A MOSELEY MINUTE

How Long Have You Been Living in Moseley? “I have been living in Moseley for just over two years now. I was asked to leave previous accommodation in Acocks Green. Luckily, I have a friend called Kate who offered me the chance to come and live in with her for a very reasonable rate. I have always visited Moseley even when I was living in Acocks Green - it's where my heart belongs. What I enjoy about Moseley is the music, its Bohemian nature and the aesthetics - its old houses and churches.” Tell Me About Musical Connections. “Musical Connections is a network for vulnerable and isolated adults including those with specific needs, or physical disabilities, and mental health service users, and is coordinated by Quench Arts (www.quencharts.co.uk). The project, based in Birmingham and Solihull, provides creative musical opportunities. I have been involved in Musical Connections for over 18 years now. “It’s all about helping people in the mental health service to become involved in music and to create their own music which they can perform. I am currently the music support worker for older members. I help people that I know well to get bands together and that’s how ADSD and The Strangest Feeling (two local bands) were formed. The fact that I performed in both of these bands actually comes from my involvement with Musical Connections “I think that Musical Connections helps people because it’s fun being involved with music. Without it I would go insane. There is also a community amongst the people who go and they have “Brainstorm” which is a monthly event held at the Spotted Dog. You can turn up and have a go at performing yourself - it’s always on the third Wednesday of the month.” Do you have an annual festival that’s held on a roof? “It’s called Music on the Roof and started in 2013 with a live set from The Strangest Feeling. We (members of Musical Connections) used to hang around together and stayed over at Pete’s house in Balsall Heath. The following morning had a beautiful bright start to the day as I looked up at Pete’s roof and said that would be a great place for a festival. This comment must have sparked something in Pete’s imagination because he went ahead with it and made the festival happen. “Since then it has grown and we now have three gardens that are involved; it’s a festival not to be missed. The next one is on August Bank Holiday, you can find the details by checking social media where it is widely advertised.” Who are your musical influences and would you like to meet them? “Ray Davies and Pete Townshend and all the music from the sixties. Also Nick Drake and Paul McCartney “No, I wouldn’t like to meet them, I don’t hero worship anyone and they are all Sirs now - what’s that about? I thought they were all supposed to be anti-establishment so what are they doing with 'Sirs'?” How do you find being a vegan in Moseley? “It’s really easy being a vegan in Moseley as it is in most places nowadays. There are lots of places to eat here that I enjoy and I especially like the food in Damascena and Sorrento Lounge. I enjoy the centre of Moseley; I enjoy just sitting in a café, just having a coffee. It’s because the people of Moseley are accepting, unlike other places I have lived where I felt like an outsider.” Is there anything you would like to change in Moseley? “I am sure there is - I should have thought of this before (pause while thinking). Yes, I would like to see more appreciation for original music. Jack (Goodall) doesn’t get enough gigs. The people and the venues of Moseley should be more appreciative of original music and not just cover bands.” Do you prefer dogs or cats? “That’s a really difficult question. Kate who I live with has two cats and I walk my friends’ dog. I love both cats and dogs for different reasons. This is the politically correct answer.” - Interview by Debbie Aldous A MOSELEY MINUTE

WITH STEVE ISON 29info@moseleyb13.com