NOT enough of a fuss is being made over this guy.
These days he's most likely known as wierd kid Simon from the fabulous Asbo superhero E4 show Misfits but he's also a captivating singer.
I saw him first in the sadly short-lived West End production of Spring Awakening, where his rock star credentials and electric shock hair outshone the entire cast.
But he's been well known on Welsh screens for some time, having scored a spot on the S4C drama Pobol Y Cwm, aged 17.
Although the following video - for single Tongue Tied - shows his softer solo side, he's also frontman of the slightly more rock 'n roll band The Convictions.
Friday 28 January 2011
THIRTEEN SENSES - AN UNLIKELY SOUNDTRACK TO A REVOLUTION
CAN'T ignore what happened in Egypt today - summed up nicely by this video.
But I did an audio double-take when I realised the author of this montage opted for unlikely Penzance lads Thirteen Senses' 2004 #35 track Into the Fire for the soundtrack.
They may not be a household name in the UK but they're being heard by a whole generation of fired up Egyptians today.
But I did an audio double-take when I realised the author of this montage opted for unlikely Penzance lads Thirteen Senses' 2004 #35 track Into the Fire for the soundtrack.
They may not be a household name in the UK but they're being heard by a whole generation of fired up Egyptians today.
GABBY YOUNG'S NO ORDINARY REDHEAD, SHE'S A BARBICAN-SINGING CIRCUS SWING-ER
GABBY Young sounds like she’s smiling over the phone.
Every story she tells has a happy ending and she sees the brightest side of the very darkest tales.
The eccentric flame-haired singer’s positive nature casts an effective veil over a history that could have ended her singing career before she even began.
At just 22, Gabby’s fledgling path was halted for a year as she fought thyroid cancer in her throat, while medics warned her she may lose her voice.
You wouldn’t know it now.
Gabby’s rich vocals are stronger than ever – so strong in fact that she, and her band Other Animals, share the bill with 10-piece ‘performance orchestra’ The Irrepressibles at The Barbican on Saturday for Disruption – a fashion and music performance inspired by the gallery’s exhibition Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion and the diversity of East London.
It is the culmination of a three-month project by 50 young people aged 14-19 working with the Barbican, London College of Fashion and Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Purveyors of “circus swing”, Gabby Young and Other Animals are emerging from their underground lair as a live phenomena.
Said Gabby, who will be wearing a dress made entirely from newspapers: “We’ve definitely got a spectacle planned. We always try and do something different each show...There’ll be a bang and the end of our set.”
Look at her pictures and you’d never guess Gabby grew up “in the sticks” in Wiltshire, to a horsey life “my mother trained racehorses”, at times sharing a home with the Australian equestrian team.
She even went to boarding school.
Instead, Gabby rejected the outdoors in favour of singing and the piano.
She said: “From the start I rebelled against any kind of sport and always wanted to be the musician. We had a little upright pink piano and my sister and I would write songs. Whenever mum and dad had friends over, we’d insist on giving them a concert, make them queue outside and pay to see us. That’s probably my earliest musical memory.”
Her parents now run her label, while Gabby lives in Kentish Town with boyfriend Stephen Ellis, frontman of band Revere and dog Hobbes (named after the comic strip stuffed tiger).
She said: “I absolutely love north London. We live right next to Hampstead Heath and I’m obsessed with the place. I’ve lived in lots of different parts of London, west, south, Chelsea for a bit, which I didn’t like, but the moment I got up north I thought this is where London is for me. I love the creativeness, you can do your own thing, don’t have to worry about being judged, everyone seems helpful and friendly. I love all my neighbours.”
She met Stephen when still travelling from Wiltshire to play gigs at Monkey Chews.
She said: “I didn’t know many musicians. The other band on the bill was Revere, I’d never heard of them before and never seen a band that made me just want to follow them around. They blew me away. I remember seeing Stephen and thinking he’s so cool I want him to be my friend but now I live with him.”
As well as her music, Gabby’s become something of a fashion icon and writes a style blog as well as running pop-up store Gabbydashery.
