N E W S , R E V I E W S A N D G IG UIDE ALL IN SIDE!
CK PI
FREE
I’M
Plus...
ME UP ,
SKUNK BOY PROJECT • KING CHARLES • LITTLE NIGHT TERRORS • CHARLEE DREW • BABY TEETH • TRAIL OF DEAD DOG IS DEAD • JONNY PRECIOUS • HER NAME IS CALLA • LOSTALONE • MIA AND THE MOON • AND MANY MORE...
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
I s s u e # 0 6 / / N o v, D e c 2 0 1 2 & J a n 2 0 1 3
manic_music_-monograph-fp-ad_350x264mm FINAL:Layout 1
6/11/12
12:42
Page 1
Happy Birthday At the Manic Music Productions Ltd event on 1st December NEXT WAVE will be one year old. Over the past year they’ve worked with some of Leicester’s best young musical talent including Mark Elliott, Martin Luke Brown, Nancy Dawkins, Leo Stannard, Theo Miller, Dan Mousley, Izzy Marie-Hill, Prash Gor, Rosie Doyle, James Coulson... it’s a huge list! Check out the pictures from the archives and see how many you can name?
Thanks to all of the artists, Somewhere_To & Phoenix Square for such a great year!
Are you a young Singer/Musician (12 – 21+) who wants to perfom more? On the first Saturday of every month Manic Music Productions Ltd hosts the region’s best up and coming young musical talent in a great free event at Phoenix Square.
Want to take part? Come along to NEXT WAVE and fill out a contact form to be considered for a future event or contact jed@manicmusicproductions.co.uk Having played an introduction set through NEXT WAVE you can work your way up to becoming a ‘Featured Artist’ and get a free recording session. NEXT WAVE is presented in association with:
Scan this QR for more information
A NOTE FROM
THE EDITOR Ed i tor- in - Chief : Jo n Do dd
I
t’s nearly the end of 2012 and it’s hard to believe that
for the remaining print money.
another year is done and dusted. With the whirlwind of
That is how much we love the
festivals, new releases and amazing gigs going on in the
paper and the city. Though of
city, we have been kept busy for sure, but that doesn’t mean
course our aim is to cover costs
we haven’t kept our ears to the ground and got involved in
and maybe one day turn it into
the discussion and the hot topics in the city.
something self sufficient.
One surprise was that we would become the subject
Secondly, we hear a lot of
CONTENTS 04
Newsfeed
06
The Non-Music Fans Guide
07
King Charles
08
Retrospective
10
The Monograph Asks
11
Charlee Drew
11
Where it’s at
12
The Interrobang: Sisterland
16
GIGUIDE
of such discussions, with rumours being rife that The
talk about us focusing on certain
Monograph earn loads of cash or even that we are run by
venues, bands or cliques too
the government! I have therefore decided to use this issue’s
much, and even hear that we are
18
Trail of Dead Secret Gig
editor’s note to dispel some myths and reiterate why we do
an insert-venue-name-here paper. To those people I say we
what we do. Not one to start another exciting and packed
don’t, well not intentionally anyway. We are only human and
19
Spotlight: Tinny Hopkins
issue of your favourite newspaper on a sombre note, this
cannot cover absolutely everything in the city, so instead try
19
Flat Five Records
won’t be all doom and gloom, but it will be facts.
to provide a fair a cross section as possible. If you feel your
21
Ten Thousand Emails Later
21
Introducting... Baby Teeth
23
Skunk Boy Project
24
The Soundcheck
Firstly to the people who think that The Monograph Group makes money, and lots of it. We don’t. The
band, venue, anything is being neglected, drop us an email, write an article for us, or even tweet us.
Monograph doesn’t now and never has made a profit. We
To finish with an announcement, features editor John
may come across in a way that we do, having a ‘group’ for
Helps has decided to take a step back from editorial duties
one, but this is simply a means to collate all of our platforms
while he focuses on his band and other projects, and I know
into one manageable brand, it is not here to be corporate
the team will join me in wishing him all the best. He will still
or make money. Yes we do charge for advertising services
continue to provide his unique insight in his regular column.
28
A Man on the Inside
So once again and for the 6th time (wow) I urge you
28
LostAlone
29
Mia and the Moon
that and each issue some of us pay out of our own pockets
29
In Pictures: Dog is Dead Play HMV
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
30
Little Night Terrors Fanzine
33
Issue#07
in the paper, but we are transparent in the fact that we keep our rates low enough that they just cover print cost, and in
to read on and lap up everything Leicester and
fact keep them so low that sometimes they don’t even do
beyond has to offer in this, our winter issue.
18
25
TEAM MONOGRAPH
05
Editor-in-Chief: Jon Dodd j.dodd@themonograph.co.uk Production Editor: Tash Walkerdine t.walkerdine@themonograph.co.uk
29
Reviews Editor: Jack Richardson j.richardson@themonograph.co.uk
27
News Editor: Raegan Oates r.oates@themonograph.co.uk
25
Online Editor: Alex Scoppie a.scoppie@themonograph.co.uk Assistant Editor: Jason Boomer j.boomer@themonograph.co.uk
25
Photographers: Scott Choucino, Amy Brammall and Becky Millar. Writers: Glyn Allen, Tiernan Welch, Joe Phipps, Holly Benfield, Emily Parish, Thea de Gallier, John Helps, Becca Bryers, Cem
25
WIN!
Gurkan, Liam Sexton, Jessi Wilson, Rebecca Lunn, Elise Hewett,
26
Lindsey Kent, Baz Randall and Alice May Rolph.
12
Design: Jon Dodd, Tash Walkerdine and Scott Dillon.
11
Win a Little Night Terrors signed fanzine!
21
See page 30 for details on how to enter.
SPECIAL THANKS...
WA N T U P T O T H E M I N U T E LEICESTER MUSIC NEWS? Ye p . T H E R E ’ S A N A P P F O R T H AT.
The Monograph would like to thank Tony Shelley, Gabby Miller, Angus Wallace, Anna Webb, Andy Stone, Julian from Howling Wolf Records,
Available on the
Dave Carter, Laura and Maryanne Ratcliffe, Charlee Drew, Gaz Birtles, Dan Potts, Darren at The Musician, Tinny Hopkins, Nate Swettenham, Peter Cornish, Giles Meakin, Jed Spittle, Andy Gillespie, Simon Walsh, the Live and Loud team at DMU, Demon FM, Holly Holdsworth, Jude Arnup, Danny Lint, Nigel Roberts, Naim Cortazzi, Anna Tate, Jay Stephens, Frank Benbini, Taps Bar, Amanda at HMV, Matthew Cotterill and Hitesh Rao for all their help in the production of Issue#06 and for their continued support of all things Monograph.
C o v e r P h o t o : S c o t t C h o u c i n o w w w. s c o t t c h o u c i n o . c o m Disclaimer: The Monograph takes no responsibility for the content held on external links or that of claims made by advertisers and contributors. All content is checked at time of print for accuracy but may be subsequent to change.
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
3
16.05.12 W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K / A P P
Available on the
NEWSFEED YOUR N o. 1 LEICESTER M U S I C NE WS RE S OU RC E WWW. THEMO NO GR AP H.CO .UK/NEWS
DEMON FM LAUNCHES
News Editor: Raegan Oates
NEW MUSIC SHOW
N
ew Music Social is quickly becoming the go to
and filmed by their
music show for the Leicestershire area. Created by
cinematographers,
a group of music enthusiasts who want to share
their live sessions
Raegan has her ear to the ground and is first on the scene of a story. She is also a presenter on Monograph.TV.
THE BUZZ GETS
their love, knowledge and passion for everything new in the
are also online.
world of music, it brings its listeners unsigned acts from all
Alongside the music,
around the UK and the latest singles from more established
New Music Social
yet less mainstream artists of all genres. The show is on a
run competitions in
Saturday night from 6pm to 8pm and having worked hard with
conjunction with the
the UK’s music scene they get to hear about the best new
bands featured and
music acts around, getting them in for exclusive live sessions.
venues. Working in
Up and running for only eight weeks, so far they’ve already had
partnership with The
Missing Andy, Hildamay, Little Night Terrors, Modern Faces in
Sound House and Firebug, they also have live music nights
the studio and have the likes of Sonic Boom Six, Arcane Roots
planned for places around Leicester, as well as branching out
and Me Vs Hero coming up in the next few months.
further afield and taking the show to other cities.
New Music Social offers more than just a radio show,
Our resident news editor
LEICESTER BUZZING
S
tarting life in 1995, The Buzz was created as a backlash to all the
mainstream chart and dance nights
If you think that your band has got what it takes to be part
with its website and social networking coverage it provides
of the New Music Social experience then get in touch and
information on the shows, including track listings, podcasts,
get involved. As well as looking for new music they’re always
videos and reviews from contributors, outside broadcasts,
welcoming new contributors in all areas and encouraging
exclusive live sessions and interviews from gigs and
students to get involved for great work experience. For further
festivals. Mixed and mastered by their in house engineer
details contact them at info@newmusicsocial.com
that were being offered in club and dance halls over the country. Since then they’ve been running events across the UK and catering for the more underground music styles of the last 50 years, embracing everything from Northern Soul, British Freakbeat, American Garage Punk, 60s Mod sounds and 50s and 60s RnB and for the last four years they were the hosts of the rare vinyl room within the incredibly popular Brighton Beach at Leicester University. Since its unfortunate demise after being unable to
B A N D S WA N T E D TERRORS IN THE F O R N E W G I G S AT R U N N I N G F O R THE OLD PHOENIX MTV GLORY
T
he much loved former cinema, gig venue and theatre
L
secure the venue on a regular basis at the O2, they decided to look for another venue in Leicester, finally landing on a regular spot at Revolution on New Walk. Mixing things up, they’ve given a new approach to their night and added another room inviting guest DJs and club nights that have the same ethos as The Buzz to give the night a different spin every month.
eicester indie three-piece Little Night Terrors have
Keeping their ethos of music alive, The Buzz will be hosting
made it onto the list of unsigned acts being voted
an underground dance nights on the first Saturday of the
for as part of MTV’s Brand New for 2013. The annual
month at the Revolution. Admission is £5 and starts at 10pm,
contest, which has in the past identified UK chart-toppers
on Upper Brown Street is
including Wretch32 and Tinie Tempah, pits hundreds of acts
getting a musical revival,
from around the country against each other in an online vote.
and is inviting acts from all
The winners then face off against up and coming signed
genres to get involved by
artists, and MTV viewers choose a supreme Brand New
applying to play at a series
champion. Little Night Terrors, who recently finished touring
of upcoming gigs. The building was set to close in 2010 after
to promote their current single Young Lion, are the only band
Phoenix moved to its new premises in the Cultural Quarter but
from Leicester to be included in the list. Andrew Stone of the
was kept alive after campaigners persuaded the city council
band comments: “Everyone who’s voted already, we really
to keep the building - and Leicester College won it’s lease.
appreciate it. We’d love to get the whole city behind us. In
Over the past few years it has doubled as a performance
1983 Thriller premiered on MTV, in 1993 Beavis and Butthead
finishing off at 3am.
S T AY F R E E M A R K S 20 YEARS WITH RANDOM DISCOUNTS
L
eicester rehearsal studio Stayfree Music is marking its 20th birthday by offering random rehearsal
rooms at 1992 prices. Throughout November and December the Frog Island
space and training centre for the college’s performing arts
started, in 2003 we saw
students - and now they’re working with not-for-profit group
Mariah Carey’s crib.
music space will select one of its nine rooms each day and
Nearest Star to bring back the live music which have been
Next year we want it to
charge bands booked to rehearse there between £2.75 and
missing from the venue for too long. They’re looking for
be the Terrors!” To vote
£3.50 per hour, a fraction of the usual cost. Caroline Wright, a
musicians to play a number of dates in 2012 and 2013. Julian
for them, go to www.
director of Stayfree Music and licensee at Lock 42 said: “We
Wright from Nearest Star told us: “It really is the best venue
brandnewunsigned.mtv.
wanted to do something a little different and give something
in town! We want you to come and play, come and listen and
co.uk/act/littlenightterrors
back to the bands to mark two decades in the business.
come and ensure this venue’s survival. This venue deserves to
and place your vote
We’re planning to announce on Twitter (@StayfreeMusic1) in
be used by Leicester musicians as one of the principal venues
today. Also why not
advance which rooms will be discounted, giving our followers
in the city and hopefully this series of gigs will be a good way
check out our Terrors
an advantage”. For more information call 0116 2230303, or
of developing that.”
competition on page 30!
visit www.stayfreemusic.co.uk
4
T H E M O N O G R A P H LEICESTER MU SIC NEW S
TONY SHELLEY PIECES TOGETHER TA K E S A B R E A K L E I C E S T E R ’ S M U S I C A L H I S T O R Y W H I T E N O I S E F E S T I VA L
A
fter five years of turning out two events a year, Leicester’s White Noise
Festival has decided that 2012 is the year it takes a break. Fear not though, as in the meantime you’re treated to three standalone shows from WNF curators and friends of the festival Her Name Is Calla. These ‘White Noise Events’ distil the ethos of the main festivals in to short sharp bursts of noise, each with a decidedly different flavour. They urge you to get involved and discover the incredible music this city has to offer. Saturday 17th November at Firebug is Codex Leicester, We Three and the Death Rattle, IO, Alright The Captain and Some May Run. Sunday 16th December sees Her Name Is Calla, Peter Wyeth and very special guests come to Firebug. Saturday 22nd December at Y Theatre is Maybeshewill, Speaking in Italics and guests. Tickets for Maybeshewill’s show are available from the Y box office now, with ticket information for the other two shows to be announced soon.
V
eteran Leicester photographer, and subject of Issue#03 feature ‘Life Through a Lens’, Tony Shelly has started a new photo project and is on the look
out for help and contributions. Keen to not let the heritage of old Leicester venues be forgotten, Shelley plans to collate images of bands playing at former venues such as The Burlesque, The Miners Welfare in Coalville, Il Rhondo, The Perfume Garden and many more now defunct sites. One particular location of interest is The Pit. Shelley tells us: “I believe [The Pit] was in East Bond Street, but I’m not too sure, that’s what I’d like to find out”. He is urging fellow Leicester old-timers to get in touch to help him fill the blanks in his database. Another project on the horizon for Shelley is to reunite
People’s Photographic Gallery sometime in 2013. For more information on Tony Shelley and to see some of
bands that appear in his vast archives together for a photo
his other work, visit www.flickr.com/photos/tonyshelley. If you
shoot. Bands such as Heliotrope (pictured right at the Royal
have any information, images or even memories of gigs and
Mail Pub in 1994) are hopefully going to be tracked down for
events at old Leicester venues, contact Tony on
the project, which will take place as an exhibition at Leicester
witchfynde@hotmail.com
NEW LOOK WEBSITE
+ MONOGRAPH IMAGES IS BORN
LEICESTER’S ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK JOINS UP W I T H E LT O N J O H N I N L A
myriad of new developments to delight and excite you.
L
The newest addition to the group and very much the
up with music royalty in the
baby of the family, Monograph Images (pictured far right) is
shape of Elton John, it has
our latest site and media platform. Maintained by our team of
been announced this week.
I
n a busy couple of months at Monograph Towers, we have been occupying ourselves in all things web, with a
eicester legend and Eurovision star Engelbert
Humperdinck has teamed
photographers and contributors, the site acts as a showcase
It was reported that
for musicians, events and also the photographers themselves.
John and Humperdinck
Monograph Images also acts as a musical photographic
visited a studio in LA to
archive for the city, to be used for reference and other press.
work on a track which is
To view the latest galleries and see how you can get involved,
due for release sometime in 2013.
visit www.themonograph.co.uk/photos
This move, which comes off the back of Engelbert’s
Not ones to have a rest, we have also rolled out a new
disappointing Eurovision entry, has set the media alight
look www.themonograph.co.uk (pictured right) which brings
with speculation and will certainly be one to listen to when
you all the latest news, reviews and gigs as before, but in a
it is released. Pick up The Monograph next year for a full,
shiny new responsive format.
hopefully glowing, review.
MAHALIA GAINS PRESTIGIOUS ED SHEERAN SUPPORT
R
apidly rising Leicester youngster Mahalia gained a prestigious
L O V E LY E G G S T O T H R O W A L B U M L A U N C H PA R T Y AT THE SOUND HOUSE
H
S T R AW B E R R Y F I E L D S A N N O U N C E E A R LY B I R D T I C K E T S
Lancastrian
O
husband and wife
also opened up the lines for early bird tickets.
otly-tipped
punk duo The Lovely Eggs
rganisers of Strawberry Fields Festival have announced that the 2013 festival will take place on
9th, 10th and 11th August, and they have Costing only £70 for a full weekend and including free camping,
support slot in October with
will officially launch their
global sensation Ed Sheeran.
third album at a Leicester
Mahalia supported Sheeran,
venue at the end of
whose debut album ‘+’
November. The couple will
sold over a million copies
launch their new LP Wildlife
EXTRA EXTRA!
and earned him four Brit
at The Sound House on 26th November. When asked by the
Do you have something you want to shout about?
