December To Dystopia

TheZINEUK

From Dec 2019 to another world… The Deadly Dystopian Drama Degrades

2019:

w t f?

2020

“Winter 2019”, the most recent chapter of TheZineUK DIY documentary; (Oct/Nov 2019) was written in Summer 2020.

We have much affection for the cast of this tale, it’s sort of hard looking back to December 2019, knowing where we were all heading, but the real fear was having an inkling of that, for the last five years.

Now starting our latest picture book in August 2020, it is the best of times, it is the worst of times. Still Dickensian in many ways.

Life is Orwellian, Dystopian and drug-trip sci fi too. The fact that humanity’s natural, shared sense of humour, has a “2020 Bingo Card” on social media proves how anything can happen next or for the unforeseeable future. Who knows?

Through all this, exemplary, alternative pop music being is released (without live shows to perform and communicate it, in person).

WHAT a year for British and Irish musicians, when our isles may be our “global tour” circuits for a while. England/”Lepercoliniski” (where I am based) didn’t lock down due to having no leadership (death is being normalised by eugenics), so this is all, currently, wishful thinking.

2020 wouldn’t have been the same without music, family and friends. I’m shielding and hoping to make it to a gig again as soon as possible.

TheZineUK doc is six years of meeting many people to care about. Away from live shows, huge appreciation to the artists and allies that interact behind the scenes with various members of our expanded collective who, in turn, bring a wealth of their own talents to this back story’s tapestry.

Artist News builds our tale. Sharing advance links to releases even though we are a small (but effective) music site, private message exchanges, long phone calls putting the world to rights, gracing Balcony Online Festival until we can stage shows again and sweet texts from dear hearts. What magical friendship.

Thank you! Caffy (Events/Diary), on behalf of TheZineUK

Uniqulture’s Fertile Environment

positivity from the diversity of the community is creativity. despite adversity, it powers unity.

#Zeenagers

thezineuk.co.uk

#TheZineUK doc - a fraction of punky lifestyles in action, continued. Under the radar, over the rainbow. December 2019 - under a political shadow

As 2019 ended, we’d been following, creating hanging out, collaborating, promoting and documenting for five years so it would be weird if we didn’t feel connected to the people who are the cast and crew of our virtual movie.

Some covers ← Bugeye by Julia Woolams of 31% Wool, Amy (Nova Twins) and Claudia (Cat Bear Tree) at #No3Expo by Polstar Photography, Deux Furieuses by Dan Donovan plus collages from CroCroLand, Kick Out The Jams and more, plus → End Of The Trail Amersham Arms gig (top) and Autumn 2019 by Tyla Challenger of The Novus (bottom)

Just before the ex-UK “election”, propaganda for the forthcoming coup felt like a powerless, deathly hallows darkness. Simultaneously, the elite’s empire had 21st century sci-fi mainstream media storm-troopers on their side. It was a mental health war as well as class war.

So… I wrote. I listened to music. I worried about my family, friends and self as I saw our denouncers inadvertently start to reveal themselves. I felt simultaneously sad and rebellious.

This chapter of our story feels especially personal somehow - so opinionated views are all my own, not necessarily of our team (Caffy, Diary Doc/Rocklands i.e. TheZineUK Live Events Department).

Pre December 12th 2019; Election Day

Source; bbc.co.uk/news (Technology) BBC also leaked the postal vote victory the day before we went to the polls, but although declared illegal, it was just new regime as usual (i.e. with impunity). Within months, #AbolishTheMonarchy was trending on social media.

- George Orwell

Alright, ya lying “Goebbels” tinted villains… calm the fuck down!

Not everybody believes the billionaire’s-puppets, like enslaved minion muppets.

I was inspired that The Blinders and an extended collective of music passioned friends made a musical stand For The Many starting at The Ritz Manchester on December 1st . Many, nationwide were there in spirit. Manc Angel, Denise Johnson, beautifully sang “Oh Jeremy Corbyn” on Twitter, in support.

The punky For The Many road show then entertained, campaigned and raised funds for achievable and affordable change for the better i.e. the manifesto of the democratic socialist Labour. Party. Musical activism alongside the #FckBoris fest/bus, and much more. School children sang out of windows. The Morning Star Newspaper interviewed musicians Daniel Connolly (Sisteray), Nadia Javed (The Tuts) and Charlie McGough (The Blinders) about being Labour voters.

No spoilers needed. We lost. When the system is rigged (and the fairer society that thousands of every day people energised for, is scuppered from the inside), then there is no hope. …B U T… Many continue to think things out for themselves, back up with evidence, debate whether it’s science against the globe being flat, question facts underlining the climate emergency or even just billionaires telling millionaires to lay the blame for their crimes on the poor, then there IS hope.