She said: “Gabbydashery mainly has accessories, hairpieces, bags, everything we sell is something I’d wear or have on my wall, it’s all got to be inspired by or for the music. People expect me to have made the stuff but I’m not very good with a sewing machine and glue. My first ever art report said do not let Gabby near glitter or glue.”
Fashion is definitely an important element to Gabby’s persona.
“I’ve always loved dressing up and every time I did a gig I would make an effort because I never liked seeing bands standing around in their jeans. I love the spectacle behind big stage shows, love what Bjork wears, the fact she plays with her outfits when onstage and it becomes part of the theatre of it, that is really important for me.
“I’ve always loved vintage clothes from much further back. I’ve loved Victorian clothes for so long. I’ve got bright red hair but that’s not actually that different anymore because so do all the female artists out there so I’ve got to find a way to stand out.”
Her memories of being diagnosed with cancer are still raw but she’s grateful for what it brought: “It was a huge life-changing experience to be on a path with my band, knowing my goal and to have a huge stop sign on that. But I’m so thankful for it because everything that has happened to me that’s been positive has been almost a direct result from that. Moving to London was a catalyst – I had to change my life to do what I wanted. The most terrifying thing was the operation. To be told as a singer that you might lose your voice that is a fate worse than death in a way.”
She added: “I’ve written some material about that which I’m really proud of – Too Young to Die on the album is about it. It’s changed the way I think about absolutely everything in my life. I’m a lot happier because I feel I’ve got a get out of jail free card and a real chance to do something different and have a story that might help people through hard times.”
Every story she tells has a happy ending and she sees the brightest side of the very darkest tales.
The eccentric flame-haired singer’s positive nature casts an effective veil over a history that could have ended her singing career before she even began.
At just 22, Gabby’s fledgling path was halted for a year as she fought thyroid cancer in her throat, while medics warned her she may lose her voice.
Gabby’s rich vocals are stronger than ever – so strong in fact that she, and her band Other Animals, share the bill with 10-piece ‘performance orchestra’ The Irrepressibles at The Barbican on Saturday for Disruption – a fashion and music performance inspired by the gallery’s exhibition Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion and the diversity of East London.
It is the culmination of a three-month project by 50 young people aged 14-19 working with the Barbican, London College of Fashion and Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Purveyors of “circus swing”, Gabby Young and Other Animals are emerging from their underground lair as a live phenomena.
Said Gabby, who will be wearing a dress made entirely from newspapers: “We’ve definitely got a spectacle planned. We always try and do something different each show...There’ll be a bang and the end of our set.”
Look at her pictures and you’d never guess Gabby grew up “in the sticks” in Wiltshire, to a horsey life “my mother trained racehorses”, at times sharing a home with the Australian equestrian team.
She even went to boarding school.
Instead, Gabby rejected the outdoors in favour of singing and the piano.
She said: “From the start I rebelled against any kind of sport and always wanted to be the musician. We had a little upright pink piano and my sister and I would write songs. Whenever mum and dad had friends over, we’d insist on giving them a concert, make them queue outside and pay to see us. That’s probably my earliest musical memory.”
Her parents now run her label, while Gabby lives in Kentish Town with boyfriend Stephen Ellis, frontman of band Revere and dog Hobbes (named after the comic strip stuffed tiger).
She said: “I absolutely love north London. We live right next to Hampstead Heath and I’m obsessed with the place. I’ve lived in lots of different parts of London, west, south, Chelsea for a bit, which I didn’t like, but the moment I got up north I thought this is where London is for me. I love the creativeness, you can do your own thing, don’t have to worry about being judged, everyone seems helpful and friendly. I love all my neighbours.”
She met Stephen when still travelling from Wiltshire to play gigs at Monkey Chews.
She said: “I didn’t know many musicians. The other band on the bill was Revere, I’d never heard of them before and never seen a band that made me just want to follow them around. They blew me away. I remember seeing Stephen and thinking he’s so cool I want him to be my friend but now I live with him.”
As well as her music, Gabby’s become something of a fashion icon and writes a style blog as well as running pop-up store Gabbydashery.