Award nominations, on 14th, 27th and 28th October at the
Monograph why they were choosing Leicester to launch the
Are you launching a new project, fanzine, website,
Birmingham Ballroom and famous Hammersmith Apollo.
album, singer and guitarist Holly Ross told us: “We wanted
venue for or in Leicester? Then The Monograph
a place with a really good party vibe, and whenever we’ve
newsdesk wants to hear from you!
despite being in her early teens, she graced festival stages
played here we get that. We wanted to launch it somewhere
Head over to our submission page on the new look
up and down the country and performed an acoustic track on
away from home but we’re not pretentious and we didn’t want
Monograph website on www.themonograph.co.uk/submit
Dean Jackson’s BBC Introducing show, The Beat.
to go down the cool route and launch it in London. Leicester’s
or drop us an email to submit@themonograph.co.uk and
just a great place to play with a great crowd.”
you could see your news online or in print!
2012 saw Mahalia go from strength to strength and,
Mahalia’s debut EP ‘Headspace’ is out now and can be downloaded at www.mahaliamusic.bandcamp.com
they are only on for a limited time only, so grab yours now!
Tickets to the album launch party are on sale now.
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
5
THE NON-MUSIC FA N ’ S G U I D E T O . . .
W
BEING A FRESHER
elcome students. Welcome to University and
like a daft idea, this is in fact all the rage among today’s youth.
Manhattan34 and the Exchange bars. Both lovely places to
goodbye to your old life. Now is your time
Pink Pigeon or The Wardrobe are perfect starting points for
grab a drink, catch up with friends and probably read a copy
to shake off the oppressive shackles which
those of you who want to suggest that your painstakingly
of this magazine.
followed you through your school life and, here in Leicester,
carefully selected brogues without socks, stone-washed jeans
no-one will remember the time you pissed your pants, lied
and oversized shirt required zero effort.
about having meningitis to get off school or called your teacher mum…
Alternatively if you like Marty McFly’s look in Back to the
If music is your thing then why not pop in to Firebug? Truly the heart of the city’s pulsing music scene and permanent fixture on the touring scene for many of the UK’s best up and
Future II it’s off to Well Gosh for you. While it may be a bit
coming bands including Carter USM and the guy who used
For many, university is a chance to try something new,
pricey, the bags are made of paper and they used to give
to be in The Bluetones. Endlessly sound-tracked by bands
to start over like Zak Efron in 17 Again, Drew Barrymore in
you stickers so people know you shop there. Conversely,
signed to Big Scary Monsters, Firebug is both venue, bar and
Never Been Kissed, Dudley Moore in Like Father, Like Son or
if individuality and a sense of self don’t appeal to you, then
doss house for just about every band living in the city so why
Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30, and a big part of your new
the Highcross shopping centre is choc-a-bloc full with
not come by and shake hands with John Helps, Scott West
image is likely to be music. Music can define us as people,
generic-identikit-zeitgeist-fashion staples such as Topman,
or Mitch Buchannan and take advantage of the half price
shape our friendship groups and identities; this said I am by
Cult Clothing and SuperDry where you’ll have everything
burgers exclusive to students.
no means a fan of music. Regular readers will in fact know
necessary to dress like Louis from One Direction.
that I’d prefer A Bug’s Life to Jake Bugg, Monsters Inc. to Of
Ok, so now you’ve got your friends and you’re looking
You may also want to check out the O2 Academy. It’s kind of the Heat Magazine of music venues in the city. Flipping the
Monsters and Men, Up! to Down, Cars to The Cars and Brave
sharp it’s time to decide where to wear them. Thankfully
coin entirely, if you’re one of those people who only like bands
to Nu Rave. But, what I lack in music knowledge I can make
Leicester has a vibrant and varied social scene and, now that
that none of your friends of heard of and then when people do
up for in sound, ‘coming of age’ advice.
you’re finally 18 you can get all drunk and be disrespectful
you stop liking them, well then perhaps you should check out
First up, picking your friends. Friends are pretty important,
to the hard working bar staff with the rest of your generation.
what’s coming up at new venues Lock42 and Two Queens…
not essential or anything, but certainly useful to becoming
First stop on your tour is the Orange Tree. Now your aim is to
before your friends hear of them.
an improved you. A good way to start selecting friends is
one day work here so be nice, OK? Good cocktails, laid back
collect ones who work in shops as this way you can get 20%
and unassuming ‘atmos’ and bursting full of attractive peers
ultimately, we at The Monograph want you to enjoy your time
off bobble hats and Toms. Friends also act as a potential
who, like you, have also spent hours desperately trying to look
here. In many ways Leicester is quite like the waiting room
gateway to new and often better people, so try not to get too
as though they don’t care about their appearance.
in a GU clinic; you’ll spend a lot of time here and it can be a
attached to those you meet in halls during the first two weeks. With it being forced awkwardly into every facet of our
Skipping distance away is the Cultural Quarter, amazingly Leicester’s fifth development which carries the title of
existence, style is unquestionably central to the young, hip
‘quarter’. This vibrant centre of expression is home to the
student about town, so knowing where the best ‘threads’ are
much of the city’s bustling arts scene and, interspersed with
is essential. Thankfully, Leicester is host to many independent
brothels and swingers clubs you will find the LCB Depot, the
retailers and, while dressing like your grandparents may seem
Attic and Pedestrian Arts Centre as well as the welcoming
I hope this guide has been a helpful tool for you as
little boring, however you’ll meet lots of interesting people and you’ll be bloody glad you went!
Tiernan
KING CHARLES
R A E G A N O AT E S F I N D S O U T J U S T W H AT H A P P E N S W H E N B I L LY B R A G G H I J A C K S A N I N T E R V I E W. . .
T
here is a magic in King Charles that is infectious and
just teaches you, well that’s what I wanted to describe. It’s
Almost as though Billy hears us talking about him, he
unique, and having captured the imagination and
not so much about the stories and experiences I wanted to
wanders into interview and introduces himself...
hearts of fans across the UK and America, packing
describe, it’s the colour of it.
Billy Bragg: Charles! I saw the start of your set. KC: Just been talking about you...
out venues wherever he goes and performing to within an inch of his life, he has a natural majesty of musical talent
Didn’t you nearly have some on the way here? I saw you
BB: Your gig blew my mind. I just took my cousin in there to
that makes him a British artist that is one to watch. Having
being mobbed by about 10 girls.
get a beer and you just kicked off and you were great.
recently returned from a sold out tour of America with
KC: Haha yeah. But did you see that guy’s hair? He had Che
KC: I can’t believe you were there, that’s amazing!
Mumford and Sons and released his new album ‘Loveblood’,
Guevara shaved into the back of his head.
BB: It was great to see it because later when I was hanging
we caught up with him at the year’s Summer Sundae
out I was about to go on, I thought you really sounded like
Weekender to talk about how life is treating him, plus a small
I know it was pretty cool. What can we expect from the
The Skids.
interruption by a surprise guest to our interview...
next album?
KC: The Skids!
KC: The next album is going to be like so straight to the
BB: If there is anything I can bring back from my thing that’s
point, no nonsense. I want it to be like Billy Bragg.
extinct, it’s The Skids. Nice to see you man.
A lot has happened for you since we first met in 2011. KC: Yeah I’ve just returned from America. America was one
KC: I really enjoyed your tribute.
of those things you dream about. Like Nashville, Texas, the
Did you see him?
BB: Right we’re off for a curry, nice one man. See you later.
whole thing felt like a film, like a sort of dream. And then
KC: He was wicked actually. I want it to be music that
Billy Bragg walks off.
making the new album Loveblood, it was so great. I made it
people want to like. Talking of Billy, it’s quite difficult when
in Hollywood at Capital Studios which was so dope. It was
you have just a guitar and the vocals and it’s all about
How you feeling after that then?
an amazing experience, however it took forever. It was so
the lyrics. It’s hard to get anything out of it if you are not
KC: That was so awesome, what a legend! Oh shit, that was
stressful and emotional and really difficult, but now it’s all
interested in the lyrics. If you put a lot of music around it can
amazing!
done it’s amazing. I am so happy with it.
disguise it, kind of obstructs it but in a good way. That’s was a pretty big compliment.
Is it a difficult process deciding the tracks that go on an
Photos: Scott Choucino
KC: Oh my days, it is. That was so wicked. Er... What was I
album. Have you held many tracks for the future?
saying, I think that the music that I am interested in is folk,
KC: Yeah I’ve got a backlog now of songs, some that I don’t
but doesn’t have to sound like folk music. It could be the
want ever to come out. The thing about art that I like the
music that is with the people, as in the same direction with
most is how it carries the character of the artist and I want
the people and describing what we have in common. That’s
to sort of soak my music into something that I want to buy
why I love about talking about love it effects everybody. It’s
myself, that I feel is just good music.
like the whole world agrees on it. We love being in love, and you feel drawn to it.
A lot of your new songs talk about love or unrequited love?
That’s true. What’s next then?
KC: Well none of my songs are actually about me, they
KC: Just to keep on touring and you have to let me have a
are about being in love though. I just wanted to describe
copy of this interview. Billy Bragg. Now that was wicked!
a side of the characters of love that I have experienced. Also I am the absolute champion, the king of unrequited love, so I wanted to describe that. The things you can learn
Wo r d s b y R a e g a n O a t e s
about love, what it is, what it isn’t through being in love, it
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
7
RETROSPECTIVE
Photos: Scott Choucino
S
pending time around a lot of the bands here in the city
music scene and the location of the first ever live performance
dressed up as policemen to get in and someone recognised
I often get involved in conversations about the music
by The Rolling Stones. Dave reminisces, “I remember a lot
George Harrison’s long hair though and went for it with
scene in Leicester and it’s something that people like
of the acts from there. Alexis Korner the blues musician, he
scissors. Inside the screams were absolutely deafening. You
to debate at length. People chat about how good or bad the
used to get me a Vimto. Then there was Cyril Davies, he used
could only just hear them play but it didn’t matter though as it
venues are, the promoters, the bands, what a great gig and
to get me a bag of crisps. I saw them all there, Chris Barber,
was electric! It was one of those atmospheres which you get
the like, and with these conversations I consider if Leicester
John Lee Hooker, and of course the embryonic early Rolling
in a football stadium.”
has always had such a bustling and vibrant music scene,
Stones”. Dave recalls his first job there sitting on the tarpaulin
His favourite Leicester gig was at a place called the Il
and what did our parents and even grandparents do for
above the amps at The Marquee: “I had to sit there to stop it
Rondo on Silver Street, where he could get his fix for his
entertainment when we were just a twinkle in their eyes?
dripping onto them.” From there he played guitar with Howlin
love of RnB, “I remember watching them off Stax Records,
Wolf, one of the most influential American blues singers. “It
and on that particular bill was Sam and Dave, Otis Redding,
lap. However, by pure chance one night I’d met Julian from
was an honour. I was watching a man doing great things and
who in those days had a guitar player called Jimi Hendrix.”
Howling Wolf Records and his uncle Dave Carter from Crypt
it was such a pleasure, he just said come on up! You’d get
It seems Il Rondo really was the place to be back then. “It
To be honest I hadn’t expected the answer to drop in my
Kicker Records whilst walking past the front door of
was something special, Otis was amazing, amongst
their home. Drawn in by the unmistakable sound of
his repertoire he’d do a song called ‘Try a Little
The Stones playing, I popped my head round their door and asked if anyone was in. Once inside I found a sea of records, numbering the thousands with everything from a first pressing of The Beatles ‘Love
“ I R E M E M B E R WA T C H I N G T H E M
Tenderness’, and people that night hung on his
O F F S TA X R E C O R D S , A N D O N
was about. Wilson Pickett was with him also, and I
every word, he was the epitome of what soul music remember the first time I heard ‘Midnight Hour’. Here
T H A T PA R T I C U L A R B I L L WA S S A M
Me Do’ to gold Cliff Richard discs. Unwittingly, I’d found myself an Aladdin’s cave of memories from the
were people we regarded as ‘real’ musicians.” As well as Otis, Leicester was also visited by soul
A N D D AV E , O T I S R E D D I N G , W H O
Leicester and the worldwide music scene.
legend Aretha Franklin and Dave remembers: “That
I N T H O S E D AY S H A D A G U I T A R
First to introduce himself and unphased by an uninvited blonde stranger walking through the door
night you could hear a pin drop. There was a lot of gospel and it was fabulous. I remember on one of
P L AY E R C A L L E D J I M I H E N D R I X . . . ”
was Dave Carter, who now makes a living selling
the tours Duck Dunn played bass, he was out of the
record collections on eBay. Over the next hour I
Booker T and The MG’s. Not only that, if you wanted
discovered that he has always been a great a lover of
an autograph you pass your book up and they were
music, vinyl and the Leicester music scene and has
loads of lads out the audience pick the guitar up and Cyril
his own band The Nostalgics. Dave first became involved with
Davis would wail on his mouth organ and all of us would play.
they would talk. In that respect it was more honourable than
music back at the tender age of 13, when he was recruited by
It was just so good”. He also met the Ab Dabs (an earlier
the pop scene, where they’d just let a few girls in to the
Joe Meek in the upstairs of a cafe in Holloway. Meek was a
formation of Pink Floyd), an early Fleetwood Mac and Eric
dressing room. These guys mingled, talked about their music,
famous record producer and songwriter, his best remembered
Clapton.
talked about god and all sorts. Otis in particular was always
hit was the Tornados’ ‘Telstar’ which became the first record
Dave also has very fond memories of Leicester where
approachable. They would mix with the audience,
giving anecdotes about his bands member and the people
by a British group to reach No.1 in the US Hot 100. There
his mother lived. “I was 14 when I went to my first gig here;
he met The Tornados, Mike Berry and Tom Jones; “It was a
my mum took me to see someone like Guy Mitchell at De
fascinating place up in that flat and we were amazed by the
Montfort Hall. The first gig I remember properly though was
embracing cultural diversity with its love of music. Dave
sounds that were coming out of there. We all got involved on
The Beatles when they played there. I saw them twice and
explains: “Yes there suddenly were black people about and
the records I was on the Cryin’ Shames ‘Please Stay’ and on
if I remember right Helen Shapiro was topping the bill with
no one knew quite how to respond to it, because it was
a few of The Outlaws tracks.”
someone like Des O’Connor. That was around ’63. They came
different, but the best of the population just accepted that
again in ’64 and we had to queue up all night down Charles
we were all human beings and that we were all the same and
Street to get tickets. I remember that The Beatles were
we were making some bloody good music. The Caribbean
His father was also the manager of The Marquee in London, one of the most important venues of our modern
8
he’d seen.” Even back in the 60s, Leicester was on its way to
T H E M O N O G R A P H LEICESTER MU SIC NEW S
community brought their music with them. I think [BBC Radio
ripped him off in the 50s so he played with a house band and
Leicester’s] Herdle White was the first to play a White Island
he’d just turn up at the gig with only his suitcase. I got him to
record that included a very young Robert Marley. The people
sign my autograph book at Baileys. Leicester’s always been
of Leicester really did like Blues Beats.”
great though, we were the first to have rock and roll seven
However, it wasn’t all just club nights that saw the
nights a week. We had a lot of Teddy Boys every Saturday
celebrities. In Lewis’ department store where M&S now
at the Clock Tower we used to meet in our drapes. Saturday
stands, worked Arnold George Dorsey, who would later go by
night we’d go to Loughborough Town Hall, Royce Canteen
the name Engelbert Humperdinck, on the meat counter. Dave
and we had a radio station called The Big Bopper. Sometimes
chuckles and tells me “It was reported and I can’t really say
they’d be there in the Haymarket doing a show. Also in the
much more than that, that he once had an altercation in there,
six hills there was a fabulous club, they had some big names
and after that he left and joined Tom Jones backing group
like Edwin Starr and Barry Young was booking all the big
called The Squires. He told me himself one night that he got
stars. He’s had The Coalville Club Starlite, I played there. I
‘Release Me’ by accident, it had been a big hit in the states
saw Kenneth Williams there and Danny La Rue there because
for Esther Phillips, Tom Jones had heard it and thought it was
they were all his friends. He had Bill Haley and His Comets on
ok but Tom thought it wasn’t soulful enough so he gave it to
and I backed them. We had Charlie Feathers, Billy Lee Riley;
Englebert, who was Dorsey then, and the rest was history.
they’d all worked with Elvis.”
