Southampton Music - October 2015

OCTOBER 2015

YOUR ONE STOP GUIDE TO THE BEST MUSIC IN THE CITY!

N O T P M A H T U O S

MUSIC

8PM

SOU THA MPT ON’S FINE ST OPE N MIC N I G H T

iNDEPENDENCE @ Southampton Uni

o n e d ay | 4 s t a g e s | o v e r 3 0 a c t s

POP/ROCK/INDIE/ALT HIP HOP/BASS & MORE!

13TH NOV

icw wrestling

wrestling that rocks

cattle & cane

answer dumbass questions

ALSO INSIDE - skindred | the red paintings | 2015 festival round up | win tickets to public enemy!

www.southampton-music.com

/southamptonmusicmag @sotonmusicmag

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WELCOME

Thanks for picking up the October 2015 Issue of Southampton Music Magazine, your one stop guide to the best music in the city.

In this month’s bumper issue we bring you the lowdown on Southampton’s newest festival iNDEPENDENCE, over 30 bands over 4 stages at Southampton University on November 14th.

We also round up our favourite festivals of 2015 and we take a look at ICW; the extreme wresting promotion taking Europe by storm. Also this issue we ask dumb questions to ragga-rockers Skindred and folk-popsters Cattle & Cane, we find out why The Red Paintings want YOU to participate in their November show at Joiners, plus we get a cheeky pre-release spin of Skindred’s rocking new LP. All this plus previews, listings and announcements for all of the best venues and events in the area and a chance to win a pair of tickets to see hip-hop legends Public Enemy at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth.

w w w. s o u t h a m p t o n - m u s i c. co m For news submissions and editorial enquiries email info@southampton-music.com If you are interested in advertising with us email sales@phmusicmedia.co.uk or call us free on 0808 147 1106

/southamptonmusicmag @SotonMusicMag

Roll up Southampton, there’s a new festival in town. The very first iNDEPENDENCE Festival is almost upon us and it looks set to be a cracking day full of some top notch bands and the best thing about it – it’s indoors! This summer hasn’t really lived up to its sun-kissed promises so the idea of extending our festy season just a little while longer, without having to pull our wellies on is looking pretty bloomin’ appealing.

Taking up residency at the University of Southampton, the festivities will be spread across 4 stages throughout the University’s SU buildings. Absolutely jam-packed with the crème de la crème of the UK’s independent music scene there’s guaranteed to be more than enough to keep even the most music savvy hipster happy. With massive sets already announced from the likes of The Rifles, The Wytches, The Sunshine Underground, Gaz Coombes and East India Youth if that’s not enough for you the festival will also be showcasing the best in local and unsigned talent with bands such as Fever, Brother Goose, Kassassin Street, Cavaliers and Sean McGowan sprinkled lavishly across the stellar line up. But don’t worry, if the excitement gets too much, there’s also a lighter stage sandwiched in between the madness, for some chilled vibes in those moments where you just need a time out.

THE RIFLES

One band we’re particularly excited to see return to Southampton is Toy. These London lads borrow from shoegaze, Krautrock and classic psychedelia to make pulsating, hypnotic music. Formed in 2010 their music is synth-heavy with distorted raw guitar riffs, smooth deep Robert Smith-esque vocals, chiming keys and slick, tight drums combining elements of early electro and indie rock.

Toy manage to inspire a unique sound although there is a slightly shoegazey, strongly post-punk aesthetic that surrounds them with the vocal ability of Joy Division, the catchy pop hooks of Pulp and a heavy air of The Smiths. Frontman Tom Dougall tells us exactly why he’s excited to appear at iNDEPENDENCE… What’s your favourite thing about festivals?

We like playing to new audiences and festivals are a great opportunity for people to come and see us if they haven’t already.

How do festival audiences compare to audiences at your own shows?

They are maybe dressed a little differently. We don’t see many people wearing wellies at our own shows.

Is a new album on the cards soon?

Yes it is. We’re recording soon outside of London before we go into the studio to do the record, which we’re excited about.

What are you most looking forward to about playing iNDEPENDENCE Festival?

We’ve only played Southampton a few times so it’ll be great to go back.

And if you’re still going after all the bands have finished, Lennon’s favourite indie clubnight Club Psychedelia will take the reins in The Cube from 10.30pm until 3am with guest DJ sets and non-stop bangers to ensure the party rages on.

Club Psychedelia is the antidote to mundane limp-wristed club nights. It’s a nostalgia trip that discards frills and peripheral gimmicks which pays homage to the great craftsmen of the golden ages as well as showcasing some of the best current touring bands so it’s the perfect way to end the day.

“I really love the idea of a one dayer, it’s not such a big commitment for people and November is a great time to have it as its gives everyone something to look forward to after the main festival season has ended.” says festival organiser Tom Dyer

“I’d noticed a few similar events around the country, as well as Southampton’s music scene really moving forward in the last few years; it felt like the time was right for an event like independence.”

Having personally booked each band appearing we’re betting that Tom has the inside track on exactly who we should see… “I’d say The Wytches are up there, it’s great seeing bands that have played Southampton previously really growing over the past few years to come back and play much bigger stages. Blossoms also, after recently signing a huge record deal, I think that’s a band that everyone will want to see at the festival.

East India Youth is going to be great, he’s not played the city since receiving a mercury music prize nomination last year so we are very happy to have him on the line up.

We have something for everyone really; some of the more established bands like The Rifles and The Sunshine Underground are going to be fantastic. Lots of bands lower down the line up, like The Big Moon & Yak will be ones that everyone looks back at in a year or so with a lot of familiarity.”

TOM DYER

Still not convinced? Here’s our one-stop A-Z guide to ALL the bands ...

