P R E S E N T S
10 | 10 | 18
OLY RALFE - ST PANCRAS OLD CHURCH
06 | 10 | 18
06 | 10 | 18
DOTTY
- ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL
FENNE LILY
- OSLO -
- BORDERLINE -
G LOVE
12 | 10 | 18
17 | 10 | 18
JOHN BUTLER TRIO - EVENTIM APOLLO -
19 | 10 | 18
17 | 10 | 18
PRETTY VICIOUS
DAHLIA SLEEPS
- HOXTON SQUARE BAR & KITCHEN
- OMEARA -
24 | 10 | 18
ASH
- 02 FORUM KENTISH TOWN
23| 10 | 18
24 | 10 | 18
SOPHIE HUNGER
BLACK HONEY
- OSLO -
- ELECTRIC BALLROOM -
27 | 10 | 18
31 | 10 | 18
SUNSTACK JONES
JEN CLOHER
- THE ISLINGTON -
- MOTH CLUB -
01 | 11 | 18
HATCHIE
SOLO - ELECTROWERKZ -
T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E F R O M
SEETICKETS.COM - GIGANTIC.COM - STARGREEN.COM EVENTIM.CO.UK - ROUNDHOUSE.ORG.UK - TICKETMASTER.CO.UK - DICE.FM
P R E S E N T S
08 | 11 | 18
FAYE MEANA - THE ISLINGTON -
05 | 11 | 18
08 | 11 | 18
15 | 11 | 18
ZOLA JESUS
HENGE
JEALOUS OF THE BIRDS
- OMEARA -
- THE LEXINGTON -
- THE ISLINGTON -
16 | 11 | 18
04 | 12 | 18
THE CAT EMPIRE
MICAH P. HINSON
- ROUNDHOUSE -
- OSLO -
22 | 11 | 18
LUSTS
- SHACKLEWELL ARMS -
14 | 12 | 18
RAZORLIGHT - 02 FORUM KENTISH TOWN
01 | 02 | 19
02| 02 | 19
01 | 02 | 19
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - EVENTIM APOLLO -
THE WOMBATS
SNOW PATROL
WHITE LIES
14| 02 | 19
04 | 05 | 19 - 05 | 05 | 19
- SSE ARENA WEMBLEY
- SSE ARENA WEMBLEY
- 02 FORUM KENTISH TOWN
- EVENTIM APOLLO -
DEAD CAN DANCE
T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E F R O M
SEETICKETS.COM - GIGANTIC.COM - STARGREEN.COM AXS.COM - EVENTIM.CO.UK - ROUNDHOUSE.ORG.UK - TICKETMASTER.CO.UK
PRINTWORKSLONDON.CO.UK
MOSAIC
SAT 06 OCT
-
PRESS HALLS
MACEO PLEX | LEN FAKI | ELLEN ALLIEN SILENT SERVANT STEVE RACHMAD BRAME & HAMO
DARK ROOM
DANNY DAZE B2B ANTHONY PARASOLE JENNIFER CARDINI | D KNOX
SMIRNOFF EQUALISING MUSIC
SAT 13 OCT
-
SOLID GROOVES
PRESS HALLS A-Z
ARTWORK | THE BLACK MADONNA PEGGY GOU | HONEY DIJON | MELLA DEE HAAI | GRAINGER
DARK ROOM A-Z
ALEXIS | CATALINA | EVA CRYSTALTIPS JADE COX | JAGUAR | JAY CARDER KIIA | TRUDY KNIGHT
PRESS HALLS
-
STEVE LAWLER | ROUTE 94 | FISHER DENNIS CRUZ | PAWSA | MICHAEL BIBI EDDY M | REELOW | ANDREA OLIVIA
BUGZY MALONE
BUGZY MALONE LIVE SPECIAL GUESTS TBA
SUN 14 OCT
FRI 19 OCT
-
THE HYDRA PRESENT
FRI 20 OCT
-
THE HYDRA PRESENT
FRI 27 OCT -
PRESS HALLS A-Z
MARCELLUS PITTMAN | MOODYMANN THEO PARRISH | OMAR-S | DOLAN BERGIN
DARK ROOM
DÂM-FUNK DJ | JAYDA G MAYER HAWTHORNE | DJ MOXIE | ANU
PRESS HALLS
TODD TERJE DJ | ROMAN FLÜGEL ROMARE LIVE | JEREMY UNDERGROUND JACQUES GREENE DJ | DOLAN BERGIN
DARK ROOM
MOVE D | DJ SPINNA | KORNÉL KOVÁCS WILL SAUL | PEREL HYBRID | CHLOE FRIEDA SPECIAL GUEST TBA
Hi from a very exciting month in the world of London in Stereo. This October sees us joining forces with our pals at Bristol Live Magazine to launch *drum roll please* BRISTOL IN STEREO. It’s finally here and, as a Bristol native, launching this in the city I fell in love with live music, and skipped classes to meet my favourite bands (yes, I was that kind of dork), this moment holds a special significance for me. Back to the actual issue in hand: we’re honoured to have the wonderful Cat Power across the cover of both magazines, Danny Wright delves deep into the new album, Wanderer, with her. We’re so happy there’s another Empress Of album in the world, too. Gem celebrates by catching up with our long term fave, Lorely Rodriguez. Elsewhere, Lee Wakefield cosies up to Matthew Dear to find out more about his long-awaited sixth album. October is always a brilliant month full of the best shows and releases, this year we’ll just be celebrating a little harder.
STAFF ON REPEAT
the music we can’t stop listening to this month Jess: Marie Davidson - So Right Dave: Cuco - Dontmakemefallinlove Loki: RHAIN - Time Traveller Danny: Noname - Ace Gemma: Thom Yorke - Suspirium Jack: SATU - Hometown Beth: Mercy’s Cartel – 6 Tears NONAME
Katie: Nan Kolè x Prynce Mini - Drop That London in Stereo: 05
GIGS James Holden & The Animal Spirits + support from Free Love (FKA Happy Meals) 4 Oct Queen Elizabeth Hall
Concrete Lates x Hayward:
Lorenzo Senni, GiGi FM, Shygirl, Astrid Sonne and Body Motion
Iglooghost 30 Oct Purcell Room
26 Oct Queen Elizabeth Hall
Mala & The Outlook Orchestra
Insecure Men
2 Dec Royal Festival Hall
6 Nov Queen Elizabeth Hall
Hidden Orchestra 30 Nov Queen Elizabeth Hall
Visit southbankcentre.co.uk for tickets and to sign up for the latest announcements
INTERVIEWS 14
WHAT’S ON
MATTHEW DEAR 26
CAT POWER
36
EMPRESS OF
22 52 54
EVENTS
GIGS OF THE MONTH
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
FEATURES 10 19
Cat Power Cover Story: Page 26
NEW SOUNDS
TALES FROM THE CITY 32
ON THE STEREO 41 85
IN LONDON
THOUGHTS...
REVIEWS 42
ALBUM RELEASES 78
FESTIVALS Editor: Jess Partridge jess@londoninstereo.co.uk
Deputy Editor: Dave Rowlinson dave@londoninstereo.co.uk
Online Editor: Beth Sheldrick beth@londoninstereo.co.uk
Sub-Editor: Loki Lillistone loki@londoninstereo.co.uk
Festival/Clubs Editor: Katie Thomas katie@londoninstereo.co.uk
New Sounds Editor: Gemma Samways
Staff Writers: Danny Wright, Jack Urwin
Advertising: sales@londoninstereo.co.uk
Photography: Cat Power cover story: Phil Sharp (philsharp-photo.com) Contributors: Hassan Anderson, Tim Boddy, Rhys Buchanan, Kezia Cochrane, Rhian Daly, Thomas Hannan, Charlotte Krol, Emma Madden, Robin Murray, Stephanie Phillips, Nate Rockwell, Kelly Ronaldson, Harriet Taylor, Lee Wakefield, Simone Scott Warren. londoninstereo.com
@londoninstereo
London in Stereo: 07
WINTER 2018 ~ LIVE ~
01.10
04.10
Mini Mansions /
Lyla Foy / 12.10
17.10
Stitch /
Indian Queens /
Pretty Vicious / 23.10
26.10
07.10
Boniface /
12.11
30.11
24.10
The Virginmarys /
The Ninth Wave /
Koalas
Flowvers
Kingswood 01.11
Mt. Joy
Jojo Mayer & Nerve 14.11
Lambert & Dekker /
11.12
22.10
Noah Slee /
07+08.11
11.10
Swimming Girls
Four Of Diamonds /
19.11
21.11
30.10
Riscas /
Foxe /
Stevie Appleton /
Franko Fraize /
06.11
10.10
15.10
21.10
Fil Bo Riva
03.10
23.11
04.12
Kara Marni
20.11
Huntar
Lucien Parker
Only The Poets
Paigey Cakey
Dates, times & tickets: w w w.hoxtonsquarebar.com
| HOXTONSQUAREBAR
BLACK MIDI (photo: Jack Greeley-Ward)
TOP TEN: New Sounds SATU - Hometown Tasha - Kind of Love Kilo Kish - Elegance Viagra Boys - Just Like You Halona King - Devil Down Barrie - Michigan Hero Fisher - If I Die and Nothing Happens Ivy Sole - Backwoods Das Body - Know My Name bbyMutha - Heaven's Little Bastard
TASHA (photo: Grace Coudal)
FOLLOW OUR SPOTIFY ‘ALL THOSE TRACKS OF THE WEEK’ PLAYLIST FOR ALWAYS-UPDATED NEW MUSIC
Black Midi by Gemma Samways In an era where diligent self-promotion is a prerequisite for any emerging artist hoping to build a following, Black Midi’s negligible digital footprint makes them seem like relics from another age. Conversely, their publicity-shy approach seems to be paying off. Despite being reticent to conduct interviews, post on social media or even share their music online, Black Midi are one of the most talked-about new bands of 2018. To give credit where it’s due, the majority of the buzz surrounding the BRIT School-formed four-piece is thanks to their explosive live shows. They’re already favourites at Brixton's new-band hub The Windmill, and have WYNNE
recently supported fellow South Londoners Shame (who reckon they’re “disturbingly brilliant.”) Musically, Black Midi are infinitely more abrasive and experimental than any of their peers south of the river, as is abundantly clear from their debut single. Produced by Dan Carey, and released via his Speedy Wunderground imprint, ‘bmbmbm’ maps the point where post-hardcore converges with mutant math noise and cerebral indie, and features vocalist Geordie Greep rasping over its doomy crescendos. It’s as fascinating as it is ferocious, and truly marks Black Midi out as a talent to watch. Tell your friends. LISTEN TO: bmbmbm @blackmidi
Wynne by Jess Partridge Wynne’s absolutely ridiculous flow is the sharp focus of her tracks how could it not be? She switches it up every other beat and doesn't drop it for a second. Her first official single ‘Buzzer’ is a rapid-fire political commentary with air-tight wordplay that feels like a natural progression from ‘CVTVLYST’. With a backdrop of moody beats, her message is strong and concise in every bar. Even Missy Elliot is watching this ascending talent so don’t sleep on it. LISTEN TO: Buzzer @sinawynne London in Stereo: 11
THE NEW ALBUM 05.10.18
The New Album Out Now
photo: Chris Arace
“No matter what band you’re in or your style, sometimes you’ve got your blinders on and are in way too deep...”