It often happened like that. I remember talking to John Lee
I ask them about the current Leicester music scene and
Hooker here once and he said that he happened to be in the
Dave chirps in about The Charlotte. “I saw The Groundhogs
same place as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and they
there three times. They should never have shut The
were offered a song which they absolutely hated. At the time
Charlotte, Tears for Fears, The Cure, they all played before
they’d lost their lead singer and were looking for a big one and
they were all famous.”
they heard their B side, they re-recorded it and sold a million
“People in Leicester have always loved music, we’ve
copies - and that was ‘Silence Is Golden’. These things did
never really lost our authenticity. Even now in the young
happen. There was a lot of plagiarism in those days, if you
people of Leicester they’d sooner see a live band. We’ve
didn’t take out a copyright then you could find your next door
always been a music city and there’s something special
neighbour recording your song and there wasn’t a lot that you
remember seeing Ronnie Hilton in the 70s. The Dallas Boys
about getting up, plugging an instrument in and playing it
could do about it.”
started off like that. Also there was Baileys above where
live because you stand or fall on what you play”. I agree with
Littlewoods is now.”
them and it’s heartening to hear that we’ve always been at
After the 60s the 70s arrived, The Who came, Slade peeled the paint off the walls in the De Montfort Hall and
At the mention of Baileys, Julian comes to life. Julian’s a
the centre of a musical hub and will continue to do so as
people were coming out of that gig deaf. Dave saw The Who
DJ with a passion for the 40s and 50s, a collector of classic
long as there are people out there willing to play and people
at Granby Halls, now The Tigers car park. “That was a good
cars and a teacher of Jive dancing. He explains that he saw
willing to listen.
venue, someone had tried to book The Stones there and Rod
Chuck Berry there in 1976, “He was out of this world. The first
Steward came there. We saw The Platters and The Drifters
time I saw him I was a young lad of 13 and we’d seen him in
there. We also used to have a great club scene in the Working
the New Zealand airport. He’d just come through customs
Men’s clubs, now a place of cover bands and bingo. I can
with his suitcase because he travelled alone. Everybody
Wo r d s b y R a e g a n O a t e s
THE MONOGRAPH ASKS...
THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT? K E E P I T S H U T. . .
Whether you are an avid gig goer or occasional frequenter to Leicester’s music venues, you will have more than likely come across the chatterbox in the corner who can be heard over the music. No? Then it’s probably you...
A
s a reviewer, I can be rude about performers, and often am. I once described a band as being “a talent vacuum made entirely of cheekbones”,
and I even got hate mail for calling a play “woefully written, diabolically directed and abysmally acted”. I haven’t been invited to another school nativity since. But, and feel free to call me a cowardly hypocrite here, it’s one thing to be rude about a band after you’ve left the venue, wrenched the ear-plugs from your protesting sockets and had a good laugh about them, it’s quite another to lazily and ignorantly be rude about them while they’re still onstage, and the worst way to do this is by
I T C R E AT E S T H E AT M O S P H E R E . . .
talking over them. We’ve all been in that frustrating position of enjoying
I
a gig and getting pleasantly drawn into the music, only
lack atmosphere. I’m not suggesting it’s OK for people to
(and if you’ve not been in that position, well, chances are
talk over an artist in at a small intimate show, but surely
you’re the twat).
don’t see what the problem is with talking at gigs.
for the delicate bond between artist and audience to be
Perhaps people’s preoccupation with respect and
snapped by the twat telling his or her mates what he or she
quietness is why people often say that gigs in Leicester
has been up to this week and what Dave said about Laura
putting a blanket ban on discussion is no better than
Before I come across as a complete killjoy (too late, Ed),
censorship. I recognise the irritation of a large group of
I want to make it clear that I’m not calling for some sort
people talking through a show when it’s clear that they
of quiet zone, like in a library (although I’ve been to some
have no interest in the performer and perhaps our prejudice
decent gigs in libraries). Of course people need to order
should be reserved for them, however like most things we
drinks, sing along to bits they know, take the piss out of the
enjoy, attending gigs is becoming more and more expensive
singer’s dress sense and argue over where to go next, it’s a
and thus people should have the right to talk, have a drink
night out after all, not a Quaker meeting (although I’ve been Illustration: Giles Meakin
and enjoy themselves in an appropriate manner. Being able to talk during shows promotes banter and engagement and participation with the band which , certainly in my memory, always makes for enjoyable and memorable shows. Indeed, while I am the sort of person who would happily tut loudly when people talk at the cinema, I admit that I do like to talk at gigs – especially when I know a band quite well, as this gives me the opportunity to prepare hilarious comments to yell when I know a quiet part is coming - which I’m sure everyone enjoys as much, if not more than the band itself.
Trap Hoot
W E PUT IT TO THE IN TERN ET TO SEE WHAT YOU LOT RECKON... “They should have respect for both the
artists and the audience. Chat anytime, not
Wo rd s b y Tier nan Welc h
when you (but more importantly others) have paid good money for tickets.” James Attenborough
to some decent - nah, I’m kidding). And personally speaking, I love it when gigs get loud; I’ve hurled myself into mosh pits, roared along to drunken choruses and woken up to the endless echo of tinnitus many a time. This isn’t about loud music vs quiet music, or even bands that take themselves too seriously vs bands who who just want to have a good time - this is about people who want to be at gigs and people who are only there because there’s nothing on TV that night. If you don’t think much of the band, don’t buy their record, or their T-shirt, or a ticket to their next gig, or if you really hate them then slag them off in a review like I do, or even better, pick up an instrument, form a band yourself and play your own gigs - just don’t be surprised if ignorant punters talk through your set the way you used to. To my mind though, this heinous crime is made even worse when it’s perpetrated by people who already ought
LET THE NUMBERS SPEAK
“Against. I’m a performer, and it’s one of
We threw out a facebook poll to let the numbers do the
the reasons I rarely play pubs, and only
talking. Here’s what we found...
play ticket-entry gigs.”
Ye s, th ey s hou l d shut t he e ff up ! I t d ep en d s on t he nat ure o f t h e g ig . Ever y on e ha s t he right t o c h at a n d b e s oc ial.
20% 80% 0%
Phil Doleman
to know better - other musicians - particularly (and I’ve seen this happen a lot) when they’re sharing the bill with whoever happens to be onstage doing their best to be heard. Getting onstage and performing in front of people is a difficult, nerve-wracking thing to do, and will follow many hours of writing, rehearsals, organisation and promotion...
“Gigs provide an escape, for everyone
often not nearly enough of them it’s true, but - dammit, while
involved. When people talk, it takes you
there’s someone onstage the least you can do is keep your
out of it and back to reality. Horrible,
yap shut for the 30 minutes they have to keep theirs open.
boring reality.” Christopher David Bate
Wo r d s b y A l e x S c o p p i e
Have you got something on your chest that you want to rant about? Do you constantly get in the same arguments with your mates down the boozer? Or do you have an idea for a debate that you think would get our readers talking? Why not put yourself for ward and into the ring for The Monograph Asks Issue#07 in Februar y 2013 by emailing submit@themonograph.co.uk
10
T H E M O N O G R A P H LEICESTER MU SIC NEW S
W H E R E I T ’ S AT
CHARLEE DREW
A R E G U L A R L O O K AT S M A L L E R V E N U E S
With Alex Scoppie
Lock 42
Where’s It At? 2 - 4 Frog Island. When Was That? Opened as a music venue in October 2010. Formerly a sock factory.
How Many? Indoor capacity 220, outdoor capacity N/A.
Most Likely To Play: Metal, punk and indie with some acoustic and folk acts.
Least Likely To Play: Drum and Bass Biggest Names: The Vaccines, The Wedding Present, Lanterns On The Lake, The Chapman Family, The UK Subs, Sea Of Bees. Photos: Scott Choucino
F
rom the outside looking in, a music fan watching a musician carve their career, Charlee Drew comes
gets you, and is it going to be in time, live radio is crazy!” Citing such influences as Christina Aguilera, Mariah and
N
estled by the Grand Union Canal, just north of the Highcross Shopping Centre, sits Lock42, a three
story music powerhouse. Day and night, local acts thrash away at their instruments in the labyrinthine Stayfree
Brian Mcknight (“...it’s the voice more than the songs, he pulls
rehearsal room complex in the building’s basement
featuring on a track with Skepta, releasing EP ‘You Did Me
off the smooth way more than a white boy from Leicester
and back rooms, but the loudest noise comes from
A Favour’, it is in fact getting the nod from little known Ed
could”), he uses his voice as the main catalyst in drawing
the venue’s small but perfectly formed stage up on the
Sheeran. Now, us local music fans can sit and watch him
attention to his music. September 16th saw the release of his
second floor.
begin his “...scary but exciting” journey to his first album.
EP ‘You Did Me A Favour’ and it evidently has done its job, last
Even though in a faint distant corner I hear hardcore indie fans
checked, it had reached No.9 on the singer/songwriter chart
enormous and suitably intimidating mixing desk which
whimper, pop music is having somewhat of a mini revival.
and has set twitter alight with fan messages. When asked how
used to belong to Iron Maiden. The dingy dance floor
‘Pop’ stands for popular after all, and it will always be an
important he thinks the internet and social networking is for self
is lit up by a pink neon sign which leaves you in no
undercurrent in any music that we listen to.
promotion he is fast with an honest response.
doubt where you are, and adjacent to that is the classy
pretty close to a ‘must-see’. If it isn’t writing and
“I like pop music! I wanted to go in a different direction
“It is 100% important, you have only really two options
to indie”. Leicester born and based Charlee Drew is taking
open to you and that is to promote yourself on the internet or
me through his reasoning for the path he has chosen. Sitting
promote yourself live. Both are done in unison usually but you
across from me in the atmospherically lit Taps bar in the heart
just can’t reach the amount of people live, as you can online.
of Leicester’s shopping area; Charlee is as animated as a
Times have changed and you have to adjust, in honesty being
person would be while talking about their passion.
able to talk direct to people is a good thing.”
In a band at 14, he got to see the workings of the industry and the live scene quite early on. The more he played and the more he learned, the more he realised being in a band did not
I ask if being in Leicester, his home, helps and does he intend to come back and play more. “I would love to, I was supposed to play at that Ryan
Its punishing sound system is controlled by an
and spacious bar area, complete with high ceilings and skylight.
The Musician Where’s It At? Crafton Street West, off Humberstone Gate.
When Was That? Opened as a music venue in
seem to fit as well as having the freedom to do what he was
O’Shaughnessy gig but that got postponed. I would definitely
2000. Formerly The Bakers’ Arms.
individually inspired to do, sing his own songs.
come back to Leicester and play but it will probably be to
How Many? Indoor capacity 220, outdoor capacity
promote. It definitely will be before the end of the year.”
N/A.
After writing and featuring on the song ‘Taking Too Long’ with Skepta, Charlee was taken up in a whirlwind of live
Going on to promote his own friend and local Leicester
Most Likely To Play: Bluegrass, Americana, folk,
tours and radio. He helped to set up Skepta’s tour with band
musician Mark Elliott, Charlee comments: “I booked Mark for
roots, indie and hard rock.
members and got some essential experience in live radio.
some of my gigs, he’s so great man. I love that guy! He’s a
Least Likely To Play: Jazz (although its even been
“Because of that I got to do Radio One Live Lounge with Jo
great guitarist and has a great voice. So for him to do backing
putting some of that on lately).
Whiley. Just before we played they were like, “there’s about five
vocals for me is pretty perfect. He’s one to watch for sure.”
Biggest Names: The Handsome Family, Ryan
million people listening”, but you can’t see who you’re playing
So I ask what is next for the future of Charlee? He is
Adams, Midlake, 65daysofstatic, Camera Obscura, Josh
to. As the song plays and Skepta is doing his thing, I’m just
refreshingly forthcoming with honesty on the status of his
T. Pearson.
waiting to sing, but as soon as I started singing there was no
career and life.
come. I will probably release it as a free download, because
A
to be blunt it takes a lot of money to produce something to
It was given a revamp and almost doubled its capacity
not make it all back. So it will keep up the momentum without
almost eight years ago, jettisoning its back garden in
costing too much as I need all my time to put all my effort into
favour of more space for gig-goers.
one else. It’s the anticipation of when the voice comes out that
“I like pop music! I wanted to go in a different direction to indie.”
“I want to do one more release before we start with the releases for the album. Use it as a ‘buzz’ record for things to
the album. But I won’t release that unless a large label does. So we’ll see.” When asked about the day job, it is a swift answer, “No day
well-established and colourful venue for over a decade, The Musician pulls in touring bands on a
regular basis but also gives plenty of slots to local acts.
Its low stage is roomy and *gasp* carpeted and its
Tiernan
small sound system formidable. It hosts Leicester’s
longest-running acoustic club and even puts on the
job, I only have time for music. So the music needs to pay the
occasional comedy night, and cabaret tables and chairs
bills.”
are set out for punters at such times when things get
It seems it may cost time and money, and maybe sweat
more laid back. Comfortable and reliable, The Musician
and tears, but for Charlee Drew at the end of the day pop is
can nevertheless still surprise with its varied line up with
popular and a dream is to be realised.
this increasingly popular destination for bands both established and in training.
Wor d s b y Eli se H e wi t t
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
11
Photos: Scott Choucino
THE
INTERROBANG
Words by Ra e gan O a t e s
What happens when three musicians unwilling to get farted out the other end of the commercial music industr y get together to create their own rehearsal and recording space and make their first demo (in their under wear) in their frontman’s bedroom? What happens is Sisterland...
S
ince the demo exploded, their debut single’s been released on the legendary Too Pure label, they’ve recorded at Abbey Road and have been mastered
by the guy that did the Harry Potter soundtrack. They’ve been Mogwai’s single of the week in ‘The Skinny’ ahead of James Blake and The Kills, appeared in the radar section of the NME and featured in the New Blood section of Artrocker. After being invited to join the Blessing Force Collective, they’ve released a tape with them and their lead track ‘Dirty White’ and was playlisted for five weeks on BBC 6 Music and Radio One. Most recently ‘Certain Taste’ was written, recorded, released and a video shot in their own rehearsal rooms. They are now in the process of recording a new tape and collaborating with USA artist Adam Gnade. Originally called Dysneyland the band admits they’re now all about having fun with their music and not taking the perks too seriously. Frontman Mark explains: “The whole trick of it after our old bands or projects was to not take it so seriously, and actually play stuff that we all listen to and have some common ground.” Ian adds “And smile a bit. We didn’t want to do really angry looking at your feet kind of music. We wanted something more casual and not worry about it sounding fun to play or looking fun to play”. What’s great about Sisterland is that it’s refreshing to find a band that wants you to enjoy their music, not just admire it. Mark carries on “We really wanted to be called Dysneyland but we had to change the name as Too Pures’ lawyers wouldn’t let us keep it, in fact they laughed heartily at the thought
be honest we were so out of the loop that we didn’t even
So instead of going with people that they didn’t really know,
that we’d get away with it. We changed it to avoid getting
know that someone was already writing about our music,
they just thought why not go with them. For the band it’s a
fingered by Mickey.”
there was a blog by someone in a band called The Big Pink,
case of “Going with people who are releasing good things
Mark, Ian and Bob are no strangers to the ‘music
The Don’t Die Wondering Blog and people out there were
and putting on good shows and we really respect them,
industry’ and used to be in band Tired Irie. Their split
reading it and Mark’s inbox just suddenly filled up. People
these days a lot hinges on trust with an alarming number
spawned Acid Pony with Ian and Bob, whilst Mark went
were offering us loads of shit. Then a good friend that we
of bands being ripped off somewhere along the lines.
on to do his own projects. Finally, when they just started
know that’s managed a load of good bands said not to take
After that a guy called Chad Valley called who was willing
wanting to just make some noises again and because they
anything now, it would be the wrong time. He said if you’ve
to take us on so we played a warehouse night in Oxford.
just missed each other, they formed Sisterland. Mark tells
not even played a gig then just take it as a bit of amusement
That was cool. It was a good mix of art and music. They’d
me “We didn’t make it a big deal, we casually just thought
that these people are getting in touch with you. We took a
made a stage like a spaceship and had proper stalls. Bob
let’s just do this again and this time round through hindsight,
few things though, we had a launch night on a Saturday at
and I got told off because we were playing with around
we just wanted to do something stripped down and basic.
The Old Blue Last which was our first gig.”
with an installation. The guy that does the Foals videos
What is like playing for a very stylized London crowd I
was there and he had loads of beef hearts up there and we
to two and a half minute songs and playing gigs in cars
ask? Bob laughs “Because it’s free it’s a gamble. You’ll either
were playing with them!” Bob laughs “Oh yeah, he was like
instead of having to buy a van.”
have loads of people there or you won’t have anyone there
excuse me can you stop playing with those beef hearts.
