11 minute read
Music News - Ramsgate electro-acoustic duo Liotia introduce their music and DJ Hooch of RMH Soul Train fame presents his playlist
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Illustration Emma Falconer
Who are Liotia and how would you describe your music?
We are an electro-acoustic duo of singer/songwriter Abigail Hubbard and producer/engineer Matt Smyth, collectively known as Liotia (pronounced Ly–Oh–Sha). We combine Abigail’s haunting vocals, guitar, keyboards and song-writing with Matt’s soundscapes, synthesisers and drum machines. We are mostly electronic but often incorporate cello and brass using some of the brilliant musicians in town. We like to add some dubby elements and even lean towards prog, using mellotrons and synths, but our music isn’t as complicated.
What’s the story behind the name?
The first recording we did together was Abi’s solo EP, but when this developed into more of a band we started searching for names. The trouble with band names is that so many cool ones are already taken, but Abi found the word liotia, which is a type of small sea snail. The only other
Image by Helga Dorothea
Liotia online is a Russian woman who isn’t a musician. We both grew up by the seaside, in Whitstable, so the name works on that level and the word just has a nice sound to it.
Can you tell us about your musical journeys and how you came together?
Matt: I first met Abi at Pie Factory Music (Ramsgate-based charity) where she was on an internship. I was studio manager. I didn’t know much about her music but a colleague, Robin File, said check it out. She had a cassette demo. I dug the songs and the writing style. I produced her debut EP and we progressed from there. We started gigging as a band with Joel Healy, Stefan White and latterly Skip McDonald, which was a real honour for us. Then things happened in life and Abi really wanted to travel, so the project was on ice for three years. However, she returned with new songs and got back to work. As time progressed the music gained an identity. We produce a lot quicker now and with just two of us things are easy to organise.
Our influences are quite diverse. The whole trip hop sound definitely influenced us and we both love Portishead, but we’re certainly not copying the vibe. We’ve gone off on our own Kentish way. Aphex Twin, Nils Frahm, Public Enemy, Four Tet, Can, Low, Wu Tang Clan - we’ve been creating playlists on Spotify and that’s really the best way to describe what we like. There’s soul, reggae, hip hop, country, indie, electronica. So much stuff. Search Liotia on Spotify and you’ll find our playlists there.
How would you describe the music scene in Ramsgate?
The music scene in Ramsgate and Thanet is incredible, pretty mindblowing really. First and foremost, big up Skip McDonald and Adrian Sherwood. The two have made so many wicked records it’s insane. Both worthy of whole books written about them. They have provided so much love and support. Skip’s such a beautiful musician, he can play something so simple but yet so right for the song, and Adrian’s mixing skills are legendary. He’s a really positive force for us.
There’s just so many people here! Jo Wallace’s Ramrock Records releases our music with wicked remixes from her partner and DJ/ Producer Ashley Beedle. Both live down the road. Then there’s Congo Natty, Adamski, Ghetto Priest, Taz, Graham Warnock, Ivan Hussey, The Ramsgate Music Hall, Big Jelly Studios, Pie Factory Music, Lanta. I could go on... World class musicians right on the doorstep!
In the distant town of Margate, we love Lunatraktors, Babii, Sarasara and Claire Pitt Wigmore - all have such incredible sounds. There’s a real sense of understanding between creative folks here. It’s not an easy path to follow, it’s living on the edge both financially and psychologically, but knowing people doing wonderful things keeps us motivated.
How and where can readers discover your music?
For digital check out liotia.bandcamp. com and ramrock.bandcamp.com. We’re on all the other digital platforms but Bandcamp’s ethos is best. Blackout comes out on vinyl in January and will be in shops locally, nationally and direct from us. We have a mailing list so sign up and get our gig dates, forthcoming releases and merch info at liotia.co.uk.
Raphael Mann, record producer, recording artist and multiinstrumentalist, works between Arco Barco studio and his home studio on Addington St
RACHAEL DADD 13/02 (Ramsgate Music Hall) Contemporary folkpop experimentation from the Bristol-based singer and multiinstrumentalist, touring with a full band which should make for bold and interesting musical textures if her recent releases are anything to go by.