Matthew Dear
words: Lee Wakefield
or a producer on his sixth album under his own name, Matthew Dear sounds like an artist rejuvenated. There have been numerous releases under his dance-fuelled Audion guise and a DJ Kicks mix since 2012’s Beams and Dear even jokes that “LCD Soundsystem retired and came back in the amount of time it’s taken me to finish my next album”. Despite the later songs being written “pretty much when Beams was coming out and it connects that whole five, six year gap”, the timescale is prompted by a new-found focus, a previously untapped inner scrutiny that found Dear examining what kind of artist he wanted to be. With the captivating Bunny, he wanted to deliver “a full package”. How does somebody so comfortable behind the decks of fabric tap into his crooner sensibilities against a backdrop of electronics? “For the first time ever, I remember telling my wife ‘I actually have to get up and sing these songs on stage. What do I want that vibe to be like?’ Which I guess is a very smart and normal thing for an artist to think about, but, for me, I realised I'm in a studio at 2am and can go on some tangent that can go anywhere, and in the past I was never really thinking about the thing I wanted to be doing or saying on stage. I kind of had to put my foot down on myself.” Being strict had mixed results. He describes the hypnotic ‘Echo’ as “one of those real quick ‘set it, forget it’” compositions that came to fruition rapidly. In contrast, the Tegan and Sara-featuring ‘Horses’ proved not so straightforward. Thirteen or fourteen versions stacked up before intervention came from an unlikely source: Protomartyr’s Greg Ahee. Introduced by mutual friend Seth Troxler, the guitarist contributed to ‘Bunny’s Dream’ as well as providing the “slap in the face and bringing it back to normal” needed on the haunting duet. London in Stereo: 15
photo: Chad Kamenshine
“I was like ‘dude, I’ve got this song that I’m trying to finish, it’s got Tegan and Sara on it, it’s all there, I just need help figuring it out’ and he was a really good springboard to strip it down again, add some guitar parts, some melodies, keyboard parts. So that’s a really good example of taking a turn for the worst and getting way too in my head about a track.”
I love the process of tinkering and loop building”, his relationship with music is constantly broadening. “I see my children starting to gravitate towards music. We just got this request through an ad agency to do new Peppa Pig music,” he enthuses. “My wife, my daughters and I started writing songs, trying to crack the code and write the lyrics. It was so much fun.”
Dear continues: “I was listening to Howard Stern and, of all people, it was Adam Levine of Maroon 5 he was interviewing. Their first mega hit single [‘This Love’], they had sixty five different mixes. And the one that he swore was gonna be it, the label rejected and they picked another and he believed they were finished, they were over.
“Music is becoming a different experience for me on all levels. And so things like that are more inspiring to keep working. There’s so many infinite ways that music can entertain me and my family and, at the same time, I’ve started playing more piano and I’ve been trying to figure out the guitar solo on ‘Let It Be’. I’ve never done that stuff before.” Matthew Dear’s newfangled enthusiasm radiates throughout Bunny, from the piano-focused balladry of ‘Calling’ to the irresistible, sugary hooks that explode from ‘Bad Ones’. Impossible to predict but all the more fascinating. “I’m just confusing,” he grins.
And then it became this global sensation so it just goes to show, no matter what band you’re in or your style, sometimes you’ve got your blinders on and are in way too deep and you need someone to make the final decision.” He pauses before insisting “that's the only time I’ll talk about Maroon 5”. While he confesses “I love writing, I love making music, I love coming up with new ideas,
Matthew Dear releases his new album, Bunny, October 12th via Ghostly International. @matthewdear
@matthewdear
ROUNDHOUSE FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2019 GIGSANDTOURS.COM TICKETMASTER.CO.UK
0 5 . 1 0 HEDKANDI THE BEST UPLIFTING HOUSE MUSIC
1 3 . 1 0 FRICTION + DIMENSION ‘CONNECTIONS’ ALBUM LAUNCH
2 6 . 1 0 TOTALLY WIRED INDIE, ROCK AND ALTERNATIVE HALLOWEEN PARTY
2 7 . 1 0 HOT CHIP MEGAMIX FEATURING MJ COLE, ARTWORK AND MORE
UT 0 2 . 1 1 CHASE L&D OSTATUS + TURNO SO
2 3 . 1 1 REEF + BROKEN WITT REBELS
0 1 . 1 2 MATT JAM LAMONT PRESENT ‘HISTORY OF GARAGE & BASS’ + DJ LUCK & MC NEAT
1 5 . 1 2 BASEMENT JAXX DJ SET + SUPPORT
FOR VENUE DETAILS AND TICKETS VISIT
DREAMLAND.CO.UK
“I can remember so much from that trip: the cold, rainy weather, the smell of the city...” by
Fucked Up
First time I went to London I was eight years old. Actually, it was my birthday gift that year: I was to fly to London by myself and meet my dad who would be there for work. I can remember so much from that trip: the cold, rainy weather, the smell of the city, the food I ate. I got to do so many of the things one is expected or could want to do in London. We went to Trafalgar Square and fed the pigeons. I remember my dad telling me the guy who sold the pigeon food had told his insurance company that he sold “fuel for flying” to make sure they gave him his insurance. We went to Hamleys and I had my young mind blown by the prospect of a five floor toy store. I spent the whole time trying to take in this massive city as best as I could. On that trip we stayed in the Portobello Hotel, a far nicer hotel than any hotel I have
photo: John London
been able to stay in London ever since. My dad was in the process of moving to England for work (which I didn’t see at the time was also part of my parents’ separation) so he was at this hotel all the time. He brought me to the hotel bar and introduced me to the bartender, Damon. Damon brought me a coke and remarked about my name and his being similar. My dad told me he used to see Damon’s father’s band play in the 60s and that Damon was now playing in a band himself. But they needed “a new name ’cause what kind of name is Blur?” I have had a ton of amazing trips to London in my life but nothing will ever compare to that first one. As told by Fucked Up’s Mr. Damian. Fucked Up release their new album, Dose Your Dreams, October 5th via Merge Records. LIVE: The Garage, January 25th @fuckedup
@FUglassboys London in Stereo: 19
UPCOMING LONDON SHOWS
W W W. R O C K F E E D B A C K . C O M
BASTIEN KEB
ELIZA
NOAH CARTER
NASTY C
MON 08 OCTOBER
WED 10 OCTOBER
MON WED 10 OCTOBER SEPTEMBER
THU 11 OCTOBER
DESIIGNER
NAKHANE
FATHER
HARDY CAPRIO
SUN 14 OCTOBER
MON 15 OCTOBER
TUE 16 OCTOBER
SOPHIE AND THE GIANTS
BLOODY KNEES
JOE GRIND
LONDON ON DA TRACK
OSLO
KOKO
JAZZ CAFE
VILLAGE UNDERGROUND
+ HONEY LUNG
OMEARA THE CAMDEN ASSEMBLY
XOYO
ELECTROWERKZ
TUE 16 OCTOBER
O2 FORUM KENTISH TOWN
THE WAITING ROOM
THE UNDERWORLD
TUE 18 OCTOBER
THU 18 OCTOBER
THU 18 OCTOBER
SICK JOY
PLACES + FACES
BLUE LAB BEATS
MR. CARMACK
THU 18 OCTOBER
SAT 20 OCTOBER
SUN 21 OCTOBER
MON 22 OCTOBER
BIG ZUU
AMBER OLIVIER
NOAH SLEE
THE HUBBARDS
WED 17 OCTOBER
+ MANTRA
THE SHACKLEWELL ARMS
THU 25 OCTOBER
O2 ACADEMY ISLINGTON
KOKO
FRI 26 OCTOBER
THE CAMDEN ASSEMBLY
ELECTROWERKZ
PRESENTS BLUE ADVENTURE
OVAL SPACE
TUE 30 OCTOBER
HOXTON SQUARE BAR & KITCHEN
XOYO
JAZZ CAFE
WED 31 OCTOBER
THOUSAND ISLAND
VISIT METROPOLISMUSIC.COM FOR TICKETS + TO SIGN UP FOR LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS
new things happening soon that you just don’t want to miss out on CHICK‘N’SOURS
CHICK‘N’SOURS - ISLINGTON
BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL
There’s tons of great chicken in London these days, but there’s nothing like Chick‘n’Sours. Impeccable ingredients meet the frenzied imaginations of Carl Clarke and David Wolanski to create flavour combinations you won’t find anywhere else. And, Islington, all this magic’s coming your way! What’s new? Well, the menu’s been refreshed and refined plus there’s now an £18 set deal so you can try as much as humanly possible. It all sounds real great - and we’re all about the new Hot Chicken and Waffles. But is their already-famous Chicken Toast on the menu? Yup!