Bel Esprit: a big helping of Warhol-inspired artistry and this year’s winners of the Unsigned Bands competition Blossoms: Gentle, jangly pop based music supporting flowing vocal melodies that soothe the soul Brother Goose: A combination of the best parts of indie and disco music Cavaliers: Upbeat, driving rock perfect for bringing a sense of summer to November Cold Ocean Lies: Crunchy, ambitious indie-rock supplied by intricate guitar work and a powerful dynamic East India Youth: Ambient synth based pop with impressive vocal performances Ekkah: Dance beats, soft and soulful vocals mixed with intricate synthesizer melodies Faux: Local ‘dirty-pop’ giants playing tunes that it’s hard not to sing along with Fever: indie-rocker quartet playing catchy tunes with wailing guitar solos Gaz Coombes: Former Supergrass lead singer turned solo singer/songwriter Hannah Lou Clark: Experimental singer-songwriter with a powerful indie voice Hidden Charms: A serendipitously assembled garage rock outfit chock full of swampy rhythm and blues Inheaven: Grunge infused indie rockers Jack Francis: Gentle acoustic folk music telling a soulful story with each chord, tinged with Americana Kagoule: Huge rhythmic anthems performed by one of the tightest live bands in the country Kassassin Street: Psychedelic synth-punk with catchy riffs and subtle hints of funk New Desert Blues: Atmospheric stadium anthems that leave audiences in awe Peluche: Feelgood rhythms, warming vocal harmonies and an explosively fun live show Public Access TV: Downtown New York jangly pop that sounds like London in the 1960’s Puppy: Genre crossing trio, contrasting between gentle indie verses and massive metal breakdowns Sean McGowan: Meaningful, emotionally charged acoustica, by local singer-songwriter hero Shannon Wardrop: Punchy singer-songwriter backed by powerful three piece rock band She Makes War: Multi-instrumental one woman show with a punk attitude Stirling: Classic indie-rock; fast paced, singalong vocals and a solid live band to back it all up Tangerines: Old school rock ‘n’ roll with distorted vocals and the jangliest guitars this side of The Beatles The Big Moon: Passionate vocals soaring above hard and fast rock The Black Tambourines: Indie-punk guaranteed to have the whole room jumping and shaking THE CROOKES: SLYLY CRAFTED, SLIGHTLY MELANCHOLIC, MODERN INDIE POP The Rifles: Indie power-pop favourites, with chirpy beats and big choruses The Sunshine Underground: Masters of all things indie-rock; expect raunchy basslines and floor-filling synth leads The Wytches: Dark and intense rock trio packing a wall of emotional sound Tigercub: Roaring distorted rock full of industrial guitar licks and complex rhythms Theo Verney: Thundering basslines intertwined with twirling guitars and catchy lyrics Toy: Atmospheric shoe-gazers providing psychedelia at its finest Vicki Mussellwhite: The most soulful voice on the South coast, accompanied by gentle guitar chords Wyldest: Ethereal jangly indie pop from London town Yak: Angular garage rock with Bowie-esque twists and great riffs for dancing

independence | southampton uni | november 14 - visit www.independencefest.co.uk for info & tickets

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INDEPENDENCE FESTIVAL SOUTHAMPTON UNIVERSITY

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REVIEWS Southampton Music took up the challenge to attend as many festivals as possible this summer! Here’s our 2015 Festival Review Round Up! It turns out Pulp, and the brilliant team behind the Bestival empire, were right; we really do all wanna live like Common People. Bursting onto the Southampton music scene this May was a brand spanking new 2 day festival set in the heart of the city that sparked excitement and trepidation in its anticipation but with festival goers attending in their droves and knockout performances across the weekend from Fat Boy Slim, Grace Jones, Clean Bandit, Slaves and local heroes Band of Skulls, any nay-sayers were put firmly in their place.

Carrying all the beautiful extras that make any Bestival event that little bit more special than other festivals, the hardworking staff managed to transform Southampton Common into a beguiling land filled with real ale, tasty treats, excellent cocktails and exciting discoveries and if anything, or only negative comment was that there wasn’t more things to explore. All in all a resounding success and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next year!

Zan Lawther

The 4th annual Takedown Festival took place back in March, and continues to go from strength to strength.

Takedown’s buzzing atmosphere ignites that festy vibe with five stages across two buildings, and enough rock and metal variety to appeal to pretty much anyone.

Opening the 40 band day with the mighty Zoax on the main stage, the Takedown vibe quickly kicked in and the usual mayhem ensued at the Obsidian Stage with top performances from Mallory Knox, Fearless Vampire Killers, Dead!, and AshesToAngels to name a few. The festival also saw the last performance from the now disbanded The Blackout.

Takedown is fast proving itself to be the place to be if you want to see up and coming bands just before they break the scene, Takedown once again proved to be the perfect kick start to the festival season.

Laura Phillips [Sadly we’ve just heard that there will be no Takedown in 2016 - let’s hope they will be back soon]

Glastonbury Festival 2015 retained its title as the most eclectic festival going, hosting over 2,000 performances from Hozier to Kanye West, and Pussy Riot discussing authoritarian Russia to the Dalai Lama. No matter who you are or what you like, if the weather doesn’t ty to destroy you, you will love Glastonbury.

This year was blessed with mostly good weather, and some especially strong sets including Lionel Richie, The Who and Florence and the Machine, with a more lack lustre and arduous set from surprise guests The Libertines. The controversial Kanye West, self-titled ‘greatest living rock star on the planet’, may need a lesson in music genres and on how to put on a stage show, but still managed to pull a massive crowd on Saturday night. Glastonbury 2015 was all over too quickly, but you can register for Glastonbury 2016 tickets now.

Laura Phillips

SOUTHAMPTON MUSIC | october 2015

FESTIVAL ROUND UP

Way back in mid-May, around 500 hardy punters headed to Sixpenny Handley in Dorset for what was officially one of the first camping festivals of the year. The 3 day bash boasted festival favourites such as the popular Scrumpy and Western act, The Skimmity Hitchers, self-proclaimed Kings of Cow Punk, Pronghorn, and popular electro-dub act Subgiant all topping the bill.

REVIEWS

The weather is on Alresford’s side this year, it’s a scorcher, the temperatures are high and so is attendance with the festival topping 3000 sales for the first time. No mosh pits here, when we arrive many families have already claimed their spot on the grass and plonked down their trusty folding chairs and blankets.

It’s an eclectic musical mix today with local and national acts blasting out everything from classic covers to 80’s new wave to world music to ukelele jams to indie rock to pop punk and everything inbetween. Alresford is a superbly organised and safe family festival with a demographic ranging from babies to pensioners. I managed to avoid the dangerous temptation of the Perry-letic this year but, after some persuasion, I was convinced to engage in a bout of Zorbing (running about in a big plastic ball) by my son and proceeded to sweat out my own body weight in the summer sun, I think I felt better after the Perry-letic. Alresford Festival, as always, a lovely family day out.

Kai Harris

A brand new festival, the site was just a stones throw from the now defunct Endorse-It-In-Dorset and many male attendees adopted the old Endorse-It tradition by celebrating Ladies Day on the Sunday. It was great to see tattooed punks dancing around their handbags once more! As you might expect, there was plenty of cider with over 12 locally sourced different ciders on sale. Early days for this festival, but a perfect way to kick off the season and it certainly does what it says on the tin.