Further dates were added to these tour dates. The Pagans S.O.H. Also played a show in Lincoln. The S.O.H. Stands for Shepherds Of Humanity.

Sounds about right.

A few days after Manchester, a gang of us were in East-est Eastenders Essexy land, the constituency of genuine Death Eater; tory “MP”, Iain Duncan Smith, who retained his seat despite his cruel deeds against the sick and vulnerable, as Welfare Minister (2010-2016) which also earned him a shitehood-knighthood.

On Wednesday 4th December, in the afternoon, actor, Hugh Grant joined Labour MP, Faiza Shaheen’s campaign.

Then, in the evening, after campaigning, rock ‘n’ roll friends joined in, loudly…

4th December 2019 � Previous page; #Zeenagers, A Movie.

Faces from our story, rep the interdependent new music world of Britain & Ireland (that TheZineUK story owes so much to).

This page; → Packed like a rowdy house party, For The Many tour; Seasons Bar, Woodford (East London/Essex).

The night was start to finish, well worth it - high aiming, high quality at high decibels and Newer Wave vibrations (i.e. punky mates)

Charlie McGough and Daniel Connolly - 4th December 2019 For The Many, Woodford.

Crosswires - 4th December 2019 For The Many, Woodford.

Couples - 4th December 2019 For The Many, Woodford.

The Blinders - 4th December 2019 For The Many, Woodford.

Nobody knows the future. Better to try and fail, than fail to try. #MusicTourism stepped up at end of 2019… It’s currently virtual or #Safety1stGigs in King Tuts’ 30th year. Gonna Keep trying.

7th December 2019

Hum Hum Productions at the British Film Institute, Central London

UK premiere for their short film . documentary, Screened at the Super Shorts International Film Festival.

There was so much sparked creative talent on show that evening. It was a great evening. Thank you very much for the ticket. xx

'Vaarheim' means “our house” in Shetlandic dialect. The film is of a green world under a grey sky that is bleakly unfamiliar yet engagingly familiar to the working class. Directed by Victor Ridley, it’s multiple fest-screened and award nominated /winning. Hum Hum Productions (Producer / Director duo; Jeanne Scahaise and Carol Van Hemelrijck) create diverse and empowering story telling. They came into TheZineUK story when making the 'River Thames' video with MOSES (October 2018). humhumproductions.com

12th December 2019. Up early morning to vote at the Polling Station. The dark sky called the result, in advance.

13th December 2019: Dystopian Dawn.

After the evidence-free weaponising (and eventual normalising) of anti-semitism, the grave new world (with the fridge creep coward, Boorish Johnson as Prime Sinister), becomes another trumpian age reality. Swastika graffitti shite, publicly sprayed, included on this very first day. Slow hand clap.

Depression-drowned in mourning the faint chance of a fairer, less hate fuelled society, I can’t get out of bed until after dark.

A beautiful soul sends me friendship texts of empathy. They will never know how much that meant. Actually, quite a few of the stars of TheZineUK story also take to social media to offer consolation and kindness to many. This helps to inspire me to get up, play music and not lose hope and faith in humanity.

At time of writing (August 2020) I can report from the future with this truth: “WHAT, and I mean this most sincerely, THE ACTUAL FUCK?!”

But TheZineUK tale ain’t gonna tell itself. Documenting the back stories of the new Entertainment rising from “Austerity” means that The Show Must Go On. So, on we go, then…

Easily one of the key Art Rock Youth images.

Connor Hill of The Novus (Castle And Falcon, Birmingham)

© 2434 Photography → The Novus are integral to the story of 21st century musical movements, as becomes increasingly evident. They are an essential driving force behind the ground breaking creativity explosion of The Midlands.

No denying the music tales are unbelievable nations-wide, these last five years, especially, but between “The North” and “The South” is an every man’s land doing it’s own thing. As ever.

The Novus are included in the mates’ faces, pictured a few pages ago, alongside newer wave industrious who repped at For The Many tour.

The Novus supported The Blinders on the Stourbridge date, but also made the long journey to Woodford, giving support to the bands and cause as audience members on 4th December.

#TheZineUK doc’s ArtBeat pages (October 2018) of visual art in tandem with the beat, included Smashed Hits. The art of Kirk Hendrix Whitehouse.

We keep talking of how The Midlands Music community is simultaneously hot and cool. Well, this was 14th December, The Fire and Ice Gala at Millennium Point in Birmingham.

Changes UK - 10th anniversary gala ArtBeat star, Kirk is already in our story with his incredible Smashed Hits (art created from broken vinyl records) Image ← Holding his Duran Duran artwork which raised £2,100.00 for the charity with helps people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

Roger Taylor and John Taylor of the iconic Midlands band are repping in this snapshot with Russell Brand and further attendees.

