sam Wilson / Marc Reeves
The Maze
Rescue Rooms
Cosmic American presents: HOLLY WILLIAMS
The Maze
Band Auditions. To reserve a place call 07826803941
Central Music Venue
Straight Lines
Rock City
Nik Kershaw with Martin Newnham
Rescue Rooms
An Audience with Billy Davies Is the Premier League Calling?
The Approach
Gracious K (Migraine Skank)
Stealth
HOORAY - IT’S ANIME - Workshop for Children
Lakeside Arts Theatre WIHAN QUARTET
Lakeside Arts Theatre Sinatra - Live At The Sands
Royal Concert Hall Friday 19th Feb
{EkLECTIC} - Funky, twisted Hiphop, Breaks and Dance Goli & Ashburner / 25 Past the Skank / Hanuman / Still Motion / Beatmasta Bill / Thinkyman – Visuals
The Maze
Nitzer Ebb Industrial Complex Tour 2010
Rock City
Real Deal Comedy Jam
Open Mic
Pitty Patt Burlesque Workshop
Futures
Rock City
Market Bar
BIG Valentines Concert - Raw Talent
Marina & the Diamonds
2010 Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championship Midlands Heat
Monday 15th Feb Acoustickle
SHONA REPPE PUPPETS PRESENTS - POTATO NEEDS A BATH
Hot Chip
MUNCH BUNCH TALKING LUNCH - Workshop for Little Ones
Nottingham Trent Student Union The Bodega
Royal Concert Hall
The Maze
Rock City The Lost Levels
The Bodega
Martyr Defiled, Silent Screams
Central Music Venue
Tuesday 16th Feb
Club Vadar presents... TON!TE / Bonus Beyond / Sideways Falling /Arcanite Reaper
The Maze
Jam Cafe
The Bodega
Lakeside Arts Theatre
Lakeside Arts Theatre
Thursday 18th Feb
NHS Postive Healthcare and Confetti presents... SHINE! clubnight - a clubnight for people with learning disabilities.
The Maze
Jezebel Rock & more TBA
Central Music Venue
Misst with Cluekid, Jack Sparrow, Misst, Laurent and Em-T Thoughts
Rescue Rooms
The Plight + Wolfbeast Destroyer
Chameleon
SHONA REPPE PUPPETS PRESENTS - POTATO NEEDS A BATH WILD AND WONDERFUL Workshop for Children VEGETABLE SCULPTURES Workshop for Families
Lakeside Arts Theatre
Vanessa Millar School Of Dancing
Royal Concert Hall
Saturday 20th Feb
Smokescreen Dirty, Deep, Dubby House from
www.freeqmagazine.com
28 Residents Frandanski, Rob and special guests
The Maze
Sunday 21st Feb
Revolution Sounds Presents: Jaya The Cat / Jimmy The Squirrel / Les Skalopes / Breadchasers / Riot 4 Disco
Green For Go & supports TBA
The Maze
So Many Dynamos
Die Apokalyptischen Reiter with Attica Rage
Central Music Venue
Tuesday 23rd Feb Cole Stacey
The Maze
Open Mic Sessions. All welcome, free entry! From 8pm
Central Music Venue
Stealth
Rock City
Mastodon + Totimoshi
Evil Scarecrow Plus special guests Sons of Merrick and Isolysis
UNIVERSITY PHILHARMONIA SHONA REPPE PUPPETS PRESENTS - CINDERELLA WHITTLED SPOONS IN WOVEN SOCKS - Workshop for Adults (18+) HUI-CHEN LIN - (ANNIE)
IMAGINING LANDSCAPES Workshop for Adults (18 +) MOTIONHOUSE PRESENTS SCATTERED
Rock City
The Rumble Strips With The Bridport Dagger & Dog is Dead
Lakeside Arts Theatre
Rescue Rooms
Monday 22nd Feb
SHONA REPPE PUPPETS PRESENTS – CINDERELLA
The Maze
Lakeside Arts Theatre
Catch Me I’m Naked present: Cubrik / Numinous
THE ORLANDO CONSORT
Noisettes with Tiffany Page
Lakeside Arts Theatre
Rock City
Beanbag Proms Slurp! Crunch! Chew!
The Brothers Movement
Royal Concert Hall
The Bodega
Rock City
Lakeside Arts Theatre
Wednesday 24th Feb
Notts In A Nutshell Presents: The Rutherfords / Allotment Collective / Noel Street / The Hubirs
The Maze
Band Auditions. To reserve a place call 07826803941
Central Music Venue Open Mic
Jam Cafe Bizarre presents Chipmunk, Tinie Tempah, Skepta and Tenny Ten aka 10 Shott
Rock City
Nick Harper
Rescue Rooms The Heavy
The Bodega ICEBREAKER
Lakeside Arts Theatre Thursday 25th Feb
Cosmic American Presents... ROGER CLYNE AND THE PEACEMAKERS + Owen Harvey
The Maze This City
Rock CIty An Audience with Trevor Francis with compere Darren Fletcher
The Approach Local Natives
Rescue Rooms Swimming
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29 The Bodega TURF LOVE PRESENT - BEATING BERLUSCONI!
