April 2012
www.brumnotes.com music and lifestyle for the west midlands
free
SUB FOCUS Bringing the bass to Birmingham
ALSO INSIDE: Mystery Jets The Futureheads The Staves Art Brut The Lovely Eggs UB40’s Brian Travers And more…
PLUS: The return of Renaissance / Fierce Festival / Your comprehensive guide to what’s on in April April 2012
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Tues 3rd Apr • £14 adv
Steve Aoki
Thurs 5th Apr • £20 adv
Weds 23rd May • £11 adv
Mon 29th Oct • £20 adv
Fri 23rd Nov • £22.50 adv
+ Cartel + It Boys
The Luxury Gap Tour
Levellers
Forever The Sickest Kids
Cast
Fri 25th May • £25 adv
Sat 7th Apr • £10 adv
Keane
The Rock Sound Impericon Exposure Tour ft. Your Demise + Trapped Under Ice + Man Overboard + Basement
Sat 14th Apr • £20 adv
Howard Jones In Concert Weds 18th Apr • £10 adv
Deaf Havana + The Swellers
Thurs 19th Apr • £27.50 adv
McFly
Keep Calm and Play Louder in association with Ice-Watch
Thurs 19th Apr • £7 adv
Oli Brown + Dana Fuchs
Mon 23rd Apr • £22.50 adv
Lostprophets
Tues 24th Apr • £23.50 adv
Young Jeezy
Tues 24th Apr • £8.50 adv
Little Comets
Weds 25th Apr • £10 adv
We Are The In Crowd & Every Avenue Thurs 26th Apr
The Used
Thurs 3rd May
Newton Faulkner Sat 5th May • £18.50 adv
Train
Sat 5th May • £8 adv
The Lines
+ The Rainband + Black Market Empire + The British Kicks
Weds 9th May • £10 adv
Tribes + Sharks
Fri 11th May • £12.50 adv 6.30pm - 10pm
DJ Fresh / Live Sat 12th May
Happy Mondays + special guests Inspiral Carpets
Weds 16th May • £12.50 adv
Yelawolf
Thurs 17th May • £8.50 adv
Get Cape Wear Cape Fly
6.30pm - 10pm
6pm - 10pm
Heaven 17
Sat 24th Nov • £16 adv
Sat 17th Nov Sun 18th Nov • £15 adv
Ben Howard
Rizzle Kicks
+ Willy Mason
Fri 25th May • £18.50 adv
Weds 21st Nov • £18.50 adv
Fri 14th Dec • £22.50 adv
The Skatalites
Europe
The Legendary Voice of UB40
6pm - 10pm
6pm - 10pm
Ali Campbell
Sat 26th May • £8 adv 6pm - 11pm
Plug’d In Showcase Weds 30th May • £20 adv
Peter Hook and The Lights
Perform ‘Unknown Pleasures’ - A Joy Division Celebration
Sun 3rd June • £22 adv
Tues 1st May • £6 adv
Sat 7th Apr
The One Twos
+ Crooked Empire + Karma Violets + The Common + Time Of The Mouth
ft. Since Monroe and guests
9pm - 6am • over 18s only
Sun 8th Apr • £12 adv
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Pelican + Chelsea Wolfe
Weds 6th June • £8.50 adv
Fri 13th Apr • £5 adv
Warm Up To The Sun Django Django
Sat 9th June • £10 adv 6pm - 10pm
Cursive Sat 16th June • £20 adv
Boyce Avenue
Mon 18th June • £14 adv
Best Coast
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Board On The Ward Charity Event
6pm
Weds 2nd May • £6 adv
Artful
6.30pm - 9.45pm
Sun 6th May
Johnny Get The Gun
We The Kings
Sat 14th Apr • £7 adv
Mon 7th May • £9 adv
UK’s No.1 Tribute to Stereophonics
+ Betraying The Martyrs + Vildhjarta + Volumes + Structures
Veil of Maya
Sterosonics
Sun 15th Apr • £7.50 adv
Daley
Fri 11th May • £7 adv 6pm - 10pm
Weds 18th Apr • £10 adv
Ivyrise
The BossHoss
Sat 12th May • £10 adv
Alanis Morissette
Thurs 19th Apr • £6 adv
Definitely Mightbe
6pm - 10pm
(Oasis Tribute)
Sat 30th June • £25 adv
We Are Saviours
& Changing Man
+ Breaking Ties + Underscored
(Paul Weller Tribute)
Sun 1st July • £16.50 adv
Sat 21st Apr • £14 adv
The Xcerts
Bow Wow Wow
Mon 21st May • £7 adv
Mon 25th June • £29.50 adv
Mike And The Mechanics Adrenaline Mob
ft. Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater/Avenged Sevenfold), Russell Allen (Symphony X), John Moyer (Disturbed) + Mike Orlando
Sun 13th May • £6 adv
6.30pm
Dick Valentine (Acoustic)
Weds 25th Apr • £7 adv
Lonsdale Boys Club
Tues 22nd May • £7 adv
+ The City Lightz
Fei Comodo
Brian Jonestown Massacre
Mon 30th Apr • £10 adv
Mon 28th May • £9 adv
Sat 8th Sept • £10 adv
+ Authority Zero
Mon 9th July • £13.50 adv
The Rollin’ Clones The 50th Anniversary Meals on Wheels Tour
Versus the World Sat 28th Apr • £5 adv
The Parlor Mob
Tues 29th May • £8 adv
Catt Chinn & Tara Chinn
Tragedy (All Metal Tribute to the Bee Gees) + 4Q
Sat 16th Sept • £12 adv
Fu Manchu
Performing ‘The Action Is Go’
Check out our mobile app
Weds 26th Sept • £15 adv 6pm - 10pm
Dappy
Fri 12th Oct • £10 adv 6pm
The Skints Sat 21st Oct • £12.50 adv 7.30pm - 11pm
Reverend And The Makers
16-18 Horsefair, Bristol St, Birmingham, B1 1DB 2
Doors 7.00pm unless stated • Venue box office opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-4pm, Sat 11am-4pm • No booking fee on cash transactions Notes Magazine ticketweb.co.uk • seetickets.com • gigantic.com •Brum ticketmaster.co.uk
CONTENTS
Peace live, P24 Photo by Jonathan Morgan Brum Notes Magazine Unit 12 The Bond 180-182 Fazeley Street Digbeth Birmingham B5 5SE info@brumnotes.com 0121 224 7363 Advertising 0121 224 7363 advertising@brumnotes.com Distribution StickupMedia! 0121 224 7364 Editor Chris Moriarty Contributors Words: Amy Sumner, Jon Pritchard, Tom Pell, Ellie Crean, Tom Belte, Matt Way, Lorraine Teare, Dave Barry, Joe Whitehouse, Ivy Photiou, Ross Cotton, Lyle Bignon Pictures: Jonathan Morgan, Andy Hughes, Jade Sukiya, Gobinder Jhitta, Sydnie Couch Style editor: Jade Sukiya jade@brumnotes.com Design: Adam Williams, Henry Parker, Andy Aitken Connect Twitter: @BrumNotesMag Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BrumNotesMagazine Online: www.brumnotes.com
April 2012
Regulars News 4-5 Live Reviews 24-25 Style 26-27 Food & Drink 28 What’s On 29-31 Music and Features UB40’s Brian Travers/The Sinking of the Titanic 6 My Autumn Empire/The One Twos 8 Curious Sounds in Curious Spaces 9 Hustle! Records 11 Art Brut 14 The Lovely Eggs 15 Clubbing: Gibb Street Warehouse 16 Clubbing: Sub Focus/Showcase Festival 18-19 The Staves 21 Mystery Jets/The Futureheads 22-23 All content © Brum Notes Magazine. Views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily Brum Notes Magazine. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of content, Brum Notes Magazine will not be held liable for any errors or losses claimed to have been incurred by any errors. Advertising terms and conditions available on request. 3
mostly jazz festival reveals most eclectic line-up yet The Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival has revealed full details of its most eclectic line-up yet ahead of its return to Moseley. The festival, which runs from June 29 to July 1 at Moseley Park, will be headlined by British hip hop icon Roots Manuva, soul and funk legends The Family Stone and the Godfather of Funk, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. Other highlights include DJ Gilles Peterson performing in a new venue where he will join Mr Scruff for Mr Scruff’s Tennis Hut. Also on the bill are 6Music DJ Craig Charles, New Yorker’s Odyssey, Mercury-nominated Ghostpoet and a host of local talent including veteran blues man Andy Hamilton & The Blue Notes, Soweto Kinch, Troumaca, Free School and Sam Redmore. Details have also been revealed for the legendary after-parties at the Hare & Hounds, hosted by Mr Scruff on June 29 and Craig Charles on June 30. Tickets are on sale now at www.mostlyjazz.co.uk.
SUBCULTURE ROCK NIGHT TO RETURN TO ITS ORIGINAL HOME
IN BRIEF
An iconic rock club night will return to its original home when it relaunches this month. Subculture will mark its 9th Birthday Party at The Ballroom in Dale End on April 7. It will be the first time back at the former Carling Academy venue where the alternative club night first made its name after launching in 2003. Having moved to the O2 Academy in Horsefair and later the shortlived nightclub Vudu, Subculture will relaunch back at The Ballroom where it will run on the first Saturday of every month. The anniversary party on April 7 will feature a huge balloon drop, confetti canons and cakes, as well as two rooms of rock and alternative tunes and a £100 cash prize for the best fancy dress. Details have also been revealed for the second Subculture night, the Subz Sudz Spring Foam Party on May 5. Advanced queue jumper tickets are available from www.theticketsellers.co.uk.