Thank you to Captain Kirk (who also manages seriously hot up and comer Midlands based bands; The Pagans S.O.H. and HÜDS) for the use of the pics here and the next page which were originally tweeted from his twitter page @ay_aye_ar_kay in December 2019.

14th December 2019 John Taylor (Duran Duran) & Kirk Hendrix Whitehouse (Smashed Hits) Fire & Ice Gala, Birmingham

There are so many coincidences in TheZineUK ; friends are three degrees of celebration apart! We have been advised that this tapestry weaves best when time travelling. Planet Earth is a small world on the music dimension, I dug out a few 20© pix for the next few pages, some of pre-global-superstars Duran Duran.

It’s the usual amateur snap-shots, but as I mentioned, this time travel issue is a bit more personal than usual, so after an (always inspiring) phone natter one day, with Kirk, I found that our stories were over-lapping in all kinds of decades.

Uniqulture is the BEST. Good people find each other. Also, new stars will keep being born so no, NOBODY has “seen/heard it all before” so Stay thrilled.

Musical brothers; 20th Century Duran Duran. The small pix are my (still) best mate, “Ag” and myself. The band kindly left messages with their parents, of where they would be, for us to find them. (Girls can just appreciate the music while digging the musicians! Some bands and crews get that). It’s ACE to now be a mad old bat (deluxe!) of rock n roll sharing some lockdown tidy-up photo finds.

Time Travel to July 2019: Duran Duran played a live stream show at the Kennedy Space Center’s Rocket Gardens (Planet Earth) for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing with the Brevard Strings, Joyful Noise Choir and a choreographed sky drone performance by Studio Drift.

I remain gigs-addicted! I still work/liaise with astounding talent. Nowadays there is not the mainstream budget infrastructure. Sussed interdependent media, industry and audience allies of the DIY worlds have necessarily taken Art Punk next level (even in lockdown). I have a memory of singing the album, ‘Rio’ by Duran Duran, with 1990s rock outsiders, Mansun, (pictured here at an album signing for .

1990s Hall Or Nothing Days some of TheZineUK cast ain’t been born yet. Pics: Mansun in Norwich, The Bluetones being photographed by Kevin Westerberg in twin towered New York and Stereophonics doing an interview at an Italian music festival‌

Bouffant Headbutt, Yeah Yeah! The instigators of “Girl Power”, were ace Plumstead Punks, Shampoo. From Manics fanzine creators to international stardom, especially in Japan. ← Photographer Kevin Cummins and journalist Mark Sutherland.

Below; Went to India for the weekend (as you do?) with Select Magazine.

I’m no photographer, but still blessed to see cred music documentarians work. Find 21st Century aces in issues of our doc. → Scarlet Page with Grant Nicholls (Feeder) in Norwich). Below Hall Or Nothing did Reading / Leeds Festival press for years. The security/safety pit was shared as a photo pit. Never a dull moment!

Reading Festival - The security pit in front of the stage, after the last set

Some people say you shouldn’t mix music and politics. In real life, being born is political until the day you die.

Make the most of your time, and S*M*A*S*H it if you can. ← Journalists Johnny Cigarettes and the incomparable Steven Wells in Welwyn Garden City with Ed S*M*A*S*H the night they got signed. ←Rob setting up his kit. S*M*A*S*H are about to ride into Brixton on the NME float at a Rock Against Racism moment which still feels like a dream.

The band have a song; that tory time travels very well.

The Beta Band. The tour van broke down between Sheffield and Manchester (made the gig!).

Then on London’s OXO Tower, telling the photographer “our album’s shit”. The journalist heard. Front page banner the following week. Above: At The Q Awards. Steve’s hat says “If Assholes Could Fly, This Place Would Be An Airport”. He’s on tour in 2021 - and still a hot ticket.

Hall Or Nothing also did PR for The Phoenix Festival (an airfield, perfect) The Paddling Pool Posse (our festivals gang) and myself (bottom) on The Fall CD. Right → Manic Street Preachers, Main Stage.

“CONTRACT TYPE RUMOUR HYPE LEADS US TO BELIEVE THAT THE MANIC STREET PREACHERS MAY ACTUALLY TURN UP AND PLAY LIVE AT COLLEGE ROAD, FEBRUARY 1992.

SO, WEDDINGS, SORE THROATS, GLANDULAR FEVER, HEADACHES, CUT ARMS, TWISTED ANKLES, BROKEN FINGERNAILS ALLOWING, THEY WILL BE HERE… TICKETS £3.00 ADVANCE FROM UNION OFFICE AND BARS” Ah, those early days Manics tours… I still love the band loads in 2020 (i.e. the majority of this life).