Nothing over complicated and not too many members. One
at all. But then it’s a real testament of if you’re any good or
There was us Leicester people trying to get into some
band, Ian muses “We’d just put our music out there and
not”. Mark joins in telling me “My favourite gigs have been
country place and we were slapping the art installation
one of our old friends that we’d made through Tired Irie,
there”. Carrying on Ian explains “There’s a whole element of
about!”
who had a decent record label got in contact. It was before
judging if they’re enjoying it or not because even if they did
we played a gig or even rehearsed. We suddenly found that
they would never tell you. If they really liked you in London,
Byker Grove of Leicester, know as Abbey Park Studios,
we were getting offered booking agents. The manager of
they might just stand at the back and text their mate if
minus the facial hair and paintballing. Mark laughs at the
Ash was trying to get in touch over this demo that we’d just
you’re lucky! It’s a very different vibe in London to what most
idea “Ian you’re Geoff!” Starting when they bought a load
made in his bedroom. We let that label pay for us to go to
bands experience in Leicester. When we played in Leicester,
of new equipment and converted it into practices room
Abbey Road to get it mastered, and we were just thought
someone just hugged Mark straight afterwards. You’d never
and a studio space, Ian explains how they thought that it
it would be funny to do. I don’t think we even think that we
get that in London!”
would be a good idea to make a bit of money and have a
Not expecting things to take off so quickly with the
were serious about the band, everything has just been if we get offered anything fun let’s just do it. Ian comments: “To
Since then a lot of their friends from Oxford got in touch from The Blessing Force, which turned into a record label.
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
When they’re not busy gigging, Sisterland also run the
free practise base. “We also knew that there would be lots of Leicester bands that wanted the same kind of thing and
13
“ We really w anted to be c a l l e d Dysne yl a nd b ut we h a d to c h a n ge th e n a me a s To o P u re’s law yer s w oul d n’t l e t us ke e p it, in fact th e y la u gh e d h e a r ti ly. ”
it took off. We’ve got a lot of the bands that are featured in
band saying they’d heard them on 6 Music, and that they
nothing? Bob sums it up nicely “The audience has become
The Monograph there and they are serious about making
were a press and plug in agency and offered them a ‘good
more DIY as well, and the people putting on the nights. It’s
music. It’s a good community. There’s Maybeshewill, Codex
deal’. Ian points out “Obviously they’re gonna want at least
the same as the bands; they’re not paying anything they’re
Leicester, Surrender The Coast, Charlie and the Martyrs,
£500 for them to personally send our next single to radio
just making the venue more attractive and a good night for
Slo-Worm and loads of young bands coming through that
people and what we’ve found nowadays is people are more
people, it’s a fun thing. You’ve got less chance of getting
weren’t initially our friends but they’ve heard of it through
interested in hearing directly from the band. They find it
paid for it because they’re in the same position as you.
word of mouth”. Asking is it an important space for the
more like they’ve discovered you. If they’ve got some more
We’ve played loads of things that we know we’re not getting
Leicester music scene, Ian’s smiles and muses “It’s become
established PR people sending you demos you’ve already
paid for and eventually you might play to a lot of people that
that without really even planning it. We had an idea of what
been discovered whereas any DJ that is passionate about
will spread the word or buy your next release. This is having
we wanted and it turns out by word of mouth that’s what
music will want to hear from the band themselves, with a
a knock on effect on the actual format of a band as well with
every band who really enjoys playing music wants too.” Is
handwritten note on it. I just think its silly paying people with
Mark talking about how “There has been a lot one man band
it all sh*ts and giggles though between the bands? “To be
the internet and digital radio, you can just get it to the people
projects coming out so that there’s less people to pay. I think
honest we do have petty squabbles, if someone moves your
that you want it to and if they like it they’ll play it.”
times are hard so people are cutting back”. You can’t really
amp you may have a little bitch at someone or leave a note
Long gone are the days of big budgets and huge records
look on it as a career these days as you’re going to have to
behind but I think drummers are the worst girls in terms of
contract, Sisterland are realists and know that “As soon as
have job something else in this day and age. Bob agrees
that.” Bob smiles saying “No comment”.
you decide that you’re going to play exactly what you want to
“It’s not 1975.” Or worse than that as Ian points out “You
play, you cancel out 80% of people who would be potential
can be really lucky or shunted out with loads of debt on your
there something more to it? Mark points out “That’s part of
So is the DIY approach just about saving money or is
audience that record labels would want to sell it to. Then you
head and unable to do anything. There are bands that we
it; we didn’t want to owe money to anyone. The thing that
get to the point that if you like what you’re doing and other
know where the label ended up owning their name and the
put the nail in the coffin of our last band was just getting
people like it then that’s the best way to be. Bob adds “You
label release the album and you can’t do shit.” Mark laughs
into debt.” Ian adds “It does cost loads of money to be in
can tell if someone wants to do it because they want to do it
“I don’t ever want there to be a day that we have two tour
a band.” Mark continues telling me “Even if you get offered
or they’re just doing it because. It comes across.”
bands, one that says Sister and the other that says land.”
studio time eventually you’re gonna have to end up paying
More and more bands know that to survive they’ve got
Ian “Me and Mark will be in the sister one. Bob will just be
for it. We’d rather know what and how we wanna sound
to practise in their own place, record in their own place and
so we may as well record it ourselves and be our own
do everything themselves. It can be almost totally free. How
producers and our own engineers. Unless someone of
do they make money then? Ian tells me “Song writing, you
tells me “We’ve got a bunch of things that we enjoy playing and
course offers us a deal at Electrical Audio. It’s not answering
can get things from PRS. If you get a decent amount of radio
we’re just going to record them live and stick them on a tape
to the man, it’s playing it DIY.” They’re right these days
play that’s how you make money and as Mark adds “Don’t
and do about 50 copies so it sells out really quickly. People
people in the industry don’t normally offers you something
expect to get paid for gigs basically.” The question from this
want to be sold exclusivity.” And with that so ends our chat and
for nothing and only the other day someone contacted the
is why do so many people expect people to play for little or
we leave Sisterland to get on with their good work.
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
on the land. At the back smoking a cigar.” So what does the next few months hold for Sisterland? Ian
15
FOSSE LIBRARY UKE GROUP 5:30PM FOSSE LIBRARY
LUCY ROSE 12AM O2 ACADEMY LEICESTER
LITTLE NIGHT TERRORS 7PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE
MYSTERY JETS 12AM O2 ACADEMY LEICESTER
THE UNDERCLASS 4PM THE DONKEY
CUBAN SALSA IN LEICESTER 6:30PM THE MUSIC CAFE (TMC)
JAMES BLACKSHAW 7PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE
LSO WITH EVELYN GLENNIE 7:30PM DE MONTFORT HALL
FIDELIO BY BEETHOVEN 6PM ST ANDREW’SCHURCH
THE STYLISTICS 7:30PM DE MONTFORT HALL
MUSIC FOR PIANOS AND HANDS 7:30PM EMBRACE ARTS
FRED ZEPPELIN (LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE) 8PM THE MUSICIAN
HACKTIVIST / VISIONS 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
MOTORHEAD + ANTHRAX 7:30PM DE MONTFORT HALL
MARK GARDENER 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
BROTHER & BONES 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
BROKEN HANDS + DEAF CLUB 7:30PM LOCK 42
KGB JAZZ 7:30PM THE DONKEY
SCREAM DONT WHISPER + THIRD PLACE VICTORY 7:30PM LOCK 42
SOFT BULLETS + LINEAR + GUESTS 7:30PM LOCK 42
DARK SIDE OF THE WALL (PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE) 8PM THE MUSICIAN
MOULETTES 8PM THE MUSICIAN
IN THE ROUND 8PM THE MUSICIAN
ATTENTION THIEVES + VERSUS + GUESTS 7:30PM LOCK 42 BASEMENTALITY 10PM THE BASEMENT
TITANIC JAZZ BAND 12PM THE DONKEY FANS OF FAYE + THE AUTUMN EFFECT + SON OF GLENN 7:30PM LOCK 42
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS PLUS SPEAR OF DESTINY 7PM O2 ACADEMY LEICESTER KYSHERA + GUESTS 7:30PM LOCK 42
BABY LEMONADE 006 FEAT. KAPPA SAINT SAVIOUR 8PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE GAMMA 7:30PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE KENT DUCHAINE 8PM THE MUSICIAN MAD DOG MCREA + COSMO JARVIS THE DONKEY MUSIC QUIZ 8PM THE MUSICIAN 8:30PM THE DONKEY LIVE ACOUSTIC SPECIAL 8:30PM THE PRIORY
INDIAN DANCE EXHIBITION [HIGHFIELDS] 12AM HIGHFIELDS LIBRARY
TITANIC JAZZ BAND 12PM THE DONKEY
VIN GARBUTT 8PM THE MUSICIAN
4OZ OF GROOVE - OTHERS TBC 8:30PM THE DONKEY ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW AND THE LOW RIDERS 9PM THE Y THEATRE HIP HOP KARAOKE 2 9PM FIREBUG BAR
STEREOSONICS 8PM THE DONKEY
THE CREDIT CRUNCHERS 12PM THE DONKEY
THE CROOKES 12AM O2 ACADEMY LEICESTER
ARMS OF ATLAS + SUPPORT 12AM O2 ACADEMY 3
PARK BENCH SOCIETY 3PM THE MUSICIAN
THE JAMESON EXPERIENCE AT ORANGE TREE LEICESTER 7PM THE ORANGE TREE, LEICESTER
THE TRICKS 7:30PM LOCK 42
CLUB SMITH + THE ESTATES + SIMPLE MACHINES + GUESTS 7:30PM LOCK 42
BUCK & BARKER 4PM THE DONKEY
O’HOOLEY & TIDOW 8PM THE MUSICIAN LEICESTER JAZZ HOUSE PRESENTS GREG ABATE 8PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE DMU ROCK SOCIETY ROCK BAR 10PM FIREBUG BAR
JOHN OTWAY 8PM THE MUSICIAN BENJAMIN SCHOOS AND ROCKHAUSEN 8:30PM THE DONKEY BUG OUT 10PM THE BASEMENT
LIVE FOREVER / WELLER STYLE 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE STRAY 8PM THE MUSICIAN
DANFEST2 6:30PM THE MUSICIAN
LIGHT OF DAY ENGLAND 7PM ROBERT SMYTH ACADEMY
FOSSE LIBRARY UKE GROUP 5:30PM FOSSE LIBRARY
STATE OF THE UNION (BOO HEWERDINE & BROOKS WILLIAMS) 8PM THE MUSICIAN
THE COMPLETE STONE ROSES 7PM O2 ACADEMY 2 LEICESTER
BARDI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 7:30PM DE MONTFORT HALL
CUBAN SALSA IN LEICESTER 6:30PM THE MUSIC CAFE (TMC)
BOAT TO ROW 8PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE
YVONNE BLOOR AND FRIENDS 7:30PM EMBRACE ARTS
PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING 7:30PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE
SHAM 69 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
SATURDAY NIGHT JAZZ 8PM THE BASEMENT
CHARLIE & THE MARTYRS 8:30PM THE DONKEY
SWEET BILLY PILGRIM + SUPPORT 8:30PM THE DONKEY
BUG OUT 10PM THE BASEMENT
SOULSHAKER 10PM THE BASEMENT
THE VACCINES - SOLD OUT 7PM DE MONTFORT HALL
A BABY LEMONADE SPECIAL – PAPER AEROPLANES 7:30PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE
SMALL TOWN JONES AND JACK HARRIS 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
FC-20 PRESENT OUT OF THE SHADOWS 8PM SUMO
BASEMENTALITY 10PM THE BASEMENT
MODERN JAZZ SESSIONS HOSTED BEN HOWARD - SOLD OUT BY NED NEWITT 7PM O2 ACADEMY LEICESTER 8:30PM THE REGENT SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB THE HEATHER FINDLAY BAND 8PM THE MUSICIAN
DMU ROCK SOCIETY ROCK BAR 10PM FIREBUG BAR ROOTS 10PM THE BASEMENT
THE LOVELY EGGS 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
TITANIC JAZZ BAND 12PM THE DONKEY
FOSSE LIBRARY UKE GROUP 5:30PM FOSSE LIBRARY
THE CREDIT CRUNCHERS 12PM THE DONKEY
THE OVERTONES 7:30PM DE MONTFORT HALL
BASEMENTALITY 10PM THE BASEMENT
BEACH DAY + GUESTS 7:30PM LOCK 42
CUBAN SALSA IN LEICESTER 6:30PM THE MUSIC CAFE (TMC)
MIKE TRAMP 8PM THE MUSICIAN
THE CUT UPS 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS RHYTHM AND BLUES ORCHESTRA 7:30PM DE MONTFORT HALL
U.K. SUBS (35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR) + FIRST WAVE 7:30PM LOCK 42
THE TOY HEARTS + JANET ROBIN 2012 TOUR 8PM THE MUSICIAN
GREEN DATE 8PM THE MUSICIAN
GOODNIGHT LENIN 8PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE TOWNSHIP COMETS 8PM THE Y THEATRE
NOWT FLASH WITH THE MOONLIGHTS + SPECIAL GUESTS 9PM THE DONKEY DMU ROCK SOCIETY ROCK BAR 10PM FIREBUG BAR
MEMORIES OF ELVIS - A TOUCH OF CHRISTMAS 7:30PM RUTLAND COUNTY MUSEUM THE NAGS – 10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
CHRIS WARNER + NFQ 8PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE
IRON ON MAIDEN + SACK SABBATH 8PM THE MUSICIAN
NEW COOL COLLECTIVE 8:30PM THE DONKEY
ZED’S DEAD 8:30PM THE DONKEY
FLAT FIVE FRIDAY 8:30PM THE O BAR
IRISH DANCE EVENING 6:30PM ST PATRICK’S CHURCH DAVID ESSEX 7:30PM DE MONTFORT HALL
CODEX LEICESTER, WE THREE AND THE DEATH RATTLE, IO & ALRIGHT THE CAPTAIN 8PM FIREBUG BAR
THE CREDIT CRUNCHERS 12PM THE DONKEY
FOSSE SINGERS (COMMUNITY CHOIR REHEARSALS) 12AM FOSSE NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
ONE CURE FOR MAN 8PM FIREBUG BAR
BUG OUT 10PM THE BASEMENT
DAWSON SMITH & THE DISSENTERS 4PM THE DONKEY IRISH DANCE EVENING 6:30PM ST PATRICK’S CHURCH STARS IN YOUR EYES 7PM CONCORDIA THEATRE ZOUNDS 8PM THE CRITERION SONIC- ELECTRIC 8PM THE CRITERION
JERSEY BUDD - EP LAUNCH PARY 4PM THE DONKEY IAN DERBYSHIRE BAND 8PM THE MUSICIAN
TITANIC JAZZ BAND 12PM THE DONKEY
FOSSE LIBRARY UKE GROUP 5:30PM FOSSE LIBRARY
THE CREDIT CRUNCHERS 12PM THE DONKEY
THE OVERTONES 7:30PM DE MONTFORT HALL
BASEMENTALITY 10PM THE BASEMENT
BEACH DAY + GUESTS 7:30PM LOCK 42
CUBAN SALSA IN LEICESTER 6:30PM THE MUSIC CAFE (TMC)
MIKE TRAMP 8PM THE MUSICIAN
THE CUT UPS 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS RHYTHM AND BLUES ORCHESTRA 7:30PM DE MONTFORT HALL
U.K. SUBS (35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR) + FIRST WAVE 7:30PM LOCK 42
THE TOY HEARTS + JANET ROBIN 2012 TOUR 8PM THE MUSICIAN
GREEN DATE 8PM THE MUSICIAN
GOODNIGHT LENIN 8PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE TOWNSHIP COMETS 8PM THE Y THEATRE
GET CAPE, WEAR CAPE, FLY (SOLO ACOUSTIC) 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
NOWT FLASH WITH THE MOONLIGHTS + SPECIAL GUESTS 9PM THE DONKEY
IRON ON MAIDEN + SACK SABBATH 8PM THE MUSICIAN
NEW COOL COLLECTIVE 8:30PM THE DONKEY
ZED’S DEAD 8:30PM THE DONKEY
FLAT FIVE FRIDAY 8:30PM THE O BAR
THE CREDIT CRUNCHERS 12PM THE DONKEY
LARRY MILLER BAND 8PM THE MUSICIAN
ORBITAL 7PM O2 ACADEMY LEICESTER
ME VS HERO 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
MONO 8PM LEICESTER CATHEDRAL
ARABELLA STEINBACHER - PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA 7:30PM DE MONTFORT HALL
SIMON FRIENDS SEISMIC SURVEY 8PM THE MUSICIAN
LEICESTER JAZZ HOUSE 8PM EMBRACE ARTS
THE SONG CLUB WITH - JACK MARTELLO + OTHERS TBC 8:45PM THE DONKEY
THE KABEEDIES & GUESTS 8PM FIREBUG BAR
FOSSE LIBRARY UKE GROUP 5:30PM FOSSE LIBRARY
DERRIN NAUENDORF 8PM THE MUSICIAN
DMU ROCK SOCIETY ROCK BAR 10PM FIREBUG BAR