A one-day music festival will take over the unique outdoor amphitheatre at the Mac in Birmingham this summer. One Beat Records and Birmingham Promoters have teamed up to stage One Beat Sunday on July 22, an all-ages event showcasing some of the best talent in the city, including Jaws, Tempting Rosie, Swim Deep, The Carpels and more very special guests to be announced soon. Vintage clothing stalls, an outdoor bar and a BBQ will all feature, giving the event a real festival atmosphere at the space in Canon Hill Park. Tickets are priced £10.
popular pub company branches out to the suburbs with new venue A landmark pub in Harborne is to be transformed by the team behind some of the most popular pubs in Birmingham. Bitters n Twisted pub company has taken over The New Inn on Vivian Street which will reopen at the end of April following a £200,000 facelift. Original features including the pub’s bowling green and the wooden back bar will be retained but the pub will be given the same vibrant style as the company’s other venues, which include The Victoria, The Rose Villa Tavern, Island Bar and the Jekyll & Hyde. The New Inn will be well stocked with real ales and cocktails, while food will be served from a charcoal grill for a new take on the traditional steakhouse pub. Director of Bitters n Twisted Matt Scriven said: “When the opportunity arose to take over The New Inn it was a natural choice. Its setting just off the High Street in leafy Harborne presented the ideal opportunity to create a real urban oasis in the city, but also bringing something new to the residents of Harborne.” The pub is expected to reopen at the end of April following a four-week refurbishment. More details at www.newinnharborne.co.uk. 4
Digbeth-based contemporary arts organisation Vivid will close this spring, it has been announced. The decision was taken following an extensive feasibility study by Arts Council England, bosses have said. A statement from Vivid said: “It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors announces this news but they are working closely with the team to ensure that the VIVID legacy lives on. There are a number of options in discussion at present, including the continuation of The Garage project space after the summer to ensure that it remains a staple of the region’s arts offering in the future.” The Glee Club in Birmingham has once again been named the best comedy venue in the Midlands at a prestigious national awards show. The 18-year-old club in The Arcadian retained the title for the fourth year running at the national Chortle Awards held in London last month, voted for by visitors to the Chortle website. Comedy promoter Duncan Burns said: “We’d like to thank everyone who voted for us and we promise to continue bringing the very best in live stand-up comedy to the Midlands.” Brum Notes Magazine
COMPETITION
WIN exclusive SIGNED merchandise AND FREE TICKETS TO BRUM NOTES PRESENTS the lines The Lines headline the first ever Brum Notes Presents gig live at the O2 Academy 2, Birmingham, next month. And to celebrate we’ve got a pair of tickets to the show to give away to one lucky reader, along with some exclusive signed merchandise from the band, including a signed copy of their self-titled debut album, an autographed drum skin complete with the Wolverhampton band’s graphics on the front, a t-shirt and a tote bag. Plus the winning fan will get the chance to meet and greet the band before their headline show on May 5. Joining The Lines on the bill will be Manchester outfit The Rainband who are co-headlining for the rest of their national tour dates. Support at the Birmingham show also comes from local rockers Black Market Empire and The British Kicks. Tickets for the concert on May 5 are on sale now from www.o2academy.co.uk. To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets plus the exclusive signed merchandise package and meet and great session with the band, simply tell us: Which West Midlands city do The Lines hail from? Send your answer, name and age to competitions@brumnotes.com by April 30. Winners will be notified by email. Brum Notes presents The Lines is at the O2 Academy 2 on May 5.
NON PROFIT MUSIC REHEARSAL ROOM FLOODGATE STREET MUSIC COMPANY April 2012
£5
REHEARSALS
ALSO FREE TO REFUGEES & ASYLUM
£45 PER WEEK LOCKUP
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GRABBING THE BULL BY THE HORNS Best known as a founder member of Birmingham reggae legends UB40, saxophonist Brian Travers has always been a vocal supporter of the city’s own music scene. This month he launches his new addition to the musical landscape in the shape of a Sunday afternoon social in the heart of bohemian Moseley. We caught up with him to find out more. “Music is our culture, it’s one of the few things that we people in Birmingham really excel at and we excel at it on an international level because we’re such a blue collar city, music is in the culture,” says Brian, explaining his passion for promoting the local scene. “We get music in this city, like they get it in Manchester, like they get it in Detroit, like they get it in Chicago.”
“You could hang out in the Hare & Hounds for a week and you’d see every genre of music coming through there more or less. Great kids with great ideas adding to it and building it so it’s an exciting time I think.” Brian hopes his plans for a new weekly Sunday social at the Bull’s Head in Moseley can help bring some musical buzz back to an area which played a vital role in the early days of his own band. Kicking off at 6pm every Sunday, Brian will take to the decks to play a mixture of chilled out reggae and other tunes in the downstairs bar and hopes to give vocalists and musicians the chance to perform stripped-down live sets as well. “There’s lots of ideas but really it’s just a nice place to drop in and that’s what we want to get across: nice vibes, nice music, nice atmosphere, with the occasional live thing. “It’s a very social place Moseley anyway, everybody knows everybody’s business and that’s all we’re trying to do really, just create a Sunday social if you wanna hang out for a few hours. I’ll play records for as long as they’ll let me to be honest and as loud as they’ll let me. I want to get it to grow organically and to find itself and for people to work out what they want. It’s a new venture for me and I’m prepared to put as much time in as it takes to make it good.”
Photo by Andrew Dubber
Having been a part of one of Birmingham’s biggest bands and travelled the world for more than 30 years, he insists there is as much talent here as anywhere on the planet and there is plenty to celebrate, despite the financial constraints on the music industry these days. “Young musicians nowadays they’re so eclectic, it was like in my day you kind of carried the album under your arm and it matched your clothes and youth culture...but now young kids are so eclectic they like the best of everything and I think that’s the healthiest the music scene’s ever been.
Brian Travers’ Sunday Social takes place every Sunday from 6pm to 11.30pm at the Bull’s Head, Moseley, starting on April 15.
A WORK OF TITANIC PROPORTIONS Town Hall Birmingham will mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Titanic with a performance of the experimental 1969 Gavin Bryars composition The Sinking of the Titanic - performed by the avant-garde composer and his ensemble. The concert will feature archival film images cued to a performance by artists Bill Morrison and Laurie Olinder alongside samples from turntablist Philip Jeck. Composed in 1969, performed in 1972 and first recorded for Brian Eno’s Obscure label in 1975, The Sinking of the Titanic was inspired by reports that the ship’s string ensemble continued to play the hymn Autumn as the vessel sank in April, 1912. The sonic response to one of the world’s worst maritime disasters was also written as an ‘indeterminate’ and open work; intended to evolve with the addition of new elements over time. “The Sinking of the Titanic is the oldest piece in my catalogue but, partly because of its openness, is one that I revisit and renew,” Bryars explains. “Essentially, I took as a starting point the report by the junior wireless office Harold Bride’s description of the band playing when he was in the water a short distance away. This prompted extensive research into all aspects of music on the ship, and also other sounds, both during the sinking as well as before and after. Each time I came across something I would transpose it into performance terms. My research also involved speaking with survivors 6
- and in the early 1970s there were several still alive.” The work has been interpreted, adapted and performed in many different ways - a 1994 Aphex Twin remix and performances in a Napoleonic-era water tower, a Huddersfield nightclub and a dance hall in Stockholm being a few examples. Bryars is more than happy with the variety of treatments his piece has received. “It is the essence of an indeterminate piece that there can never be a ‘definitive’ performance. There have, of course, been many that were very memorable.” Throughout the 72 minute performance in Birmingham, Bryars and the ensemble will weave refrains from Autumn with layers of Jeck’s sample-based materials, creating clamouring waves of sound that suggest the great engines and massive bulk of the vessel and the ocean that swallowed it. “Like its companion piece Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet, The Sinking of the Titanic still touches me after all these years. In a sense, both pieces reflect on imminent death: through the selfless and noble demeanour of the ship’s musicians; or through the simple faith and good-natured optimism of a homeless old man’s singing.” The Sinking of the Titanic is at Town Hall, Birmingham, on April 13. Tickets are £15 from www.thsh.co.uk. Brum Notes Magazine
April 2012
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my autumn empire Ben Holton, one half of postrockers epic45, launches the latest instalment of solo project My Autumn Empire this month. He talks to Tom Belte. In stark contrast to the pace of modern life, Ben Holton has found his artistic outlet in making music which references a less complex and more rural moment in time, first with the ambience of epic45 and now the inwardly-facing sounds of solo project My Autumn Empire, taking comfort in life’s natural architecture. “The homely and pastoral feel can quite simply be attributed to the fact that it was recorded at my home in the Staffordshire countryside and I just let it permeate the creative process to quite an extensive degree,” he gently explains.
“It was a reaction to a pretty traumatic event that had occurred in my life around the time and I was perhaps seeking solace in music.” Having released one album under the moniker, the 2010 record The Village Compass, he follows it up this month with My Autumn Empire II being released on the label set up by Ben and his epic45 co-conspirator Rob Glover, Wayside and Woodlands. Like the music of My Autumn Empire the label depicts the importance of location as much as the need for introspection. “Everyone on the label has their own projects which are all quite different sonically but they all tend to retain a certain thread which feels particular to us and the area and location we all grew up in,” explains Rob Glover. “Half of us grew up in the Staffordshire/ Shropshire countryside and the others in the more urban, post-industrial environment of the Black Country and Birmingham. Despite these differences in location there are recurring themes of change, loss and decay that permeate a lot of what we produce and release as a whole and individually.” As for My Autumn Empire, Rob can’t hide his excitement about the first Midlands live performance for his bandmate’s solo project. “We are all incredibly excited at the label
the one twos Kidderminster indie rockers The One Twos have seen their fanbase steadily growing, with tickets to this month’s headline show at the O2 Academy 3 having sold out weeks in advance. We talk to frontman Matt Clark. For those who don’t know you, how would you describe your sound? I think within the band we take our influences from different directions then bring them all together. I’d like to think we’re quite catchy and use our three vocals to our advantage, playing songs that appeal to not just one type of person or one age.
Wayside and Woodland Presents: My Autumn Empire album launch, live at Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, on April 20, with support from label-mates P Manasseh and EL Heath. Entry is £5 on the door including a free digital download of My Autumn Empire II. Academy 3? It feels great, March has probably been the slowest month of our lives just waiting for the gig to get here, just want to get up there now and show the fans how much we appreciate their dedication and loyalty and put on a good night.
connect to it, not saying that’s the case for everybody but that’s how I like it... so when I sit down to write a song I try to come up with something I could relate to whether it be a person I’ve met, place I’ve been, or a situation I’ve been in.
You’re probably sick of Arctic Monkeys comparisons, but is it fair to say they’re an influence? Any others you’d like to name? Hmm, a bit... I suppose it’s great to be compared to them, they’re an amazing band and pretty much took the music industry by storm. I think a lot of the influence is from about the same time as they came out It seems you like to keep things gritty though, The View, The Libertines etc, they’re and real with your songwriting; is it eve- all bands we aspire to be like, I guess that’s ryday life where you find your inspiration? why we’re so influenced by them. Yes, personally when I hear music I want to know what I’m hearing about in order to How does it feel to have sold out the O2 8
about this album, as it’s still a closely guarded secret. We cant wait for people to hear it as I think it will come as a surprise to quite a few people that are familiar with epic45 and Wayside and Woodland. It’s bold melodic pop – recorded in a utility room in the Staffordshire countryside.”