‘225 features. 77 countries. 14 cinemas. 12 days. One Festival.’ This chance to immerse yourself in a dizzying array of movies covering every genre you can dream up is too good to miss. From big hitter premieres to independent gems, from short films to conversations and panels there’s something for every cinema goer to sink their teeth into - and with the weather on the turn, what better time to be indoors with some popcorn?
OPENS SEPTEMBER 27TH. 62 UPPER STREET, N1 0NY. @CHICKNSOURS / chicknsours.co.uk
QUEEN OF HOXTON’S WINTER ROOFTOP BAR It was the greatest summer ever: England won the World Cup (more-or-less) and the sun just wouldn’t stop shining. There’s a silver lining to the nights now drawing in earlier and the temperature dropping, though, and that comes in the shape of Queen of Hoxton’s winter rooftop. Drawing inspiration from all things Montmartre and Moulin Rouge, expect surreal happenings in the wigwam, food offerings where fromage rules (raclette, cheese toasties!) and our QoH winter favourite - hot buttered rum; tarte tatin style. Bring on fire pit season, to be honest. OPENS OCTOBER 25TH. QUEEN OF HOXTON, 1 CURTAIN RD EC2A 3JX. @_QueenOfHoxton_ / queenofhoxton.com
OCTOBER 10TH-21ST. VARIOUS VENUES @BFI // bfi.org.uk QUEEN OF HOXTON
JENNY HVAL (photo: Jenny Berger Myhre)
AN EVENING WITH JENNY HVAL Not content with making some of the most interesting and challenging music around, Jenny Hval has penned her first novel in English, Paradise Rot. This evening will explore that book, steeped in sexuality and politics, in discussion with The Quietus’ Anna Wood. Plus a performance from Last Yearz Interesting Negro. OCTOBER 22ND. SOMERSET HOUSE STUDIOS, PORTICO ROOM @sh_studios_ // somersethouse.org.uk
BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL BURNING
YAYOI KUSAMA: THE MOVING MOMENT WHEN I WENT TO THE UNIVERSE YAYOI KUSAMA
Think of Yayoi Kusama and you’ll likely think of two things: pumpkins and mirrors. Good news: both of these will figure in this exciting brand new exhibition. What’s more, there will be paintings from Kusama’s famed My Eternal Soul series spread across the gallery and waterside garden. Prepare for guaranteed Insta numbers in the Infinity Mirror Room while you reflect on cosmic infinity and personal obsession, too. Incredibly, this show is free to attend - just register for a ticket on the gallery’s site. ON FROM OCTOBER 3RD DECEMBER 21ST. Victoria Miro, 16 Wharf Road, N1 7RW @victoriamiro // victoria-miro.com London in Stereo: 23
AL B I N L E E M E L DAU
I SEE RIVERS
17 OC TO B ER
17 OC TO B ER
BUSH HALL
ST PANCR AS OLD CH U RCH
O2 SH E PH E RD’S BUSH E M PI RE
N OVO AM O R
DAN OW E N
B UZ Z Y L E E
22 & 23 OCTO B ER
24 O C TO B E R
U N ION CHAPE L
100 CLU B
B ETH NAL G RE E N WORKI NG M E N ’S CLU B
N AD I A N AI R
VAN C E J OY
B E N H OWAR D
FR E YA R I D I N G S 18 OC TO B ER
30 OC TO B ER
6 NOVEM BER
13 NOVEM BER
1 6 , 1 7 & 1 8 J A N U A RY
TH E WAITI NG ROOM
ALE X AN DR A PAL ACE
O2 ACADE MY B RIXTON
words: Danny Wright photography: Phil Sharp
he front cover of Cat Power’s new record is a candid snapshot - Chan Marshall and her young son in the bedroom of their house as a guitar topples over and she catches it. It’s an image that had been stored on her phone until the record label asked for the artwork. “I had no single concept, so I thought ‘I’ll just use this picture’. I didn’t analyse it, I just cropped it and wrote the word ‘Wanderer’ with my finger.” It’s only now that she can see what the image represents. “It’s a symbol of strength. With my words and guitar I’ve been able to survive and travel the world and meet people who told me that I made a difference in their life, which makes me feel not alone, which gives me the fortitude to not feel fucking mixed up and crazy and alone on this planet. And my son is the greatest gift of my life, the truest love I’ve ever felt and I never knew I deserved. And then my silhouette is myself - this is my life right now and I’m fine with it.”
London in Stereo: 27
That she’s fine is good to hear – for the six year journey that led to Wanderer has been a complicated, dramatic one. In 2012, the day after the release of last album Sun, Marshall was hospitalised. “I had so much pressure trying to make a hit record, spent my life savings trying to control the process, that my immune system collapsed.” She was diagnosed with hereditary angioedema, an immune disorder that causes swelling of the face and throat. Thankfully, after a year of postponed gigs, she found a homeopath who helped to stop the swelling. Life however, as it likes to do, continued and transformed, and there was soon more life-changing news. “I was dating someone for five months, then we split up and I found out I was pregnant.” She moved back to Miami and, two years after fearing that she was on the brink of dying, Marshall gave birth to her son. Chan talks openly about everything she’s been through, her voice as rich and evocative as it is on record. She shares pictures of her little boy; she mimics the people walking past in the noisy, bustling hotel foyer. It’s clear, though, she’s been through a lot - “it definitely feels like six years”. She takes her time, making sure she picks the right words, her voice sometimes drifting off without finishing answers if she can’t find them. It’s this deliberation that inspired Wanderer and the decision to move record labels. “With Sun I wanted to hear outer space, but with this I wanted to hear the space within.” “I was told by my ex-record label I needed a hit record and I did that with Sun. So when I gave them this record and they said they didn’t like it, it was just like, ‘Say what?’. I think having my kid gave me more of a put-my-foot-down vibration. I didn’t want to injure the songs with the idea of making a hit record, I wanted to protect whatever it is the universe wanted me to make. Because when I make music I thrive on my intuition – it becomes a meditation, the vibration resonates through your bones, it becomes part of your heartbeat.”
The cosmic way she talks of her craft is reminiscent of the American poet, Ruth Stone, who, as she worked in the fields, would feel a poem coming at her over the landscape and run to the farmhouse to write the words down before they escaped. It’s the same for Chan: “There’s a passing melody train in my head and I have to jump on it and just start singing. It’s like there’s something my subconscious needs to create and I don’t know why or for what. I have to rush to find the tape recorder with the batteries in.” And so we have Wanderer, her tenth studio album – pure and unflinching songs that eschew the synths of Sun and revert back to guitar, piano and that voice. The journey to the record began in Miami as Chan set up her house as a recording studio. “The first thing I recorded was ‘If I had a dime for every time...’.” That’s the first line from ‘Woman’ the defiant, shimmering song you’ve probably heard that features Lana Del Rey, her recent touring partner. Yet it’s a song that nearly never saw the light of day. “I wasn’t sure it belonged sonically, so I didn’t deliver ‘Woman’ [to Matador]. But then when Domino came into the picture and they loved the record, I said ‘Er, can I add a song to the record?’.” “I’d met Lana years ago. She’s a beautiful woman and a beautiful spirit. I knew she’d lend the song that resonating, divine feminine quality that I thought it needed. I’m very happy that song’s on the record now.” As the album developed, the wandering continued. She spent time in a studio that Diplo had recommended in Miami (“He put ‘Free’ on a mixtape years ago”) and then moved to LA. It was here that another pop star entered the album’s story. “A few years ago an ex-lover picked me up from the airport. I opened the door and ‘Stay’ by Rihanna came on. He said ‘There’s my girl’ and I thought he was talking about me but he was talking about her,” she explains. “Then when I was about to go to LA to record I was in a cab and I heard the whole song right through for the first time and I was crying and I learned why millions of people love her.”
“When I make music I thrive on my intuition – it becomes a meditation, the vibration resonates through your bones, it becomes part of your heartbeat.” London in Stereo: 29
The song took on deeper resonance, reminding her of a friend who had passed away. “When I was singing I could feel him there in the room, right there in my chest.” Our conversation is punctuated by these stories of tragic goodbyes and lives lost – yet there’s a resolve that burns through. I ask if she sees it as a hopeful album. “I do. I know that there’s a lot of questioning but I think that’s part of what art does and hopefully there’s some language that people understand, that helps people heal.” Chan certainly seems more at ease with who she is. “I used to be so ashamed of being a musician because it felt snobbish. So I lied, told people ‘I’m just a waitress’ then, later, ‘I’m just a writer’.”