THE NAGS – 10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
CHRIS WARNER + NFQ 8PM THE CRUMBLIN’ COOKIE
DMU ROCK SOCIETY ROCK BAR 10PM FIREBUG BAR
TITANIC JAZZ BAND 12PM THE DONKEY
MEMORIES OF ELVIS - A TOUCH OF CHRISTMAS 7:30PM RUTLAND COUNTY MUSEUM
CANTAMICI CONCERT 7:30PM ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH
JERSEY BUDD - EP LAUNCH PARY 4PM THE DONKEY IAN DERBYSHIRE BAND 8PM THE MUSICIAN
PUSH + PAUL WELLERSTYLE 4PM THE DONKEY
THE RUBY MAE SESSIONS THE MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG 7PM CONCORDIA THEATRE 8PM THE MUSICIAN KGB JAZZ 7:30PM THE DONKEY AVENUE PRESENTS...... 8PM THE DONKEY DAN BAIRD & HOMEMADE SIN 8PM THE MUSICIAN
JOHNNY AND THE GOODTIME BOYS 8PM THE DONKEY
HANK WANGFORD & THE LOST COWBOYS 8PM THE DONKEY
DROP PRESENTS EAN + MORE 11PM SOPHBECK
AN EVENING WITH TREVOR MOSS & HANNAH-LOU UP THE CLUB 7:30PM FENNEL STREET CLUB
TITANIC JAZZ BAND 12PM THE DONKEY BLUES HARP HEROES 8PM THE MUSICIAN
FOSSE LIBRARY UKE GROUP 5:30PM FOSSE LIBRARY
THE CREDIT CRUNCHERS 12PM THE DONKEY
LEICS EARLY MUSIC ASSOC. 5PM THE GUILDHALL
BIFF BANG POW 7PM FIREBUG BAR
THE DONKEY MUSIC QUIZ 8:30PM THE DONKEY
THE JOHN CLEVELAND BAND 7:30PM CONCORDIA THEATRE
WINTER WONDERLAND LIVE 7PM BISTRO LIVE
THE DYLAN PROJECT 8PM THE MUSICIAN
CHROME MOLLY = IRON PYTHON 7:30PM O2 ACADEMY 3
DAWSON SMITH’S 50TH BIRTHDAY BASH 8PM THE MUSICIAN
DMU ROCK SOCIETY ROCK BAR 10PM FIREBUG BAR
AYNSLEY LISTER BAND 8PM THE MUSICIAN
YEAH YEAH NOH 8PM THE ABATTOIR KINGSTON TOWN 8:45PM THE DONKEY
PURPLE ZEPPELIN 8PM THE Y THEATRE
FOSSE LIBRARY UKE GROUP 5:30PM FOSSE LIBRARY
THE CREDIT CRUNCHERS 12PM THE DONKEY
DIESEL PARK WEST 8PM THE MUSICIAN
SING NOEL 8PM THE GUILDHALL
CONWAY & FRIENDS 8PM THE MUSICIAN
SIMON HONEYBOY HICKLING 8PM THE MUSICIAN
RED LIGHT BURLESQUE 8PM FIREBUG BAR
ARTS IN LEICESTER PRESENT 8PM FIREBUG BAR
DMU ROCK SOCIETY ROCK BAR 10PM FIREBUG BAR
THE PRESSURE TENANTS 8:30PM THE DONKEY
ROLLO MARKEE & THE TAILSHAKERS 4PM THE DONKEY A WHITE NOISE FESTIVAL EVENT: HER NAME IS CALLA, PETER WYETH, NAT IVES (SERGEANT HOUSE RECORDS) & MORE 5PM FIREBUG BAR THE QUIREBOYS 8PM THE MUSICIAN
QUADROPHENIA NIGHT NO 3 8PM THE DONKEY
TITANIC JAZZ BAND 12PM THE DONKEY
THE CHARMING INDOOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 10AM THE CITY ROOMS
CALDER MCLAUGHLIN BAND – BLAH BLAH BLAH XMAS & BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA 4PM THE DONKEY 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE AB/CD CHRISTMAS ROCK NIGHT 8PM THE MUSICIAN 8PM THE MUSICIAN ALLSTARS: STRUMMERVILLE 8PM FIREBUG BAR URBAN VOODOO MACHINE + SUPPORT 8PM THE DONKEY
NOWT FLASH WITH THE MOONLIGHTS 4PM THE DONKEY
TITANIC JAZZ BAND 12PM THE DONKEY
DRUGSTORE COWBOYS 4PM THE DONKEY
THE CREDIT CRUNCHERS 12PM THE DONKEY
FOSSE LIBRARY UKE GROUP 5:30PM FOSSE LIBRARY
KINGSIZE 8PM THE MUSICIAN DMU ROCK SOCIETY ROCK BAR 10PM FIREBUG BAR
NYE PARTY WITH REBEL REBEL (DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE) + DJOOK DJ 8PM THE MUSICIAN THE PLATFORMS 8PM THE DONKEY
KINGSIZE 8PM THE MUSICIAN
MENTALLICA 8PM THE MUSICIAN
HOWARD SMITH AND THE RAZORS 4PM THE DONKEY CHAMPAGNE SHOWGIRLS BURLESQUE 8PM THE MUSICIAN
Powered by the Leicester Events Guide, with ever y effort made to include as many of the listings as possible. Please note: All listings subsequent to change at sole discression of promoter and/or venue. Please assume gigs are 18+ unless other wise advertised.
THE LOVELY EGGS 7:30PM THE SOUNDHOUSE
LOST SONGS, SECRET SHOWS
T
o say tonight’s 100-capacity show has been the talk of the town amongst those “in the know” since word slowly got out would be massive understatement – a gig sold out via text message; how retro!
The ever-lovely Codex Leicester initiate the lunacy with plenty of help from an exuberant crowd, all of them stoked to be part of the spectacle. After several songs from their last EP, A Mad Man’s Lullaby, it’s a cool surprise when they rip into Death Of London oldie ‘Eat It Baby Horse’, one of a number of songs which drummer Kris Terse gets to belt out the vocals on. Essentially Codex Leicester are a snub-nosed, grungy riff-attack machine with Weezer handcuffed to a radiator in their practice room. To finish off in true style Team Monograph’s Joe Phipps screams his lungs out on closing track ‘Strong Like Bull’ and as soon as it finishes the band storm the crowd with a massive “ALLLRIGGHTT!!!”. Definitely fucking alright. Maybeshewill’s set is a slick, all-killer-no-filler affair with three albums of material (and a fourth to follow) to pick from. They’re dab hands at creating atmospheric, emotional pieces of music that veer from the almost klezmerstyle opening of ‘Critical Distance’ to the full on riffage that rips in at the end of ‘Co-Conspirators’. It’s a true testament to how they’ve grown as a band in recent years that in a crowded marketplace Maybeshewill have risen above clichés that often bog down lesser bands. Now things start to get seriously messy – And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead’s reputation is almost mythical, with many crazed eyewitnessaccounts of wanton destruction of all of their instruments on a regular basis. After seeing it first hand many years back I was lucky not to be impaled on a guitar. It was exhilarating, primal, thrilling punk-rock in its purest form, which they managed to document pretty brutally on record with the bleak, blackly nihilistic, evil Sonic Youth-isms on the peerless Madonna album. As soon as the almost sinisterly jaunty opener ‘Will You Smile Again For Me’ pounds in
And Yo u Wil l K n o w U s B y T h e Tr ail o f D e a d , M ay bes h ewill & Co d e x Le ice s t er L i v e @ Th e C ook ie J ar. . 18
bodies are swaying and arms are flailing around the tiny basement. Like all the best gigs the next hour is scary, dangerous, hilarious, and brilliant. A couple of songs in they crash into ‘Mistakes And Regrets’ cue your sad fan-boy reviewer losing his shit spectacularly before taking a whole pint full in the face from a passing hand. ‘Perfect Teenhood’ also induces rallied cries of “Blood lust! Tommy gun! A perfect teenhood! FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU!!” – you don’t get this much fun at a Mumford & Sons gig do you? This was one of the best shows this city has seen in far too long, shown best by the flagrant regard for personal safety by both band and audience; truly a ‘you had to be there’ show, we’ll be boring our friends with for many months to come. Words by Glyn Allen
T H E M O N O G R A P H LEICESTER MU SIC NEW S
Photo: Scott Choucino
SPOTLIGHT:
TINNY HOPKINS L
eicester’s Crumblin’ Cookie rightly touts itself as “more
In fact, Tinny reveals he’s just finished programming for
than just a coffee bar”. Established in 2005 for weary
next year’s festival - featuring a line-up of no less than 61
parents to rest their feet after a tour of Dominoes toy
shows across just 17 days in February.
shop, the Cookie has grown to become a one-stop venue for coffee, with a large side order of music, comedy and art. Antony Hopkins (known to all as Tinny) has always had a passion for live performance. Like many of us, he’s been
But what we’re most interested in, of course, is their eclectic musical offerings - from indie to jazz, motown to folk, there really is a feeling of something for all. The Cookie Jar’s short lifespan has already been marked
a regular gig goer for many a year, with only a vague “pipe
with some memorable moments - including acting as a key
dream” of one day owning his own venue.
venue during Fringe Thursday, the debut EP release show
With his wife spearheading the foodie side of the Cookie, Tinny saw his opportunity to bring “a bit” of music and comedy to the proceedings. From beginning to host the occasional night in the cafe three years ago, the momentum grew until Tinny revamped their basement into a brand-new performance space which opened in January.
from Goodfellas, or the secret (and incredibly intimate) show from Trail of Dead, Codex Leicester and Maybeshewill. Upcoming gigs include James Blackshaw, Boat to Row, Ruarri Joseph and Pete Roe - plus there’s a new Tuesday club night, Baby Lemonade, with live acts thrown in. “I would certainly hope that our venue offers all musicians, be they local or touring, a great space to perform,” says Tinny. “I wouldn’t say we offer anything more or less than other
disjointed at present and doesn’t seem to know how to
bag of feelings,” Tinny says, “I was scared that it might not
venues in the city, as all venues offer something different and
preserve itself.”
succeed, I was relieved that we actually got the job finished
appeal to different markets. I would say however that it is
on time and proud that we had created a multi-functional
great to be involved with so much that this city has to offer.”
“I suppose opening The Cookie Jar gave me a mixed
venue that was able to accommodate everything from theatre, through film, comedy, music and private parties.” Part of the pressure came from a commitment to sell a large number of tickets as part of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival - but it turns out Tinny needn’t have worried. Having scored their third win as the best venue for the
Tinny is enthusiastic about the potential of the local music scene, and believes the work of promoters such as Arts in Leicestershire and OffBeat do a lot of good championing acts - but still has a few concerns for its future: “We have a vibrant local scene in Leicester, yet somehow
And he’s helping the cause, rising to the challenge of finding regular support slots and even launching the Cookie’s own “glorified listings magazine” (fittingly called Extra Shot!) to help promote the acts their supporting. So what’s the 5 year plan? “To try to get organised!” If Tinny’s got this far without writing a check-list, the future’s bright for the Cookie.
it hasn’t quite caught light. Of course, there are certain local
annual festival in 2012, they are now regularly approached by
acts that will always be in demand and will do very well as
national promoters looking to bring their acts to the city.
a consequence, but it seems that the scene is a little too
Wo r d s b y Be c c a Br y e r s
A F U L L C I R C L E F O R F L AT F I V E programme called ‘First Time Around’ reviewing new jazz releases and was famous for never being a harsh critic. The story continues through his three sons, Adrian,
creative talent. Still in the first year of its revival and keeping the family connection, Dan has enlisted his musical brothers to kick
Simon, Matthew. The sons were “taught like sheepdogs on
things off, signing both Kenworthy and The Cream Tangerines
the lead” by Mick and Adrian and Simon regularly played the
featuring many Potts’ family members along with old friends
interval at Mick’s Club on a Sunday night in the 70s. With
who are practically family. With a love of jazz and keeping it as
Adrian on bass aged 15, Simon on Drums aged 11, Mick
the cornerstone of the label, often referred to as the Flat Five
would perform 15 minute versions of Perdido or Satin Doll on
family, they sight modern day aspirations to be something
a beat up piano.
between Brushfire and Communion Records, with a hint of In
Eldest son Adrian founded Flat Five Records in 1996 in partnership with Italian industrialist Alfredo Botto-Paola and
The Woods Festival thrown in. In the first year the label has teamed up with DemonFM
gin & tonic specialist Marco Aragnetti (inspiring Stekpanna’s
to host a stage for Oxjam, partnered up with The Orange Tree
f you are a follower of the local scene, and I dare to say
composition Alfredo and The Mayor). Enlisting the help of
Group and host a monthly night at The O Bar, released an
by reading this paper you might be, you will have no
brother Simon as A&R with his not-so-little black book of
EP with Kenworthy and signed a management deal to some
doubt come across the name Flat Five Records. They
musician contacts they embarked on signing new, original
of the industy’s leading and most experienced figures. They
seem to put on show after show in some of Leicester’s
music and not just the normal regurgitation of the old
have released a single with The Cream Tangerines and have
best venues, in addition to having local Wunderkind Jack
standards (‘tho’ we love the old standards’ they cry)
an EP release scheduled in for 21st December. They have
I
Kenworthy and his band in their roster. What you may not know however is that the label has roots all the way back to the 50s, with trumpeter Mick Potts, the grandfather of the
The labels first signing was the Anglo-Scandinavian modern jazz trio Stekpanna. Four albums followed including 2 Top 10 Jazz FM albums,
also been keen on sticking with the Leicester scene having both bands play in Leicester Fringe Festival, Oxjam Leicester and Kenworthy play at Summer Sundae Festival. Having run
label’s current head honcho Dan Potts, having a musical
highly acclaimed Live performances all over Europe including
out of family members and working closely with the likes of
history like no other.
headlining at London’s Festival Hall with special guests
Humble He, Jakarta Club, Joe Mac and Leo Stannard the
including Andy Sheppard, Steve Waterman, Ed Jones.
label are keen to develop their roster further, money and time
Mick lead The Gateway Jazz Band for 40 years and in that time they built their own jazz club, recorded LP’s
Fast forward to the 21st Century, Dan, the third generation
permitting!.
and collaborated with large personalities including Wild
Potts has revived the label and is riding the music business
Bill Davison, leader of Al Capone’s in-house band during
wave this time with a distinctly pop edge but still an absolute
their Flat Five Friday night once a month at The O Bar or by
prohibition. He also wrote and presented his own BBC Radio
belief in the bedrock of musicianship and the focus on original
checking them out online at www.flatfiverecords.com
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
You can see what they get up to by popping down to
19
T E N T H O U S A N D E M A I L S L AT E R . . .
THE PERILS OF POSTERING (OR HOW LEICESTER LEARNT TO MARGINALISE IT’S ARTISTS AND AUDIENCE)*
I
usually start these columns
a license, for example**, but (to my knowledge) not a single
by boasting about whatever
independent live music venue in the city does. In fact they’re
ridiculous part of the world
actively encouraged not to apply.
i’m in at whatever point in time
If you’re one person, or even a small venue, putting on a
i’m writing it, but i’m just sat in my
show or perhaps having an art exhibition and you want to let
pants in an untidy little flat above
people know about it, think again. You are exactly the kind of
Firebug trying to find inspiration.
person this ill-thought out rule discriminates agains. Want to
Since the last column I’ve been
put up posters? Good luck. Quite rightly you can’t put them
galavanting around China and various European festivals with
up in the street, but because flyers are virtually useless and
Maybeshewill, which has been amazing, but i’m sure you
posters are the only physical way to advertise your event
have no desire to learn about the awesome noodles I had in
there is a constant clamor for the few good poster spots that
Beijing. Instead i’m going to talk about promoting music (well,
do exist in shops. Your lovingly screen printed artwork will
any sort of independent art event) in Leicester.
stay up for about 15 minutes.