You must be really proud to have built such a solid fanbase? Yeah, I don’t think we could ask for better fans, it’s great having friends and family turn up to the show but to have people we have never met start following us is amazing. What’s the reaction been like to your debut EP Extended Play? It’s been really good, we’re very pleased as there’s always that thought in the back of your mind: ‘Am I going to have to sell all these to my nan?’ But it’s doing well! What’s next on the agenda then? We’re just looking to get out there as much as possible really, play a lot of Birmingham and out of town gigs, plaster the EP out to anyone and everyone... The One Twos headline the O2 Academy 3, Birmingham, on April 7 and support Not By Design at The Ballroom on April 17. Brum Notes Magazine
Curious sounds Modified Toy Orchestra mastermind Brian Duffy brings his toys to Fierce Festival for Curious Sounds in Curious Spaces. Ross Cotton explains. From circuit bending toys in his Modified Toy Orchestra to recording the sound of the stars, Brian Duffy has become a genuine pioneer within Birmingham’s music scene. Armed with his collection of modified Speak & Spells he will be showing what they can do for Curious Sounds in Curious Spaces, an experimental exploration of the Symphony Hall as it marks its 21st birthday. “I did this Speak & Spell piece at the opening of the Hong Kong show that we did for [2010 Modified Toy Orchestra album] Plastic Planet”, says Brian. “Afterwards, I thought it’s not a very good way of opening the show because it’s quite long and abstract. So we
didn’t do it after that; it didn’t really fit in with the song structure based things that we were doing in those shows.” It seems Brian rekindled his interest in the Speak & Spells after using them to give a presentation about the “hidden worlds of sound” within the apparently random musical phrases that the toys could produce. “It was unexpectedly producing random gibberish, but it turns out that the sounds are actually completely predictable. It’s the same repeatable sequence every time, it just sounds random. “So it’ll be several Speak & Spells with a modification in them to make them spill the gibberish. I hooked up a little switch box and I try to get them to perform like a choir.” This unusual ‘choir’ will be a perfect fit for the Curious Sounds... event and sums up the boundary-pushing nature of Fierce Festival, which continues at various venues this month. “I like the fact that Fierce are willing to bring experimental and international people in dance, music and sound art to Birmingham,” says Brian. “Sound art is often misunderstood, and you have to fight your corner for its validity.” The free event is one of the more experimental attractions forming part of the Symphony Hall’s 21st anniversary and will see the venue
throw open its doors for visitors of all ages to explore its hidden depths. “It’s a great venue for gigs”, says Brian. “I think it’s one of the best halls and I’ve seen some absolutely amazing gigs there, from Bulgarian Female State Choir to The Kodo Drummers to Devo, to Grace Jones. I’ve never performed there before, and it’ll be great with the whole building open.” Brian Duffy’s Speak & Spell performance is part of Curious Sounds in Curious Spaces which runs from 12pm to 5pm on April 7 at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Entry is free.
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SATURDAY 7 APRIL, 12 NOON - 5PM, SYMPhONY hALL
A journey around Symphony hall for adventurous ears of all ages. Enjoy music based performances and installations, and join in with fun activities and workshops for all the family.
FAMILY EVENT
Download a ringtone at www.mobilesinfonia.net and come and ‘perform’ in Symphony hall Visit www.curious-sounds.tumblr.com or www.thsh.co.uk/curious for more details. Supported by
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April 2012
Illustrations: Lewes Herriot. Photograph: Mike Gutteridge.
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Find us on Spotify, search ‘Spotify:user:townhallsymphonyhall’
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presents
Plus special guests:
The Rainband | Black Market Empire | The British Kicks
SATURDAY MAY 5, 2012 O2 ACADEMY2, BIRMINGHAM DOORS: 7PM / AGE: 14+ Buy online at: www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk 0844 477 2000 (24hr) 10
www.brumnotes.com | www.wearethelines.co.uk Brum Notes Magazine
ON THE HUSTLE Birmingham bands The Bluebeat Arkestra and Camila Kill launch their label Hustle! Records this month. Lyle Bignon finds out more. So, Hustle! Records – what’s the story? Leigh Gordon [LG]: Dave and I met at Hockley Street Studios. We played a party and hit it off as individuals as well as enjoying each other’s music. We decided very quickly to set up Hustle! Records as it was clear we both have massive egos and this was one way to massage them, hang out, and self congratulate each other on our label. Dave Breeze [DB]: There’s myself and exMorcheeba bassist Leigh who set up the company. Band-wise there’s our bands, The Bluebeat Arkestra and Camila Kill, as well as solo contributors such as The Nightsledging, Kitty Montana and Hayley Trower.
April 2012
Who will be releasing music? LG: Initially it will just be Bluebeat Arkestra and Camila Kill. We have a few bands in mind for potential releases in the future and we are on the look out for new acts. DB: We’re always out listening to what Brum has to offer and if we like it will look to put them on at our nights. Now we’re at that point we’re ready if we see acts we like to record them and put the music out there. What unites Hustle! Records? LG: A love of non-mainstream music... We do differ on what we listen to and prefer but we share songs we like between us and our friends and get their opinions, you know when something is good though. DB: I think the sort of music that we’re looking to put out is anything which isn’t your bog-standard ‘jangly guitar indie pop’ that there’s so much of at the moment. We love music with soul and feeling and exciting stuff. Who are you listening to at the moment? LG: Mark Lanegan – went to see him at the HMV Institute recently, amazing performer and show. DB: Locally my faves at the moment are Free School. They have been brilliant every time I’ve seen them. Other local acts that I’d suggest you go see would be Jake Bullit,
The Bluebeat Arkestra
Malpas, Vijay Kishore, Snooty Bobs and 4oz of Groove. What can we expect from the launch? LG: Two great live performances. Bluebeat have four new songs for the set, Sam Redmore will be DJing also. You never know what is gonna be in that man’s record collection but you know it will make you dance! There will also be some free stuff that we’ll be looking to give away. The Hustle! Records Launch Party with The Bluebeat Arkestra and Camila Kill is at the Hare & Hounds on April 28.
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www.wearefierce.org
The Mermaid Show, Ann Liv Young
Thursday 29 March - Sunday 8 April 2012
Fierce is an international and annual festival of live art across Birmingham. Expect theatre, music, installations, public interventions, workshops, talks, digital projects & wild parties. BOOK TICKETS NOW Tickets to Ann Liv Young’s Mermaid Show include free entry to Daniel Lismore’s Shabba Dabba Dah afterwards 12
Fierce is grateful for the ongoing support of JA Productions
JA Productions
Brum Notes Magazine
April 2012
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Festivals
Art rock oddballs Art Brut make a rare return to the live stage to headline this month’s Now We Are Weekender. Amy Sumner delves deeper into the mind of unique frontman Eddie Argos ahead of their visit. Art Brut are the unlikeliest looking bunch of punks you’ll see. But with songs about Modern Art, DC Comics & Chocolate Milkshake and erectile dysfunction (see Rusted Guns of Milan) delivered in an almost spoken word output, they are the very embodiment of the term. Formed in 2003, they’re now four albums down the line and living apart. And yet they’ve somehow managed to keep the magic, and the reason we fell in love with them all those years ago, alive. “I think we’ve developed just the right amount since we began,” lead singer Eddie Argos admits, “we’re ever so slightly more mature. I’ve always written lyrics, even when I didn’t have a band, and I’d still be writing them if I didn’t have one now. It’s like a nervous tic that I have. I walk everywhere and it’s how I fill my head to stop me going mad or getting bored. There are endless things to write songs about so I don’t think [finding new] subject matter is a problem. I’m just glad that in Art Brut we all love making music so much that I still have somewhere to put my lyrics. We’re a bunch of punks. I think it’s just how it comes out,” he concludes. A prolific champion of corduroy; referencing Matisse, The Velvet Underground and Axl Rose, and more often than not performing in his socks, Eddie Argos is an improbable hero. He seems infinitely knowledgeable yet innocently childlike, perfect lead singer material yet with not an ounce of tune to his 14
The Now We Are Weekender takes place from 1pm to 2am on April 7 and 8 at The Public, West Bromwich, with 32 live bands including international acts and local talent, plus DJs, craft stalls and more. Day tickets are £10 and weekend tickets £15 from www.theticketsellers.co.uk. Visit www.nowweare.co.uk for more details.
voice, and altogether too tongue in cheek to be accepted. And yet it is exactly these features which draw us towards him and fashion him into one of the greatest frontmen around. “I’m just trying to be Jonathan Richman I think,” he says, “it’s just that it’s quite a bad impression.” After years of living in London, Eddie now resides in the über-trendy German capital of Berlin. “It was the creative vibe that attracted me,” he explains, “well, that and the low price of living. I love it here, I wish I had moved here earlier because I’m getting a lot more done. I’m writing a book and have started making a series of lino cuts... I’m a bit of a cliché I suppose.”
times, I think that it loses its authenticity. I like the spontaneity and excitement from being on stage.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, their headline slot at the Now We Are Weekender will be their first live appearance in West Bromwich, with the festival aimed at bringing together a unique line-up for a weekend of rare musical adventure in the Black Country town. “We’ve never played West Bromwich before. But it’s a crack line up so I’m staying the extra day to watch all the other bands — The Indelicates, The Lovely Eggs, Keith Top of the Pops & his Minor UK Indie Celebrities All-star Backing Band, Johnny Cola and the A Grades... they’re all great bands.”
Recently however, Art Brut’s tour dates have slowed along with the output, and so a festival appearance is an exciting prospect for fans. “We’re the sort of band that doesn’t really find out about festival dates until much nearer the time — who knows perhaps we’re headlining Donnington!” Eddie says. “But I love life on the road,” he enthuses. “It’s nice to have a rest from it but I look forward to going on tour every time. I miss the rest of the band now that I live away from them, so it’s great to be back together playing live.