One of TheZineUK’s reporters/photographers, Lorna Cort, is in the Dead End Dolls band that star in the 1990s ‘Little Baby Nothing’ video made by the aforementioned Steven Wells.

Live: Cambridge (the flying hat protected James from all the bottles coming on stage), Portsmouth: About to do an interview with Caitlin Moran. � Generation Terrorists - debut MSP album release day - after a gig in Hull the night before. → The Wire setting off to play a gig in Newport. Next page; a New York City rock n roll church - early hours o clock.

Legendary weekends with the awesome Hall Or Nothing fam for over a decade. I have a soft spot for Reading and Leeds Festival, still.

Time Travel: TheZineUK started in 2014 when sofa critics argued that “guitar bands are over”.

It’s a seasonal thing they do. “Over”, “Cool”, ”Over”, ”Back”. Whatever. Go to a gig! Thanks to This Feeling and BBC Introducing, since then, we have seen an increase in artists from our story gracing the festival stages that had become denied to the non privileged and working class over this “austerity” (heist) decade.

Joining their (appreciated) stages, in leading the 21st Century blueprint charge Cro Cro Land, DecoloniseFest, Loud Women, The Brighton Mix Up (Kick Out The Jams) and Modern Age Music’s SOMA fest - are among events around the Song And Dance isles able to suss gender balanced, diverse events of incredible entertainment quality (and are part of our #Fertile Environment - follow that trail!)

In the background of the 1990s,000s, I saw “Britpop” etc through my own ears, before my eyes

In time off, I enjoyed making collages of Newer Wave inspirations, another lockdown tidy up find…

Radiohead playing the Pink Pop Festival Main Stage, Netherlands.

Manic Street Preachers were on the same stage, later. (Circa 1993?)

Next page: UK and France →

Above: Radiohead photo session with Danny Clinch (while Docklands was being built). That page → Europe , more recognition (via Carol Baxter, international Woman of Star Making) and, Just off the tour bus in New York, then photo session with Tom Sheehan. Love Legends, all.

Radiohead sound check at Arena Di Verona, 30 May 2001

It was before ‘panorama’ on everyday cameras, so I clumsily stuck a load of photographs together

� (photographer: Andy Willsher) and after gig chilling (supporting REM at Milton Keynes Bowl). Calm before Radiohead’s own festival storm; South Park in Oxford.

After mainstream music industry life, I remained drawn to small gigs like a moth to a flame.

In the naughties, Rocklands staged DIY, punky music socials of art blessed rock. The Newer Wave was rolling.

Pic: → Special Needs and The Rocks are playing live in Zac Needs’ bed-room. Invited, I followed the sound of a Manics record blaring from a hole that had been kicked in his front door.

These are two of the bands who graced the Paradise Bar (RIP) weekly Pop Of The Tops club (instigating what became known within months as ”The New Cross Scene”) 2020: I STILL get to work with incredible credible artists who were flavouring the #SaveOurVenues circuit. Their music also has time travel potential.

TheZineUK is part of that movements and during Broken Britain’s Hostile Environment, documents a fraction of the energy that is organically, positively and consistently building a (much needed, and balancing) “Fertile Environment”) since 2014.

Magick ahoy. The Faeries, visual artists, punk band, New Cross. Pic:Rich Pack. Next page → More Pop Of The Tops alumni at The Paradise Bar

Corporation:Blend, Nebraska, Toby L, Art Brut, The Miggs, Bloc Party

Mark Beaumont (NME etc. on the decks at Pop Of The Tops. He also DJ’d some years later for us at TheZineUK in 2015 (Amersham Arms, Nova Twins headline) Ben of The Blaine Brothers (now no strangers to Channel 4, various awards etc is filming. Their Digital Sneakers ‘Rocklands - Live In New Cross’ shorts and doc were screened locally and at the ICA, the National Film Theatre, Curzon Soho Cinema.

John Kennedy did a Special.(Radio X’s guru is essential to telling 21st century’s alternative music tale; (just ask the artists and audiences on the grassroots music venue circuit!)

The DIY, collaborative Art Rock powered “New Cross Scene” goes international. Angular’s compilation ‘The New Cross’ is NME’s album of the year.

2007’s “24 Hour Concrete Glastonbury” (ArtRocker) - Rocklands Party with artists, Kate & Tristan (the latter now heading the multiple award winning Little Nan’s Bar) They had turned part of the New Cross Inn into a boutique with a stage. Art was running riot in #SELondon by now. Brilliant. In 2008, we also started RAR! (14+ monthly club in Deptford Albany) with Pendulum. It ended in 2010 with Tinie Tempah, the week he was No.1 in the singles chart. Music love has power.