Jodie Copeland

Download 2015 was no exception to the standard Download rules – it was hot, it was cold, it was raining – but that didn’t stop it from being one of the best Downloads in a few years with mega headline sets from Slipknot, Kiss and (possibly a surprise for some people) Muse stomping in to take the crown for standout performance of the weekend. With a definite step towards a more diverse line up we were pleased to see the likes of The Cadillac Three and Aaron Keylock making waves after playing their sets and were particularly proud of Southampton’s spawn Creeper, Dolomite Minor and The Lounge Kittens all making their Download debuts.

If anything, Download gets more rockin’ each year as more and more attention goes into the late night activities, the fun on offer in the Village and expanding the range of yummy food and drink available, so keep up the good work team and we’ll see you in 2016.

Zan Lawther

Family-friendly Wickham festival fell on the hottest, most beautiful summer weekend this year, with sequined and decorated Indian umbrellas being the must-have purchase for some shade. The Big Top tent was full of colourful deckchairs as people sat to enjoy the varied bands throughout the day, whilst the rest of the festival was still busy with children’s activities, Morris dancing and the iconic 10-ft tall Scotsman and his enormous dog, who occasionally rolled over and squirted water from his naughty bits all over inquisitive children....

The music this year was full of treats, and I finally saw Winchester-based band The Moulettes, who enchanted the audience with their haunting harmonies and gritty bassoon lines. There were plenty of Southampton-based musicians playing, including Lowis Lanes, 71 Chain and the energetic Paper Trains. The atmosphere was amazing, and people wandered between beautiful clothes stalls as children made straw forts and castles in the heat.

Rose Bowyer

Vibrant, energising, alive, colourful, relaxing, friendly, secret hideaways, dressing up, surprises, adults becoming kids again, decorations, lights, circus tricks, bubbles, music, dancing, theatre, comedy and serious fun! This just begins to sum up the type of festival Camp Bestival is. As a parent who used to go to many festivals ‘pre-children’, Camp Bestival is something I would like to tell all festival goers/come parents about!

On my first night there this year (second visit to the festival overall), while stood outside a portaloo, I saw a man leaving the toilet in front of me. His daughter (around seven years old) was waiting for him. The man saw her, took her hand without saying a word, smiled and they both started skipping off together, grinning and wearing crazy hats. Myself and the lady next to me laughed. It summed up the atmosphere of the whole festival for me.

Camp Bestival has so much to entertain children and adults at all times of the day and is very well equipped for babies, toddlers, young children and teenagers with chill out areas for feeding and changing, an easily accessible medical tent and the option to hire wagons (book in advance of the festival), should you want to use one as a portable bed when out watching headlining bands at night. It has a wealth of entertainment for all. Camp Bestival is must if you are a festival fan with children!

Anna WIlson

SOUTHAMPTON MUSIC | october 2015

As I arrived on site, the warnings of bad weather are forgotten as the friendly stewards helped arrange parking through a comfortably overcast and lush green backdrop of rolling Alresford countryside.

The transformation from that point never ceases to thrill, a bustling campsite a long tree lined path bursts open into the edge of the Wild West area and despite being burdened with bags we can’t help but want to explore on the way to our campsite.

The real magic of Boomtown is in the detail. I’m keen to learn of this year’s overarching story which involves the elected mayor’s fall from grace to tyranny and the creation of the new main stage, Bang Hai Palace. Alongside this, the rise of her personal guard, the Boominatai; logos akin to the “all seeing eye” appear on professional looking propaganda posters all over the site. It delights me no end seeing them eventually torn down and graffitied by the so called rebellion.

The scale of the stages marries well with the variety of the acts, Squarepusher’s set was a standout spectacle at Bang Hai Palace and Poco Loco held a perfect atmosphere for DJ Yoda’s big band AV set; yet acts like Sheelanagig performing out of the side of the Jammy Dodger, a stunning recreation of a pirate ship with a stage built into the side of the hull, you’re always left with the feeling of context and cohesion despite your sense of disbelief being held in constant suspension. Boomtown is an experience. If you want carefree immersion and entertainment without the constraints of heavy commercial branding, then the only plan you need is to arrive and allow yourself to be swept along. Richard Peek

Blissfields was an absolute treat to start off my proper festival season - it was my first time working in the craft fields, and I had a beautiful introduction to this side of a festival.

The workshops for children were interspersed by beautiful stalls of hand-crafted goods set in a sunny field full of plants, wooden seating and... a wicker dalek.

To contrast this, the line up was phenomenal, with personal highlights including the Correspondents, Grandmaster Flash and DJ Yoda. The aerial performances from the trees were breathtaking and the whole vibe was creative and energetic! An amazing first time that I will definitely repeat.

Rose Bowyer

There’s a nip of Autumn but t’s a nice sunny day in the lovely surroundings of Queen Elizabeth Country Park in East Hampshire. I have offset the lack of bar by having two small, excitable children with me, which is a little like having small drunk friends anyway. Butsferfest is a compact little site with three distinct stages plus a backstage acoustic area at which some lucky select punters get to see stripped down sets from some of todays acts. As well as the usual plethora of food and face-painting there are also several inflatable endeavours for your bodily harm and amusement including various Total Wipeout style challenges, needless today, the kids loved it. On to the music then and we have the full range today from singer/songwriters to blistering metal-core to the dulcet tones of the Lounge Kittens. I managed to keep the kids occupied till the end of The Qemists incredible set (only later to be berated by mother for making one of the children temporarily deaf), this band could be the next Pendulum if they keep doing what they are doing. Who needs booze, Butser is a great little one dayer.

Kai Harris

After a slightly damp but incredible day of music it seems that the whole city of Portsmouth has come out to see the headliners, The Flaming Lips do not disappointment. Lead singer and main dude Wayne Coyne appears fully energised dressed in silver trousers and orange cardigan and covers the crowd in exploding confetti every chance he gets. The set is like another planet and the band seem like aliens from Coyne universe and play astoundingly well. 15 foot inflatable animals join the Lips occasionally for a dance and we all think we’ve been treated with all the band can offer only to realise that Coyne has climbed into huge, see-through ball and crawls over the crowd!!! We can’t get enough!!

But the end must come and so it does with gigantic letters spelling out F**K YEAH PORTSMOUTH now being torn to shreds by clawing hands of a now fully drenched audience.

Daniel Bateman Set on the headland of one of the most beautiful parts of the country, Boardmasters festival spreads itself across surfing and sporting antics at Watergate Bay and a 40,000 strong music festival at Fistral Beach. As long as the sun is shining (which it most definitely was) it’s hard to see how you could fail to have a good time here.