“I’m so proud of myself that I love my life now, that I didn’t turn away from hope.”
This guilt seemed to affect her during her turbulent early career. The legend grew – with some notes of truth – of an artist prone to breakdowns, stage fright, and profound insecurity. It was crystallised in early albums, like 1998’s beautiful, stark Moon Pix. This year she returned to play that album in full for an anniversary show in Australia. “That Sydney show was super-duper special for me - more potent than winning any Grammy award. I had to step into the suit of the person who wrote that stuff. I remembered a lot about that person - how she was fight or flight, and trying to maintain resilience. I felt completely lost as many people do when they’re growing up,” she says softly, pausing. “I guess the trick to being happy is to go through it.” “I’m so proud of myself that I love my life now, that I didn’t turn away from hope.” Listening to Wanderer, you can hear that hard-won hope – the sound of life – pulsing through it. Cat Power releases her new album, Wanderer, October 5th via Domino. LIVE: Roundhouse, October 23rd @CATPOWER
@CatPowerSun
with new Phonox Saturday night resident:
Esa
INTRO Following in the footsteps of the likes of HAAi and Jasper James, Phonox – the Brixton club institution that needs no introduction – have recently announced their new Saturday night resident: none other than South Africa’s Esa. With a pedigree that boasts releases on the Dekmantel imprint, a radio show on Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM and working as Ata Kak’s bandleader, this much-travelled DJ promises to bring a unique new sound to Phonox. Ahead of the residency, we asked Esa to talk us through four tracks that have a permanent place in his heart, and record collection. LiS Esa takes over Phonox Saturday nights from October 6th. Phonox, 418 Brixton Rd, London SW9 7AY. @phonox_london
PEGGY GOU
PEGGY GOU FEAT. YOO AH-IN HUNGBOO In 2014, I met Peggy Gou at Corsica Studios and knew there was something interesting about her. Aware that she was into music and a DJ, I reached out to her to find out whether she would be interested in furthering her knowledge with some Ableton one-to-one sessions. We spoke a lot about her musical direction and since I loved referencing my roots this became part of our creative process. Through tapping into her Korean roots and developing samples, Peggy honed her craft and ideas before moving to Berlin, this is how ‘Hungboo’ came to be. I'm happy to see how she has progressed and built on her production skills, whilst still championing her roots.
PHONOX (photo: Jake Davis)
POWERMAN FEAT. ARTHUR RUSSELL LOST TRIBE Released 1983: the year I was born. Great vocals and lyrics that resonate with me a super hypnotic track. I had a great experience with this at Atlas electronic music festival: end of the night and finished with my set - as I was leaving I walked through a corridor the festival used as the ambient room, and in there I saw the whole Red Light Radio family and friends mellowing out after an amazing time in Marrakech, with this track playing.
HYPNOSIS BORMAZ Electro, disco synth-pop track, that I have been playing all summer and throughout the year. The Todd Terje version is nicely put together and arranged: an electro funky bassline melody which flips into super-funky guitar and an ambient breakdown that comes back to a fat bass line. Memorable moment must be playing B2B with HUNEE at Dekmantel selectors, the energy in the crowd was amazing.
ARTHUR RUSSELL © Audika Records, Tom Lee and the estate of Arthur Russell
BARBATUQUES
BARBATUQUES BAIANA (WOLF MUELLER DRUM DROP) Barbatuques are a body percussion group from Brazil - this drum drop version’s by a good friend of mine: Jan Schulte aka Wolf Mueller. Fusing broken beat and loud drums with Tibetan harp and Brazilian vocals, plus elements of body percussion, is just amazing. I’ve played it a lot this year at 95 bpm. I always take that risk: play it at the middle, the end or beginning and it allows me to change tempos and experiment. London in Stereo: 33
SOLD OU
T
SOLD OU
T
SOLD OU
T
Academy Events present
THURSDAY OUT SOLD 6TH OCTOBER DED DATE AD SECONDPHENOMENAL DUE TO MAND! DE
WITH SUPPORT FROM
FRIDAY 5TH OCTOBER
O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON LONDON
WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2018 SCALA LONDON
LIVENATION.CO.UK
HUNTERANDTHEBEAR.CO.UK A LIVE NATION & ACADEMY EVENTS PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH X-RAY Academy Events & TIJ Events presents
THURSDAY 11th OCTOBER plus special guests
O2 Academy Islington London
Sunday 21st October 2018 O2 Shepherds Bush Empire London
POETSOFTHEFALL.COM THE NEW ALBUM ULTRAVIOLET IN STORES 5.10.18
AN ACADEMY EVENTS PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH E.G.O
CLUB.THE.MAMMOTH. PRESENTS
FRI 2ND NOV O2 ACADEMY ISLINGTON, LONDON
HEAVEN
AN ACADEMY EVENTS PRESENTATION In association with This Is Now Agency ACADEMY EVENTS presents
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS
SUNDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2018 O2 SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE LONDON SUBSONICA.IT AN ACADEMY EVENTS AND TIJ EVENTS PRESENTATION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH VERTIGO
plus special guests
Friday 21st December O2 FORUM KENTISH TOWN LONDON THETWANG.CO.UK
TICKETMASTER.CO.UK ALL USUAL AGENTS
13.11.18
“I’ve been learning how to say what I really mean weed out the bullshit...”
Empress Of words: Gemma Samways photography: Fabian Guerrero
orely Rodriguez is done with sharing specifics. Three years ago, she poured detailed personal experiences into her first full-length set as Empress Of, and came away feeling exposed to the extent that performing the album live became exhausting. For the follow-up to the lyrically-introvert, sonicallyextrovert Me, she’s now reestablishing intimacy by operating on a more universal level. Or as she puts it during the song ‘All Or Nothing’, “I like to keep my stories untold”. “This record is more about the stories we all share with each other,” she elaborates down the line from L.A., in typically sunny tones. “And part of that is taking the weight off me and having it be a mutual exchange of ideas… That’s why it’s called Us.” It’s testament to Rodriguez’s tenacity, and to her skill as a songwriter, musician and producer, that this excellent second record is every bit as personality-packed as its predecessor.
Written and recorded over the course of two and a half years in southern Californian locations including the Topanga Canyon and Ojai Valley, Us was a true labour of love. “I had to write so many bad songs first,” she laughs. “It was about having a strong musical identity, but also not wanting to make the exact same music over again. And that was a learning process, like, how do I reflect my growth as an artist?” The answer? Firstly, by drawing on a diverse palette of musical inspirations, including This Mortal Coil, Fatima Yamaha and Ariana Grande. Secondly, by calling in favours from previous collaborators Pional, Blood Orange and L.A. production duo, DJDS. And thirdly, by finding the confidence to be forthright, both melodically and lyrically. “I thought I was pretty emotionally vulnerable on the first album, but this record is more direct,” she reflects. “I’ve been learning how to say what I really mean - weed out the bullshit.” That deceptively uncomplicated, filter-free approach is brilliantly illustrated on twinkling
London in Stereo: 37
single-in-waiting ‘Timberlands’, which serves up a heady hit of immaculately-layered pop, plus the impressively unapologetic lyric, “I’m my own worst enemy / I’m my favourite centrepiece / Whatever, at least I’m trying to be myself more.” Rodriguez’s productions radiate real warmth this time around too, with songs like ‘When I’m With Him’ and ‘Trust Me Baby’ exuding their own hazy glow. As per every Empress Of record since 2013’s Systems EP, Spanish is used on Us as a vehicle to veil her most personal lyrics. And yet, in the context of Donald Trump’s discriminatory immigration policies, Rodriguez openly embracing her Honduran heritage now feels like a pointed act of defiance. Is it? “I feel very strongly about being Latinx, and growing up in southern California and seeing the cultures clash,” she replies thoughtfully. “I feel like my music reflects that… I just wanted to represent myself as a kid of an immigrant, raised in Los Angeles.” “I’ve always embraced [my heritage],” she continues. “What I’ve noticed is the rest of the world embracing it. And to me that’s something that’s really special. It’s a snowball thing. The more you see people like you doing things - and the more you have artists