I didn’t manage to nab star shaped Officer Kicks for Rocklands Party (ta for the heads up, Dave GigSlutz!) but ended up managing them with a few years of amazing adventures rounded up by their second album (2010) unashamed, filthy rock blues that set a tone for the next decade. “Guitar bands are dead” reckoned the sofa critics. Bollocks.

Pic: Bestival. Jamie Scallion (pink coat) is now a book charts topping author, too. All musicians are so much more. Earth is blessed. In 2010 I also met TheZineUK’s editor, Dizzy Spell when word magician, Patrick Jones, played a show for Rocklands… Situationist seeds were sewn.

2012 more Music Women starring. Heather Minx film/TV creator - live stream music show, Playhard, before the tech was widely availably. Averaging 16k each episode for new music! AND… Top left; Dave GigSlutz and Jean Genie (Panda Power) DJ the launch of Rocklands’ ArtBeat Amersham Arms.

Bottom: ArtBeat’s All Ages Rock Show. Above: Georgia South at People’s Day Festival. Amy Love was right down the front in support. They soon united as Nova Twins and the rest is NOW and future.They are also Heavy Music Awards 2020 winners.

Back full circle to the start of TheZineUK. Mourning Birds are a golden thread of this tapestry.

Since our first picture story upload (Chapter 1, Spring 2014) it has been a real time experience to see the artists and their audiences develop back stories of varying fortune.

You couldn’t get more organic.

Mourning Birds eponymous debut album is an ear opener. The band also played shows with TheZineUK allies and co-promoters, Benumu and Kick Out The Jams, a few years later.

Fast forward to lockdown and, as we’re always creating and recreating, it feels like the talent collision in our story have started something completely new.

A Fertile Environment despite living throught the Hostile Environment.

DIY, diverse and inclusive Art Rock has fuelled a Newer Wave for a newer world…

Incredible single from HÜDS (mentioned earlier, as their manager, Kirk, started the time travel). Produced by the Magic Garden’s Wizard, Gavin Monaghan.

It’s seriously worth repeating, that the Midlands (Centre of England on a map) is top flight indicative of many new music bomb-pop sites, across the UK and Ireland, kicking against the austerityheist pricks with breath taking sounds.

Band Photography: Paul Husband

TheZineUK have staged The Music People Party since December 2017.

That reboost started an office party for full of familiar faces, with some legendary behaviour, EVERY time.

Selected, atmospheric live sets with star potential twinkling on stage. Hot Hosts, DJs, journalists and photographers all part of this #FuturePicks vibration.

Mostly though we’re just having friendly FUN (with some well sharp moves and shapes happening on the dance floor/ piss up. December 2019 was no exception. It felt like a Love Breakout!

As per these gatherings, what happened most of all was grinning in the shows, hugging, laughing. Thank you all who came/supported. Camden later said goodbye to another live music venue‌

All You Need Is Music Love…

17 December, The Music People Party ← that page; Luvia & (below); The Dabhands, were invited back to Camden Monarch by TheZineUK. The silky voiced former was picked up for the (later ill fated) SXSW 2020. The raw and punky latter rounded off their well received alt-rock out with a cover of ‘Killing In The Name Of’ by Rage Against The Machine. It now feels like they were sound-tracking 2020 in advance! (Raging right-wing ex-RATM fans included!)

Raucous and tightly sprung, The Rezner graced TheZineUK’s 5th Anniversary gig in Spring 2019. Thank you for coming all the way from Cornwall to stun us, yet again…

#TheZineUK The Rezner, The Music People Party 2019 by Robyn Skinner

#TheZineUK The Rezner, The Music People Party 2019 by Robyn Skinner

#TheZineUK The Rezner, The Music People Party 2019 by Robyn Skinner

#TheZineUK The Rezner, The Music People Party 2019 by Robyn Skinner

The Music People Party informally connecting the dots I’m told alliteration is bad writing so will just say ‌Artists, Audiences and Allies united by the Arts in Austerity. Synchronicity, serendipity and musical magick. Tonight’s host; musician, writer and astrologer, Monefa Walker was raised by a Mansun family Mum, for instance.

Take TheZineUK’s word for why Couples keep popping up in our story. Gracing our earlier pages this issue, their headline set (and first gig in Camden Monarch)at The Music People Party felt like a punky coronation. See post-punk’s future for further details. Image by Robyn Skinner. More →

#TheZineUK Couples, The Music People Party 2019 by Robyn Skinner

#TheZineUK Couples, The Music People Party 2019 by Robyn Skinner

#TheZineUK Couples, The Music People Party 2019 by Robyn Skinner

I believe in the potential of heritage artists from both centuries of popular music. It’s not called Un-Pop! Get behind the stars of Music Venue Trust’s #SaveOurVenues circuit, when we can gig. Fall in love all over again. (Caffy, TheZineUK Events/Diary) - this music venue was not saved.