You may not be aware of this, but it’s illegal to distribute
Now, this might be a wild idea, but why not issue licenses
Leicester’s strength is in it’s community of independent artists
any ‘free printed material’ (read: Flyers) in Leicester without
to anyone who wants one, but on the understanding that
and venues which work together, support each other and
a license. Seems like a great idea right? It cuts out the piles
anyone who creates litter or becomes a nuisance will have
create and show off brilliant music, comedy, art, theatre and
of litter on the streets outside the universities and in the
theirs revoked? Why not install advertising pillars for posters
spoken word every day of the fucking week, and it deserves
city centre, saves trees (well, ish, but thats another issue
like Nottingham, Leeds, Manchester or Bristol? I’m 100%
to be supported.
entirely) and stops people bothering you with leaflets for shit
positive that most venues would be happy to pay a sensible
*Thanks to Joe Williams for the subject and title of this
you’re not interested in when you’re out shopping for a new
fee to be able to display their posters prominently around the
column. He’s the co-writer and performer of the brilliant
leatherette waistcoat in Topshop.
city.
‘Shyness is Nice’, which YOU SHOULD GO AND WATCH IF
The problem with this rule is that you CAN get a
But Leicester loves big business, and big business
license, but it costs a shit tonne of money to even apply.
benefits from this legislation. Big business creates jobs, sure,
Consequently they inevitably go to the huge chain bars, clubs
but it also promotes a mass market culture which leaves a
and promoters who were the ones responsible for the piles of
city culturally barren in comparison. If all we end up with is
papier-mâché on the street in the first place. Walkabout has
Liquid and the O2 Academy, we will all be worse off for it.
YOU CAN. ** True as of 2011. This may not be the case any more.
John
INTRODUCING...
BABY TEETH T
he edgy, jarring lo-fi concoction produced by Baby
Teeth has been 13 years in the making, and is a product of close friendships, dabbling in and out of school boy
bands and a sheer desire to produce music. With influences ranging from 90s shoe-gaze to jazz and predominantly punk, the three-piece inject a positively crude yet crisp sound into the already eclectic music scene that Leicester boasts. Together they write tastefully energetic tracks showcasing reams of talent, reining from a sentiment of “play loud and be heard”. Rhythms fluctuate between simple burnouts and bouts of delirium which shine true in their live shows - ones to listen out for are ‘Snakes’ and ‘Dead End’. Although maybe coming across as a noise with no purpose, lyricism plays a huge part in their music, mapping out complex meanings but simultaneously not taking anything too seriously. Their views on the modern music industry stand that music “shouldn’t be compromised” at believing that “individualism should be maintained through thick and thin” after seeing acts remodel themselves in order to sell records. Strong thoughts and opinions reflected in their music show that the band have their heads screwed on, that they could possibly talk a critic down with ease and that they are simply here to entertain and have a good time. The Monograph salutes all three possibilities. A promised string of gigs and an EP are on their way, keep up with the band at www.facebook.com/babyteethmusik
Wo r d s b y Ho l l y Be n f i e l d
Photo: Scott Choucino
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
21
THE MONOGRAPH GROUP
M o r e c o v e r a g e t h a n a n E s k i m o ’s p a r k a . NE W S P A P E R As of August 2011 The Monograph became available as a quarterly, tabloid size, 32 page newspaper. With a circulation of 5,000, available for free in many locations in and around the city, it is truly the music magazine for Leicester and Leicestershire. With advertising space kept to a minimum and every effort made to keep the advertising message relevant to it’s readers, The Monograph newspaper is a respected source for information for both it’s written content and advertising messages.
WEB S ITE Since it’s inception in April 2010 The Monograph website has rapidly grown into the leading online music publication for Leicester. Building a loyal following through uncompromising coverage of the music scene in the city, the site is a recognised source for music news and reviews. www.themonograph.co.uk is a content managed site that is updated daily with music news, interviews and reviews from our team of writers. Currently hitting over 17,000 unique visitors a month.
M O NO GR A P H . T V Monograph.TV launched in January 2012, an iPlayer style site offering video interviews, event highlights and exclusive sessions. Working in partnership with Enter the Treehouse, The Monograph has worked with the likes of Blood Red Shoes, The Young Knives, Newton Faulkner and Dutch Uncles, plus local names like Charlie and the Martyrs, Silent Devices, By the Rivers, The Screening, Dark Dark Horse and many more.
IPH ON E A PP The Monograph’s latest announcement is the launch of a brand new iOS app, which is available for free in the app store. Produced by Loughborough based Cuttlefish Multimedia, the iPhone app offers articles from the site, latest tweets from @themonograph, video streaming from Monograph.TV and even a new mobile Giguide, powered by the new Leicester Events Guide. Although the app is only available initially on the iOS platform, an Android version is planned for release in 2013.
M O N O G R A P H I MA G E S The newest addition to the group and very much the baby of the family, Monograph Images is our latest site and media platform. Maintained by our team of photographers and contributors, the site acts as a showcase for musicians, events and also the photographers themselves. Monograph Images also acts as a musical photographic archive for the city, to be used for reference and other press.
app • website • television • photography • newspaper
22
themonograph.co.uk/group T H E M O N O G R A P H LEICESTER MU SIC NEW S
LE PEW KID ON THE BLOCK A rmed with just a ukulele, a quiet, self-deprecating
You’ve listed Randy Newman and Paul Simon among your
manner and a clutch of simple yet cerebral songs
influences, who are so uncool they’re actually kind of
about love, regret and megalomaniacs, The Skunk-
cool. Are you aiming for their type of narrative lyrics and
Boy Project, AKA Melton lad Nate Swettenham, has quickly
melodic sound?
established himself as one of the most distinctive young
I do like them both but what I’m really aiming for is something
voices to have emerged on the Leicester scene, and has
new. When I first started writing music I got obsessed with
recently featured on BBC 6 Music. Alex Scoppie sits down
everything being so genre-specific and pigeon-holed by the
with the man himself...
media, and I just wanted to see if people wanted to hear something different. I try not to go down any one path, I want
First off, where does the name come from? Is it the
to do my own thing instead.
animal, or a reference to the type of super-strong Photo: FlashFlux Film & Photo
cannabis? Or do you just have personal hygiene issues?
It’s certainly hard to fit it in any bracket, but really the
Well, it’s the animal actually. A while back I dyed my hair black
word that I would use to describe your stuff is pop, good
and bleached a white stripe down the middle, just because
pop music, which you hardly find at all these days.
Though you’re from Leicestershire, you’re currently living
I was tired of the way I looked and wanted my own style.
Thanks. I can’t really label it, but I don’t mind that description
and studying in Cardiff, and you’re still playing gigs. How’s
Later I was ‘round at a friend’s house and his seven-year-old
really, if people find it catchy.
that working out? Quite nice really, I like having lessons in the morning, a bit
sister was there, and when I left she waved and said “Bye bye Was picking up the ukulele a conscious decision by
of homework afterwards and then a gig at night, it’s a good
yourself to get away from a standard instrument and be
balance. I had three gigs in one week during Freshers’ Week
for myself as a performer, ‘cos I get so bored with songwriters
different?
which was intense but fun, all at The Full Moon, which is a
who just go by their own name. While I was wracking my
No, believe it or not it was convenience more than anything. I
great little venue. It’s a little quieter right now though and I feel
brains I kept coming back to the name Skunk-Boy, and it
wrote a lot on the piano initially but you can’t take that out and
don’t like I’m getting enough, I’m quite hungry for gigs!
seemed to fit.
about with you. The uke’ was easy to carry around while I was
Skunk-Boy.” A month went by and I was trying to come up with a name
I added the “Project” bit, partly as a reference to Cat Empire Project - one of my favourite bands - and partly because if it was dreadful and I got tired of it and wanted to change, I thought it would be
over at friends’ houses and soon I took it everywhere with me
How is the Cardiff music scene compared to Leicester’s?
so I could write on the move, I just got comfortable with it.
It’s great and there’s a lot going on, especially in terms of
I’d be playing it while out round the local council estate
acoustic music, but you kind of need to break into a circle
and people would shout “Ukulele Boy!” so I realised it was a
here. I’ve played about 50% of my gigs in Leicester and I
little out of the ordinary, but I’m fine with that.
really enjoy playing there. I have to say there’s a lot more
easier to abandon it
communication going on between bands, organisers and so
and come up with
on back in Leicester compared to where I am at the moment.
something else. So
Everyone’s a bit more welcoming in Leicester.
far though, it’s just As well as all the gigs and the EP, you’ve also been getting
sort of stuck.
a bit of air-time, with the likes of the BBC’s Dean Jackson championing you... Yeah, me and Dean, we’re like this (laughs). Nah, I was lucky to get that support, that was amazing. I’ve been on Cardiff’s local station since then as well. I was recently part of 6Music’s Fresh On The Net and Tom Robinson’s going to put me on his mixtape as well, so yeah, I’ve been pretty lucky in that regard! Seems like a lot of interest - would you be OK with being the next Jake Bugg? Um, I don’t know who that is! Sorry, I’m really bad at keeping up with stuff in music, I’m just too disorganised! I’m just trying to play as many gigs as possible and talk to people afterwards, and if people like it, then great. When can we expect you back in Leicester then? I’ll definitely be around at Christmas but there’s nothing concrete just yet. Watch this space... The Skunk Boy Project EP is out now, read our full review on page 26.
Wo r d s b y A l e x S c o p p i e
Photo: Scott Choucino
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
23
W E B RING Y O U T H E B E S T G I G S , E P S A N D A LBU M S I N . . .
THE SOUNDCHECK
R E A D M O R E AT W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K Ar t T hemen Liv e @ Th e C ooki e Ja r 18/10/12
R e v iews Ed itor : Jack Ri char dson An all round lover of music, Jack is known for listening to everything from indie to jazz,
W
rap to reggae and hip-hop to math-rock.
ith an impish glint in his eye, diminutive saxophonist supremo Art Themen nods to his supporting trio, and sets the busy, blistering
pace of the evening. This 72-year-old jazz veteran has been a familiar face on
Jo n n y P re cious - Her e Co m e T h e Lions EP
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the national circuit for decades, performing with little known names like Chuck Berry and Mick Jagger, and his mastery of both the tenor sax and the clarinet is immediately obvious
eginning with a bubbling
from the frantic opener, ‘Dexter Gordon’s Cheesecake’.
of electronica, ‘Here Come The Lions’, the leading
track of the EP of the same name,
Darting from style to style, Art’s intricate improvised flows constantly veer away from their source melody, often sharply, without ever drifting into indulgence.
quickly builds to a complex hybrid of
One moment atonal, the next harmonious, sometimes
growling dub, reggae infused bass
syncopated, then suddenly more standard - this disciple of
lines, beat, and catchy pop elements
Sonny Rollins keeps the cosy basement setting on the tips of
himself – proves an equally accomplished drummer, keeping
its toes.
beats tight yet light to allow the others to express themselves,
with a sharp edge. ‘Steeling From JJB’ continues with the ska/reggae bounce as J Kenna takes over vocal duties from
His three local accomplices - Nick Haslam on drums, Neil
then branching out for meandering yet measured solos.
Mickey Shine (Happy Mondays). It’s the catchiest of the EP’s
Hunter on keyboard and John Porter on bass – are given a
three songs, as it takes a near-horizontal level of laid back.
workout by his demanding standards, but one never feels
springy waltz ‘Hey There’, while guest baritone sax Richard
‘Bail Me Out’, however, corrects the balance with a Rolling
they’re not up to the task, each musician eagerly rising to the
Everritt gives a deep, sinuous groove to Irving Berlin’s ‘They
Stones-meets-The Doors sound that shows Kenna’s voice
occasion.
Say It’s Wonderful’.
taking on a gritty, cathartic edge.
Porter mouths to himself as his hands danced about the
The rootsy hybridity of Jonny Precious’ sound creates
Guest drummer John Runcie provides heavier rhythms on
But Themen is clearly the master at work tonight
neck of his bullfiddle, picking out unchy bass patterns, while
- beguiling, riveting, and daring, all with the easy and
aunique yet authentic sound that gives an accessibility to the
Hunter, head-bowed, builds up teetering towers of chord
affectionate air of someone who clearly loves what he does
diverse genres within roots.
progressions to cushion Themen’s extravagant wanderings.
as much as people love listening to him doing it.
Words by Jack Richardson
Underpinning them, Haslam – normally found on tenor sax
Words by Alex Scoppie
G ri zzl y Bea r - Shiel ds
I
n the three years since the release of ‘Veckatimest’ the
however, are far less
world has been hanging on every tweet from Grizzly
abundant.
Sisterland - Certain Ta s t e / B e t w e e n U s
became a mere fervent thought, expectations have been high
releases, Shields resides
and patience limited. Grizzly Bear have always been a band
happily in the melancholic
S
prone to hazy, catchy, and awkwardly sad-yet-happy songs,
ranges of restraint,
now, thankfully, you losers who don’t
and Shields is no exception, but there is a maturity here
which gives the album a
owner a stereo can whack these two
surpassing the catchiest of tracks like ‘Two Weeks’, ‘Ready,
reclusive sound that suits
monster tracks on yer iPod.
Able’, and ‘On a Neck, On a Spit’.
the bands wonderfully
Bear pertaining to a new album. The moment ‘Shields’
Immediately opener ‘Sleeping Ute’, a song that strangely
Similarly to previous
isterland have knocked a few releases out over the past year or so on commercially viable
formats like cassette and 7” vinyl, but
‘Certain Taste’ takes no prisoners as its immediate fuzzy
awkwardly and obscure
bass intro adds a cute, twangy indie riff that hasn’t been
wouldn’t sound out of place on The Black Keys’ Danger
ways, but the more mature sound makes this reclusion seem
seen around these parts since the first ‘Jamie Says’ album.
Mouse-produced ‘Attack and Release’, reveals a subtle
desired rather than imposed. Only occasionally does it build
Thus begins a three and half minute master class in how to
change in tone in singer Edward Droste’s voice. Compared
itself up to a more emotive moment –but as brilliant as the
blast out a blissed-out, yearning piece of lo-fi pop music. The
to previous releases it’s less fragile in the higher register and
fleeting moments of simple catharsis in previous albums
chorus kicks in with an unashamedly grungy blam-a-thon,
warmer and more powerful in the lower register - ‘Sun in Your
were, their lack does nothing to remove from Shields’ power.
whilst the drums keep a simple metronomic beat. Lesson to
Eyes’, with its off-kilter jaunt, shows his voice at full power.
Whilst the maturity and diversity between songs places it on
be learnt: sometimes less is more.
Each songs has the expected rhythmic consistency for
the same plateau as Veckatimest and Yellow House, Shields
Over on the... erm... flipside, ‘Between Us’ gives it some
Grizzly Bear, characterised by a softly animated, percussive
is a step along the same path at a different angle, which
Ramones-y, three-chord wonderisms,and is basically a
backbone and a jaunty, straight tempo that allows the band
seems to add to the bands’ accessibility whilst sacrificing a
two-minute chorus, and it’s all the better for it. That bit in the
to make intensity ebb and flow brilliantly without drawing
small but noticeable part of the force behind their style – their
middle that sounds like it’s nicked from Nirvana’s version of
attention directly to it. The moments of true, jaw-dropping
vulnerability.