For anyone who has never seen Art Brut before, 1) where have you been? but 2) now that you’re here, you are in for a treat. Because Art Brut are clever and they’re fun and they play some actually really great stuff. Plus, Eddie has been known to sing a mean improvisation in his time. “The most accurate review of us I’ve ever read said that we were ‘Stephen Fry fronting Guns N’ Roses,’” Eddie reveals. It’s an interesting analogy, but oddly not too far off the mark.
“And I prefer life on stage,” he continues. “My attention span is too short for the studio — if I have to sing anything more than three
Art Brut play the Theatre Stage of the Now We Are Weekender on Saturday, April 7, at 10pm. Brum Notes Magazine
The Lovely Eggs are a band delicious in their DIY ethos and laid back attitude to life. Comprised of husband and wife combination Holly Ross and David Blackwell, they have been punk’s self-effacing sweethearts since 2006. And now, approaching summer 2012, they have a clutch of festival dates to look forward to starting with the Now We Are Weekender in West Bromwich. “We don’t care where we play on the bill, high or low, it doesn’t wash with us because we’ve seen some awful headline acts and some brilliant opening ones. Really, we like to go on first because then we can get it over with and get drunk!” enthuses Holly. It’s a refreshing attitude towards success and it’s an edifying one too, because what is evident from The Lovely Eggs’ tunes is that they sing about nothing more or less than exactly what they want. They sing both about the monotony of the every day (I’m a Journalist and People are Twats) and about matter abstract from that (Muhammad Ali and all his Friends), but everything that stems
“We mainly sing about stuff that happens to us in Lancaster and when we go on tour; people we meet; strange stuff that happens to us and normal stuff that happens to us. A lot of books inspire us, and thinking about ideas and inventions and what’s possible in science. We’re not influenced by anyone musically that much — it’s more real life and books and thoughts, stuff like that,” Holly explains. “And our attitude comes from punk rock — that idea that anyone can do it, and you shouldn’t let anyone stop you from doing it. And we’re both into that punk ethos. I listened to a lot of punk bands and riot grrl bands when I was growing up, so it’s very natural to us. You know, like if you want to start a band, then just go start it; and if you want to release something, just release it; and if you want to go on tour then just book some gigs. It’s really quite easy if you want to do it.” Where The Lovely Eggs really blossom, though, is the interplay — Holly and David just seem to work. So is being a married couple in a band easier or more difficult? “It’s easier by a million miles,” grins Holly
straight away. “Because when you’re married, you usually marry someone because you really get along with them and you really love them. So being in a band with someone that you really get along with and you really love is brilliant. There’s a lot of people in bands who don’t really get on very well, so being in a band with David is brilliant because we have really good fun and we go around and meet new people and get drunk and come up with ideas for different projects and then do them and make videos, and it’s just all a laugh and we have a great time. The band really is our life to a certain extent — and sometimes it’s very difficult to differentiate between us as a band and us as a couple because it’s just like one really.” The Lovely Eggs play the Theatre Stage of the Now We Are Weekender on Sunday, April 8 at 10pm.
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Words by Amy Sumner
The Odd Couple
from this duo is delivered with a completely no-nonsense attitude.
Clubbing
DIGBETH’S renaissance
This month sees the reopening of a revitalised club in Digbeth, backed by some of the industry’s most influential figures and boasting both a state-of-the-art soundsystem and a graffiti art installation courtesy of the celebrated Red Bull curates... program. Solomun, Adam F, Riva Starr, Mistajam, Jesse Rose and 2Manydjs are among the artists already lined up, with the focus upon the full gamut of electronic music. The pick of the first set of events is the 20th Anniversary celebrations of mighty clubbing institution Renaissance. We caught up with Renaissance founder and Gibb Street Warehouse creative director Geoff Oakes to get the lowdown. What made you decide to open a club in Birmingham? Having the opportunity to take on such a great space as Gibb Street Warehouse [formerly Space2] was too good to pass up. Obviously with Renaissance we have travelled the globe and held events at some of the best venues in the world. To be able to apply that experience to Gibb Street Warehouse is something I’m really looking forward to. The formula is simple: a great warehouse space, a killer state-ofthe-art sound system, a high-quality series of weekly line-ups and a really well run venue with friendly, professional staff. Birmingham seems to be enjoying its own clubbing renaissance and I’d like to think we can contribute to that and attract more attention to a city that has a proud house music history. Is this going to be the permanent home of Renaissance? It’s definitely going to be the Midlands home, and as this is the region where the club started it’s natural to have a base here. We’ve moved things west a bit though; we had a great time at Nottingham and Mansfield in the past but are always looking to move forward and progress. Birmingham represented a new challenge and it’s great to be back in the city where some of our most legendary parties took place. Renaissance is only a small part of what’s happening at the venue though, with pretty much every genre of electronic music you can think of featuring at Gibb Street Warehouse over the coming months. What have been your personal highlights for the 20 years of Renaissance so far? It’s hard to choose just a few... Obviously the release of the first album by Sasha and John Digweed. The Renaissance 2nd Birthday at the Que Club, which still sticks in my mind as probably the best party we have ever done. Our first party at Zouk, Singapore, has to be right up there, as do all those summers in Ibiza, tours of Australia and our monthly residency at The Cross in London, which continued for 12 years and was as good in year 12 as in year one, a fitting testament to just how special that venue was.
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And what can people expect from the 20th Anniversary event? The venue is the perfect embodiment of clubbing in 2012; combining the resurgence in popularity of warehouse parties with the best in technology. The musical emphasis in the main room is firmly in the present and looking forwards. Sasha has been with us since the very beginning but he continually redefines his sound to remain current, which is shown by the choice of DJs alongside him in a forwardthinking main room line-up. In the second room the musical history of the brand is celebrated; both Pete Gooding and Anthony Pappa have lived the really important musical moments with us over the years, and will be delivering classics from across the 20-year history . Can you tell us a bit more about the choice of headliners? Sasha (pictured) The original Renaissance DJ, he’s been with us since we started and alongside John Digweed has been arguably the most influential DJ, not just for us but for dance music as a whole in the last 20 years. Importantly, he continues to innovate and refresh his sound. He was the obvious choice for us to usher in our celebrations as I see him as the past, present and future sound of Renaissance. Guy Gerber Guy has a sound that just fits with Renaissance; very hypnotic and driving but equally full of groove. You can see in the labels he’s released on such as Cocoon and now Visionquest that he is a very difficult DJ to pigeonhole. He’s one of the DJs I feel represents where Renaissance should be today. Jozif Jozif is a really talented DJ and producer who I’ve been into for some time. One I’m hanging my hat on for the future and I hope we will be working with a lot more in the future. Dave Seaman Dave is another one of the DJs that has been with us since the beginning. He’s been the DJ who has mixed more compilations for us than anyone else and we couldn’t have done a 20th Anniversary event without him. Gibb Street Warehouse opens on March 31 with Defected. Renaissance 20th Anniversary Part 1, headlined by Sasha, takes place on April 8 from 10pm to 7am. Brum Notes Magazine
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Clubbing
From headlining festivals across the globe to Sub Focus will be back in the headline DJ slot collaborating with some of the biggest chart when he entertains a cast of thousands on names around, Nick Douwma has been a his return to Birmingham for the Showcase man in demand for the best part of a decade Festival which takes over the entire Rainbow and his star is continuing to rise. Under his Complex and street later this month. And shadowy moniker Sub Focus he has more Nick admits it is a tantalising line-up for than made his mark on the electronic musical clubbers and electronic music lovers. landscape with his dancefloor-destroying DJ sets and innovative live shows, while he has “I’ve heard good things about The Rainbow, become a go-to producer, collaborator and I know Art Department are playing and I’m remixologist of choice for some stellar artists, really into those guys. I like the fact that its from Dizzee Rascal to Chase & Status. mixed genres of music so the fans can pick and choose who they want to see and what With a new album on the way and not. Also as a fan it means I can check out forthcoming single Out the Blue featuring the other artists too.” indie starlet Alice Gold on guest vocals and looking set to become one of the anthems Birmingham is a city with happy memories of the summer, 2012 could be the biggest for the man who has risen through the ranks year yet for Sub Focus. of the drum n bass scene and earning the respect of his peers at the national Drum “The track started off as an instrumental and n Bass Awards in the city was a moment I was playing it out for a while, but thought it to savour. needed a vocal so got in contact with Alice, who came up with this amazing vocal,” says “Playing at The Custard Factory was always Nick, explaining how his collaboration with a highlight, they were great parties. I think the vocal talents of Alice Gold came about. my highlight though was winning best album at the Drum n Bass Awards.” “I was looking for the type of soul, old school RnB style voice. Without sounding With a busy summer of DJ appearances, derogatory, I was looking for an unpolished festivals and live shows, including a chance voice and with her dark vocal, it fitted in to catch his full live show at the nearby so well.” GlobalGathering this summer, it will be back to his DJ roots for his next appearance Fans were recently treated to more tastes at The Rainbow, but for a man who has of his new material when he performed his been honing his craft around the world biggest live show to date at UKF Bass since 2003, it is a DJ set sure to send the Culture Live in Brixton last month, a show Showcase crowd wild. which gave a sneak preview of what to expect from his forthcoming album later “With my DJ Sets I generally love playing all this year as well as debuting some exciting styles, I’m really into Knife Party and the new innovations in his new live show. Not that Disclosure stuff,” he reveals. “But I always working with the sort of technology needed try and play stuff with some drive to keep for shows of that scale wasn’t without its the audience going.” problems.
Rising through the ranks of the underground jungle, Sub Focus, aka Nick Douwma, has gone from drum n bass cult hero to bona fide electronic music star. He headlines a huge night of electronic dance music in the shape of the Birmingham Showcase Festival, which brings together some of the biggest names in clubland right “Leading up to the event it was really stressful as we were programming new technology now, alongside some of the freshest and we didn’t know how it was going to local talent, DJs and promoters sound, it was actually going wrong until from the Second City. We caught the last minute. But we managed to get everything there in the end, we had sections up with the headliner ahead of his of my music marrying with the production of the lights. So there in time with each other, hotly-anticipated appearance.
Sub Focus headlines the Birmingham Showcase Festival Part 1 at The Rainbow Complex on April 28. New single Out the Blue by Sub Focus featuring Alice Gold is out on April 30.
it was really cool.”
