Officially my favourite festival of all time though I didn't get to see as much of it as I hoped. Def heading there next year.
After many cans of beer I felt full of Scottish hospitality. :-)
I got up early the next morning and decided to explore the city and walked miles and miles to find me a pair of wellies and a raincoat. Really got a great taste for the city, took hundreds of pics and got back to the flat later than I should have.
I then hopped a lift with the band to Inveraray. I've never seen scenery like it (though I am poorly travelled). It was mind blowing and it didn't seem like a long drive at all. I will get all the various pics I took together and stick them on here.
On getting to the site the first thing that struck me was how uncrowded it was. 15,000 people. That's not even half a field's worth at Glasto. I was alble to walk around at a normal pace, see all the things I wanted to see and not feel hassled or claustraphobic.
The first act I got to see was Amplifico as it took me ages to get my tent up in the rain. I hate errecting tents in the rain, most depressing. Anyhow, they were really really good. The last time I saw them was the Islington Bar Academy a few months back and although they were great then, they seem to still be moving onwards and upwards despite an apparent hiatus.
A new addition to the band in the form of Az, as a percussionist and backing vocalist, really added a new depth to the sound. Allowing for a much more layered and high impact vocal performance. Az is a temporary fixture I think which is a shame as she was a great supliment to an already very tight act. Be sure to check out her myspace, have a listen to Sunshine as her sliky vocal is the perfect antidote to festival comedown. :-)
With my extra stong cider in hand, I stumbled accross Gomez. I'd forgotten about Gomez! I loved them when I was at Uni. The Bring It On album was an essential on campus for every student, I think it came in the post with the student loan ad's and free condoms. As they came on stage they announced "It's been ten years since we relased Bring it On, so we thought we should just play through the whole thing". I couldn't have asked for more. It's been years since I heard the album and I had a huge hit of nostalgia. I could practically smell the pot and McCoy crisps, though that might have been the hippy next to me.
I quickly ran to catch the end of Broken Records' set, I've liked them for a while. The guy that manages them used to be an A&R guy and is a really nice chap. He even came to a few of my old bands gig's back in the day. I only caught a couple of songs so it wouldn't really be fair to try and sound like an expert. Though I will be heading to more gigs in the future. Be sure to check them out soon as I know they're just going to get bigger and bigger.
After sampling much of the festival fayre available before I knew it I was watching Bloc Party in the evening. They were fricking amazing. I really wasn't prepared for the show at all. I could never say I was a hug fan, but seeing the performance on Saturday left me dizzy. At a basic musical and musicianship level they're stunning and I still think their drummer is one of the best around today. The crowd actually booed on hearing "Here's a new one for you off the new album". That's totally wierd!!?! All the classics were a 'new one' at one point. If you want a best of set go see a tribute band. Personally I think their performance is one of the best performances I've seen and probably will see all year. Really good stuff. As always, have a look and a listen if you're not familiar.
After having my eyes rattled by bloc party I hooked up with the Amplifico chaps again as I wanted to see where the parties were at (and hopefully get backstage for some free drinkies). We ended up in a dance tent dancing our tits off to the sounds of bagpipes and drums. I think that is something missing in clubs. I'd love to launch a clubnight of celtic music. It was MENTAL. People dancing on tables, hanging from the ceiling, everyone was smiling and going crazy. It was a great feeling. I took my video camera and will upload footage shortly.
On the Sunday I MISSED SPARROW AND THE WORKSHOP. I can't describe how gutted I was. This was due to being stuck in the mud at the opposite side of the site. So I couldn't get accross there in time. Travelling around the site was a bit difficult sometimes. Anyway, luckily the BBC filmed them and I hope to see the footage up online soon. Please have a listen to their stuff if you haven't already as I think I've truly fallen in love the Jill's vocal on the tracks they've recorded so far. I cannot wait to hear something produced outside their flat. Any producers who want to get involved be sure to send them a message.