‘Mollys Lips’? That’s what pins this sucker together!
intensity that enhanced tracks like On a Neck, On a Spit,
Words by Jack Richardson
Words by Glyn Allen
24
T H E S O U N D C H E C K LEICESTER MUSIC REV IEW S
Ta l l S h ip s - E ver y thing To uc hing
C
ombining a mixture of the
are a triumph of natural selection; every mutation leading to
subjects you probably hated
your perfection”), whilst ‘Gallop’ deals begrudgingly with the
most at school - biology,
aimless inevitability of ageing (“Everything is changing. You
Li ttle N i g ht Te rrors - You ng Li on
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wirling out of a simple synth melody, ‘Young Lion’, the newest single by Leicester
pop rockers Little Night Terrors, is
evolution and algebra - with a
still feel the same and before you know, you’re getting old
passionate, intellectual, and clever
and you’re losing touch”).There is a diversity and individuality
a hook laden shuffle of a song that
style of song writing, the song titles
amongst songs, as if each is its own mutation. T=0,‘Best
combines pop sensibilities with the
on ‘Everything Touching’ alone are
Ever’ and Books build upon the typical math-rock vein;
raw edge of indie rock. The propulsive drums and excitable bass create the
as interesting as they appear bewildering.‘T=0’, ‘Ode To
Ode To Ancestors and Murmurations build gradually and
Ancestors’, ‘Phosphorescence’, ‘Books’, ‘Murmurations’: this
climactically; ‘Idolatry’ and ‘Send News’ move slower, taking
backbone to Andrew Stone’s jangling guitar and testosterone-
obviously isn’t your standard math-driven, indie-infused rock
on an air of ethereality through the sweeping synthesizers and
fuelled vocals that guide the song through its love/love lost
band. But as bewildering as all of this might appear, what
angelic falsetto. Strangely relatable and accessible, Everything
scenario.
lays beyond is approachable and uniquely charming in its
Touching is an album that uses its head to create something
The simple but emotive chorus provides a high point in
scientific ways.
unique and lovable out amongst the throngs of Math-Rock-
the song, whilst the airy synthesizers floating amongst the mix
ish music out there and, perhaps somewhat fittingly, it’ll be
give the song subtle depth. At just under four minutes this is
is simply ‘life’: Ode To Ancestors, an evolutionary journey
stuck your skull for weeks.
pop-rock as it should be: emotive, honest, and enjoyable.
through genetic mutations, is at its heart still a love song (“You
Words by Jack Richardson
Words by Jack Richardson
For all things scientific on this album the connection
S p e a k i n g I n I talics A c c ep t / Abor t
S
peaking In Italics are a welcome addition to Leicester’s (post)
T he xx - Co exist
T
he whole world remembers what The xx do best
beats, steel pans and swarming
– producing echoing musical arcs with beautiful
electronic buzz. His influence is
liminal spaces beneath. Those spaces are cleverly
felt most on ‘Chained’ and ‘Swept
surrounded by guitar, bass, percussion, and unforgettable
Away’ in particular, which is pushed
more melodic and tuneful aspects of the
boy/girl smoky vocals, which together form a deeply
along at a steady lick by propulsive
genre which, strangely, flies in the face
affecting yet ultimately nebulous whole. Their debut album
beats and has a delicious dubstep
of the rather melancholic lyrics featured
xx filled a place in our ears and hearts that we did not know
feel that recreates the warehouse
in ‘Accept/Abort’.
existed and was certainly the noirish soundtrack to indie
we’ve all stumbled out of at 6am when dawn still feels hours
sexy-time.
away. There are the same moments of climax that made The
hardcore scene, highlighting the
At nearly six minutes, the track has several peaks and troughs of tempo and intensity throughout, but is at no
‘Coexist’ has picked up where the London trio left off, as
xx’s first album such good trailer music, only this time with
point either boring or overbearing. During the lighter points
opener ‘Angels’ melts out of the speakers – Romy’s honey-
of the song, the ethereal guitar work reminded me of the
like voice bleeds with heartbreak and loss. The lovelorn
added electronic spirals.
previously reviewed German shoegaze band DIN Martin, but
theme continues throughout this LP, the sparse lyrics hint
infectious build as taught guitar strings rise to a crescendo
differentiate themselves with a sharp injection of energy and
at misunderstandings, insurmountable distance and the
before floating us down gently back to a base of sharp
noise.
On ‘Missing’, the potential hit of the album, there is an
letting go of those you’ve loved. This is packaged in the
beats. Perhaps the only drawback of this masterpiece
Keeping in mind this is not a genre I naturally lean
familiar, ascetic style that suits The xx and is sure to satisfy
in minimalism is the length of the tracks. Ever quicker to
towards, the strong community and regular examples of
those who adored their debut. That’s not to imply that The
evaporate into the atmosphere, they leave you longing for
interesting music coming out of the local hardcore scene is
xx haven’t innovated since their last release, as it’s clear the
more - maybe indie kids will need a slightly longer long-
definitely making me more receptive towards it!
electronic explosion of the last few years has made a mark.
player to be the background music to their bedroom hijinks.
Jamie Smith’s provides a magic touch with snickety
Words by Jason Boomer
I L i k e Tra ins & Her Nam e is Cal l a Liv e @ The G u i l d h a l l - 19/ 10/12
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illed as one of a
in uniform black, they open with the insistent, pulsing, rhythmic
recent series of
‘Beacons’ - the leading track from their new EP. This is far more
‘pop-up’ shows
reminiscent of Krautrock than the post-rock sounds of some
Words by Lindsey Kent
Mama Rosin & Dean Shar man Live @ The Musician - 15/10/12
away from the usual gig
of their earlier material,and this sets the tone for the first half of
venues (along with the
their set. Dave Martin’s rich voice is on fine form and, possible
forthcoming cathedral
due to the more minimal setting, veers more towards Ian Curtis
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appearance from
than the Andrew Eldritch of yore.
distributed, and the
Japanese instrumental
The mid-set power cut does nothing to dampen the
ith the lights low, the
circular tables evenly atmosphere friendly
band Mono in December), this has been one of the most
enthusiasm of the band or their audience. The band are
and calm, The Musician
eagerly anticipated gigs in Leicester in recent months. Though
clearly enjoying themselves and their surroundings, and
oddly resembles that
a more familiar setting for weddings, the Guildhall is well suited
refer to the recent news surrounding the alleged discovery of
of a smokey Juke Joint
as a gig venue: intimate without being cramped, this medieval
Richard III. One can’t help but think that his story would make
without the smoke.
setting lends itself well to the sounds of both bands, and the
a great subject for one of their songs, given their propensity to
history of the building complements tonight’s music perfectly.
draw inspiration from history’s tragedies and failures.
Kicking the evening off are Her Name is Calla. The
Continuing the historical theme, old favourite ‘Terra Nova’ is
The connections here are not a coincidence however as the evenings’ two acts – Mama Rosin (with a french accent but actually from Switzerland) and Dean Sharman – encapsulate the jazz and blues spectrums fully.
homecoming kings, Thom Corah and Michael Love, receive
greeted with a huge cheer from the audience, some who have
a rapturous welcome back to the band for this one-off
come from as far afield as the Netherlands. A song telling the
performance and as the show gets underway it feels like they
tale of Captain Scott’s doomed expedition to the South Pole
to be far outside the realms of ‘normality’ is the stage itself:
never left. Everything just falls into place as the band just
shouldn’t sound so rousing, but it (almost) raises the roof. After
an assortment of guitars, banjo, violin, three melodeons
soar, especially on the climactic ‘New England’. Though in
temporarily leaving the stage, they return for an encore with a
(a small Louisiana-style accordion), a large triangle, and a
supporting capacity, the Leicester/Leeds/York band’s set feels
tale from the past, the brooding, slightly menacing ‘Spencer
strange suit-of-armour looking thing that’s apparently called
like a headline show.
Perceval’, which tops of the night brilliantly.
a ‘frottoir’ – a wearable washboard to you and me.
Words by Rebecca Lunn
Words by Jack Richardson
This however, does no disservice to I Like Trains. Dressed
SU B MIT@THEMONOG RA PH.CO.UK
Perhaps the first giveaway that tonight’s music is going
25
Skunk-Boy Project - The Skunk-Boy Project
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reathless, bouncy and
No sooner has that finished than the funky handclap love-letter, ‘Just A Friend’, whirls into view and captures
SBP could restore faith amongst the
your ears, brain and heart. Melody and rhythm are perfectly
most jaded of cynics in the lost art of
matched,with cheeky vocals delivered clearly and sincerely.
the intelligent pop song.
young Skunk-Boy raps at breakneck pace over a stuttering
and RnB into something that doesn’t really resemble any of
ukulele and somehow makes it sound natural and
them is a skill in itself, but tossing in wry lyrics and fiendishly
compelling instead of messily contrived.
hummable tunes into the mix is, quite frankly, taking the piss. The opener, ‘Fourth On My List Of Lovable Evil
With tear-jerking piano ballad sucker-punch, ‘I’ve Got To Get You Out Of My Head’, the EP rounds off as one of the
Dictators’, is a goofy beach party record with a rubberised
most remarkably assured and accomplished solo debuts
bass line, cheekily detracting from its true intent - character
you’re likely to hear this year.
assassination of an ex, complete with comparisons to Stalin
Words by Alex Scoppie
Nancy Dawkins - Poison / It Seems I’m Falling
aving never really give Raptusound a proper listen, when Jack’s list did the
rounds on what was up for review, I jumped at the chance to review their debut EP ‘From my Hands’. I am
Then, on the brief but brilliant ‘I Do It For Your Love’,
Splicing strands of hip hop, indie,
P
H
and Hitler.
catchier than chlamydia, this first effort from Melton’s
Raptusound - From My Hands
please to say this Errors tinged the lads makes for good listening. Starter ‘Alibi’ is great start and really shows of Christopher Brown’s vocals. ‘Wasted’ starts much the same and is an indie classic, with clear connections back to music from the early 2000s. ‘Always Ready’ I think just lacks pace but again showcases Brown’s vocals. ‘Truth Not Fashion’ has a great intro and ends the whole EP perfectly. Words by Jon Dodd
Errors – New Relics
courtesy of teen songstress Nancy
I
Dawkins and her entrancing finger-
description in the programme (“post rock you can dance to”)
thing of utter loveliness; lush, warm
and subsequently ended up dancing and grinning like an
layers to get you through the dark
idiot. As anyone who has seen them live will know, their music
nights. This segues into final track
is energetic and joyous without ever being stupid, however
‘Pegasus’ which is a song of two
‘New Relics’, a mini-album, following ‘Have Some Faith In
halves; the first being not dissimilar to Lush circa Desire Lines,
Magic’ earlier this year, is a more laid-back affair.
building up eventually to an altogether more staccato, dancier
oison/It Seems Like I’m Falling continues with the sweet moments of misery
plucked lullabies. A-side ‘Poison’ is creepily insistent as it meanders along with a strutting swing in its step, gathering speed through a dour chorus, but at two and a half minutes long, it seems as if it’s in a hurry to get to the B-side, which is understandable as ‘It Seems I’m Falling’ is a far better song. Its hypnotic arpeggio lead the listener into a gentle lull while Dawkins’ selfdoubts and hang-ups tumble from her lips. As on her debut, ‘Smoke’, it’s her voice that impresses the most, switching from confessional murmur to plaintiff howl in the blink of an eye, and pulling off the impressive trick of making her sound both vulnerable and dangerous.
first had the joy of hearing Glasgow’s Errors back at
synths and drum machines, though
Latitude in 2008. Bored by the band I was watching
thankfully it’s devoid of the excesses
(who shall remain nameless), I became intrigued by their
of that decade. ‘White Infinity’ is a
Spanning eight songs in little over 30 minutes, it never drags. Things kick off gently with the pulsating ‘Engine
All in all this is a great record which is all the more
Homes’ before Errors take it up a notch with ‘Ammaboa
rewarding with every listen. If you’re not familiar with Errors
Glass’, which occupies territory halfway between These
(and to my shame, I’ve somehow never got round to owning
New Puritans and Alt-J (∆). Third song ‘Relics’ sounds like it
any of their stuff before,despite having seen them play several
wouldn’t be out of place on I Break Horses’ beautiful debut
times), then New Relics is a damn good place to start. Easily
Hearts, or the Cocteau Twins relocated to 90s Bristol.
one of this year’s best releases.
There’s a definite whiff of the 80s in the abundance of
Words by Alex Scoppie
Uncle Frank - Irresistible Me
Y
affair.
ou might expect the
this whole effort, you can hear the tongue is firmly in cheek.
drummer from the Fun
Franks voice handles fast paces lyric spitting and suits it just
Lovin’ Criminals lead
as much as it does smooth soul. Its the shortest track of the
Words by Rebecca Lunn
Sucioperro, Make Sparks, and Kill Chaos Live @ The Sound House - 17/10/12
effort to be a chaortic drum lead
EP which is good, as in a quick burst it brings back the light
animal of a record, but ‘Irresistable
hearted element at the end, but any more and it might have
Me’, the first release from the lads
had the danger of making us forget some of the more serious
R
in nearly five years, is something
parts to what we have just listened to.
your ears? Kill Chaos certainly
special, unexpected, and undeniably Frank.
Overall it’s unapologetic, persuasive and broad, and you
Opens with ‘Irresitable Me’, which is a catchy poppy
emember that brief period in Brit rock history when Feeder weren’t an
embarrassment to themselves/ do, and nail it home with a gleeful
can’t help but love it. Niam and Frank called me and said
set full of massive choruses, riffs,
classic which sounds like a mash up of the good life, 80s feel
wanted to send it to us for review and also called when they
pounding drums, and fuzzed up
good and that unique blend that Niam and Frank bring to
were sending it, clearly excited and simply keen for people to
bass.
every recording they do.
hear it. They may be the most hotly tipped act in the city at
‘Desperate Town’ brings a more serious note and is a contrast from Irresitable Me, it has a heart felt mnemonic cry that seems geniune and based on truth. Also enjoying
Make Sparks are a much (s)
the moment and despite the attention they haven’t let it go to
lighter proposition, but are really
their heads.
damn fine: like a cuter, more accessible Biffy... but not as
A note must also be made about the artwork for this
shite as that sounds. This is a bouncy, joyful set of bloody
the bass of Franks voice, Barry White. The slight reprise
confident and heady EP, as the image was born from The
good tunes that should see them being labelled as “the next
alone is worth it all, the etheral vocals and repetitive nature
Monograph Issue#03 front cover by Amy Brammall, an image
big thing” anytime soon.
is something heard before on brother Darryls These Furrows
which still crops up everywhere from shop windows to even
It doesn’t look good to start with for Sucioperro as they
work, and never fails to delight me. Wouldn’t be surprised if
the Leicester Mercury, a fact all of us here are very proud of.
seem to have found a bouncy, shouty bloke on percussion
the backing is provided by brother Darryl himself.
Frank and Naim recently launched the EP at The Guildhall,
We then again are whipped across the music spectrum to
who on first impressions is a weird cross between Penny
in an evening of free champagne and donuts, even taking the
from The Automatic and a screamo version of Jesus and
a more soulful and funk tinged number, with an outstanding
time out of the set to give The Monograph a sout out. For an
Mary Chain-era Bobby Gillespie, but he dives into the front
Hollywood movie opening that grabs you by the handle and
In Pictures report, head over to www.themonograph.co.uk
row with a megaphone and sets the tone for the intensity.
pulls you close. The Parliment Funkadelic guitar licks and
Overall this is a fantastic EP and, with some rather
Sucioperro make downtuned, bleak, arty music but it
choir chorus make is both a song to walk down the street and
natty cover art, makes for a well rounded product. The only
never shirks away from a chorus just to be wilfully obscure,
make love to (not at the same time though).
confusing this is why the name Uncle Frank? Confusing for
and that’s to be applauded as deep down - despite all the
the fact they are clearly the Daddy.
brutal riffs - beats a pop music heart.
Words by Jon Dodd
Words by Glyn Allen
Dubiously named ‘Poonani’ brings the urban element to this every changing record, and as will other lyrical parts to
26
T H E S O U N D C H E C K LEICESTER MUSIC REV IEW S
Crusades - Golden Throats
C
The Lovely Eggs Live @ The Sound House - 04/10/12
Tearing at the seams with blistering vocals and grooves, they
that Crusades are not just a run
G
will rip your mind apart.
of the mill hardcore band - they
this was a guaranteed success from
have substance and depth in their
the start - at least for them.
rusades is a name seldom heard on the UK
minutes become a symphony of
hardcore scene, but one that maybe should be
reverb drenched lead lines and
following the release of debut EP ‘Golden Throats’.
pulsing, hypnotic drums, showing
Sat somewhere between the frenetic technicality of Fall
iven the ever-ascending star of Holly and Dave, aka The Lovely Eggs, and the calibre
of their prior live shows in Leicester,
of Troy and the brain invading catchiness of Blood Brothers,
writing too. Finally, closing track
Crusades are a breath of fresh air.
‘Landlocked Abysmal’ jumps back into the chaos with
old friends by the near full pub, and as they pitch into recent
everything Crusades have to offer.
semi-hit ‘Allergies’, followed by the exasperated rant of
Powerfully captivating and well-composed, Golden Throats harks back to the good old days of post-hardcore, and really lives up to the tag line the genre carries. Opener ‘Pseudo Andro’ immediately steps up to the
When The Eggs clamber on stage they’re welcomed like
While this record oozes prowess, the more technical sections - which run for some time in places - may work
‘People Are Twats’. A collective grin settles on the crowd - this is dumb, fun music done cleverly and seriously.
to alienate those less familiar with their style. However, for
During closing number, ‘Don’t Look At Me (I Don’t Like
plate and hits the listener with a fistful of melody, dancing
listeners who enjoy a challenge, this record is an absolute
It)’, a pack of sausage rolls is passed around the audience,
across a constantly shifting groove. Just when you think
gold mine.
and brandished at the pair at the line “Look at ‘im with ‘is
you’ve figured them out, ‘Hipster Surgery’ throws out
From an objective point of view, Golden Throats is a
sausage roll thumb!”. Apparently this happens at a lot of their
another serving of frantic madness. This theme continues for
cracking first outing. What it lacks in accessibility, it makes
gigs now, to the chagrin of Holly and Dave, both of whom are
almost the entire record as they lob riff after riff right in your
up for in raw power. Which is refreshing in a scene of snap-
vegetarians. They promise to return in November with a new
face until the serenity of ‘I Heard They Cured Cancer’,offers
back wearing, beat-down loving hardcore bands.