like Cuco and Kali Uchis - the more it will show the rest of the world that this is normal. We’re just like you.” Despite her recent support for L.A. clothing line ‘Kids Of Immigrants’ and her appearance at a local benefit for undocumented immigrants, Rodriguez modestly rejects the title of activist. “I think when there’s any type of adversity in your life, activism is just a part of your life. I’m just trying to exist as a kid of an immigrant, just trying to be seen equally by my peers. But, yeah, seeing everything unfold in America, you want to raise awareness and you want to be that voice. I just want to help…” Ultimately, the end goal is to positively affect the audience’s mood: “What I really like about listening to other people’s music,” she explains, “Is when I listen to a song and I’m like, ‘Wow, this makes me feel so good!’ It’s like how do I make other people feel this good?” The precise formula remains a mystery but Rodriguez’s talent for it is undeniable. Empress Of releases her new album, Us, October 19th via Terrible Records. LIVE: Chat’s Palace, September 28th @EmpressOf
@EmpressOf
JOSE GONZALEZ T THURS 20 LD OU SOSEPT ROYAL ALBERT HALL ODETTA HARTMAN MON 24 SEPT THE ISLINGTON HALF WAIF MON 24 SEPT SEBRIGHT ARMS GENTLY TENDER WED 26 SEPT THE LEXINGTON MITSKI WED 26 SEPT O2 SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE JIM GHEDI THURS 27 SEPT ST PANCRAS OLD CHURCH SKINNY PELEMBE THURS 27 SEPT CORSICA STUDIOS IDER TUES 2 OCT VILLAGE UNDERGROUND WASUREMONO THURS 4 OCT THE WAITING ROOM ART SCHOOL GIRLFRIEND FRI 5 OCT ST PANCRAS OLD CHURCH JOHN MOODS FRI 5 OCT SERVANT JAZZ QUARTERS MARTIN KOHLSTEDT MON 8 OCT ST PANCRAS OLD CHURCH DILLY DALLY T TUES 9 OCT LD OU SOARMS SEBRIGHT
NEGATIVE GEMINI FRI 12 OCT THE SHACKLEWELL ARMS 77:78 MON 15 OCT OSLO HACKNEY GWENNO THURS 18 OCT ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL STEADY HOLIDAY THURS 18 OCT THE ISLINGTON RINA SAWAYAMA FRI 19 OCT HEAVEN LEYYA TUES 23 OCT SEBRIGHT ARMS OKAY KAYA TUES 23 OCT CHATS PALACE SAM EVIAN TUES 23 OCT HOXTON HALL GIANT PARTY WED 24 OCT THE LEXINGTON SOLOMON GREY THURS 25 OCT UNION CHAPEL BC CAMPLIGHT THURS 25 OCT OMEARA PALM THURS 25 OCT MOTH CLUB LORD HURON FRI 26 OCT ROUNDHOUSE GOLD STAR MON 29 OCT THE WAITING ROOM
SERPENTWITHFEET THURS 30 OCT ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL LUCY DACUS WED 31 OCT ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL
KELLY LEE OWENS THURS 15 NOV VILLAGE UNDERGROUND MADELINE KENNEY THURS 15 NOV SEBRIGHT ARMS
THE KVB WED 31 OCT CORSICA STUDIOS
W. H. LUNG THURS 15 NOV CORSICA STUDIOS
THE GARDEN WED 31 OCT & THURS 1 NOV THE GARAGE
TIRZAH UT MON 19SNOV OLD O VILLAGE UNDERGROUND
SNEAKS THURS 1 NOV THE ISLINGTON GOAT GIRL FRI 2 NOV KOKO INSECURE MEN TUES 6 NOV QUEEN ELIZABETH HALL ANDY SHAUF OUT TUES 6 NOV SOLDCHURCH ST. MATTHIAS CURTIS HARDING THURS 8 NOV KOKO CAR SEAT HEADREST THURS 8 NOV O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON OLDEN YOLK SAT 10 NOV SEBRIGHT ARMS PARQUET COURTS MON 12 NOV ROUNDHOUSE LAURA JEAN TUES 13 NOV SEBRIGHT ARMS FLASHER TUES 13 NOV THE LEXINGTON
PARALLELLINESPROMOTIONS.COM
LUKE HOWARD TUES 20 NOV BUSH HALL GLORIA WED 21 NOV THE LEXINGTON JUNIORE THURS 22 NOV DALSTON VICTORIA THE WAVE PICTURES THURS 22 NOV KOKO SUBURBAN LIVING FRI 23 NOV SEBRIGHT ARMS HOOKWORMS SAT 24 NOV O2 FORUM KENTISH TOWN MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND TUES 27 NOV OSLO HACKNEY HUGAR WED 28 NOV ST PANCRAS OLD CHURCH JUNGLE THURS 21 FEB ALEXANDRA PALACE
10—18 MOTH Club Valette St London E8 Thursday 11 October
LITANY Friday 12 October
NIGHT FLOWERS Friday 19 October
THE COATHANGERS Monday 22 October INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS OF POP Tuesday 23 October
THE SPACE LADY Thursday 25 October
PALM Monday 29 October
THE COURTNEYS Shacklewell Arms 71 Shacklewell Lane London E8 Tuesday 2 October
CLEMENTINE MARCH Saturday 6 October
GO!ZILLA Thursday 11 October
THE BRITANYS Sunday 21 October
THE MAUSKOVIC DANCE
Lanzarote
lanzaroteworks.com #lanzaroteworks
Programming
BAND Tuesday 23 October
ANY OTHER Friday 26 October
BAMBARA Monday 29 October
ANEMONE The Waiting Room 175 Stoke Newington High St N16 Saturday 6 October
JUICEBOXXX Wednesday 10 October
BED RUGS Saturday 13 October
LUC MAST Tuesday 23 October
BAYWAVES Thursday 25 October
PEAKES Wednesday 31 October
I.R.O.K : BLOOD LUST Multiple Venues Saturday 27 April 2019
TEST PRESSING FESTIVAL
with
Big Joanie
Why do you live in London? Estella: I was born in London and grew up here, so it feels like home. I lived in York for about eight years but couldn’t resist moving back. Steph: I moved here when I was 18 to go to university in Kingston. I’d always wanted to live in London so after I graduated I moved to South London and I’ve been here ever since. Chardine: I’m from London, moved to the Midlands and then back again when I was 19. I’ve recently left the capital after 15 years to live in Sheffield. What are your go-to places for food? E: Katakata in Brixton is conveniently close to where we rehearse and serves up delicious vegan and gluten-free galettes. Travancore on Stoke Newington Church Street does delicious Indian food. Neither of these will break the bank either, which is always a plus for me. S: I loved Mildred’s which is a vegetarian restaurant in Camden. The Waiting Room cafe and The Full Nelson in Deptford are my favourite places in the south east. C: Roti Joupa in Clapham North. It’s probably the best Trinidadian take away in London. London’s starting to cool off, what’s the best way to enjoy autumn in the city? C: Put a jumper on and subscribe to Netflix. Cook a stew, enjoy the many parks. What’s the bit of London that you live in got that the rest of London hasn’t? E: My street stars in a Just-Eat advert involving jazz dancers and a levitating moped, so there’s that. S: I guess other parts of London might have a similar thing but south east is so hilly that at the right point you can see all across London. Plus it has cheaper rents you can’t find anywhere else. What’s the worst thing about living here? S: Having to live an extended student life, sharing flats with friends and having no money to live a decent life. It makes band life hard because you don’t have enough time to focus on writing new songs and practicing.
“My street stars in a Just-Eat advert involving jazz dancers and a levitating moped...” - Estella Do you have any favourite venues? E: DIY Space for London for making the effort to be accessible, welcoming, and open to a multitude of different types of events. Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club for that beautiful heart on the stage and the friendly staff. Moth Club for its abundance of gold glitter. Paper Dress Vintage because I get to go shopping in my head while I’m there. Does living here influence the music you write? E: I think being exposed to so many different styles of music here makes me feel less inhibited about trying out less conventional sounds and styles, and drawing from different influences. C: Not sure, everything's so accessible now I don’t think being based in London means you have wider influences than someone based elsewhere. Unless you want to write about rent prices all the time... Big Joanie release their debut album, Sistahs, in November via The Daydream Library Series. LIVE: Lambeth Library, October 13th. New Rivers Studios , October 26th. @Big_Joanie
@bigjoanie London in Stereo: 41
photos: Sean Brackbill
RECORD OF THE MONTH “Each record I make is more of an amalgamation of who I am,” says John Grant. “The more I do this, the more I trust myself, and the closer I get to making what I imagine in my head.” So, what does John Grant’s imagination sound like on Love is Magic? Danny Wright got Tim Boddy and Hassan Anderson together to find out. What are your general feelings towards John Grant and his music? Hassan: I really loved Pale Green Ghosts. He’s a unique singer and can write well. His humour is a breath of fresh air, especially considering the fact that he tackles pretty heavy subject matter too. Rant over. Tim: Yeah, I also got into him around that time; it was the film Weekend that really hooked me into his work. I then explored Queen of Denmark; that is probably one of my fave albums of the 00s. I quite frankly think he’s a treasure that needs to be protected at all costs. (Also, rant over.) Two very good rants. So what do you make of Love Is Magic? It's a bit of a sonic shift from Pale Green Ghosts. Hassan: Agreed - I really like it though. It feels like he’s made the shift an authentic one. On
JOHN GRANT LOVE IS MAGIC Pale Green Ghosts there’s a combo of sort of guitar/piano-led ballads, then some disco/ electronic tracks too, and I remember being struck by how he managed to sit the two together so well. This new album obviously places him sonically in the former but it doesn’t feel like he’s done a Kid A or anything. Tim: Yes, he’s certainly deft at sitting two sounds together - often within the same track, like the opening track. I’ll admit it was a bit of a jarring experience at first - especially as the album goes straight in with a more... chaotic sound. But after a couple of listens my brain started to catch-up with his vision and what he was doing. Does his sense of humour come through? Hassan: He’s mentioned that he’s into British comedy and I feel, like on the opening track and other places, his delivery has a Howard Moonlike Boosh feel. That’s meant as a compliment. Tim: I was genuinely cackling away in public on certain tracks. It seems like he’s decided to really push the humour even more than he did before. The album is more reminiscent of Grant’s tangents at his live shows (which I’ve been blown away by) - that caustic wit and joyous yet dark surrealism, but never captured on record so well as on this one.