BBC introducing had a strong presenence there and video'd a lot of what went on. I think their sites are fantastic, especially after they totally eclipsed Glastonbury's own site with their coverage this year. It really is become a great resource for new talent. Have a look there to wet your unsigned whistles.
After the 11 hour commute back I was welcomed to Camden with my girlfriend's homemade pizza and a very warm welcome from my housemates which reminds me why I love living there so much. Was worth going away just to come back. Anyhow, before I get gushy I will start the huuuge catchup process of going through the new submissions.
I hope all is well with you.
I'm really excited.
Firstly, I'm going to what is probably one of the most beautiful parts of the country and secondly I'm getting to see two of my favourite bands of the moment. Amplifico and Sparrow and the Workshop. Both of which are going to be filmed by the BBC and there are a couple of interviews and such happening. So it seems that interest is already building. Not too quickly I hope as I want to be punting them to the labels at some point.
Have a look at the pics on google of the place, it's really lovely.
I'll be taking my cameras along so will have plenty to show when I get back. Please do have a listen to Amplifico and Sparrow and the Workshop as I think you will really like em.
Managed to catch up on a lot of submissions yesterday and a lot of good stuff has come through. I think gone are the days of half baked demos.
My searches of Myspace, LastFM and the various usnigned podcasts I listen to have also produced heaps of good stuff. I'll have to do some shortlisting in my tent this weekend. :-)
Anyhow, hope all is well with you.
Going through blogs today and I've come accross three (so far) that have blatantly created other blogs to comment on their own tracks. Seriously, is there a need?
When you get 5 profiles, created the same day, all of which without a picture, and no content, and each comment they leave is something along the lines of "This is amazing!!! I'm sure you'll get signed up in no time" etc etc it's fairly obvious.
If you really want comments on your tracks, ask other people. You'll often find encouragement from other artists if you look!
Hope all is good with you
IB
Hello,
Any of you who are familiar with London music venues, or having a good night out in West London will be familiar with the venue Ginglik.
Formally an underground gents toilet, the local government seems to have other plans for the site.
For all you Facebookers out there who are interested in saving this important venue there is this group you can join:
http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=532554330#/group.php?gid=35587928336
It gvies you email addresses to send messages of support and such, plus a couple of events to save the venue.
I wrote to the coucil folk stated in the group and put my best grown up voice on. Don't send some ranty message, just something stating why you think it's important for the venue to stay:
Hello council folk,
Apologies if these messages are becoming a pain, however I thought it would be important to highlight the importance of the Ginglik venue from both a music industry and local community perspective.
Working as a talent scout for a major label gets me to pretty much every venue in London. The Ginglik's accessibility to both emerging acts and promoters makes this an invaluable resource of new music to the local population and music industry. Also, it's placing means that many people from areas such as Ealing, Acton and Shepherds Bush have easy access to a solid grass-roots multicultural music venue. I do not no of one A&R person or artist who does not know the venue well. I also have many friends and colleagues who live in the surrounding area who are very concerned that the venue is under threat.
To remove this as a venue would further fence off live music to the areas of central, north and east London, remove yet another accessible venue for new and out of town acts and also remove a valuable asset that forms part of the area's cultural image. In the years I have lived in London I have seen local governments efforts to tidy up Shepherds Bush green and surrounding areas which have been noticed. However removing this important cultural centrepiece of Shepherds Bush Green would have a detrimental effect to both the area's image and micro economy.
kind regards
So be sure to join the group and let's see if we can save the venue! :-)
Hope all is well with you.
Hello,
Apologies that I haven't been around for a while. I've been swamped in sorting out my new place and worrying about Visa's n such. All quite complicated but I think it's all heading in the right direction now.
I finally moved the rest of my stuff into the new place. Which is a huge load off my mind, and my brother's van. He volunteered to help me move again. Which I think is increadable after the last move. All involved, including bystanders, were left emotionally scarred by that experience.