With an eclectic mix of artists appearing across the weekend from classic party-starters Faithless to the gravel-voiced twanging of Seasick Steve, glam rockers The Darkness and last year’s failed headliners Bastille returning triumphantly after 2014’s weather forced the cancellation of several days of the festival, combined with up and comers Rae Morris, Rag n Bone Man, Sunset Sons, The Lounge Kittens and loads more, we were never lacking something to see. A great deal of attention had been poured into the site to make the surroundings comfortable and attractive and although the majority of festival goers were still circumnavigating their late teens/early 20’s Boardmasters managed to conduct itself with all the west country charm we imagined it would have.

Mark Thomas

FESTIVAL ROUND UP

Surfer Blood + Eternal Summers

Rat Boy + Zibra & Vitamins

3rd 4th

Raglans

5th

The Japanese House

6th

Louise Distras

8th

DMA’s

13th

The Ordinary Boys

24th

Ron Sexsmith

25th

Hooton Tennis Club

26th

+ Beach Baby

Jon Gomm

27th

OCTOBER 141 ST MARY STREET, SOUTHAMPTON, SO14 1NS // Twitter: @joinerslive 02381 782021 // info@joinerslive.co.uk // access: one step // live room: 14+ // bar: 18+

You may be wondering, why is there a feature on wrestling in a music mag? Insane Championship Wrestling came from humble beginnings at a community centre in Glasgow and in less than a decade has gone from a cult regional phenomenon to a promotion renown across Europe and the world. Get yourself to a (strictly 18+) show, the atmophere, the noise, the performance, the carnage... as good as any rock show.

DREW GALLOWAY

The first ICW Heavyweight Champ in history, Galloway is a perfect blueprint for what a professional wrestler should look like, and has tasted success the world over. Grizzled from years of touring the globe, he has returned to where it all started, eager to prove that he’s still the king of the mountain in this country.

How do you think wrestling in the UK compares with wrestling in the USA? Both are completely different but so much fun. In the US I tend to work with known names and the fans are so knowledgeable while back home in the UK the guys are uber-talented pushing to make a name and the fans are truly part of the show. These days it’s not over the top cartoon characters but characters that people could encounter in real life and can relate to, which creates an even better atmosphere and investment from the crowd.

Who was your favourite wrestler growing up?

Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart. It’s crazy most of my heroes became friends and fans of mine as we think alike when it comes to wrestling.

One of my fave pics I have is myself and Bret when I was IC champion.

What do you think is causing the growth in popularity that we’re seeing for wrestling at the moment?

In the UK in particular it is the level of talent. When I left there were only so many guys who were real good but now there are so many and they all work different styles. With ICW obviously the insane fight club documentary helped but the people running the company as well as a few others in the UK get it and are putting on great shows with great talents. Word of mouth spreads fast.

How do you prepare for a fight?

I have so many fights each week in different countries with different opponents, it’s impossible to prepare in advance. I take each match as they come.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to become involved in wrestling?

Get that education, it’s very difficult and there are very limited spots for a full time wrestling career. It’s only sensible and common sense to have a fall back plan.

Why should we come and check out ICW when it comes to town?

It’s a show for everyone. You don’t have to be a wrestling fan to be an ICW fan. You’re a bunch of adults, drinking, having a laugh and watching violence, comedy, interaction and girls.

It’s a little of everything for everyone and I guarantee if you give it a chance just once you’ll be sold.

southampton MUSIC | october 2015

BIG DAMO

In modern pop culture, Irishmen are looked upon as jovial, fun-loving and partial to a good time. The latter can certainly be said of Big Damo, although his idea of a good time is kicking the living sh*t out of anyone who stands in his path.

One of the most intimidating figures on the ICW roster, there’s giddy delight once fans realise the powerhouse is on his way to the ring, knowing they’re going to see something special.

Do you think that the spectacle, characters and costumes are an important part of the sport?

Of course. The spectacle is what gets people in the door. The costumes differentiate us, make us stand out from each other.

Individuality is key. It’s probably the reason for my own success, because I look different than most humans on the planet, let alone other wrestlers. For the fans of wrestling, starting with children, the attraction to wrestling is all about the colours and larger than life characters. For an adult fan, it’s likely more about the skill, the ability of the performer to suspend the adult’s disbelief. In the 70s being a good wrestler was enough.

In the 80s and early 90s everything was very character driven.

Nowadays you must be both in order to succeed.

How do you think wrestling in the UK compares with wrestling in the USA? We in Ireland and Britain gave wrestling to the world. America made it more glamorous, more dramatic and a lot simpler. They marketed it beautifully and as a consequence our scene in the UK fell away. There were still some legends performing, but without television there were less opportunities. Our best had to go abroad to continue working. Because of this a huge gulf was created between the two nations. But we are returning; the last decade has seen a rise in British and Irish wrestling. The gulf that was once massive is now very narrow. Our skills are now on a par with anyone in the world, and it’s no surprise that so many Europeans are being brought to America to perform.

Who was your favourite wrestler growing up?

Fit Finlay What advice do you have for anyone wanting to become involved in wrestling?

Find a reputable school and don’t waste your money or time just because another school is closer.

Why should we come and check out ICW when it comes to town?

ICW is the number 1 promotion in Europe and it is catered 100% for adult wrestling fans. We will give you a bit of everything. We have big names like Drew Galloway and Grado, we have comedy matches, technical wrestling matches, hard hitters, high flying and death defying acrobats, and a wide array of characters in between. Including me; a 23 stone man who flies.

FEATURE

NOAM DAR

heralded as the future of Professional Wrestling and a definite must-see talent.

Technically gifted, lightning quick and always exciting to watch, Noam has already carved out quite a legacy for himself in ICW, capturing the ICW Zero-G Championship twice already, and cementing himself as a figurehead of the Zero-G division. It’s only be a matter of time before ICW Heavyweight Championship gold hangs around the waist of Professional Wrestling’s‘Champagne Supernova’.

How do you think wrestling in the UK compares with wrestling in the USA? I think for the most part it compares very well. Firstly, if you compare the ratio of successful independent promotions in relation to the land mass the UK measures up better. We are saturated with fantastic promotions and workers alike, up and down the country with all demographics catered for. ICW is especially flipping the notion that“American is bigger and better”on its head, we are doing something not only fresh and exciting but we also have the numbers and the revenue to challenge any independent promotion in the world.

Who was your favourite wrestler growing up?