Lakeside Arts Theatre Friday 26th Feb MUZIKA!
The Maze Wax Dramatica night
Central Music Venue These monsters, Alright the Captain
Old Angel
The Soft Pack with Banjo Or Freakout The Bodega DAVID AINLEY - ‘RESERVOIRS OF DARKNESS’ OTHER DRAWINGS & PAINTINGS Lakeside Arts Theatre TURF LOVE PRESENT -
BEATING BERLUSCONI! Lakeside Arts Theatre Saturday 27th Feb Ready Steady 60’s!! (EARLY SHOW) Basement Boogaloo - Garden Get Together! (LATE SHOW) For this date we’ll be joined by man of the moment: The Revenge www.therevenge.co.uk + support from Nick Shaw and Ed Cotton (Basement Boogaloo) The Maze
Nottingham Youth Orchestra - Time Machine
Royal Concert Hall
Sunday 28TH Feb Blackheart
Rescue Rooms NEW PHOTOGRAPHY: PAVILION COMMISSIONS
Lakeside Arts Theatre
Royal Gala, Old Baseford, Pilgrim Fathers, Hot Japanese Girl
To get your gigs in the next issue of the magazine email them in Word format to info@freeqmagazine.com
Sack Sabbath and Iron on Maiden
All listings subject to change and we aren’t responsible if they do!
Central Music Venue Rock City
ONETOWATCH
Soasis
Rescue Rooms First Aid Kit
The Bodega
SCRUFFYS
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30
CULT
We wouldn’t normally promote joining a cult, but in this instance we say you should get involved! - If you are new to Nottingham or you haven’t sampled the audio visual delights of the CULT collective then you are missing out.
So who brings what to the table? Mouse: DJ,VJ, Promoter. Speciality: Chicken Chasseur Sam Vtekk: fairly accomplished DJ, Loudmouth and Promoter Chris ‘Houghmeister’ Hough: Promoter, DJ, Music Oracle. I went to some of the very first CULT evenings and enjoyed the different music and film genres, recently your focus has been more drum and bass is this where your passion lies? M: We all have quite broad, eclectic tastes in music, and we’re lucky enough to know a lot of talented DJs across a whole spectrum of genres. So we initially wanted to represent this at our night. The Drum & Bass Sessions started as a little experiment and took off from there really, but I wouldn’t say that we’d completely written off promoting other forms of music.The lines between genres are so blurred these days anyway that you shouldn’t be surprised to hear dubstep, minimal or maybe a bit of cheeky garage at one of our nights. S: Yeah we still put on the occasional event that caters for all genres. The night’s focus is now towards the deeper edge of drum and bass. This is reflected in recent bookings with DJs such as Fabio, Commix, Marcus Intalex and DJ Lee among others. C: We’re still in love with cult movies and there is still a focus on quality movie visuals that bring a great aesthetic to the dance floor. A lot of the movies we use for visuals now have a feeling that relates to the sound of drum and bass. Recently you guys have been doing your stuff at Brownes bar, Nottingham – How is this going? S: The residency at Brownes has been a great opportunity for us and for the night, the increased capacity gave us a little more freedom with bookings and line ups. Its reputation as a wellestablished music venue with students and locals alike was a real help to a growing night such as ours. M: The guys at Brownes know their stuff and have been really supportive with helping
us achieve what we want with the night. C: Brownes was top banana but we’ve always been a club night in disguise. Right, in January 2010 you moved to Market Bar over the road. C: Yeah the opportunity came along to move our night and we had to take it. The venue is intimate and perfect for us. We’re really excited. For our first event we’re hosting one of our all time favourite DJs, the legendary Doc Scott. It’s gonna be mental. What’s this about Cult Radio? Is it your own station? M: We’ve been working with Left Lion and The Stone Soup Studios to put out a monthly podcast that specifically promotes Nottingham produced electronic music. There are a lot of talented producers in Nottingham and we try and use the show to showcase that talent. We also have interviews with local producers, promoters and DJs. Just a way of bigging up the city and the various dance music scenes that are bubbling away I guess. C: A radio station would be nice! He he, I don’t think me and Mouse could be trusted with a platform like that to rant on! Like Mouse said it’s great having the chance to work with Leftlion and give Notts producers and DJs the chance to share their talent. We release the podcast every month and it can be found on itunes and leftlion.co.uk. What does the future hold for CULT? - Got anything exciting on the horizon? C: We have big plans for the future, our CULT Drum and Bass Session 2nd Birthday is coming up in March this year so keep your eyes peeled for details on a very special event. We won’t say who we’ve got yet. M: Make friends with Cult DnBsessions on facebook and look out for info soon and all sorts of other cult related things or go to wearethecult.co.uk. Also pick up our flyers coz if you collect them all they make up a collage of all the characters we’ve used over the years on our flyers.
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