The highlights of the move involved getting a punchbag set up and getting a sofa onto a roof, up a fire escape and having to take a door (and part of the frame) off. Luckily my brother is a joiner so he made a very quick job of it. Although my brother's first words on seeing what needed to be done was "I hate you" in his most deadpan voice, he still went through with it and carried shteloads. He explained afterwards that he's saving all these favours up for later on in life to ask one huge favour. I dread what it's going to be.
I'm now in the process of gradually whittling down my stuff as I have tonnes. But the room is useable, just.
Music highlights of the past couple of weeks included seeing the Cold War Kids. I've never had much interest in seeing them live but my girlfriend is a big fan and bribed a bouncer to get us in which I was well impressed with. I've also just found out that I'm heading to the Connect Festival which I'm really looking forward to. Mainly because Amplifico and Sparrow and the Workshop are playing. Both of whome are amazing.
Spent last night watching Richard Prior do standup with gf and friend who is visiting from the states. I'm quickly becoming a fan.
Anyhoo, apologies for the non-correspondence. If you've sent an email and had no response I am trying to get through them all. I have 500+ messages still to get through with more landing each day. Please don't send the "Hey, check me out messages" as that's what the A&R group is for. All it does is fill my messagebox.
Anyhow, I hope all is well with you and I will continue with regular posts again. Let me know what you're up to.
Was having din din outside one of those lovely pubs near the Dublin Castle and heard my name being shouted from the corner.
Normally I try and hide at that point anticipating an ear-bashing from some disgruntled artist who, though my comment of "Nice, still early days, maybe more rehearsals?", wants to make it clear how pointless a human being I am. That actually happened once.
But no! It was Chris from the Lost Levels. They'd just played a set at the Dublin Castle which I'd unforgiveably forgotten about, even after my girlfriend reminded me, twice. I was too busy doing manly DIY things such as putting up shelves and errecting my punch bag. Luckily I had already agreed to go to the 93 Feet East gig which everyone should attend. Every time I see them their set develops another shiny coat of lushness. Visit their myspace now, make friends now and get their newly released single, er now.
Hope all is well in gigland.
Hello,
How is things out there then?
I will finally be getting properly moved in the new place over the next week as the room is now free. Getting in there tonight to do a proper 'Changing Rooms' job on it. Without the masses of MDF or 'feature wall', or raving crazy person in crushed velvet jacket. There's a load of stuff I need to get rid of in there too. Such as:
One stack of pub bench cushions (about six foot long)
Several pairs of high heels (it was a guy that lived there?)
Two Gargoyles (don't ask)
One horrific red wardrobe.
Bars on the windows (handy in a fire?)
A smell (that needs to go first)
This time around I'm going to move in two shifts. Get a 'man with van' to move the essentials this weekend, clothes, PC etc. Then my brother is bringing his van down the week after for the move proper. I have to be a little more organised this time as my brother turned up and I was still packing stuff away. He's quite an understanding chap but the whole experience was quite wearing on all involved I think. Hopefully when he arrives it will be a simple case of, 'here's some boxes, lets move them from A to B'.
I must be becoming middle aged (I'm 28) as I really capitalise on any chance for a bit of DIY (and I use words like capitalise). Already I've decided that I'm going to fit shelves by the chimney breast, fit new locks and raise the bed off the ground so I can have storage underneath. Loser.
Went to the gym last night. Since I've moved I'm now really close to one, but it's a bit crap in comparison to the one I used to go to. No pool or anything. Nearly dropped a kettlebell on my face which was fun. Especially after a acted like a stroppy teenager when asked by a member of staff if I knew what I was doing beforehand.
I can always tell when I'm generally happy as I put on weight. I must be reeeeeealllly happy right now. Half a stone over two months happy to be precise. Plus I want to do another competition before the year is out so need to get into shape. Thing is, Snickers are just so good.
Was meant to have my work experience guy start today, except he's been offered a job at another major. Bastard. At least it shows I'm picking the right ones I guess. He's got a month before he starts so I may have him onboard for a while but not take him into the higher level meetings.