Are there any stand-out lines for you? Hassan: ‘Smug Cunt’ is fucking funny. Tim: Absolutely. ‘Diet Gum’, too. Hassan: I think the chorus line in that is one of my favourites. Tim: “Like I should feel grateful you are in my life / I'd rather dig out my spleen with a butter knife”, “Idaho... EVER HEARD OF IT?”. Angry John! I feel like this discussion could just be a list of Grant’s most warped and hilarious lyrics.
“Did you know that he mentions cheese on four of the tracks? That’s my top album fact.” - Tim Boddy
Does the album have a theme, would you say? Tim: Like most good artists, Grant holds up a mirror to society/the world. There's a chaotic, absurdist element to the album, fused with the everyday and banal. There's a lot going on! Hassan: To me it seems like a mish-mash of experience filtered through JG’s kitsch/ironic retro-dystopian lens. Tim: …with cheese. Did you know that he mentions cheese on four of the tracks? That’s my top album fact. Hassan: That’s un-brie-lievable. Tim: Maybe the next album will be his r‘n’brie album. I’m glad these reviews have finally moved on to cheese puns! Aside from cheese, I thought it was interesting the way he took news headlines and put them into the songs. Hassan: I saw that he said people read those headlines, and then just go and buy a cheese sandwich. Like, there’s an absurd montage feel to reality people just seem to go through without paying much attention. But actually it’s fucking mental. Tim: Yeah. It’s the thought process of a (very good) stand-up comedian in some ways. Does the political message get lost because of the humour? Hassan: I think politics today is like a comedy show. It’s why comedians say they have such a hard time writing about Trump, etc. So I think the idea that a discussion of politics needs to be serious perhaps doesn’t apply as much. Humour just seems like a far more effective way of making a point. Tim: Yeah. It links into that absurdist side - by using bizarre lyrics to mimic what's going on. I think he achieves this in a smart way heightening his message, I’d argue.
And finally, if one song on the record sums it up what would you choose? Tim: Tough question. Perhaps ‘Preppy Boy’ which showcases many of the Italo-disco/ electronic elements, while being something of a banger. Lyrically it mixes an earnest approach with the classic Grant dark wit. A middle-ground between the more ‘out there'’ tracks, and ballads. Hassan: Ooooh, hard. I love ‘Smug Cunt’. But I’m going to be bait and say ‘Love Is Magic’ for me. John Grant releases Love Is Magic October 12th via Bella Union. LIVE: O2 Academy Brixton, October 30th @johngrantmusic
@johngrantmusic London in Stereo: 43
THU.04.OCT.18
FRI.12.OCT.18
TUE.16.OCT.18
TUE.23.OCT.18
THU.25.OCT.18
SAT.03.NOV.18
TUE.06.NOV.18
THU.25.OCT.18 THU.08.NOV.18
THU.18.OCT.18
THU.01.NOV.18 THU.08.NOV.18
FRI.09.NOV.18
TUE.04.DEC.18
SUN.21.APR.19
FRI.09.NOV.18
SAT.10.NOV.18
FRI.25.JAN.19
TUE.11.DEC.18
FRI.28.JUN.19 FRI.23.NOV.18
TUE.27.NOV.18
THU.13.DEC.18
SAT.12.JAN.19
NENEH CHERRY
BROKEN POLITICS Smalltown Supersound October 19th
CHAI PINK
Heavenly Recordings October 12th Effervescing with urgent, frenetic rhythms, bubble-gum melodies and high-octane vocals, PINK exudes unadulterated exuberance and irresistible charm. The debut release from Japanese four-piece CHAI, their kaleidoscopic kawaii-meets-punk attitude defies expectation at every turn with mischievous buoyancy. Across the six tracks, CHAI embrace self-love and acceptance, reject beauty norms, tackle the world of modern dating and alight on the ‘Hello Kitty cult’ with their playful and defiant vitality. The versatility of their sound is astounding as they deliver the funkiest bass riffs on ‘Boyz Seco Men’ whilst ‘N.E.O’ offers a heady fusion of sharp, relentless dance rhythms and roaring vocals imbued with garage-rock sensibilities. An inimitable debut, CHAI are resolutely here to wrap you up in their curious, saccharine world and you won’t want to leave. Kezia Cochrane
Neneh Cherry albums don’t come around often enough. Only her fifth solo LP in a career dating back to the 80s, Broken Politics is exactly the kind of thing our ears need to encounter more regularly. Taking a stand against the ongoing shitshow that is the world in an elegant but damning manner – she’s not mad, just, y’know, disappointed – Cherry exudes as much class and wisdom as ever, while Four Tet’s masterful production provides a tremendous backdrop of electronica, dub and jazz. Whereas much of the album explores the current societal malaise, the allusion to the American Civil War in “Shot Gun Shack” points to how deep the problems she addresses run. That they inspire music as great as this is a small but significant silver lining. Thomas Hannan
ADRIANNE LENKER ABYSSKISS Saddle Creek October 5th Here’s a game for you; can you listen to the latest solo record from Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker, without your eyeballs leaking? Maybe buy some shares in Kleenex (other tissue brands are available), before you crack into abysskiss. Delicate opener ‘terminal paradise’ finds Lenker ruminating over her death, with vocals almost whispered over delicate acoustic guitars. It sets the tone for most of the record, but it’s not entirely single-paced; ‘out of your mind’ is a bit more up-tempo, even if it won’t set any dancefloors on fire. For the most part, a beautiful hushedvocals-over-acoustics aesthetic abounds. It’s maybe not the best choice of aural pleasure unless you have time for a ruddy good cry, but if you do; dive in, it’s beautiful. Simone Scott Warren
MARIE DAVIDSON
WORKING CLASS WOMAN Ninja Tune October 5th Working Class Woman is a twisted, abrasive and darkly humorous take on dance music and life in Berlin. Opener ‘Your Biggest Fan’ brazenly mocks club culture: “Are you doing a DJ set tonight?” Davidson’s spoken text rings out, sneering sarcastically. With foundations laid by her last album, 2016’s Adieux Au Dancefloor, Working Class Woman builds on the dance floor blueprint. From the hi-hats and thumping groove of ‘The Psychologist’, to the haunting techno of ‘Burn Me’, to the brighter, more melodic tones of ‘So Right’, Davidson layers probing lyricism – some in English and some in French – over snarling club rhythms and textures. “I work all the fucking time,” she says in industrial cut ‘Work It’, “Work, sweat, work to be a winner.” It’s a robotic acknowledgement of the unforgiving nature of club land, a nod to hard work and a nod to appreciating your own success – “Work for yourself, love yourself.” For all the largely scathing lyrics and harsh, industrial soundscapes – exemplified in cacophonous ‘The Tunnel’ – there are moments of respite, too. Slowly chiming ‘Day Dreaming’ oozes warmth, the melodies sounding almost choral and closer ‘La chambre intérieure’ twinkles dreamily, fading out as Davidson whispers intimately in French. The fine line between playfulness and disdain blurs across the record, so has Davidson’s extensive touring made her bitter toward the industry she’s negotiating? Or, is she serving up a few home truths whilst understanding herself, laughing at the rest of us and getting on with what she does best? Katie Thomas
MOLLY BURCH
MØ
Captured Tracks October 5th
Chess Club/RCA Victor October 5th
FIRST FLOWER
More than a year on from her criticallyacclaimed debut, LA native Molly Burch returns, laying bare her soul in the intimate First Flower. As she confronts her own battles against anxiety and imperfections with an empowering lyrical twist, the singer-songwriter’s vocals take centre stage throughout the album, backed with a tranquil and harmonious blend of acoustic and orchestral instruments. Lead single, ‘Wild’ details Burch’s search for self-acceptance, finding the ideal balance between celebrating flaws and idolizing others, while title track ‘First Flower’ marks a wistful dream-pop effort in the form of a classic love song. Remarkably, where ‘Good Behaviour’ works to challenge the expectations placed upon us, it’s the confident and unapologetic nature of ‘To The Boys’ that makes a lasting impression. Kelly Ronaldson
FOREVER NEVERLAND In the four years since MØ released her debut album, No Mythologies To Follow, the Danish pop hero has become a global star via Major Lazer collab ‘Lean On’ and worked with everyone from Justin Bieber to Charli XCX (featured here on ‘If It’s Over’). It’s the latter’s approach - pop but make it weird - that Karen Marie Ørsted deploys on Forever Neverland. Yes, the record is full of sunny electronic pop (‘Sun In Our Eyes’) and lusty bops (‘I Want You’), but its oddities are where it really shines. On ‘Nostalgia’, Ørsted guides us through the decline of a relationship in spoken-word verses and carnival rhythms. ‘Blur’, meanwhile, combines a ‘Where Is My Mind?’ acoustic strum with vocoder vocals and synthetic blares to make something strangely emotional and delightfully offbeat. Rhian Daly London in Stereo: 47
CLOUD NOTHINGS
LAST BUILDING BURNING Wichita Recordings October 19th Ever since a collection of lo-fi indie demos surfaced in 2010, Cloud Nothings, have chosen to build and deconstruct their sound with every new release. Their latest is no exception as the band build on the melodic affair of their last album Life Without Sound, adding fury and bile to every song. ‘On An Edge’ is a blisteringly brutal track that pummels you with its perfectly timed loud/quiet dynamics and searing guitar riffs. The earworm sensibilities of bands like Hüsker Dü and The Wipers live on in songs like ‘Leave Him Now’ and ‘Offer An End’. Drowning in drama and distortion Last Building Burning is an album that rattles and shakes in all the right places; perfect for emotional singalongs in bedrooms all over. Stephanie Phillips
HELENA DELAND
FROM THE SERIES OF SONGS ‘ALTOGETHER UNACCOMPANIED' VOL. III AND VOL. IV Luminelle Recordings // October 19th Much of Helena Deland’s music is beautifully disjointed – splintered in structure, lyrically oblique, varied in genre – and concerns memory. It’s fitting for Deland to have released disparate ‘memories in song form’ this year in short volumes instead of a full record. The final installment of the Montréal artist’s Altogether Unaccompanied series is not so much a significant step up from Vol. I & Vol. II than it is a continuation of Deland’s intricate, intimate songwriting. ‘Two Queries’ is a creaking, Angel Olsen-esque song that does find some unity in its noirish counterpart, ‘A Stone is a Stone’. But these tracks pale in comparison to the hypnotic highs of ‘Rise’ and the fibrous, synth-pop tug of anxiety anthem, ‘Claudion’. The latter two songs make Deland’s memories everlasting. Charlotte Krol
SAINT SISTER