Louise Schofield at The Music People Party

Our #FuturePicks are artists, audiences and allies, alike. Lovely lively “Lullaby Lou“ is part of our story since 2018. Always a pleasure to see her passion, talent and drive developing ascending. In December, Louise was one of many wonderful reporters supporting our stars. A consumate professional (middle pic, with her researched-info card for interviews, pop up TV set in the yard, thumbnail accompanies the finished work).A technician, film maker, radio, podcast and TV presenter, social media wiz and born comedian - and in demand at all levels from a variety of events from gaming to award ceremonies. A BBC journalist, Louise instigates multiple DIY platforms to showcase creators and performers. She is a compere for our mates, Modern Age Music sponsored by Pistonhead and the host of interdependent live music stream show, Balcony Festival (a multi media sites and promoters collaboration started by Joyzine (of the prior mentioned New Cross Scene etc)

Our awesome DJ Hot Host, Nineties Mike and another friend with Toby Mitchell of rockers, The Velvet Hands (the band who got The Music People Party ball rolling in 2017!)

Absolutely fizzing (for weeks!) from The Music People Party, the world felt like a happier place. A few days later, feeling out of this world in the East End community-caring cinema that hosted Genesisters (with Bugeye in August 2018) and Simon Baker/Rio Ferdinand’s ‘90 Minutes’ movie premiere (with MOSES in March 2019). Both events were chapters in our time travelling tales.

Back there on December 20th , I don’t do Xmas, but that week, in the beginning:

26th December 2019 #FertileEnvironment DJ Host of The Music People Party’s launch in 2017 was ace heart, Katie Owen, another golden thread through TheZineUK’s weaving tapestry.

This was the first of two BBC Radio 1 shows that she hosted over 2019’s holiday season.

It’s the best thing; seeing friends and faces of the independent venue gigs, making their individual ways into the now and next industry/media.

This uniqulture is creating a network of music fans who are on and off the stage at interdependent moments. It’s (nearly) all (still) happening!

28th December 2019: This roller-coaster of a year deserved to be rounded off in style. The band to pull off any occasion, Smiley & The Underclass, were playing at the Mau Mau Bar, “Under The Westway�. A sort of punky reggae party Star Wars characters bar of lovetastic proportions.

28th December 2019. Smiley & The Underclass at the Mau Mau Bar. Totally packed out show (steamy-lens pix). There are definitely many rebels out there! (But another venue now gone).

2020

January 2020 Despite Brexit’s looming dystopia… I was excited, elated about what the #2020vision would turn out to be…

Art via R*E*P*E*A*T

January 2020

I don’t “do” Xmas, but in December 2019, I did the full last seasonal holiday before the apocalypse thing (though I went to bed at 11pm on New Year’s Eve, feeling a little existential dread…). Then on Friday 10th January 2020, before entering my first gig of the year, I took a photo of the Full Moon… the #2020Vision had begun. It’s not what anybody could expect…

January 8th 2020 Star Man Day #MusicTourism : @allontheboard #allontheboard

Friday 10th January Modern Age Music Ones To Watch 2020 at 229 in Central London.

#FertileEnvironment: in action: This year, Modern Age’s Tip Show Events had expanded to two London venues and two in Manchester.

→ Next page: Lori of headliners, Weekend Recovery, with event host, Louise

10th January 2020, la lune, Modern Age Music - Ones To Watch 2020

10th January 2020, Snayx, Modern Age Music - Ones To Watch 2020

Modern Age Music are one of the interdependent promoters who have developed since we enjoyed one of their early shows (sold out Paper Dress Vintage with Sisteray and The Velvet Hands in 2017) . Interdependent? Self contained instigators with their own tastes, styles and way of doing things, interacting. The PHf on the e-flyer stands for Pistonhead Foundation. Well deserved. Sponsors are coming on board for the regular, newer wave threads of our tale, like their artists are increasingly noticed by mainstream press. Respect to radio at all levels - on the case early. It helps! Word is out on the socially inclusive shows where they star. Modern Age are in the vanguard of this, so no wonder 229 Great Portland Street was packed from early doors.

Next Page Pix: Rhona Murphy and Rhiannon Nevada photographer stars (blurred, sorry lovelies), Louise Schofield interviewing Weekend Recovery before their set, music world mover shakers Robyn Skinner (her photos on previous pages) and Andy Winters (band manager) with Brandon Wright of Modern Age, La Lune setting up to play.