FREEDOM ROAD 08/03 (Foyle Rooms, Turner Contemporary, Margate) Part of POW! Festival, local jazz-soul-blues luminaries Sabina Desir (vocals) and Jessica Lauren (keyboards/vocals) are joined by Francesca Ter-Berg on cello, with archive audio and art installation from Ramsgate’s Karen Vost, to explore the music of the civil rights movement.
LUNATRAKTORS PRESENT MOONFEST 11/03 (Theatre Royal, Margate) Cliftonville’s favourite “broken folk” exponents curate a bill for POW!, including Brigitte Aphrodite, The Selkies, Daisy Kelly-Granger, Francesca Ter-Berg, Ray Prendergast, Neelam Saredia-Brayley, Clare Orme and Gemma Cullen. If you’ve never seen Lunatraktors live, this will be the perfect setting to remedy that!
THOMAS TRUAX 19/03 (Ramsgate Music Hall) Inhabiting a similar darkly surreal but playful universe to Tom Waits, David Lynch and Tim Burton, Thomas Truax builds his own instruments from bicycle spokes and gramophone horns, but balances this experimental palette with some strong songs and engaging dark humour.
THE MOMENTS 21/03 (Comfort Inn, Ramsgate) The hotel’s website just says “The Moments”, and I haven’t managed to confirm if this is actually the New York 70s soul legends (apparently still touring with original member Mark Greene), produced in their heyday by Sylvia Robinson (of Sugarhill fame), and whose hits included “Sexy Mama” and “Love On A Two Way Street” (the intro from which formed the basis of Alicia Keys & Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind”). Fingers crossed that it is...
1 Pull Up To The Bumper (12” Version)
Grace Jones
Grace Jones has been many things during her years in the spotlight: dancehall queen, artistic muse, style icon, rebel. From the 1970s Jones was topping the US dance charts with disco and R&B hits like “Pull Up to the Bumper”. This was the second single released by Grace Jones from her critically acclaimed 1981 album Nightclubbing and has since come to be one of Jones’ signature tunes. I love the 12” mix with its long instrumental lead-in, the perfect start to my set.
2 He's The Greatest Dancer (Dimitri From Paris Remix)
Sister Sledge
Whether I drop the original or this amazing remix, this tune is pure gold! The song was released as the lead single from the album We Are Family at the beginning of 1979, crossing over from the clubs. Written and produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, it has that unmistakable Chic sound. Here, disco edit maestro Dimitri From Paris nails the remix of this classic track with an extended mix, drawing out the string motifs, showcasing unheard sections from the original master tapes, sounding better than ever.
3 Love Thang
First Choice
This is a sure fire dancefloor filler. The string hook and percussive intro before dropping into that infectious groove is the set up for a party classic! “Love Thang” is from the 1979 LP Hold Your Horses. The album became an instant sensation in discos all over the world. The LP also contained the dance hits “Double Cross” and the title track “Hold Your Horses”.
4 Do The Bus Stop (Joey Negro Remix)
The Fatback Band
What a track! A mighty chunk of ’70s funk, this relentless groove is my go-to track when I want to crank up the energy. It was originally released in the spring of 1976 on the Fatback Band’s third album Raising Hell. The LP featured three of their
DJ Hooch brings his Ramsgate Soul Train to the Music Hall on 15 February and here chooses ten classics that drive his set
all time greatest hits “(Are You Ready) Do The Bus Stop”, “(Do The) Spanish Hustle” and “Party Time”. Here, Joey Negro’s remix injects his trademark disco flavour to the track that will see it find a happy home on any modern dancefloor, over 40 years after its original release.
5 Don't Cost You Nothing (12” Disco Mix)
Ashford & Simpson
In 1977 Ashford & Simpson released their album Send It, a selection of mid-to-up-tempo tracks showcasing their tight harmonies. The raw “Don’t Cost You Nothing”, with its irrepressible beat, slap bass, and lush string arrangement, all written and produced by Ashford & Simpson, tears up the dance-floor. The album became an instant club favourite thanks in large part to legendary DJ Larry Levan who featured it during his iconic Paradise Garage sets!