ALL OVER THE RAINBOW 18
Brum Notes Magazine
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS From shuddering dubstep through to intelligently crafted house, Showcase Festival brings together some of Birmingham’s best club brands and a broad lineup of genres boasting some of the most exciting names in electronic music right now, both locally and nationally. Alongside Sub Focus, here are some of the other highlights and some more information on the brands behind the party: DJS Art Department Art Department is the brainchild of Canadian techno/house legend Kenny Glasgow and Canada’s fastest rising star Jonny White. As individuals, both Kenny and Jonny have released countless critically acclaimed records and are regarded internationally as two of the most forward-thinking, revolutionary underground producers. Their EPs, remixes and full lengths on labels like their own as well as Crosstown Rebels has defined a whole new goth house sound in recent years.
April 2012
Plastician A key player in pioneering dubstep through his own tracks, his infamous Grime compilation and his dubstep show at BBC 1Xtra. A highly accomplished DJ and sure to bring a true dubstep party vibe to Showcase. HOST BRANDS Face Firmly established weekly residents at The Rainbow every Saturday, they have been responsible for bringing some of the most exciting underground dance acts to the city in recent years, with a diverse crowd and an adventurous approach. Shadow City In a short time since its conception Shadow City has scoured the UK and further afield to bring some of the best artists in bass music to Birmingam. Music savvy without being snobby, the emphasis is on playing forward-thinking music while retaining an element of fun.
Under The Counter (UTC) Brum’s favourite art-led, bass-fuelled maniacs have a reputation for bringing some of the finest electronic vibes and bass culture nights to Middle Earth. Returning to The Rainbow for Showcase will see them teaming up on the street with one of London’s finest brands Tempo Clash, home to the likes of KUTMAH and OM Unit. Dolce Vita Dolce Vita is one Birmingham’s biggest party brands to venture across many venues and most recently has been teaming up with FACE to throw some crazy parties. With some of the biggest DJs lined up to play, Dolce Vita is definitely a brand to look out for. With an attitude of ‘anything goes,’ good times are guaranteed. Birmingham Showcase Festival Part 1 takes place across six arenas at The Rainbow Complex on April 28 featuring Sub Focus, Art Department, Plastician and Alex Arnout among others, with stages hosted by FACE, Seedy Sonics, Under The Counter, Dolce Vita, Shadow City, Silent Noize, Zombie Prom and more. Tickets from £12 are available from www.theticketsellers.co.uk.
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Sister Act Harmonious trio of sisters THE STAVES have been captivating audiences far and wide with their dreamy vocals and haunting folk. After a series of high profile support slots they head off on their biggest headline tour to date this month. Tom Pell gets in on the act.
If The Glee Club is accustomed to patient silence from its crowds, then the bar was raised on February 14 of this year. A pin dropped, onto a bed of marshmallows, while wearing ear plugs, would have cut through the night like a juggernaut as The Staves, three sisters from Watford, held the audience in the palm of their hands during a support slot at a Michael Kiwanuka show. Here was a blend of achingly beautiful harmonies over finger-plucked guitars and ukuleles, forming songs of warmth and control that make Laura Marling sound like Johnny Rotten. Whisked away to the States for the tastemaking SXSW Music Festival the following month, (“We’re playing at a place called Flat Top Burger, which if there’s any free food involved, we’re very excited about”) youngest sister Camilla Staveley-Taylor took time out from hanging with big sister Emily and middle sister Jessica, to catch up. “I think it’s the harmonies that catch people’s ears, maybe it’s something people don’t hear very often,” she says. Unusual indeed, as much as the sight of three young, polite, elfin girls on stage in your average, grotty club. “Not many people do it, and it’s our main instrument.” Intrigue is guaranteed before the girls even open their mouths. Their first EP Mexico consists of the title track itself, a Jess-led, four minute lullaby over a simple lead guitar line akin to Foo Fighters’ Razor; with Icarus and I Try, housing harmonies galore and shared lead vocals, something the girls are comfortable with. “Everyone’s been really cool with sharing April 2012
things out because that’s what feels most natural to us. I think sometimes sound guys get a bit funny about it, but no one’s been trying to force us to be, I don’t know, Camilla and The Staves or anything...” Probably because they’d get mistook for a Katrina and The Waves tribute act, and bookings would be a nightmare. To add to the family dynamic, The Staves have fallen under the wing of legendary producers and father and son combo Glyn and Ethan Johns to work on their debut album. Gyln took a shot at the ill-fated Beatles Let It Be sessions, before working with The Who, The Rolling Stones, and, well, pretty much everyone else. With Ethan now a fully-fledged producer too, working with among others, Kings Of Leon, Ryans Adams, and Ray Lamontagne, it’s the first time they have worked together on a project, having both approached the girls separately. “They’re both really fun to work with, and they get on really well with each other which helps. It was a little intimidating at first, with the back catalogue and whatnot, but once you get that out of your head they’re just people really.” The album in question is due out in September and will most likely feature all new material not featured on previous EPs, with a bit more of the full band they now tour with. “I think it’s good to change, good to keep things fresh. The new EP I think has a real immediacy to it. We wrote the songs, and then pretty much recorded them the next day, so it still feels very fresh to us.”
At The Glee Club back in February the stellar moment was a short and sweet a cappella number, sung through one mic in the middle of the set. This turned out to be Wisely and Slow, the third track from forthcoming EP The Motherlode, out April 23. “We only did half the song, because it’s got quite a weird ending and we hadn’t quite worked out how to do it live yet. We love singing a cappella, it’s where we feel most comfortable, so it’s nice to work that in.” The ending is now complete, and is reminiscent of Ben Howard’s The Wolves. A March Tour around America beside him is imminent at the point of writing. Their own headline tour begins in April, taking in a return to The Glee Club on the 29th of the month. “We were always a bit apprehensive about doing our own headline stuff, with it being fairly new to us still we just think ‘Oh God, no one’s going to come, no one wants to watch us.’ But we’re really excited about it, it’ll be cool. It’s a little adventure.” “When you’re writing songs and singing songs you don’t really aim them at anyone, you just hope someone might like them. Get some sort of happiness from them. I don’t know, because we’re not like, cutting edge, but I don’t think we’re completely parent fodder either. It’s a fairly mixed bag of people that are hopefully going to like it, as well as your standard, ‘singer-songwritery’ crowd. We just hope people can get on board.” The Staves are live at The Glee Club, Birmingham, on April 29. The Motherlode EP is out on April 23. 21
MEN OF MYSTERY After three successful albums MYSTERY JETS upped sticks and jetted off to the deep south of America for some quality bonding time to get the creative juices flowing again. The result? It could just be their best work yet. Jon Pritchard finds out more. “Sorry,” says Kapil Trivedi. “We were midtrack when you rang. We’re practising, tightening up for the Birmingham massive!” The Mystery Jets drummer certainly seems in a fine mood as we chat about his band’s new album and their upcoming tour of ‘drinking holes’ which takes them to The Rainbow on April 4. Their new album Radlands, and this tour, have a lot to owe to the time the band spent in Texas where they cut themselves off from the rest of the world. “It was just the four of us in a room, and it was just like being friends again,” says Kapil. “We didn’t speak to our label or our manager for about two months and it was great.”
As he talks about the new album, all of a sudden, Kapil is transformed into someone who cares deeply about the subject and the conversation is much more serious. “It was really difficult for us to record but I felt like we all grew up in the space of two months,” he continues. “There are loads of ideas bouncing around in Mystery Jets and it’s always good to have a producer to point us in the right direction, but we didn’t have that this time. Saying that, I believe the record sounds better for it.” The closeness of being holed up in a foreign place for two months translates into all the aspects of the new record. For Kapil, Radlands is something very close to everyone’s hearts, and album track Sister Everitt is a prime example. “Will wrote the song on the way to Texas when a nun who he was sat next to on the plane explained everything about the Church of the Latter Day Saints to him, and it made it onto the album. Lots of the songs on the album are about experiences like that which happened to us while we were in Texas.”
Loneliness is another feature that seemingly had a big impact on the album, and most of the band got homesick while in the southern states, he explains. “We were really lonely so we used to throw barbecues every two or three days and invite all the neighbours round just for something to do. We had a family of crazy Texans that we used to replace the holes in our life, and they had a huge impression on the album. “I think part of the reason we went half the way around the globe was to force a change in ourselves and tear up the rulebook, and think of something we’ve never done before,”
BACK TO THE FUTURE Energetic post-punk rockers THE FUTUREHEADS have ditched the guitars for new album Rant. And the drums. And the bass. And instruments altogether. Their latest project was recorded entirely a cappella and will see the band performing completely stripped back and acoustically for their most challenging tour to date. Jon Pritchard talks to frontman Barry Hyde.
“We’ve always done four-part harmonies so for this album we thought we’d just get rid of guitars and concentrate on the harmonies, so when you think about it, it’s not that insane,” insists The Futureheads frontman Barry Hyde. But then again, the album does have one of the oldest songs in the English language on the same album as a cover of Meet Me Halfway by The Black Eyed Peas. “Well, I suppose if you look at it that way, I guess you could say it is a little insane,” he admits. But something that on paper sounds so wrong actually sounds so right when 22
brought to life, thanks to a genius-like trick they’ve used in the studio. “We’ve learnt lots of tricks over the 10 years we’ve been together from being in the studio and listening to a huge range of music, from folk to a cappella to international music,” explains Barry. “What we’ve done is to record the song once with us all singing different parts, then recorded it another three times with us singing the other parts. So we’ve turned our usual four-part harmonies into 16-part harmonies.” It’s a painstaking process that can only be undertaken by musicians who fully believe in what they’re doing. “It took us five hours to do [album track] Beeswing, and over a year to complete the album in total. There were times when we thought we’d never finish it,” Barry continues. “It was such a protracted effort, after a while we almost forgot we were making an album, but when we got the songs together and listened to it, you can hear the amount of effort that went into it. On Man Ray there are over
150 tracks of us singing, a lot of which were 64-part harmonies.” For the Futureheads fans worried that this album won’t be as fast, angry and aggressive as their previous releases, the effort they’ve put into it is what paves over the ‘lack of instrument’ cracks. “The tracks are still in-your-face and aggressive, but that’s who we are. We shout. That’s The Brum Notes Magazine
explains Kapil, before cheekily adding, “I’m not sure why we chose Austin, we just thought it was a fucking great idea.” The sense of togetherness the band gained from taking time out is clear and it is equally clear that Kapil is struggling to contain his excitement about this later chapter in the lives of the Mystery Jets. “We just wanted to go over there and turn our phones off, cut ourselves off from people that we knew and just spend time together. We did everything together, making breakfast together, going to the shops together and having baths together,” he laughs. “There was no running away from anything. No one wanted to be left on their own in the house so if someone went out we all went out and that’s what got our creative juices flowing.” The emotion and feeling of closeness that their new album garners should be perfectly suited to the modest venues the band will perform in on their forthcoming tour. “We just feel the music will fit nicely with intimate venues,” says Kapil. “We don’t like to have a massive gap between us and the audience, if we could be playing in the middle of the crowd we probably would. We really wanted to come back and give the people something special, and we think it will be special, we have a few tricks up our sleeve but that’s a secret for now.”