SHAPE OF SILENCE Self-Release October 5th If Saint Sister’s opening flurry of releases emphasised their striking subtlety and aesthetic nuance, then debut album Shape Of Silence represents the broadening and deepening of their approach. The Dublin-based duo drift across 12 tracks, wisps of sound that pit opaque electronics against the inherent mysticism of Irish traditional music. From the harp inflections of the title track to the eeriness of the aptly named ‘Twin Peaks’, this is a uniquely atmospheric record, akin to watching the lights of a ship come blinking through thick fog. The heart-rending longing of ‘Half Awake’ bleeds into sub-zero songwriting on haunting finale ‘The Mater’. Never ones to be understood immediately, Shape Of Silence finds Saint Sister posing ever more ornate yet addictive puzzles. Robin Murray
KURT VILE
BOTTLE IT IN Matador October 12th Hey, everyone! Death is coming! That's what Kurt Vile’s here to gently remind us and Bottle It In, his first album in three years, encourages us to sit with the certainty. It’s best listened to when the air is cooling, with a blanket wrapped around you on a deserted beach as each guitar pedal takes on a personality of its own. Reverse delay appropriately narrates second single ‘Backasswards’ — a song about coming back down to Earth after a day of daydreaming, and Mary Lattimer’s harp adds a welcome element unheard of in any previous Kurt record. But in classic Vile style, the songs sprawl with his drooling improvisations on love and death and his little lot in life. Those waiting for hooks won't get them. The riffs repeat and remind us to stay in the moment, to go with the flow, to love everything you have. Death is coming. Emma Madden
ADVANCE BASE ANIMAL COMPANIONSHIP
Run For Cover/Orindal Records October 5th Since retiring his renowned Casiotone For The Painfully Alone moniker in 2010, Owen Ashworth’s Advance Base has never sounded better than over the ten songs that comprise Animal Companionship. There’s something astutely pure in Ashworth’s approach to songwriting here that speaks utter volumes for his incomparable twenty-year career. Though these songs are typically laden with subjects of pain, nostalgia, heartbreak, and melancholy, Animal Companionship proves to be an immensely therapeutic experience for Ashworth and his fans alike. From the delicate instrumentation on ‘Dolores & Kimberly’ that seem to trigger goosebumps on cue, to hearing Ashworth drolly imitate barking on ‘Your Dog’, it’s an album that deserves an honest listen and truly leaves the listener with a better sense of self and sensitivity. Harriet Taylor
HOW TO DRESS WELL THE ANTEROOM Domino October 19th A decade into his career as How To Dress Well, Tom Krell is gunning for something boundarybreaking with his fifth record The Anteroom. Ambition doesn’t always translate to the finished product though and opener ‘Human’s Disguised As Animals’ feels short of any inventiveness. The thirteen lengthy tracks play as one continuous piece as he dabbles with a personal narrative, fragile vocals and emotive synths. Krell dips in and out of different ideas but rarely commits himself to any of them. He has, however, mastered the art of build and release as the intimate moments satisfyingly grow into turbulent bouts of chaos. This album is soothing and easy to lose yourself in, but the overall package comes off as something nondescript and doesn’t do enough to truly excite the senses. Rhys Buchanan London in Stereo: 49
thursday 28 SEptember | 7:00
Monday 15 october | 7:00
thursday 28 SEptember | 7:30
tuesday 16 october | 7:00
THE DIRTY NIL
JIMOTHY LACOSTE
friday 29 SEptember | 7:00
ENSLAVED + HIGH ON FIRE ASTROID BOYS
tuesday 16 october | 7:00
EVERLAST
RADIO BIRDMAN
HAYMAKER
WARMDUSCHER
friday 29 SEptember | 7:00 thursday 4 october | 7:00
thursday 18 october | 7:30 friday 19 october | 7:00
LAUREL
SINSANEUM
NIGHTMARE OF YOU
HER’S
friday 5 october | 7:00
saturday 6 october | 6:00
BLOOD & BISCUITS 10TH BIRTHDAY (FEAT. THREE TRAPPED TIGERS)
wednesday 24 october | 7:00 thursday 25 october | 7:00
CULTURE ABUSE
thursday 25 october | 7:30
SNAIL MAIL
wednesday 8 october | 7:00
friday 26 october | 7:00
tuesday 9 october | 7:00
saturday 27 october | 7:00
wednesday 10 october | 7:30
sunday 28 october | 7:00
TAAKE
BAKAR
AMBER ARCADES
thursday 11 october | 7:00
PRIMAL FEAR
thursday 11 october | 7:00
WHENYOUNG
friday 12 october | 7:00
BAD RABBITS
saturday 13 october | 7:00
LUCIFER
saturday 13 october | 11:00
MISERABILIA - A LOS CAMPESINOS! AFTERPARTY
saturday 13 october | 8:30
ROZALEN
FEWS
ASOMVEL
KING GOAT
wednesday 31 october | 7:00
DEVILSKIN
wednesday 31 october | 7:00
DEAD MEADOW
thursday 1 november | 7:00
CALIGULA’S HORSE friday 2 november | 7:00
MYSTIFIER
friday 2 november | 7:00
THE OCEAN
saturday 3 november | 7:00
ABOUT TO BREAK (FEAT. BITCH FALCON, HAGGARD CAT + MORE
our selection of the best upcoming shows this month O2 SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE
O2 ACADEMY ISLINGTON
BLOOD ORANGE + KELSEY LU
BIG ZUU
October 29th £20.50adv // @o2sbe
October 25th £11.75adv // @O2Islington
Shepherd’s Bush
SERVANT JAZZ QUARTERS
THE LEXINGTON
POTÉ + ALXNDR LONDON
HATER
October 4th £87.50adv // @ServantJazz
October 30th £8adv // @thelexington
Dalston Junction / Kingsland
AMBER ARCADES
Angel
Angel
FOXTROTT
THE DOME AMBER ARCADES + BASEMENT REVOLVER + UNDERWATER B October 10th £12adv // @DomeTufnellPark
Tuffnell Park
THE WAITING ROOM FOXTROTT October 15th £7adv // @WaitingRoomN16
Dalston Junction / Kingsland
THE CAMDEN ASSEMBLY
THE SHACKLEWELL ARMS
FAZE MIYAKE
SICK JOY
October 8th £6adv // @CamdenAssembly
Chalk Farm / Camden Town
October 18th £6adv // @shacklewell Arms
BOSTON MUSIC ROOM
BRIXTON WINDMILL
CULTURE ABUSE
SQUID
October 25th £11.50adv // @BostonMusicRoom
Tuffnell Park
October 13th £4adv // @WindmillBrixton
Dalston Junction / Kingsland
Brixton
MOTH CLUB
BUSH HALL
JEN CLOHER
ERLEND ØYE + LA COMITIVA
October 31st £12adv // @Moth_Club
Hackney Central
October 14th & 15th Shepherd’s Bush Market / Shepherd’s Bush £18.50adv // @Bushhallmusic
THE SLAUGHTERED LAMB
PAPER DRESS VINTAGE
CLAIRE HASTINGS
LAVILLE
October 29th £12adv // @slaughteredlam
Farringdon/ Old Street
October 9th £5adv // @paperdressed
Hackney Central
SOUTHBANK CENTRE
HOXTON SQUARE BAR & KITCHEN
JAMES HOLDEN & THE ANIMAL SPIRITS
INDIAN QUEENS
October 4th From £20 // @southbankcentre
October 12th £7.50adv // @HoxtonSquareBar
Waterloo / Embankment
ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER (photo: Chris Eckert)
Old Street
O2 FORUM KENTISH TOWN RAY BLK October 3rd £22adv // @O2ForumKTown
Kentish Town
RAY BLACK
OSLO ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER + ANNA B SAVAGE October 24th £12.50adv // @OsloHackney
Hackney Central
JAZZ CAFE
DREAMLAND FRICTION + DIMENSION October 13th £15adv // @DreamlandMarg
JAY PRINCE Margate (Kent)
October 17th £14adv // @TheJazzCafe
Camden Town London in Stereo: 53
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
LONDON’S GIG GUIDE Your full listings guide to all the
Tuesday 2nd October
best shows happening across North, East, South and West London this month. Monday 1st October
Wednesday 3rd October
visit londoninstereo.com for all the latest listings, & to sign up to our Gigs Of The Week email
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo
Thursday 4th October
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
Friday 5th October
visit londoninstereo.com/subscribe to get London in Stereo delivered every month
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo
Saturday 6th October
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
Sunday 7th October
Monday 8th October
Tuesday 9th October
see londoninstereo.com/venues for up-to-date listings at all our favourite venues
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo
Wednesday 10th October
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
Thursday 11th October
find us on Spotify at London in Stereo to keep up with our weekly new music playlists
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo
Friday 12th October
Saturday 13th October
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS Sunday 14th October
Monday 15th October
visit londoninstereo.com for all the latest listings, & to sign up to our Gigs Of The Week email
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo
Tuesday 16th October
Wednesday 17th October
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
Thursday 18th October
visit londoninstereo.com/subscribe to get London in Stereo delivered every month
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo
Friday 19th October
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
Saturday 20th October
Sunday 21st October
see londoninstereo.com/venues for up-to-date listings at all our favourite venues
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo
Monday 22nd October
Tuesday 23rd October
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
Wednesday 24th October
find us on Spotify at London in Stereo to keep up with our weekly new music playlists
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo
Thursday 25th October
Friday 26th October
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
Saturday 27th October
visit londoninstereo.com for all the latest listings, & to sign up to our Gigs Of The Week email
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo Sunday 28th October
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
Monday 29th October
Tuesday 30th October
visit londoninstereo.com/subscribe to get London in Stereo delivered every month
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo
Wednesday 31st October
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
NOVEMBER LISTINGS Thursday 1st November
Friday 2nd November
see londoninstereo.com/venues for up-to-date listings at all our favourite venues
LONDON TICKETS: WeGotTickets.com/LondonInStereo
Saturday 3rd November
SUBSCRIBE NOW LONDONINSTEREO.COM/ SUBSCRIBE GET THE NEW ISSUE OF LONDON IN STEREO DROPPING THROUGH YOUR LETTERBOX EACH MONTH
WeGotTickets.com | Simple, honest ticketing
o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk
End of The Road Festival LARMER TREE GARDENS, DORSET. AUGUST 3OTH - SEPTEMBER 2ND
THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THERE WOODS A lot of really great things happen on the main stage (Gruff Rhys, for one), a lot of magic happens in the Big Top (Tirzah, of course), but the real joy of EoTR lies beyond the obvious places, deep among the trees. Look: there’s Ezra Furman and John Cale having a lovely chat. And over there: a Ferris wheel spinning at terrifying speeds. There’s a disco with a light-up floor and forest games that are actually really fun (hi, Boomerang Bowling). You’re often lost, there’s always intrigue and constantly a feeling anything can and will happen.