It's a bit scarey as I'm going to be passing on some of the techinques I use for 'Digital A&R'. The concept being I use research of acts and trends of what people are listening to in identifying new acts. I've never had to put any structure to it before. I just use different tools as I see necessary. Now I actually have to think about how I do my job. I;ve never done that before. Scarey.
I really am talking crap and just typing now, so it's time to move on and do something constructive.
Hope all is well with you.
Hello,
It seems I'm starting every post with an apology of lack of content. I'm still in the process of moving house stuff and sorting my office move out. It's been tough.
I also got surrounded by armed police this weekend, that was great fun. I was on a friend's roof when police appeared everywhere all of a sudden. Every roof top, including the one I was on. "Did you see a bloke run up and down this passage?!?"
"No" We replied.
"Can you see a white bag up there"
"Yep"
"Don't touch it!!! You got a ladder?"
"Yep".
The bag turned out to be some kind of firearm discarded by a nogooder chased down the passage sometime earlier. All exciting stuff.
I've been wandering around the venues near my flat and found that I'm starting to become an inverted snob as regards the clientelle.
I was at a gig recently where there was a stunningly brilliant band playing. I can't say which as it will give away where it was. But no one moved, everyone was immaculately dressed in the latest scenester fashion and at any one time, one third of the crowd wasn't watching the gig. They were looking around to see who else was there. The one person who did start dancing stopped periodically to make sure others were watching. I don't want to sound like some pureist w**ker but I was getting all high and mighty about it. My friend summed it up with "Well it's a room full of +1's innit?". Yep, all guestlist and no enthusiasm. I wont be going back to that one anytime soon. Really sad as it used to be a really good night.
Anyways, moving on. I woke this morning with a ringing in my ears, Tinitus. Again.
I had it for a couple of years when I was in a band and thought it was girly to wear earplugs until my hearing started to suffer and I had to go to a specialist about it. Luckily it went away and my hearing was left uneffected. I had to do wierd tests of pushing buttons when I could or couldn't hear different pitches. Was relived to hear there was no damage after a couple of months.
The Tinitus was because I went to the loudest gig I have been to in years last night. It was at the Rock n Roll Caberet night at The Dublin Castle. I went there to see Bang Bangs, not Kitty Bang Bang who was on the same bill. Very confusing. Rock n Roll Caberet is quickly establishing itself as a little pocket of top talent on a Sunday.
On the initial hearing, before my ears started to bleed, I was getting a real late 60's garage rock feel to what was going on. There was enough gain and top end to the guitars for me to feel like I was in a washing machine full of broken glass. As the set developed it went really post-punk with delay on the vocals and a performance-art feel to the set. I really enjoyed Matt Smith going angrily mental whilst singing. Veins popping out on the forehead and everything. As a front man he sits somewhere between Edward Tudor-Pole (in his prime, sorry Ed) and Alan Donohoe as I find it a bit theatrical rather than a genuine hissyfit. But a great spectacle nonetheless.
It would be really unfair for me to give a detailed appraisal of the songs as I really couldn't hear what was going on after a while. So I've turned to the myspace to recap and found a much neater, not-what-I-expected-on-the-myspace, sound. 'In Arms' is my personal highlight and I'd like to see it at a larger venue or somewhere my eyes don't feel like they're going to fall out due to the hemorage-inducing volume of the PA.
Have to mention this band simply because of the name TITS OF DEATH. Even writing the name now I'm giggling childishly to myself. I don't think they're any good, just love the name. Well. That's mean I guess. It's not my thing, see what you think. Discuss. 'Iron Nipples' is particularly good.
Hope all is well with you.
Helloo,
Yep, I dissappeared for a while. I'm in the process of moving both office and home at the moment, I think I'm a glutton for punishment.
Someone else is organising storage space around the office so I've had to be very creative with stuff under my desk. I never liked putting my feet under the desk anyway.
High Street Kensington seems like a nice enough place, lots of shops and the like. Plenty of eateries which is all I care about.
My new work phone scares me as it resembles a car dashboard with satnav. Luckily I don't use the landline very often, only to accept calls and I think I've worked that out. Hopefully.