Plus
Trad Jazz evening concert in the park on Wednesday 27th June
starring
Chris Barber & Acker Bilk
Mystery Jets are live at The Rainbow, Birmingham, on April 4. New album Radlands is out on April 30.
An intimate camping weekend of acoustic music set in the spiritual home of Nick Drake.
Futureheads,” Barry insists. The band have always been more focussed on the melodies that litter their songs rather than the thundering guitars which provide the background and the frontman explains that the only difference on this album is a ‘less is more’ approach. “A song doesn’t need anything. You can just sing the melody by itself, it doesn’t need anything else on top and it can still be brilliant.” So, how the hell are they going to tackle this live? “Well,” starts Barry, “we’ve already done about 30 practices for this tour, and on some tracks you can get away with just the singing. However, we do have some instruments for the live tour, but not our normal guitars. Jaff is playing the cello, Ross is playing mandolin, I play a bit of banjo. So it’s like a re-interpretation of our older songs. “Our first four albums were made by the same people, but as we grew older we all changed into different people who want to make a different sort of music. Those 10 years felt like an apprenticeship and we feel like we’ve earned the right to do what we want now.” The Futureheads perform acoustic and a cappella at The Glee Club, Birmingham, on April 10. New album Rant is out on April 2. April 2012
TANWORTH IN ARDEN
UMBERSLADE ESTATE, WARWICKSHIRE
BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH FIONN REGAN SCOTT MATTHEWS THE OLD DANCE SCHOOL • HANNAH PEEL JIM MORAY • MICHAEL CHAPMAN ASHLEY HUTCHINGS & BLAIR DUNLOP RICHARD JAMES • GOODNIGHT LENIN JONNY KEARNEY & LUCY FARRELL LAURA J MARTIN • BOAT TO ROW RACHEL SERMANNI • TELLING THE BEES RAPUNZEL & SEDAYNE • SUNJAY BRAYNE • THE TERRAPINS • JAMES SUMMERFIELD • RICHARD BURKE
SIMON FOX • JOSEPH TOPPING • THE YOUNG RUNAWAYS • ANDY OLIVERI • THE HALL BROTHERS LUKE HIRST & SARAH SMOUT • DAN HAYWOOD'S NEW HAWKS • TWO WINGS • FRIENDS OF THE STARS LUX HARMONIUM • BONFIRE RADICALS • PETE PHILIPSON / DAVID A JAYCOCK • DUOTONE • I AM VOYAGER 1 • ELIZA SHADDAD • RICHARD MARCH • BEN CALVERT • SEELAND • TOM DILLON & THE COWBOY BODGERS We hope you can join us for an intimate camping weekend of acoustic music for 500 people set in the spiritual home of Nick Drake. Featuring live acts on two stages over four days aswell as an open mic tent and a bicycle powered disco. Roasted organic pig from Arden Pigs and delicious Cajun cuisine from Soulfood Projects. Fine ales, ciders and imported lagers from Purity Brewery. Wood carving and green craft workshops by the Hobo Tree. Kid’s playground, face painting and storytelling.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM
LUNARFESTIVAL.CO.UK The Lunar Festival is powered solely by Biofuel and the Sun.
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live Peace The Rainbow, Birmingham 10/03/12
The promise of Peace was there for all to see and hear tonight as they marked their first UK tour with a hotly-anticipated headline show at The Rainbow, as the hype surrounding the Birmingham natives continued to grow. Comparisons have been floating around for a while already, drawing similarities to the likes of Foals and The Maccabees. But tonight was very much a show celebrating the beginning of a band making it for themselves.
While few words were muttered by the frontman in between songs, Harry Koisser didn’t hold back with his brooding vocals over the jolting and echo-laden guitar effects. The young locals, leather clad and long hair flowing, showed their worth on the stage as they belted through potential future hits like forthcoming single Follow Baby – and the impact they had on the home crowd suggested they are going to be received very positively indeed this year.
The set closed with the song that first prompted much of the excitement and anticipation in the first place, as they threw themselves into the haunting Bblood. What was a relatively short headline performance certainly made an impression on The Rainbow crowd tonight, and if you are to believe what has been said so far, there will be many more convinced audiences to follow. Matt Way Photo by Jonathan Morgan
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
is a rock n roll star. The seats cost 60 dabs a piece and the NIA’s like a plumber’s paradise, full to the funnels with 40-somethings high on Smirnoff Ice. Maybe if I’d piloted one of planet earth’s greatest battlecruisers for 20 years, I’d spend my whole life runnin’ too, but Noel’s lyrics sure are pessimistic these days. However, just be clear, apart from me, the entire crowd is LOVING this. Despite a superbly stripped Supersonic and some ace Oasis b-sides, the best reception by far goes to tracks off the High Flying Birds’ new trillionseller. Even new tune Freaky Teeth prompts less of a piss-exodus than expected. They’re pleasant enough tunes as well – a little phoned-in, but definitely not phony. And just as I’m thinking how good Noel looks and what a big deal he still is, one of the crowd says it for me – “SMILE NOEL!”. Noel puts him down with the same disdain he treats his bandmates – “smiling’s for knobheads,” apparently. Tonight we’re in the presence of a living legend. Nothing can take that away from Noel. But I’d rather have my heroes fly too close to the sun than cynically shoot holes in it from afar, soaring slowly into stadiums like a high flying turd on the run. Dave Barry Photo by Gobinder Jhitta
Lloyd Cole
NIA, Birmingham 01/03/12
In 1994 Definitely Maybe blasted grunge’s face off with its brazen balls and rugged beauty. With an optimism so shockingly upfront it would lift any self-help manual; Liam and Noel told us we needed to be ourselves, these could be the best days of our lives, Iive our lives for the stars that shine... Fast forward 18 years, the Stars in Their Eyes curtain peels back, and tonight Matthew, there’s no doubt that Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher
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The Glee Club, Birmingham 11/03/12
In one of Birmingham’s most unique venues Lloyd Cole takes to the stage with just an acoustic guitar and one of the most distinctive voices of the last 30 years. As he begins to sing, it’s like an old blanket of familiarity wrapping around the audience – that voice that we all know so well sounds exactly like it does on record. Not only that, but it’s as if we already know him, yet he is letting us in even further to his heartaches, desires and daydreams. The songs are all so real and each one is guaranteed to reflect or relate to at least one member of the audience at that particular time – this is evident by the reverent silence throughout each number. He seems just as comfortable playing his new tracks off recent album Broken Record as he does playing Commotions’ classics like Lost Weekend. He also seems comfortable with his place in the music scene and the loyal fans he has acquired throughout his career. He certainly rewards them with a genuine and moving show in which his stark lyrics seem even more sincere and brutally honest. Ellie Crean Brum Notes Magazine
Florence & The Machine LG Arena, Birmingham 13/03/12
First support band Spector open the evening in style with the increasingly familiar singles What You Wanted, Chevy Thunder and Never Fade Away. Handsome frontman Fred Macpherson’s witty banter, teamed with the band’s professional enthusiasm, demonstrates their effort to entertain and satisfy. The full audience participation underlines the band’s great stage presence and already impressive fan base, asserting that they are undeniably ones to watch. After a tantalising set from The Horrors it is time for the star of the show to emerge. Draped in a demonic, black cape, barefooted Florence Welch takes to her very simple stage set and steadily approaches her mic. Her striking presence adds to the already gripping atmosphere – as if a curse was about to strike the venue. And then it begins. Eruptions of mighty vocals are prodigiously belted out from the singer’s tiny frame, as opening song Only If For A Night surmounts the venue. Spinetingling sensations sweep through the entire arena and are sustained into following song What the Water Gave Me. The radiant red-head finally greets her beloved fans with a gracious smile and a very shy ‘hello’. As she embraces the rapturous reception, her confidence is eventually boosted and the swallowing cape is abandoned in order to do what she does best. Spinning, swirling and galloping across every inch of the stage, eyes are latched onto her dainty physique as she loses herself in the music like a drugged ballerina. The crowd jumps to classic favourites Cosmic Love, Rabbit Heart and Dog Days, until the tempo slows for successful acoustic performances of Heartlines and Leave My Body. Tribal drumming and rich harp-rifting of No Light, No Light ends the gig without a glitch, leaving fans dumbstruck and totally blown away, reminding us all just how beautiful and magically moving music can be. Ivy Photiou
St Eel: The Show in the Mirror Sticky Toffee Dance Studio, Birmingham 09/03/2012
Gigs in odd venues are a cracking idea. And a gig in an odd venue complete with artwork, balloons and an array of top class local live acts is pretty much inspired. Sticky Toffee Dance Studio is a space usually home to urban dance classes, but tonight opens its doors to a cluster of Birmingham’s most weird and wonderful creatives. April 2012
Jerk Test and The Gruber kick off the night satisfactorily, however it’s when Selly Oak’s Bombers take to the, erm...cordoned off bit of floor space that the night really gets off the ground. Thoroughly frenetic and putting in easily the most energetic performance of the night, Bombers are down and dirty rock and roll offset with a distinctly modern punk vocal. Creating a complete ruckus, their set is utterly triumphant and ends only when lead singer David Duell hits the floor. To follow this act should ordinarily be pretty hard work, however the synth sounds emitting from the laptop of Greg Bird & Flamingo Flame are delicious, and the infusion of guitar and lyrics over the top serve only to heighten the sense of individuality he brings to the table. Any points dropped for technical issues are amply made up for by the application of a rather nice mask, and the transformation of the space into something akin to a house party creates a completely comfortable surround. After a light-hearted spoken word intermission, headliners Perhower step up to the mic; frontman Miles (curator and architect of the entire affair) is an arresting figure surrounded by his own artwork and projections. Overall, the night is a bona fide success and could only really have been bettered by the attendance of a few more people. But by presenting such a congenial first instalment, the success of anything subsequent is pretty much set in stone. Kudos and credentials for daring to do something a bit different. Amy Sumner
Cirque du Swing Magique Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath 10/03/12
The roaring 20s were alive and well at the Hare & Hounds, many-a-punter gleefully suckling on the moonshine brewed out back, well out of sight of the authorities, ringing in the financial depression in style. Okay, I’ll level with you, Kings Heath is not a suburb of New York, alcohol is not prohibited, it is actually 2012 (shh!) and the only unfortunate truth to come out of that sentence is that of financial depression. This all may be (depressing) cold, hard fact yet this mattered little to the gaggle that littered the dance floor at the Hare & Hounds. Swinging, bopping and doo-wopping through American history like a bunch of alcohol starved, over-worked lunatics. Greeted by stilted, costumed performers, the music strafed from gypsy circus to swinging live saxophones on the flip of a quarter, magicians dampened the dancing intermittently but entertained nonetheless and a burlesque act (shortly before being split into quarters
Cirque du Swing Magique
by said magician) did much of the same. All in all it was an incredibly different night that got everybody dancing and holding hands again to speakeasy vibes, especially as being able to dance properly on a night out seems somewhat taboo these days, while it also provided a refreshing change to the usually dub and dance-heavy Birmingham nightclub scene. Joe Whitehouse
Two Fathoms Bull’s Head 07/03/12
Tonight some of the Midlands’ finest acoustic talents treat a select Birmingham audience to their company. Less For Murder kick off proceedings nicely, the guitar and vocal blend of the husband-wife combination producing real folk finesse, and Jake Morgan’s Dylan sympathetic slot sets a subsequently high standard. The most memorable gigs are often the most theatrical, and the dramatics of ironically titled Soft Lad (who, after 10 minutes of intricately guitar-laced lyrics but ill advised banter, irately retires for the evening exiting faster than his guitar hits the floor), leave the crowd in no doubt of that. But The Lyrebirds pick up the atmosphere beautifully, the delicate libretto of singer Lauren Partridge soaring against the pluck of the accompanying guitar. And so it’s completely to his credit that it’s plucky headliner Two Fathoms leaving the lasting impression tonight. Birmingham’s answer to Frank Turner, but actually a hell of a lot more exciting, these songs are honest and at times brutal, but completely identifiable and delivered with a one-fingered salute at mediocrity and the kind of charm that gets you places. Two Fathoms sings about crappy jobs and crappy relationships and the kind of subject matter which has the potential to actually really deflate things. But in reality the results are quite the reverse and often comedic, and as the figure steps offstage with his head held high, he holds the crowd triumphantly in the palm of his hand. Amy Sumner For more reviews see www.brumnotes.com 25
STYLE ON THE STREET photos Jade Sukiya
EVA, 20, BARMAID AT THE ADAM & EVE Eva is wearing a black top from H&M and shiny trousers from American Apparel. Her leopard print creepers are from office and her vintage bag is from Cow Birmingham. Her favourite shop in Birmingham is Topshop and her style icon is Cassie-Philomena.