Well I’m pretty young, so, unfortunately my first Wrestlemania as a fan to wrestling was Wrestlemania 20 so I can’t give the stock answer of Hulk Hogan or Warrior. For me, Eddie Guerrero was my original favourite who I still regard as such to this day. I don’t believe there was anyone who used every aspect of his physical attributes & personality better to create a complete entertainer as much as he did.

How do you prepare for a fight?

I’ll find a picture of my opponent and stick it up on a dart board and throw darts at it all week... Just kidding. I have a set routine of exercises and stretches to get the blood flowing, but normally the roar of the crowd is enough the get the adrenaline pumping.

Do you think that the spectacle, characters and costumes are an important part of the sport?

Of course. Wrestling cannot be defined by one aspect therefore it’s always evolving. It’s often referred to as“physical theatre”in my opinion the physical/ sport side is impressive enough to be classed as entertainment alone, however when elements of showmanship and theatre are added, it makes it like no other genre of entertainment.

Why should we come and check out ICW when it comes to town?

The fantastic level of wrestling aside, what I believe has made ICW such a successful company with a cult following like no other is that it truly provides a complete night of entertainment for every type of fan, including the“I’m not a fan of wrestling”fan. This mindfulness of varying demographics is no mistake, each show is set up as such to maximise the ICW experience. Whether you’re simply looking for a good night out and to have a laugh with your mates or if you’re a diehard pro wrestling fan who wants to sink in to the live experience of a more realistic and intense product, ICW is the place for you, and yes, there will be alcohol, lots of alcohol.

MARTY SCURLL

‘The Villain’ Marty Scurll: Known across the globe as a man who understands what it takes to be a good host, ‘Party’ Marty Scurll is a born entertainer. Much to the bemusement of his opponents, Scurll isn’t a case of being all style an no substance however, and many foes find that one out the hard way.

Do you think that the spectacle, characters and costumes are an important part of the sport?

Absolutely. Fans connect with the characters. Without the characters and drama it’s just two men beating each other up (fun for some, not for all!) Professional Wrestling is like the circus, there is something that will appeal to everyone, if you don’t like the clowns, you’ll like the tightrope walkers, and if you down like them, you’ll like the animals, and so on.

Wrestling brings all its crazy characters in to one world for the fans to enjoy, suspend their disbelief, and really feel a part of something. In my opinion there’s no other entertainment like it in the world.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to become involved in wrestling?

Get in the best physical condition possible, do your research and find a good, reputable wrestling school.

Why should we come and check out ICW when it comes to town?

ICW provide a show like no other, the atmosphere cannot be matched.

You won’t find this kind of atmosphere at a gig or at the theatre, this is a show that really has to be seen to be believed. A real life stunt show happening before your very eyes; it’ll make you laugh, cry, scream and shout all in one sitting. Everyone’s there to have a good time and even if you are not traditionally a wrestling fan, I can guarantee you will enjoy this. It’s a show like no other!

How do you think wrestling in the UK compares with wrestling in the USA? Traditionally I’d say it was the styles that separated us from the Americans, ours being a much more technical and rough and ready style where theirs was a much more flamboyant and in your face style of Pro Wrestling. I’d like to think now wrestling in the UK has adopted the good from both worlds and is now as much of a well-rounded product as it can be. The high budget glamour of American wrestling on TV is always going to appeal to the masses, but wrestling in this country offers a huge alternative, one that is literally getting more popular by the day.

Who was your favourite wrestler growing up?

My generation was all about Bret Hart, and later The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin, those guys were my favourites but do you know who else I loved? Vince McMahon! The guy wasn’t even a wrestler, he was the ‘Evil Boss’ who would attempt to make his wrestlers lives hell, and would often end up getting his arse kicked for his efforts on most occasions, but his facial reactions and character were second to none. Go Vinny Mac!

INSANE CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING

THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC LINE UP

OCTOBER 1st MATT BLACK PIANO MAN 8th JUST MILLIE 15th JACK HOWSON + FRANCESCA LEWIS & JEMIMA COULTER 22nd ‘FROG SHOWCASE’ HOSTED

BY CHARLEY MACAULAY 8 OF THE BEST ACTS SOUTHAMPTON HAS TO OFFER!

29th THE VILLANOVAS + JACK GRACE

F&F A6 flyer outlines.indd 1

13/08/2015 17:16

COMPETITION

Multi-platinum, five times Grammy nominated, hip-hop pioneers Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff and DJ Lord, better known as Public Enemy are back with a new album, “Man Plans God Laughs” and they’re headed for the UK. You could be throwing some shapes at the O2 Academy Bournemouth with a pal by just answering this simple question...

Q: What British trip-hop artist covered the Public Enemy classic ‘Black Steel’?

Email your answer to:

competitions@southampton-music.com or send us a direct message via Twitter or facebook. Competition closes 01/11/2015 /southamptonmusicmag @S o t o n M u s i c M a g

SOUTHAMPTON MUSIC | october 2015

public enemy

plus special guests

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FEATURE

p a rt y

onth m e h t of

Autumn is here, winter is coming and there is an amazing amount on offer in the city this month but our eyes are firmly fixed on what’s going on at Engine Rooms on Halloween…

WHERE: Engine Rooms | West Quay Road | Southampton WHEN: Saturday 31st October | 21.30pm – 4.00am HOW MUCH: £15 FIND OUT MORE: www.facebook.com/discreet.parties

A new k in d o f th eme n ig ht co m e t h . J o u rn ey i nto t h e ‘f i c t i on fes t i val ’ t hat i s Bl i tZom K reig as D is c reet Pro m o t i o n s p re se nt a n a l l e n ga gi ng and i mmers i ve Hal l oween f ri g ht fest, so u n d trac ked w i t h a m a zi n g e l e c t ro n i c m u s i c p er formed by great D Js !

Jou rney into th e b u n ker o f t h e d e a d a n d se e i f yo u c an make i t ou t al i ve…

NOT YOUR THANG? CHECK OUT SOME OTHER HIGHLIGHTS ON OFFER THIS MONTH… 29/10 Bedford Place comes alive across Halloween with a multi-venue fancy dress night. £10 gets you entry into 10 different venues, £2 drinks all night in all venues and Pendulum are headlining. That’ll do!

SOUTHAMPTON MUSIC | october 2015

Every Saturday at Café Parfait Le Cirque Musical offers a sensory overload of fun, provided by acrobats, fire jugglers, confetti cannons and indoor pyrotechnics. With tickets as cheap as £5 before midnight and free on the guestlist before 11pm, this is one circus guaranteed to entertain.