MAN CAN’T LIVE ON CHEESE ALONE...BUT ...we can try. EoTR’s food offerings are pretty much unchallenged by any festival other than those weird Tory ones where Michelin star chefs look sad under canvas. The pizza’s exceptional, the pies warm our souls, there’s actually good breakfast options and the vegans seem real happy. But, really, the cheese: First, there’s the raclette stall where potatoes, sausages and more are smothered in molten heaven, but mostly there’s The Cheese Truck: a festival staple that’s done more over the last few years to keep us strong at festivals than anyone. Bless those brave and beautiful toasters of sandwiches.
IT AIN’T ALL, Y’KNOW, MUSIC AND STUFF We’re more-or-less fine with music, but we are also cultured creatures that need more. Thankfully EoTR caters to our needy whims. Prince Charles Cinema and Gruff Rhys curate impeccable movies, Babak Ganjei sells band names (just £205 for Pervert Cat!), the beer and gin bars are stocked just so and the comedy stage counters our long-held suspicion that comedians aren’t very funny.
words: Nate Rockwell photography: Rachel Juarez-Carr, Burak Cingi, Chris Juarez
THE BIG HITTERS HIT REALLY HARD Having somehow never seen St. Vincent live before and with rumours of slightly awkward, uninviting shows, expectations were medium. St. Vincent was so much fun. St. Vincent is the best. Having never seen Vampire Weekend live and believing them to be actually awful, expectations were damn low. Vampire Weekend turn out to be really fun live! Having never seen Feist live expectations were high. She ran out of time so didn’t play ‘1234’, but Feist still ruled.
EOTR IS A-OK There are roughly a hundred million festivals in the world and you should really go to all of them but, honestly, you should always, always go to End of The Road. Regardless of line-up or the chore of sleeping in a tent, it’s a unique and lifeaffirming experience that never fails to fill us with wonder, genuine happiness and the desire for it all to just start again. C’mon 2019.
London in Stereo: 79
Vill Vill Vest BERGEN, NORWAY SEPTEMBER 13TH - 14TH
words: Jess Partridge photography: Oscar Solløs Helge Brekke, August Fossmark, Chris Aadland
Nestled between seven incredible mountains on the west coast of Norway is Europe’s rainiest city, Bergen. It’s a place vibrant with live music everything from playing host to arena-sizedheadliners at Bergenfest to the delights of Vill Vill Vest, one of Norway’s finest showcase festivals. We went back this year to get our fill of new Norwegian acts, panels and of course, rain....
NORWEGIAN NEW MUSIC IS AT AN INCREDIBLE LEVEL Norway might be known for its pop (and even though she wasn’t playing, we did see our fave Sigrid catching some new music) and metal, but it does everything in-between too, and does it all incredibly well. Even if you don’t like everything you hear, with the help of outstanding production (we’ll get onto the venues in a minute), the mastery and talent of the acts really shines through. Our favourites included the wonderful Heartbreak Satellite, Jez_abel and Shikoswe.
BERGEN KNOWS HOW TO WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD AND DRINK With so much rain, Bergen is a place that likes to feel cosy, so venture out from your hotel room and whether it’s drinks at Legal (although, good luck getting/keeping a seat in this popular hangout), unforgettable dinners at Altona (one of Bergen’s oldest public houses), hiding away at record-shop-meets-bar, Apollon, or, of course, attending one of the official Vill Vill Vest parties at Muskedunder, this is not a city short on options.
THERE’S A HUGE MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB It’s basically impossible to mention Bergen without enthusing about Mount Fløyen, the mountain overlooking the city. There to provide breathtaking views of the city and surrounding fjords for locals, walking enthusiasts and tourists alike. Don’t worry, if climbing isn’t for you, catch the funicular up and wander back down to the centre of the city, it’s a few hours incredibly well spent.
CULTURE IS KEY Anyone who goes to Vill Vill Vest and isn’t blown away by the number of and quality of the venues probably hasn’t been to a showcase festival before. Bergen is stacked full of some of the best small venues you’ve ever seen. By never compromising on sound or production, no matter the venue capacity, it’s clear that this is a city that values and cares for cultural spaces in a way that London just never has, and the difference that makes is vast.
JEZ_EBEL
HEARTBREAK SATELLITE
SHIKOWSKE
London in Stereo: 83
PRESENTS
STRANGER FRUIT TOUR 2018 SUN 02 DECEMBER ELECTRIC BALLROOM
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MYTICKET.CO.UK
What Next For London Nightlife by Brad Thompson London has a huge opportunity at the moment. After a period when it was challenging not to be pessimistic – with venues closing and certain areas becoming creatively soulless – we’re seeing London acting like London again: evolving and reinvigorated, with exceptional talent and parts of the city feeling ‘opened up’. What the city needs at this time, to help the feeling of energy grow, is for this creativity to be respected and protected from the grassroots up: Independent Venue Week, Music Venue Trust and the Agent of Change Principle are great examples of how this is already happening. With the right kind of backing for the phenomenal ability, approaches and concepts that are bursting through, London’s potential is limitless. In music particularly, we could expect to see the following things happening: 1) A landscape of unloved, interesting spaces being reborn. Breathing life into old buildings, protecting their heritage and unique characteristics but approaching them with new eyes is at the core of Printworks’ heart.
demand for high-quality audio and lighting. We refuse to compromise on this at Printworks - it’s crucial that we keep looking forward when it comes to technology and quality of experience, never resting on our laurels.
2) London ‘finding itself’. In the last year alone, areas of London previously not championed for their nightlife are now bustling with Tottenham and, of course, Printworks’ Canada Water, are prime examples of this.
5) A continued blurring of live and electronic music; both in terms of the music itself and audiences. We have witnessed that people are no longer fans of either just live music or electronic they’re up for experiencing both, so long as it’s intelligently, authentically presented. Printworks, for example, has seen many of the same people attending electronic shows and live events.
3) The day parties that have long been a part of electronic music culture, and which Printworks is known for, could also become more widespread, giving London’s entertainment a significant new level. At Printworks, people will stay with us for the whole day - it’s thrilling to see audiences immerse themselves in that way. 4) An increase in production values across venues, answering a savvy, increasingly sophisticated audience’s
6) More than anything, we should witness an elevated level of experience for anyone attending a creative venue. Customers are already expecting more imaginative spaces, phenomenal and unique line ups, considered food and drink options, and to constantly be surprised and delighted. That can only be positive for all of us.
Brad Thompson is the Managing Director of Printworks London, Broadwick Live and Broadwick Venues. Check out Printworks’ phenomenal Autumn/Winter program at printworkslondon.co.uk
London in Stereo: 85
PRESENTS
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MYTICKET.CO.UK
PRESENTS
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MYTICKET.CO.UK