10th-12th January 2020 This Feeling Big In 2020.

The godfather of Interdependent Rock n Roll promoters in the #FertileEnvironment TheZineUK’s own documenting would be a whole different tale without “The Zone” (TF) supporting not only musicians, but also the up and coming multi media reporters and visualisers of the new music industrious.

Due to what is, by now (Autumn) referred to as the “2020 Bingo Card”, add these tips and debut album artists to your 2021 lists… double up!

On Saturday 11th Jan, there were so many friends and hugs and raucously rowdy funbathers in Nambucca, Holloway, that it was another battery charge for the soul.

GIGS ARE THE BEST!

11th January 2020: Another night on the creative Newer Wave circuit. Again, packed from early doors, on and off stage buzzing like the hive of movershaker bees that it is. Consider your music futures pollinated. In the best possible ways.

11th January 2020, The Dead Freights This Feeling - Big In 2020

11th January 2020, Cruel Hearts Club This Feeling - Big In 2020

11th January 2020, Ivory Wave This Feeling - Big In 2020

There’s No Place Like Zone!

#MusicTourism - awed reactions to Rockaway Beach Festival in Bognor Regis 10th-12th January 2020.

The Pagans S.O.H. Managed to be one of the stand-out discoveries on this distinctive line up (below from God Is In The TV review).

The RB weekend is Reasonably priced, too!

Thursday 16th January The Camden Mix-Up Three alt-rock shows within one week? YEP! So much fresh fantastica keeps breaking out for our live music pleasuring. Note how these promoters are ace at scouting the must-see sets.

Our homies, Joyzine, are reviewing the show. Editor, Paul Maps, will later instigate Balcony Festivals in March 2020. Many thanks to their photographer, Rupert Hitchcox, for permission to also use his images from The Dublin Castle in this issue.

(Time travellers: Rupert also snapped and designed Chapter 1 of these picture diary books before he went on to do much more!)

→

16th January, The Camden Mix-Up: UK Paint Horse Š Rupert Hitchcox

The Music People Party 2019 host, multi talented promoter, Peggy From Earth (Boogaloo Radio Presenter) is tonight going down a well received treat in her own right as a vocalist.

"What a great crowd. …obviously people here to listen to music. Which is very rare..." The Institutes

16th January, The Camden Mix-Up: © Rupert Hitchcox

16th January, The Camden Mix-Up:Saytr Play © Rupert Hitchcox

16th January, The Camden Mix-Up:Saytr Play © Rupert Hitchcox

16th January, The Camden Mix-Up:Saytr Play © Rupert Hitchcox

16th January, The Camden Mix-Up:Saytr Play © Rupert Hitchcox

16th Jan: The Camden Mix-Up: Marisa & The Moths © Rupert Hitchcox

16th Jan: The Camden Mix-Up: Marisa & The Moths © Rupert Hitchcox

16th Jan: The Camden Mix-Up: Marisa & The Moths © Rupert Hitchcox

16th Jan: The Camden Mix-Up: Marisa & The Moths © Rupert Hitchcox

The Camden Mix-Up is presented by Kick Out The Jams and sponsored by Rotor Videos.

This event raised awareness and funds for the charity; Musicians Against Homelessness.

Promoted in association with TheZineUK.

The packed Dublin Castle had a rollicking good time‌yet AGAIN!

Image: Š Rupert Hitchcox

Fwar! Look at the 2021 Time Travel on That! Camden Calling (February) and Loud Women Fest (March)

Time Travel to 22nd December (again by the River Thames!) with intergalactic sparkler, Purple Spice. What a TREAT! Star Shaped Club’s Prosecca Supernova bottomless Britpop Brunch rounds off Peacemas. Thank you Mrs Kitten, also for the pic of us at Hall Or Nothing. Big up music PRs! Also, Pulp and The Bluetones are still absolute crackers!)

23rd January 2020, GLOO are on the merchandise case, supporting COUPLES at Modern Age Music’s 2020 Ones To Watch (Heavenly Social, Fitzrovia). My “photography” is too shocking from that night, but the gig itself was an art school feeling thriller.

Wednesday 28th January 2020 Velvet Goldmine - movie screening (with photo session and glam cocktails!)

As TheZineUK’s Events Department, Rocklands s in co-pro heaven thanks to the awesome Genesis Cinema’s invitation.Thank you for the funshine!

The music loving movie house which crops up through our story. Socially inclusive, community minded and so very much in the vein of Uniqulture’s Fertile Environment.