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Engine Rooms O2 Guildhall The Frog & Frigate The 1865 Platform Tavern Firehouse The Old Farmhouse Popworld Lennons The Rockstone The Shooting Star The Hobbit The Joiners Marshals The Alexandra O2 Guildhall Box Office Mutant Lab Studio Tattoo Monkey Oxfam Music Asgard The Art House Lucid Beatnik Emporium Ph Music Media Mango Planet Sounds Harbour Lights The Guitar Store Academy of Music & Sound

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’ N O T P M A H T U O S

k u . o c . o i d a r m voicef Southampton’s own local FM radio station voicefmradio

@voicefmradio

If you’ve been around since the beginning with Skindred, and it’s been a while now, then you’ll be familiar with their trademark combination of heavy metal riffs, reggae tinged vocals and with the addition of Dan Sturgess manning all things electronic, crushing breakdowns and intricate sampling. We are happy to confirm that ‘Volume’ holds up against the album which, for many of us, defines Skindred and is partly the reason we all still show up to see them live time and time again as they blast through the hits off ‘Babylon’. That, and the fact that they’re possibly the best live band on the circuit at the moment; doubtless something that causes them something of a struggle in the studio, as they attempt to pin down that energy on record.

FEATURE

SKINDRED – VOLUME Brace yourselves. Everyone’s favourite ragga-metallers Skindred are about to unleash their latest album and it’s a doozy. Aptly titled‘Volume’– they’re not kidding. This is the kind of album that demands to be blasted out at a level that requires sonic health warnings.

In all honesty when the first track ‘Under Attack’ was released a few weeks ago, we were unsure. It appeared to lack the well, er, attack that we were hoping for but after a few listens we’re now sold on its catchy hooks and furious breakdown. It’s definitely a grower, which thankfully isn’t the case with the rest of the album. Banging track after banging track slaughter the ears, as frontman Benji Webbe’s unbridled commentary on all the things that piss him off yoyos between growling tones up to some of the cleanest vocal work we’ve heard in a long time that leaves you battered at the end of the album but with the positive message flowing from final track ‘Three Words’. It may very well be melt your face heavy, but you can still get your groove on with tracks like ‘Hit the Ground’ and ‘Straight Jacket’ taking on more of the dancehall flavour.

SPOTLIGHT ON… ‘Sound the Siren’- this cartoon-infused riot of a track is packed full of bonkers samples and with a medley of different time signatures, we can’t wait to watch the crowds attempt to mosh / dance to it. Classic Skindred! Also watch out for the sorbet‘interludes’that knock you off guard with their subtlety and then slam you into the next track.

Release date 30 October 2015 Pre-order now at www.pledgemusic.com/projects/skindred

catch skindred live @ 02 guildhall | november 4

southampton MUSIC | october 2015

SKINDRED

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If the robots were to rise up and wipe out the human race, what machine would you like to kill you?

I’m a bit of a Jonah so I imagine all the quality robots would kick everyone else in and I would end up being finished off by a a bit of loose rusty metalwork not picked up on its last MOT. What is your favourite name beginning with the letter W Walter White Could you beat Lionel Richie at Tennis?

All night long! Quite simply I couldn’t see Lionel being able to cope with my backhands.

Tom, what’s it like being the only member of the band not related to the other members of the band?

Tom’s not here at the minute but I can tell you that’s it’s an absolute honour for him and he counts his blessings every day.

Sunrise or Sunset?

Sunset always!

Chewing gum or Bubble gum?

Hubba bubba Can you do a backflip?

Back in 07 I could do one on a trampoline, those days are sadly over.

If you could book a gig with three bands from any point in time who would play?

The Beatles, Banarama and Beastie Boys.

What’s your favourite song on the album and why?

“Dancing”! Need I say more ... who doesn’t love a dance?

Would you rather fight 100 duck sized Hulks or 1 Hulk sized duck?

100 duck sized hulks - we could manage 20 each comfortably then.

What is your favourite spice?

Sporty If you had to cover a nursery rhyme, which one would it be?

What’s the one with the cow and the spoon and the moon? Anyway that one, if only for its cattle related references.

If you could be any creature from Greek mythology, what would you be?

Not hot on my mythology to be honest. But something with loads of heads and snakes flying all over place.

You can pick four people to form a band to cover your songs, but they must all be called Paul. What Pauls would you have in your band?

Paul Rogers on vocals, Paul Scholes on Drums, Paul Hollywood on keys and Paul Simon on acoustic.

Why should we come check out your live show?

Because you sound absolutely bonkers and we’d love to play some lovely songs for you...

catch cattle & cane live @ joiners | october 23

The Brook 466 Portswood Road Southampton SO17 3SD Box Office 1pm - 7pm Mon - Sat 023 8055 5366

Current Original Artists - Now On- Sale...

THE ICICLE WORKS + GARETH ICKE ~ SNAKE DAVIS ~ PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT BEN MONTAGUE + EMMA STEVENS ~ THE BLOCKHEADS ~ T’PAU ~ GRAHAM PARKER & THE RUMOUR NAZARETH ~ RICH HALL’S HOEDOWN ~ HAYSEED DIXIE + RHINO’S REVENGE ~ MARK NEVIN MOSTLY AUTUMN ~ Y & T ~ ALABAMA 3 ~ MARTYN JOSEPH + REBECCA LOEBE ~ BANNED FROM UTOPIA WISHBONE ASH ~ SHAKATAK ~ SNAKECHARMER + BAD TOUCH ~ LAURENCE JONES + SAMANTHA FISH UFO + REDS’COOL ~ PAT TRAVERS ~ JESUS JONES ~ SAS BAND (Sold Out) ~ KARNATAKA SECRET AFFAIR, THE CHORDS UK & THE LAMBRETTAS ~ SLIM CHANCE ~ ROY AYERS ~ SHOWADDYWADDY BILLY WALTON BAND ~ COLIN BLUNSTONE...

+ A Selection of Quality Tributes...

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SOTON music Oct 15.indd 1

facebook.com/thebrook

twitter.com/TheBrookSoton 23/09/2015 10:06

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The Red Paintings NEED YOU!

‘We look for any passionate people to submit their art and or body to paint live on stage or be painted on. Really anyone can submit via our website or social media to be part of our crazy artists delirium.’

What inspired you to bring the live artistry element into your music?

I did a visual arts degree in Australia as my love for the arts has always been my driving force to creating an “out of this world” type of stage show. My love for painters and the lives they lived has been a huge inspiration also. Ultimately I just really wanted to create the kind of live show or experience that I wasn’t seeing or feeling from any other acts all on one stage, in a “Trash Mcsweeney” utopia, you might say.