6 You Can't Hide From Yourself
Teddy Pendergrass
This huge disco anthem from the Philly International vaults is guaranteed to light up any dancefloor! “You Can’t Hide From Yourself” is a certified classic that has traversed the years sounding as heavy now as it did when it first dropped in ’77. Composed by the legendary Gamble & Huff production duo, the track is taken to searing heights by Pendergrass’s trademark soulful vocals. I always loop the intro for maximum effect before dropping into the track.
7 Here’s To You
Sky
An amazing disco-boogie gem, “Here’s To You” is taken from Skyyport, the third album by this New York City-based group. It was released in 1980 on Salsoul Records and features one of the all-time great drum and bassline intros. This is another track I extend with two copies to keep the funk flowing before dropping into the groove. “Here’s To You” is undeniably a party classic!
8 Love Fantasy
Mighty Fire
Always in my selection, “Love Fantasy” is a great tune to smooth things out while keeping the dancefloor moving. This is a fantastic track from the early ’80s west coast post-disco dance scene. The sharp bassline combined with the funky backbeat, lush string arrangement and outstanding musicianship really showcase Mighty Fire’s talents.
9 She’s a Bad Mama Jama
Carl Carlton
Time to drop da funk! This track is one of my all time favourite ’80s boogie tracks. If it doesn’t make you wanna hit the dancefloor, you should check your pulse ’cause you may be dead! Written by Leon Haywood, it became a major hit for Carlton, earning him a Grammy nomination and cementing his reputation in the clubs and the burgeoning hip-hop scene, where the track was heavily sampled.
10 Not Just Knee Deep
Funkadelic
I have been lucky enough to work with many members of the P-Funk family, including promoting a number of shows for Parliament/ Funkadelic, so it’s no surprise that P-Funk is always part of my sets. For the Ramsgate Soul Train I keep it up-tempo with this all time classic. “Rescuing dance music from the blahs,” was George Clinton’s mission statement on Funkadelic’s 1979 album Uncle Jam Wants You, and as disco was winding down they dropped the monster track and centrepiece of the LP, “Not Just Knee Deep”. I’ve been playing it forever and its infectious groove, bridge and chorus never let me down. It is a masterpiece!
See you on the dancefloor! DJ Hooch
PARTIES
Live music at Gulbenkian February & March
Sun 9 Feb, 8pm Folk in the Barn Tim Edey
Tue 11 Feb, 8pm Global Sounds Kefaya & Elaha Soroor Songs of our Mothers In association with Music For Change
Wed 12 Feb, 8pm Songbirds Hatt ie Webb In association with POW! Thanet
Sat 15 Feb, 8pm Sam Lee: 'Old Wow' Tour 2020
Tue 18 & Wed 19 Feb, 7.30pm Folk in the Barn Fairport Convention
Wed 26 Feb, 8pm Songbirds Amy True with drummer Giuliano Osella In association with POW! Thanet
Fri 28 Feb, 8pm The Jazz Sessions Camilla George
Wed 4 Mar, 8pm Songbirds Self Esteem In association with POW! Thanet Tue 10 Mar, 8pm Songbirds Andreya Triana In association with POW! Thanet Wed 11 Mar, 7.30pm Songbirds Ayishat Akanbi in Conversation In association with POW! Thanet Wed 18 Mar, 8pm Songbirds Olcay Bayir In association with POW! Thanet Sat 21 Mar, 8pm Jack Hues Primitif Album Launch In association with Dawn Chorus Records Sat 28 Mar, from 1pm Folk in the Barn FiB Fest Mon 30 Mar, 8pm Global Sounds Nitin Sawhney: Music & Me In association with Music For Change
To book, call 01227 769075 or visit thegulbenkian.co.uk
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Just off Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour, we specialise in hand made work, supporting local makers and artists with a beautiful array of unusual items. Our gallery wall presents regular exhibitions and events.