LP, so catch them when they do.
some much needed respite. The next two and a half
Words by Liam Sexton
Words by Alex Scoppie
Bloc Party - Four
A
Mia and the Moon - Kaleidoscopes
with it’s interwoven, street savvy
P
with it’s unique blend of vocals and
which makes it charming for me. I used to be one of these
sound, and hook-laden chart
melodies and with two pretty girls
people, turning my nose up if it had any chart viability or
toppers, Bloc Party’s gradual
singing about snow and sunshine,
mainstream appeal, but then I grew up a bit.
fter arriving so casually to the national scene in 2005 with ‘Silent Alarm’,
move toward a more complex,
op. It’s undeniable what this
‘Snow’ is the stand out track, not just of the record, but
EP is, but if you embrace it,
of my iTunes. Some people may call it cheesy, some hipsters
it will make you fall in love
may critique the naivety of the lyrics, but eff them, it’s all that
it will ease a smile onto your face.
‘The Sunshine Song’ (yes, it is really called that) throws
electronically focused sound was as pioneering - in the
With cover artwork that would look more suited to a battered
me a bit at the start and I don’t know where I am with it, but
world of pop - as it was alienating, but after three years on
vinyl collection than iTunes store, it’s clear this is an EP rooted
as soon as those recognisable harmonies come in, I realise I
hiatus this more seems firmly in the past.
in classic ballads and structures, even before listening. One
am on solid ground. It’s a more mature number than the title
might also be forgiven for thinking this would be earth, hippy
might suggest, but still brings the fun element to the whole
a raw but intrinsically catchy sound that retains a sense of
‘Four’ is a powerful pedigree, stripped back to expose
and slow sideways closed eyes head swaying. You would
affair which I think has been lacking a tad up to this point.
Bloc Party-ness whilst showing an expansion in influence
be forgiven because it is all of the above, but done well,
Unexpectly, some rap courtesy of Calvin Jeffrey features
and energy.
effortlessly and is so much more to boot.
halfway through, which seems to work, despite the stark
For a Bloc Party fan there is much to enjoy in the
Title track ‘Kaleidoscopes’ is a Wonderful Tonight/
contrast.
diversity of styles throughout the album, and for people who
Candle in the Wind/Tears in Heaven-esque, key descending,
tend to enjoy heavier strains of rock there is definitely stuff
acoustic, warm blanket of an opener and sets the mood
favourite of the four, not to say I don’t like it, but at this point
here that will appeal, but Bloc Party have always been a
perfectly. Sound bytes of crowds and chatter gives it
all I am really clamouring for is to go back to track two,
‘Marmite’ band - either loved or hated. Maybe Four can tip
intrigue and mystery, is a delicate wisp of music fog, which
Snow. Another rapper is featured this time, namely Hinckley
the balance.
is brought to the fore when the strings kick in, really giving a
based Dtatz, who again brings a fresh aspect to the track.
Words by Jack Richardson
fullly produced feel to this track.
Words by Jon Dodd
B u f f a l o - We a r e B u f f a l o
F
rom the ashes of Leicester favourites Haich, comes
throughout the record, resulting
Buffalo, and the aptly named debut release ‘We Are
in some sections not giving the
Buffalo’. Equal parts melodic and powerful, WAB is a
‘punch’ they really could.
veritable first outing.
The most noticeable element
Last track ‘Wishing I knew You’ is probably least
D e a t h G r i p s - N o L o v e D e e p We b
N
o Love Deep Web, the much anticipated follow up to ‘The Money Stor’e from
brain-scrambling hip-hop heads Death Grips, was launched online recently
of this record is the copious use of
for free download/stream to huge
and the floating beauty of Incubus’ song writing, Buffalo
stereo field. The use of which helps
acclaim, and it’s easy to see why.
have a real talent for crafting eloquent songs filled with
to mould the three-piece into a
emotion. After the pumping entrance of ‘This Time I’ll Go’,
range much larger than they should be capable of filling. The
Love Deep Web is a hell of ride from start to finish. Nothing
straight up four to the floor ‘acoustic rock’ feel, track two
songs take on a bigger sound and feel richer for it. Having
throughout this record seems like it should fit together, or
‘Across The Sea’ turns things around and displays a soft
been mastered at the legendary Abbey Road studio, you
even be considered as a palatable composition, but the
entrancing, folksy side to the group, slowly building into a
would expect nothing less.
outcome offers more grooves than you can shake a (rhythm)
Sitting somewhere between the vocal ferocity of Reuben
furiously catchy sing-a-long which you can’t help but love.
If anything, We Are Buffalo is an incredibly enjoyable first
Indescribably complex, and a challenging listen No
stick at. This record definitely isn’t for the half-hearted hip-hop
It’s hard to pinpoint any flaws within this debut release,
outing, and one that can be listened to again and again. A
but if there were a single fault to be found it would be the lack
few more steps in this direction, and they will certainly be
fan, but is certainly one that will delight those who enjoy
of variety where instrumentation is concerned. Unfortunately,
something worth shouting about.
something a little more against the grain.
the limitation of playing as a three-piece does show in places
Words by Liam Sexton
Words by Liam Sexton
GOT TRACKZ?
Why not let us know about your music, latest release, up coming gig or even who you think we should review. Email submit@themonograph.co.uk or head over to our new submission page on www.themonograph.co.uk/submit today!
SU B MIT@THEMONOG RA PH.CO.UK
27
Still for forthcoming video ‘Creatures’.
BAZ RANDALL IS... A MAN ON THE INSIDE
L
ong before cutting their first demo, every aspiring musician dreams of making it in the music business. For some the search for the elusive ‘it’ is
a long and painful drawn out process. It is extremely rare in the cut throat world of the music industry, that sending out hundreds of demos will draw any positive feedback, in fact you could be considered very fortunate to get any feedback at all. Over the coming issues I will be introducing you to some of the industries emerging managers, promoters, A&R and music lawyers, getting their insight into what it is that they are looking for and trying to dispel the myth that is known simply as ‘it’... Let me introduce you to Peter Cornish-Barlow founder of www.sourmashmusic.com and director of one of the industries emerging management companies Artful Noise.... Pete, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and Artful Noise? Well Artful Noise is essentially a management and artist development company. I have always wanted to be able to offer my experience and passion for this industry in some shape or form, and with this new company I now can. I hope it will eventually become simply a music company, being able to offer bands and artists most music services.
How would you describe your live show?
the UK almost relentlessly in recent years, notching up
Energetic, always sweaty and very loud! Just good fun all
support slots with bands like My Chemical Romance,
round, really. We always want the live show to be different
and 30 Seconds to Mars. They’re not quite yet a household
to record. We don’t want it to sound exactly like the CD.
name, but give them a year two and they surely will be. We
Some bands replicate it perfectly, but you need something
had the opportunity to sit down and catch up with Andy and
different live. We like to be a bit more your face. We’re not
Mark from the band on their recent tour with Tonight Alive to
sat in rehearsals like “right, on this bit, you come to me and
find out a little more about them…
headbang”. Some people say we’re heavier live, but that’s just
Hi guys, how are you both?
Something interesting, a band or singer/songwriter that goes against the grain just a little bit. I’m not even talking about acts that are way out there, just something that grabs my attention and makes me listen up. How should bands/artists approach Artful Noise? Come to me with gusto and passion! I want drive and for them to be able to show me they will work hard for what they want. It takes some time to get to a level that most acts want to reach, so don’t approach me halfheartedly. How should bands and artists NOT approach Artful Noise? As I said before, don’t approach me halfheartedly. Sell yourselves, you tell me why your band is great and I will most likely stand up and listen.
Not too bad, we’re a little hung-over after last nights show,
Where was the best show on this tour?
but all is well!
Paris was a favourite, ‘cause it was on a boat! And it was moving! That was bizarre, when the crowd came in you could
How would you describe your sound?
hear them upstairs above us. When you’re on stage that’s
It’s quite a big sound, for a three piece, a lot of vocals, nice
weird, one false move and you’re all over the guitar pedals!
big guitar sounds… A big melodic rock sound!
Birmingham was amazing. By far the hottest venue we’ve been in! When you’re sweating before you’re on stage, you
Has it been a struggle to get to this point?
Artful Noise roster? Always looking, email demo@artfulnoise.co.uk if you have something you would like to submit. Artful Noise latest signing is Essex four piece Eighteen Nightmares at the Lux, who have a sound that marries all that is great in rock and roll, they blend infectious melodies with driving bass lines and some off-thewall arrangements all of which have started to get the attention of the usual taste makers and bloggers. ENATL live shows have been described as a “dirty and agitated cabaret melee” a sound the band describe as “fuzzabilly”. Now under the Artful Noise/Crown Talent banner, ENATL will be heading into 2013 as one of my
it’s really hard to get shit together, we’ve been together since
Are there any UK bands you would recommend?
2007, and we’re on our second album, if it was our choice it
A couple of great bands from our hometown in Derby,
would probably have been our fifth. We’ve got another one
particularly a band called Crushing Blows. They sound
on the go, but due to things out of our control like our label
hardcore, but they’re really not! They’re a two-piece edgy,
and so on, it won’t be out until next year. We’ve been lucky
pop/indie/noise band, and a band called crash of rhinos - who
in some aspects, by being invited on tours – we started out
are amazing. Two great bands from home, it’s cool to have
booking shows and tours ourselves. We’ve always loved the
bands who are that good that we’re real good friends with.
about the band.
Have you got quite a good scene back in Derby? Yeah, venue wise it’s not great, there’s no middle size venue,
Would you say you have a strong DIY ethic then?
mainly just pubs and bars, there’s nothing in-between, but
We’ve always had a DIY ethic, almost like a punk thing. But
you’ve got the assembly rooms which is much bigger. There
to take it further, labels and agents have to come into it. As
are so many bands, but a few more venues would make it
long as you keep hold of what’s important, it won’t change
much better.
the music What has the rest of the year got in store for you? What bands made you want to start playing music?
A few weeks off after this tour, then we’re off on tour for a
Steve is the songwriter and his favourite band is Queen, so
week in the UK with The Used and Evanescence, that’s going
I think that shows the songs, having like 200 vocal parts
to be a cool tour. We’re doing a Christmas headline show
on our tracks! Steve goes really extreme with stuff, no half
back home at the Assembly Rooms, which is our biggest
arsing it. Other than that, it was mainly music our dad’s
headline show to date. Other than that we’re just finishing off
would play us when we were growing up. Our favourite band
the rest of our demos for the next album. Oh, and we’re DJing
is Aerosmith, but we listen to a lot of punk and also some
at the Kerrang Club in London in December.
pop too, so we’re not purely into one genre. We don’t like to be snobby about music, just because we like Iron Maiden, doesn’t mean we can’t like an indie band - if we like a tune, then we like it.
28
know it’s going to be a good one.
Everyday is a struggle in a band! Any band has a struggle, as
work, we’re a really hard working band – everything we do is
Are you actively seeking new signings to add to the
Wo rd s b y Ba z R andall
L
ostAlone are a band who have been tearing across
how we play really.
What do you look for in potential a signing?
tips for success next year. Watch this space...
LOSTALONE
Wo r d s b y L i a m S e x t o n
T H E M O N O G R A P H LEICESTER MU SIC NEW S
SISTER ACT M
ia and the Moon, aka sisters Laura and Mary-
Do you find being related, when you are writing and
Anne Ratcliffe, seem to be everywhere of late,
recording you argue more or less because of this?
releasing EPs, doing spectacular visual shows
L: More! We argue over key, pitch, tone, lyrics, songs,
and even cropping up on X Factor. With an intentional early
arrangements, boys, costumes, getting up times...
departure from the ITV show, I managed to track down the
Mary-Anne: But it seems to work out OK, we’re such different
two siblings to hear about what it’s like to make music with
people and sometimes it’s better to be passionate about
your family, plans of the Christmas number one, and of
ideas to the point of being stubborn... I’m currently arguing
course, why they left THAT show...
with Laura over how to answer this question!
How and when did you and sister both realise you had a
People may recognise you from this year’s X Factor,
talent for music and you worked well together?
where you made it through to Bootcamp. What was that
Laura: We used to go to big bluegrass festivals with our
experience like?
parents, who are also performers, when we were small and
L: Amazing at first. We got star treatment and were
started going to the jams and working out arrangements
recognised in the corridor by Louis Walsh. By the end
together as children. We didn’t stop practising all the way
of Bootcamp at X Factor it wasn’t fun anymore and they
through primary, and high school. We went our separate
were staging everything before our eyes - it felt so wrong
ways after college for a few years and have now come back
to continue so we bolted. I think in the long run it will do
together as a professional band.
us better as now we are going to race them to Christmas
Photo: Scott Choucino
number one with support from the likes of John Morter, the guy who set up ‘Rage against the X Factor’ back in 2009, so get downloading ‘Snow’ people! Was leaving hard decision? MA: Really hard! We made several phone calls to our mum talking it over, but it was crunch time when the producers
“ B y the end of B ootca mp a t X Fa ctor it wa sn’t fun a nymor e, they wer e sta g ing ev er ything b efor e our eyes.”
started to usher us on stage for the results, by which time, we had all our luggage with us... L: ...and were getting a few weird looks! You new single Snow is a belting song and obviously apt for this time of year, is this partly a secret plot to vie for the number one spot and take it off the X Factor winner? MA: Absolutely, it’s an original song for starters, and whatever comes out of X Factor is bound to be some cheesy rip-off, so we just hope people latch on to what we’re doing and like it.
IN PICTURES:
D O G I S D E A D P L AY H M V L E I C E S T E R
W W W. T H E M O N O G R A P H . C O . U K
29
Photos: Scott Choucino
CROSSWORD ACROSS 3) Part of a bath - venue. (4) 6) Loughborough street with swapped vowel - local band. (7-4) 7) Microorgganism with recent UK number one. (4-4) 8) Famous hit (man’s name) from folk/punk musician who played Summer Sundae (7) 9) Local convenience store - band. (10) 11) A male child that produces rain - local band. (3-3-5) 12) Leicester bar with ‘ Mirror Specialists’ sign above frontage. (3-7-5) 13) Local luna sisters recently appeared on ITV. (3-3-3-4) 16) Elizabeth ? from the south - local singer. (7) 17) Lost in thought society - local band. (3-8-4) 18) Name of celebration of funny acts that hits Leicester in February. (4) 19) Number of years that Download Festival has been running. (6) 20) Modest man - local band. (6-2)
DOWN 1) Singular inquisitive primate - local band (3-10-6) 2) The centre part of a wheel is a place to drink - venue. (3-3) 4) Dave Bartram frontman of band formed in 1970’s. (13) 5) Our issue 1 reggae inspired cover bands new single. (4-7) 10) Last year this band played a secret gig on a plane. (8) 14) How many bands took part in this year’s Oxjam Leicester Takeover. (3-7) 15) A small structure - venue. (3-4) Answers at the bottom of page
WIN A
L
S I G N E D FA N Z I N E !
ittle Night Terrors are a band on a mission, a mission to bring their fans as much LNT goodness as is humanly possible. If their not constantly on tour playing shows up and down the country, they’re putting out recording after recording.
Their latest offering comes in the shape of a beautifully presented fanzine of images shot of the band
on the road. Created by Liam Keown, the fanzine contains never before seen images of the band. Lead singer Andy Stone tells us where the concept came from: “We were loving the punk fanzines from the 80s and wanted to recreate them. It’s something that we’ve always wanted to do and loved, and it gives a chance to see another side of the band.” Andy continues to tell us a bit more about the process of creating such a publication. “Liam had so many photos from tour and was getting so much good stuff and people weren’t getting to see it. Many long nights were spent deciding on the best order of photos, tightening it up, going through them, there was a lot of debates. There will definitely be more fanzines to come!” Finally, was anything that had been a bit too risqué to go in there? “There is a picture of a girls boobs getting signed, there’s definitely a few shots that had to be held back a little haha. But we really wanted to present what it’s like on the road honestly.” Now the band are extending their generosity even further but giving away a FREE signed copy of the fanzine to one lucky fan!
ENTERING IS SIMPLES... To be in with a chance of winning a copy of this brilliant fanzine, signed by the lads themselves, just send the correct answer to the question below to win@themonograph.co.uk with ‘LNT COMP’ as the subject of your email.
Q: What is the name of Little Night Terrors’ latest single? Is it... A) Young Tiger B) Young Lion C) Young Liger Competition closes January 15th 2013. No cash alternative available and one entry per email address. Winner will be notified via email.
Wan t on e n ow? ? You can pick up a copy today from the Little Night Terrors official website store at www.littlenightterrors.com/store
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