The new house I've moved to is a mouse-infested dive, poorly mainted and a bit smelly but I love it as it's in the centre of Camden and I can know get anyway in a short amount of time. I'm in the process of making it proper nice, painting, disinfecting etc etc.
Music-wise there's been so much going on I can't really keep track of what I've done. Caught up with The Chapman Family last week. They'd just finished recording a Radio1 session at Maida Vale. Momentum is really building for them now and I need to decide on what my stance is as regards what they're doing. I think it's fantastic and love what I see live, but I wonder if it's too left of centre for a major?
It's an annoying fact but worth considering, if I love a band for whatever reason I have to think of they're capacity to generate revenue. 40k units for a major wouldn't be considered a hit but if a smaller label shifted that amount it would be considered a big success by them.
Currently I like what they've got recorded as I know how it turns out live, so I have a pre conception when listening to their music. However, someone who knows nothing about the band, having a listen may not win them over as it could be a bit inaccessable. Saying that, I've heard some new mixes of existing material which I hope will edge them further towards the mainstream.
I came accross Cats and Cats and Cats last week through the myspace page (soon to be developed and intergrated into the existing platform). I always like listening to something a bit different in the way of 'band-based' music. Ie, not something that sounds like a low-calorie Libertines or 8bit Killers. The first act that springs to mind on listening to is 70's prog-rockers The Nice, except they don't have an organ, or Keith Emmerson. But apart from that, they're very similar...?....:-s
I think it's Ben George's vocal that feeds that idea into my head. I like the fact they can create a large, grandiose sound without cliche reverb and bizarre extended intro's. A very English-upbeat Sigur Ros or Arcade Fire perhaps? Hypnotic layers of melody and the relentless stopstart drums from Doug Jenkins make for quite emmersive and engaging tracks. I'm really interested to see what they're like live. Once I get a night going again maybe I can get a booking out of them.
Other than that all is pretty good in the world over here. Let me know what's happening with you.
Hope all is well with you.
Nope, Broken Hand isn't a new band. Though I do think it's a good band name.
I manage to royally mess up my hand playing djembes in a jam session last night. Went a bit drumcrazy and attempted some kind of pseudo-latino thing and manage to acheive stupido-fracturedhando instead. Kinda hurt at the time but my mate Chalky took me out for a few medicinal beers before coming home to a rather amazing lasagne. This morning was a different story, could barely grip my muffin.
(that's not slang, I had breakfast muffins this morning)
Anyhow, damaged body parts aside. I went to see Josh Weller playing upstairs at the Lock whilst medicating myself. I'd forgotten how much I like his quirky stylings, observant lyrics n such. He played a favourite of mine 'What Would My Girlfriend Say'. At least I think that's what it's called. It's not on the myspace at the moment. I had a brief chat with him after whilst he was surrounded by young pretty scenester girls (I really miss gigging). He seems to be developing well as an artist and taking it all in his stride. What does suprise me is the lack of deal. I would have thought an indie would have got an EP out of him at the very least by now. Last time I heard he was touring with Lightspeed Champion, he mentioned another peachy support coming up but I can't remember what he said. Think that was the medicine kicking in.
Anyhow, I have to do desk tidying in preparation for moving offices and also I will be getting a work experience assistant. THis is something I'm really looking forward to as it means I can spread the load a little and start exploring new avenues as regards talent tracking both in here and further affield. I'm talking to the digital creative guys about the changes being made to the pages today too. So that should be good fun.
Ran into one of the guys from Melody Nelson last night too. Great band well worth seeing if you like balls out retro riff driven rock. He did ask if I ever check my Vox which probably means there's a message unanswered for some time in my mail box. I do get quite a lot so it's difficult for me to get through them all. I must admit if it's entitled 'Check This Out' it kind of goes to the bottom of the pile as I will check it out anyway if it's in the A&R group. The tracks are simply added to a queue and I pile through them.
Anyhow, I think I'm waffling now. So I should get on with my tidying and maybe get me a special K bar in the process.
Hope all is well with you.