FEATURE

Human canvasses, live art, and intense orchestral rock. The fact that all of this will be occurring on the intimate stage at the Joiners with five piece art rockers The Red Paintings intrigues us. Even more intriguing is that they need…volunteers.

Head honcho Trash McSweeney takes us through exactly what this means…

How does it feel to finally have ‘The Revolution is Never Coming’ out and how has the reaction been?

The album has been slowly released across the entire world over the past year and the reaction has been mind-blowing to me. Reviews worldwide have been so uplifting and positive hence why we can now stay on the road touring all 12 months of the year. I can now say I have a “critically acclaimed” debut album.

Do you feel like you’re a revolutionary force yourselves?

That would be nice to think true but I guess it’s up the fans. If a TRP show or one of my songs can effect another human being in a positive way to be more creative, feel free to speak their mind, change their diets to a veggie/vegan one for animal ethics or realise they have more influence on the world they live in than they may think then sure, we are then perhaps a positive force Who should volunteer to participate in your live shows and what exactly are you looking for?

We look for any passionate people to submit their art and or body to paint live on stage or be painted on. Really anyone can submit via our website or social media to be part of our crazy artists delirium.

Find out more at www.facebook.com/TheRedPaintings

catch the red paintings live @ the joiners | november 15

southampton MUSIC | october 2015

THE RED PAINTINGS

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Your one stop shop for Piercing Jewellery, Plugs & Tunnels!

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111 East Street, Southampton SO14 3HD Tel: 02380 636 636

Scan and like our facebook page for special offers & updates

Monday - Saturday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday: 10:30 am - 4:30 pm

C www.facebook.com/lucid.southampton

Mirrorman Presents

Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders

How is Volume sounding?

Volume is sounding awesome, totally in love with the thing, we wrote it relatively fast so it’s really riffy and fun to play, much more in keeping with our live show show. Out of all our records this is the closest to the live experience we’ve ever done.

What would your Pokemon name be?

Pugachu.

What’s your favourite board game?

Taking it way back like a docta... Blood Bowl... I have a dwarf team that would wreck anybody.. GAMES WORKSHOP FOR LIFE. What is the worst song ever written?

Livin La Vida Loca..

THURSDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 7.30PM Southampton Talking Heads 320 Portswood Road, Southampton, SO17 2TD Tel: 02380 678446 Tickets available from http://mirrormanshop.bigcartel.com

What’s your favourite track off your new album and why?

They are all my babies but at the moment I love Sound The Siren because it’s bonkers.

Would you rather wear a shirt over your legs or trousers on your arms?

I like comfort for trousers on my arms, I think my bridge troll legs are too chunky for sleeves.

Who in the band would make the best girl?

Arya because he has such luxurious hair.

Who would win in a fight: Godzilla or Optimus Prime?

Michael Bay ruined transformers for me, and TMNT, plus Godzilla is my spirit animal so I’m going with Godzilla.

What is your favourite letter of the alphabet? đ&#x;‘˝ Name your top 5 Steve’s , In reverse order...

Stevie Ray Vaughn / Steve Irwin / Stevie Nicks / Stephen Fry / STEVE HOLT! If you were born as a member of the opposite sex, what would your name be?

Deedee Softpaws How many press ups can you do?

All depends on how much I’ve drunk/batman symbol Would you rather be a Pirate or a Viking?

Viking.

If hed(PE), Crossfaith and Yashin were all in an egg and spoon race, who d’you think would win?

The Crossfaith dudes have so much energy I think they’d win.

If you could have written any song ever, what would it be?

Livin’ La Vida Loca..

catch skindred live @ o2 guildhall | november 4

previews A pure ska party

With a style based in dub, ska and roots reggae, GDC have burst onto the UK circuit, rocking gigs and festivals up and down the country with their super high energy show. Combining tight grooves and a heavyweight sound, Gentleman’s Dub Club bring the party to crowds of all ages hungry for a dance floor workout, with their gigs often ending in a frenzied mosh pit reminiscent of a mid 80’s ska night.

GENTLEMAN’S DUB CLUB

FOR FANS OF: THE SKINTS / DUB PISTOLS / MUNGO’S HI-FI

OCT 9 | ENGINE ROOMS

ALABAMA 3

Electro country mash-up

OCT 29 | THE BROOK

Alabama 3 mix rock, dance, blues, country, gospel, and spoken word styles. Founded in Brixton in 1995 the group achieved international fame when the producers of hit TV series The Sopranos chose the track “Woke Up This Morning” for the show’s opening credits. Particularly notable for their fusion of styles, lyrics full of ironic intent, deliberately humorous personas and their outrageous live performances.

FOR FANS OF: LEVELLERS / FUN LOVING CRIMINALS / GOMEZ

Not a million miles away…

Scottish identical twin brothers Charlie and Craig Reid are probably most famous for their smash hit ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’. They formed in 1983 and have worked alongside almost anyone who is anyone, bringing their unique brand of folk-tinged pop rock to the masses. The Reid’s continued spirit of political consciousness blended with ear-catching pop hooks is present throughout their latest works.

THE PROCLAIMERS

OCT 29 | O2 GUILDHALL Levellers frontman strikes out solo

FOR FANS OF: DEACON BLUE / THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH / DEL AMITRI

MARK CHADWICK

OCT 31 | TALKING HEADS Local folk punk hero returns

One of the UK’s most successful songwriters, having co-written 20 chart singles and 6 Top 40 albums (including a #1) as part of The Levellers. Breaking away from the Levellers sound he’s struck out on his own (thoughtstill remains with the band) his solo efforts are clearly of a man taking stock of his journey to date and looking forward to the next chapter. Beautiful, simplistic tunes is the order of the day here.

FOR FANS OF: LEVELLERS / 3 DAFT MONKEYS / GAZ BROOKFIELD

FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS

Local folk punk hero (Frank hails from Winchester) Frank Turner returns to the city in November for not one but TWO shows at O2 Guildhall.

His glorious brand of honest and passionate folk punk has seen him take the world by storm as fans fail to resist the catchy melodies and passion Frank puts into every track and with his band behind him, you can guarantee these shows will be something special.

FOR FANS OF: BILLY BRAGG / AGAINST ME / GASLIGHT ANTHEM

SOUTHAMPTON MUSIC | OCTOBER 2015

NOV 6 & 7 | O2 GUILDHALL

previews FLIGHT BRIGADE

Anthemic folk rock

With ‘glorious folk-tinged stadium anthems’ Flight Brigade is the coming together of two families and a bunch of childhood friends.