26
BUSHRAH, 20, PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT Bushrah is wearing a printed headscarf and denim jacket from Primark. Her sheer cream shirt and checkered trousers are both vintage and her patent shoes are from Hypnotic. Her favourite store to shop in is Zara and she doesn’t have a fashion icon.
FARIYAL, 22, FROM BRADFORD Her top is a creation she made out of a plain scarf from a stall in Bradford. Her ethnic printed trousers are from “a random shop in Bradford’ and her bag is from Primark. Her favourite shop in Birmingham is Selfridges and her style icon is Rihanna.
RICHARD, 27, MUSICIAN Richard is wearing a Blacklisters t-shirt and Levi’s jeans with Doc Martin suede boots. His bag is from Urban Outfitters and his shades (on his head) are Ray Bans. Richard’s favourite Birmingham store is Urban Outfitters and his style icon is Vincent Gallo.
Brum Notes Magazine
NEW LOOK £11.99
TOPSHOP £25.00
URBAN OUTFITTERS £165.00
MISS SELFRIDGE £35.00
SPRING 2012 TREND
Let’s face it, we don’t get a lot of time to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and freedom to wear nothing but a colour maxi dress or dyed denim shorts, so here is a list of great printed summer items to make sure you’re making the most of the season.
URBAN OUTFITTERS £20.00
URBAN OUTFITTERS £28.00 NEW LOOK £19.99
TOPSHOP £28.00
H&M £14.99 TOPSHOP £34.00
RIVER ISLAND £30.00 RIVER ISLAND £28.00 FOREVER 21 £3.90 URBAN OUTFITTERS £24.00
FOREVER 21 £22.75
AMERICAN APPAREL £34.00
April 2012
URBAN OUTFITTERS £32.00
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FOOD + DRINK cocktail of the month: EASTER EGG COCKTAILS It’s that time of year again where everyone goes crazy for chocolate eggs and milks every egg pun possible So that is eggs-actly what I am going to do! The first sign we see of egg in a cocktail is in Jerry Thomas’ 1862 book How To Mix Drinks, which features a cocktail type known as ‘the flip’, which he explains features egg to add smoothness to the drink. The word ‘flip’ derives, like much cocktail terminology, from naval tradition and was a drink consisting of beer, rum, sugar and egg which was then heated using a red-hot iron. This drink changed over time and beer was removed, the proportion of eggs and sugar increased and it was served cold. Sours are another category of drink that use just the white of the
egg and feature citrus as one of their main components, normally accompanied with a spirit or liqueur and sweetened slightly with sugar syrup and balanced with a dash of bitters. You can then lengthen your egg-citing drink with soda to create a fizz and use twists and different ingredients to really egg-speriment. Essentially, the egg is in your drink to create a silky and foamy body that feels rich on the tongue – and who doesn’t want that after a hard day at work? The way it does this is, when you shake the egg white, the proteins start to unfold and air created by the shake gets trapped by the proteins. This is what creates the egg-cellent foam layer on top of the drink. It’s like the foam on your latté or putting egg in cakes, it’s mainly for the texture and definitely isn’t going to make your drink taste like an omelette. Now, here are a couple of spring themed ideas for you to try at home and be converted:
Recipe: SPRING TIME FLIP Ingredients: 40ml Santa Teresa Claro Rum 20ml Strawberry Puree 20ml Lemon Juice 10ml Elderflower Cordial 1 egg Directions: Shake all the ingredients really hard in a cocktail shaker then serve in a coupette glass with a strawberry and mint sprig garnish.
Recipe: Peaches & Cream Fizz Ingredients: 40ml Sloane’s Dry Gin 15ml Peach Schnapps 25ml Half and Half 20ml Lemon Juice 10ml Peach Puree 1 egg white By Ed Shawcross, assistant general manager, Island Bar, Birmingham, 0121 632 5296, www.bar-island.co.uk 28
Directions: Shake all the ingredients as above and serve long over cubed ice, top with soda and garnish with a peach fan. Enjoy responsibly – that’s all yolks! Brum Notes Magazine
WHAT’S ON
KEY TO LISTINGS: M = LIVE MUSIC CN = CLUB NIGHT C = COMEDY
BIRMINGHAM: O2 Academy, Horsefair, Bristol St B1, 0844 4772000; HMV Institute, High St, Digbeth B5, 0844 2485037; NIA, King Edwards Rd B1, 0121 7804141; LG Arena, NEC, Solihull B40, 0121 7804141; The Flapper, Kingston Row B1, 0121 2362421; The Victoria, John Bright St B1, 0121 6339439; Hare & Hounds, High St, Kings Heath B14, 0121 4442081; The Actress & Bishop, Ludgate Hill B3, 0121 2367426; The Sunflower Lounge, Smallbrook Queensway B5, 0121 6327656; Symphony Hall, Broad St B1, 0121 7803333; Town Hall, Victoria Sq B3, 0121 7803333; Kitchen Garden Cafe, York Road, Kings Heath B14, 0121 4434725; Alexandra Theatre, Station St B1, 0844 8472302; Bulls Head, St Marys Row, Moseley B13, 0121 2567777; Island Bar, Suffolk St B1, 0121 6325296; The Jam House, St Pauls Sq B3, 0121 2003030; The Asylum, Hampton St, Hockley B19, 0121 2331109; The Rainbow, High St, Digbeth B12, 0121 7728174; Adam & Eve, Bradford St, Digbeth B12, 0121 6931500; The Rose Villa Tavern, Warstone Lane, B18, 0121 2367910; The Yardbird, Paradise Place B3, 0121 2122524; The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Hurst St B5, 0871 4720400; MAC, Cannon Hill Park B12, 0121 4463232; The Crown, Station St B5, 0121 643 4265; Scruffy Murphys, The Priory Queensway B4, 0121 2362035; The Wagon & Horses, Adderley St, Digbeth B9, 0121 7721403; Highlight, Broad St B1, 08700 111 960; Birmingham Ballroom, Dale End B4, 0121 320 2820; WOLVERHAMPTON: Civic Hall/Wulfrun Hall, North St WV1, 0870 320 7000; The Slade Rooms, Broad St WV1, 0870 320 7000; Robin 2, Mount Pleasant, Bilston WV14, 01902 401211; WEST BROMWICH: The Public, New St B70, 0121 5337161; COVENTRY: Kasbah, Primrose Hill St, CV1, 024 76554473; Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, CV4, 024 7652 4524 M M M C M M M M M M M
Sunday, Apr 1 Chris Rea
NIA
Birmingham
You Me At Six
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Auriyga
Kitchen Garden Cafe The Glee Club
Kings Heath
Desi Central Comedy Show Monday, Apr 2 Low
The Glee Club
Birmingham
CN CN Louie Fresco Paul McCaffrey C
The Victoria
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
M M CN CN CN
Birmingham
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Slipstream
The Flapper
Birmingham
Tiki Friday: Shuffle
Island Bar
Birmingham
Tribe
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Osmosis v Citric City The Source 2nd Birthday Freestyle
The Wagon & Horses Hare & Hounds
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Saturday, Apr 7 Cher Lloyd
HMV Institute
Birmingham
Your Demise
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
Sunrise Over Europe Helmet
The Flapper
Birmingham
The Library @ HMV Institute The Public
Birmingham
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
The Rose Villa Tavern
Birmingham
Birmingham
Rick Ross
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Ren Harvieu
The Glee Club
Birmingham
CN
The Ballroom
Birmingham
CN Paul McCaffrey C
Speak Up With Jodi Ann Bickley Bonfire Radicals
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
M M M
M Eric Sardinas M CN Moschino Hoes
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Robin 2
Bilston
The Victoria
Birmingham
M
CN Isy Suttie C
Bull’s Head
Moseley
M
The Public
West Bromwich
Versace Hotties Boyd Downstairs
M M M
The Glee Club
Friday, Apr 6 Tom Hingley
O2 Academy 2
The Rainbow
Thursday, Apr 5 Cast
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
Ian McNabb
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Traditional Song Session
Kitchen Garden Cafe
Kings Heath
April 2012
All details correct at time of going to press. Check with venues before setting out. While every effort will be made to ensure the accuracy of listings, Brum Notes Magazine will not be held liable for any errors or losses incurred from errors which may materialise.