ArtBeat Stars are so there! Multi talent tasking musicians, Rhiannon (RtN Makes Music) and Monefa Walker are in the (picture) house!

21st Century Grrrls who inspire this documentary, Monefa and Rhiannon have a way with a tune AND with #StageStyle

Thank You!

6 Year Goldmine

Thursday 29th January 2020 - #FuturePicks Live The next night we were out to play and create, again, with Louise Schofield for the pilot of her hosting a collaborative #FuturePicks TV pilot.

This was Britain’s last week “In Europe” and it felt bleak. This was the start of many new beginnings so it simultaneously felt bright. Our events management and scouting suss taken sufficiently seriously to have an event scheduled in April with major booking agency, 13 Artists.

This week I also had a meeting with Music Industry star turn, Key Production.

Karen Emanuel’s iconic company celebrates 30 Years of successful business in 2020 and, as ever, is making new futures.

It was also Independent Venue Week across the land. We were in one of the nation’s heritage locations, The Hope & Anchor in Islington. “Still grinning from our Music People Party, this idea began while dancing to DJ Nineties Mike at the after show” thezineuk.co.uk (January 2020 preview) Although The Rills could not make the show in the end, kudos to RtN Makes Music for stepping in at the last moment… and STARRING!

→

29th January. Team #FuturePicks - Lou sets up the TV production and Sonja welcomes the audience.We are in a special #MusicTourism space. Hope and Anchor is home to Joy Division’s London debut and Keane’s first gig. Alumni include Stiff Records, The Damned, X-Ray Spex, The Specials, The Clash, Steel Pulse, The Cure, The Jam, Madness, Adam And The Ants, The Pogues, The Only Ones, Squeeze, The Police, XTC, Ramones (plus that infamous two men, one dog, U2 gig!). We also live for NOW and next.

There was so much flu going around that some people couldn’t make the show and it didn’t look sold out. Headliners, MOSES, just about got through their set and yet they remain made of stardust, live on stage. Thank you to all who bought a ticket . We could pay all the musicians and crew, which was the idea.

We created four interviews (including two ad lib), a short doc for Instagram TV, a news teaser for YouTube and Facebook, an impromptu photo session (thank you Kat Five) and wonderful feedback.

29th January 2020 - Louise Schofield TV & TheZineUK present #FuturePicks Live at Hope & Anchor. Pre-doors interview with Rhiannon, James and Victor with Louise.

Kat Five -#FuturePicks Live

29th January 2019 -#FuturePicks Live

M O S E S - #FuturePicks Live

More than one music fan had travelled a long way to attend this event (and we made some new friend on the night, too). We are blown away.

Thank you so much to everybody on side in any way. Hopefully we can get to make situationist TV again some time in the not too distant future.

Friday 31st January 2020 Pale grey sky morning for Britain’s last day in Europe. Thanks to The Minister Of Counter Culture (John Robb), I am repping TheZineUK at The Ministry Of Sound, for a meeting.

Warm appreciation to David Martin (General Manager of the Featured Artists Coalition) for taking time from a hectic schedule to meet up.

I chatted Bugeye, Nova Twins, MOSES, Couples, The Novus, more from our story, plus events, tech and contributors that have steered the tale in our first six years.

I off-loaded enthusiastically about how exciting, diverse, song and charismablessed Newer Wave Rock is. Arty cyberpunk under a fascist coup’s “austerity” heist is bringing escapist joy and positivity to Dystopia.

David took the time to hear me out.

I’m so glad, because he liked what he heard and it has already led to more.

With scarce financial infrastructure for artists, DIY is not a hip fad but a need.

At the skint and non-corporate end of influential, TheZineUK could get talked over - but achieving results on your own merit is rad cred also. Hence January’s music industry meetings schedule.

Artists and their allies, be part of the FAC! https://thefac.org/

Poundland dictatorship of callous cruelty and ruthless rudeness. Furious at the tax-paying immigrants who enhance our global reputation. Bowing and scraping to the villains stealing everything from them while destroying our world.

But we don’t all want to inbreed and some carers even want to save those who would inflict harm on a fellow human being. Like golden halos, the creators have been our saving grace, the artists of every medium, the audiences uplifted in every way.

Having documented rock and roll where it’s at it’s most vibrant and varied - under the radar - TheZineUK is at the heart of skint positivity and that is how this issue rounds off over the next few pages… to albums from the Fertile Environment years that will stand the test of time travel all over again… (pic: Kick Out The Jams, Brighton, 2018)

020 01 31

Led By Donkeys

Banksy

"It's an artist's duty to reflect the times" Nina Simone

By the time of completing this issue, mid September 2020, this seems legit‌

‌and more!

A newer wave of songs for a newer world Something Must Grow