They produce transcendent melodies with driving rhythms and sweeping instrumentation and their live shows are hauntingly brilliant.

After a busy festival season this summer they’re off on a headline run to offer you a chance to catch them in a more intimate setting.

NOV 8 | TALKING HEADS Punk vs Cockney

FOR FANS OF: KING CHARLES / DRY THE RIVER / STORNOWAY

THE MEN THAT WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING

Less steampunk and more “SteamPUNK”, this British four piece mix Anarchy and Anachrony in equal measure. Expect a robot Sid Vicious covering Slayer in an 1877 East End Music Hall: a murky mix of Doctor Who, Doctor Watson and Doctored History. Lead by the inimitale Andrew O’Neill, this is not for the faint hearted or those of a delicate disposition but for those who like to have a good time.

NOV 18 | TALKING HEADS

FOR FANS OF: ANDREW O’NEILL / THE BEARDS / JACK THE RIPPER

THE MACCABEES

NOV 24 | O2 GUILDHALL Rock and Roll in its purest form

Indie rockers return

After slaving away for nearly 3 years, indie rockers The Maccabees were finally able to release ‘Marks to Prove It’, their 4th studio album since bursting onto the scene in 2007.

It’s a more mature, grown up version of their classic jangly indie rock and it pleases us greatly to see them back out on the road and headed this way in November. See you there!

FOR FANS OF: MYSTERY JETS / PEACE / FOALS

Rock and Roll at its finest as these two powerhouse shows combine into one hard rock extravaganza that’ll blow your ears off. Heaven’s Basement bring blazing, balls out rock with searin vocals, churning riffs and pounding drums. Add to the mix Crobot, who are possibly the estranged lovechild of Led Zeppelin and Soundgarden and their natural sound of fuzzy, bluesy rock and we are ready to party.

HEAVEN’S BASEMENT + CROBOT

DEC 03 | ENGINE ROOMS Unconventional and electrifying

FOR FANS OF: LED ZEPPELIN / SOUNDGARDEN / BLACK LABEL SOCIETY

QUEEN KWONG

DEC 18 | JOINERS

Sultry and sinister in equal measure, abrasive frontwoman Carré Callaway is joined by world class musicians - guitarist Wes Borland, bassist Fred Sablan and drummer Hayden Scott, who create eerie swathes of raw psychedelic guitar and a killer rhythm section behind Carré’s frantic vocals. Causing intrigue to many a rock fan, Carré’s uncanny gift to combine menace and confidence leaving audiences wanting more.

FOR FANS OF: DRENGE / BO NINGEN / PVRIS

previews

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choc chip cookie & peanut butter topped with flake

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all shakes can be made with fat-free frozen yoghurt if you'd prefer! try your shake hot, you won't believe the taste!

Taking their name from a monetary fund set up for legendary poet T.S. Eliot, and drawing influence from the likes of The Velvet Underground, as well as Andy Warhol’s Factory scene, Bel Esprit play suave, modern indie/alternative rock. Infectious melodies and effortlessly cool vocals define the music of the Southampton-based four-piece, who have already played support for the likes of Childhood, Ezra Furman and To Kill A King all over the country.

Earlier this year they were personally asked to perform at Common People by Rob Da Bank himself and just last month they were announced as winners of the iNDEPENDENCE Festival Unsigned Bands competition, having been selected via a public vote and a panel of industry professionals. They’ll be opening the main stage on Saturday 14 November and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.

Armed with their debut EP entitled “Lose My Mind” which is released on 2 October, this bunch of bright young things are on their way up so we caught up with them recently to find out a little bit more...

Who are you and what do you do in the band?

I’m Sachin, I’m the drummer and occasional backing vocalist.

How did you get together?

Bel Esprit formed from the ashes of a jazz band. Bill (Vocals/Guitar) and I were in at school. Fahad (Guitar) and Bill had been jamming at college and a meeting at Reading festival cemented the four of us as firm musical friends. It just felt like common sense that we should turn this shared passion into a band. We were going to all the same gigs anyway so why not play them as well?

How would you describe your music in three words?

Energetic, catchy, and lyrical.

ones to watch

BEL ESPRIT

atmosphere of camaraderie among the bands. To be picked out from such a strong group and to represent our city at this awesome festival is a huge honour. We cannot wait to open the main stage and we hope we’ll be able do justice to the occasion.

Why should we come check you out at the festival?

We definitely believe live is the best way to hear our music, and have been touring across the UK improving our sound with each gig. Our gigs are fun, our songs are catchy and you might even see the guitarist do a jump like Busted used to do on Top of the Pops, if you’re lucky.

What does ‘indie’ mean to you?

Indie is the DIY ethos that music was built off. It’s about making music for yourselves and the people around you rather than joining up with whatever transient style is selling most. We recently turned down a few record deals because we believe, in the indie spirit, that we should pursue our creative vision as directly as possible, and that often means doing it ourselves on our own terms. Indie also stands for a great tradition of bands like The Smiths, Sonic Youth, The Libertines and The Shins.

What’s coming up in 2015/2016?

The main thing for us right now is the release of our debut EP, The Lose My Mind EP, which we’ve been getting ready for a while. It comes out at the start of October, and we’re really excited about that. In the future we’re preparing to go into recording for our next single soon so keep an eye out for that. In the meantime we’ve just released the video for our lead single ‘Lose My Mind’.

Catch bel esprit live @ Lennon’s | october 3 @ iNDEPENDENCE festival | southampton uni | november 14 www.facebook.com/belesprituk

‘Indie is the DIY ethos that music was built off. It’s about making music for yourselves and the people around you...’

Who are your biggest influences?

Bands like The Strokes, Television and The Beatles that made exciting guitar rock with strong melodies. We like a lot of that Andy Warhol / Factory scene in the 60s/70s, particularly The Velvet Underground and Patti Smith.

If you could tour with anyone in the world, who would it be?

Probably Bob Dylan just for the honour, but we had a great time when we supported Ezra Furman and his band in Southampton so we’d love to do that again for sure.

What do you do when you’re not being Bel Esprit?

3 of us are heading into our final year at university, while Fahad has just entered the real world of jobs and council tax payments. We can also be seen occasionally at St. Mary’s if we’re lucky enough to get tickets.

How did it feel to win the iNDEPENDENCE unsigned bands competition?

It’s an incredible feeling. The scene in Southampton has really developed massively in the last few years, and there’s a real

SOUTHAMPTON MUSIC | october 2015

BEL ESPRIT