Jekyll & Hyde
Special Manhattan Loft
Tuesday, Apr 3 Steve Aoki
Wednesday, Apr 4 You And What Army Mystery Jets
info@brumnotes. com
CN Remedy Easter
Birmingham
Birmingham
Want your gig or club night listed in our monthly guide? Send details to:
Now We Are Weekender Subculture
CN CN Dr Jekyll’s Potion CN Juqebox
Kings Heath
West Bromwich
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CN Lost Hours Spring Party Aries & Vytol
CN CN CRST Paul McCaffrey C M M M M M
The Wagon & Horses Hare & Hounds
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Kings Heath
Sunday, Apr 8 Parkway Drive
HMV Institute
Birmingham
Free Love Club
Island Bar
Birmingham
Pelican
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Proud Mary
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Calais
Birmingham
M M M
Tim Fletcher
The End @ The Ballroom The Flapper
Easter Hott Date
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Acoustica
Kings Heath
M M
Bohemian Jukebox
Kitchen Garden Cafe Bull’s Head The Public
West Bromwich
CN
Now We Are Weekender MC Spyda’s Birthday Ball Hot Wax
CN CN Brum And Bass M M M M M M
Monday, Apr 9 Simone Felice Group The Monochrome Set Tuesday, Apr 10 Tinariwen
C M M M M M CN CN C C M M M M M
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Moseley
HMV Institute
Birmingham
The Victoria
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club Hare & Hounds
Birmingham Kings Heath
HMV Institute
Birmingham
Freshman 15
The Ballroom
Birmingham
The Futureheads
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Wednesday, Apr 11 Laibach
Sour Mash M CN Ace Bushy Strip-
CN
Birmingham
tease Soundwave Festival Launch Party Laughing Cows
The Library @ HMV Institute Bull’s Head
Birmingham
Island Bar
Birmingham
Moseley
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Kitchen Garden Cafe
Kings Heath
Thursday, Apr 12 Above & Beyond
HMV Institute
Birmingham
She Screams Murder Taking Haley
The End @ The Ballroom The Ballroom
Birmingham
The Martin Harley Band Alyssa Reid
The Glee Club
Birmingham Birmingham
Manhattan Loft
The Temple @ HMV Institute The Victoria
Fantastic Damage
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Isy Suttie
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Very Special Guest
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Friday, Apr 13 Angels & Airwaves
HMV Institute
Birmingham
Martyr De Mona
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Seventh Horizon
The Flapper
Birmingham
Dan Whitehouse
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Great Lake Swimmers
The Temple @ HMV Institute
Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham
M M M CN CN CN CN CN
Krar Collective
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Pete Williams & Band Meshuggah
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Slade Rooms
Wolverhampton
Lucha Libre
Bodega
Birmingham
Tiki Friday
Island Bar
Birmingham
Remedy
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
Music for the People Entropy VII
The Victoria
Birmingham
The Wagon & Horses Bull’s Head
Birmingham
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Saturday, Apr 14 Emeli Sande
HMV Institute
Birmingham
Howard Jones
O2 Academy
Birmingham
Sham 69
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Left Below
The Flapper
Birmingham
Chameleons Vox
The Library @ HMV Institute Slade Rooms
Birmingham
CN Freestyle Very Special Guest C M M M M M M CN CN CN CN CN CN
The Jim Jones Revue Machine
Moseley
Wolverhampton
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Panic
HMV Institute
Birmingham
Hot Wax
Island Bar
Birmingham
On the Rocks
Island Bar
Birmingham
Dr Jekyll’s Potion
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
Loose Joints
The Rose Villa Tavern The Victoria
Birmingham
CN CN Hot Club De Swing
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
CN Highlight Comedy C Very Special Guest C
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Highlight
Birmingham
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Sunday, Apr 15 Free Love Club
Island Bar
Birmingham
Daley
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Charlene Soraia
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Juan Zelada
The Yardbird
Birmingham
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
M
New York Standards Quartet Christiaan Webb
Kings Heath
C
Rhod Gilbert
Kitchen Garden Cafe The Civic Hall
M
Monday, Apr 16 Architects
Slade Rooms
Wolverhampton
Tuesday, Apr 17 Simon Fowler
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Breed 77
The Rainbow
Birmingham
Jay Brannan
The Temple @ HMV Institute Hare & Hounds
Birmingham
Kitchen Garden Cafe The Civic Hall
Kings Heath
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
CN Soul Food Soundsystem High Fidelity Burlesque Jam Hott
M M M M M
M M M M M M M
Sea Of Bees Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart Bombay Bicycle Club Wednesday, Apr 18 Deaf Havana
Birmingham
Wolverhampton
Kings Heath
Wolverhampton
Brum Notes Magazine
M M
The Bosshoss
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Delilah
Birmingham
M M
Clock Opera
The Library @ HMV Institute The Rainbow
Birmingham
M
M M
Acoustic Club
The Temple @ HMV Institute Bull’s Head
Moseley
M
Hadouken
Slade Rooms
Wolverhampton
M M M M
Dragonforce
LG Arena
Birmingham
Frozen Theory
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Futures
The Temple @ HMV Institute Hare & Hounds
Birmingham
The Victoria
Birmingham
The Glee Club
Birmingham
CN Gary Delaney C M M M M M M M M CN CN CN CN C M M M CN CN CN CN CN C C M M M M C M M M M M
Kings Heath
Friday, Apr 20 Major Lazer
HMV Institute
Birmingham
Drake
LG Arena
Birmingham
Vulcano
The Ballroom
M
Birmingham
Thursday, Apr 19 Drake
Ellen And The Escapades Manhattan Loft
M
Birmingham
M C M M M CN C M M M CN CN
Kyle Eastwood Band Matt Schofield Wednesday, Apr 25 We Are The In Crowd Lonsdale Boys Club Paradise Lost
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Robin 2
Bilston
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Slade Rooms
Wolverhampton
Laffacino Comedy Cabaret Thursday, Apr 26 The Used
Kitchen Garden Cafe
Kings Heath
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
Karima Francis
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Bastille
The Rainbow
Birmingham
Manhattan Loft
The Victoria
Birmingham
Very Special Guest
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Friday, Apr 27 The Musgraves
The Ballroom
Birmingham
The Black Bears
The Flapper
Birmingham
The Chakras
The Rainbow
Birmingham
Lucha Libre
Bodega
Birmingham
Tiki Friday: Hot Wax Dr Jekyll’s Remedy
Island Bar
Birmingham
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham Birmingham
Against The Wheel
The Flapper
Birmingham
Busdriver
The Rainbow
Birmingham
Velvet Texas Cannonball The Sunshine Underground Twin Atlantic
The Wagon & Horses Slade Rooms
Birmingham Wolverhampton
CN CN Discographic
Wulfrun Hall
Wolverhampton
CN Takin Care of Busi-
The Rose Villa Tavern The Victoria
Tiki Friday
Island Bar
Birmingham
Remedy
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
CN
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Live Forever
The Victoria
Birmingham
Bull’s Head
Moseley
Freestyle
Bull’s Head
Moseley
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Gary Delaney
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Saturday, Apr 28 Dinky
The Flapper
Birmingham
Club A Go-Go
The Victoria
Birmingham
Generic Eric
The Wagon & Horses Hare & Hounds
Birmingham
ness Friendly Fire Sessions Freestyle
CN Very Special Guest C
Birmingham
Saturday, Apr 21 Bow Wow Wow
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
The Brute Chorus
The Ballroom
Birmingham
Arbor Lights
The Flapper
Birmingham
On the Rocks
Island Bar
Birmingham
M
Dr Jekyll’s Potion
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
Juqebox
Birmingham
M CN Big Bass Indoor
Slade Rooms
Wolverhampton
HMV Institute
Birmingham
Sweat
The Rose Villa Tavern The Victoria
Alexander Nut
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath
Jekyll & Hyde
Birmingham
Henning Wehn
Slade Rooms
Wolverhampton
CN CN Juqebox
Birmingham
Gary Delaney
The Glee Club
Birmingham
CN Tender Administra-
The Rose Villa Tavern Bull’s Head
Sunday, Apr 22 Free Love Club
Island Bar
Birmingham
Highlight
Birmingham
Backtrack
The Ballroom
Birmingham
C C
Very Special Guest
The Glee Club
Birmingham
The Toy Hearts
The Glee Club
Birmingham
The Lemonheads
Slade Rooms
Wolverhampton
Sunday, Apr 29 Free Love Club
Island Bar
Birmingham
Comedy Showcase
The Victoria
Birmingham
New Order
The Ballroom
Birmingham
The Staves
The Glee Club
Birmingham
Michelle Lawrence & The Equators Wooden Horse
Hare & Hounds
Kings Heath Kings Heath
The Quireboys
Kitchen Garden Cafe Slade Rooms
Professor Green
The Civic Hall
Wolverhampton
Monday, Apr 30 Versus The World
O2 Academy 3
Birmingham
Birmingham
M M M
Gathering Dr Jekyll’s Potion
M M M M
Monday, Apr 23 Lostprophets
O2 Academy
Birmingham
Bow Wow Wow
Robin 2
Bilston
M
Tuesday, Apr 24 Young Jeezy
O2 Academy
Birmingham
Little Comets
O2 Academy 2
Birmingham
M M
Big Sir
The End @ The Ballroom
Birmingham
April 2012
The Bluebeat Arkestra Ian Prowse
M
tion Highlight Comedy
Kings Heath
Moseley
Wolverhampton
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Brum Notes Magazine