She said: “Gabbydashery mainly has accessories, hairpieces, bags, everything we sell is something I’d wear or have on my wall, it’s all got to be inspired by or for the music. People expect me to have made the stuff but I’m not very good with a sewing machine and glue. My first ever art report said do not let Gabby near glitter or glue.”
Fashion is definitely an important element to Gabby’s persona.
“I’ve always loved dressing up and every time I did a gig I would make an effort because I never liked seeing bands standing around in their jeans. I love the spectacle behind big stage shows, love what Bjork wears, the fact she plays with her outfits when onstage and it becomes part of the theatre of it, that is really important for me.
“I’ve always loved vintage clothes from much further back. I’ve loved Victorian clothes for so long. I’ve got bright red hair but that’s not actually that different anymore because so do all the female artists out there so I’ve got to find a way to stand out.”
Her memories of being diagnosed with cancer are still raw but she’s grateful for what it brought: “It was a huge life-changing experience to be on a path with my band, knowing my goal and to have a huge stop sign on that. But I’m so thankful for it because everything that has happened to me that’s been positive has been almost a direct result from that. Moving to London was a catalyst – I had to change my life to do what I wanted. The most terrifying thing was the operation. To be told as a singer that you might lose your voice that is a fate worse than death in a way.”
She added: “I’ve written some material about that which I’m really proud of – Too Young to Die on the album is about it. It’s changed the way I think about absolutely everything in my life. I’m a lot happier because I feel I’ve got a get out of jail free card and a real chance to do something different and have a story that might help people through hard times.”
RECORD OF THE WEEK - GEORGE MICHAEL, Faith (Remastered)
EVERYONE deserves a second chance, not least our Highgate neighbour George Michael.
Lest his talents be forgotten, Sony has reissued his iconic 1987 debut solo album Faith – and it’s still as wonderful a work of pop as first time around – maybe even better with the bonus CD. In this cruel world, there’s always room for a little more faith.
Would've liked to bring you a reminder of the original video but sadly embedding's been banned so you can see it here
Alternatively, here's a more recent recording, I guess more apt considering we're 24 years on.
Lest his talents be forgotten, Sony has reissued his iconic 1987 debut solo album Faith – and it’s still as wonderful a work of pop as first time around – maybe even better with the bonus CD. In this cruel world, there’s always room for a little more faith.
Would've liked to bring you a reminder of the original video but sadly embedding's been banned so you can see it here
Alternatively, here's a more recent recording, I guess more apt considering we're 24 years on.
CAMDEN CRAWL'S SNEAK PREVIEW + VANESSA PARADIS MAKES RARE CAMDEN APPEARANCE + DIRTY BLUES FROM CIRCUS TOWN + STOKE NEWINGTON'S JAMMY LINE-UP
THE Camden Crawl has introduced me to an untold variety of bands I’d never heard of but have come to love.
So, in the lead-up to this year’s event – a welcome distraction from some royal wedding involving a girl who’s been called Kate all her life but now has to be referred to as Katherine – there’s the ongoing treat of the CC Tips nights.
CC Tips previews Crawl talent, a helpful nudge when struggling between the weekend’s delights.
So head to the Bull & Gate (Jan 27) for chilled-out beats from French multi-instrumentalist Anoraak, maverick Mat Motte and special guests.
PS - The Crawl’s also released details of the daytime line-up, see the Camden Crawl website
• Here’s one that came from leftfield – sultry pouty French singer and Johnny Depp’s missus, Vanessa Paradis makes a rare UK appearance at Koko (Feb 2) and, not surprisingly, has sold out already. Expect songs from her Greatest Hits album and some new tracks.
Ready for some retro Paradis baggy jumper dancing?
• It’s tough to decide which not-yet-famous band to see at The Dublin Castle when there’s something on every night and you know it’s full of hidden gems. So I’m helping out this week by suggesting filthy dirty blues maestros Circus Town (Jan 30).
• Stoke Newington International Airport’s a dark horse. It’s managed to secure the Topman CTRL gigs filmed for Channel 4. The line-up’s perfect. Each week someone different gets to curate the night so In-Betweener James Buckley has lined up Miles Kane, The Vaccines and States of Emotion (Jan 28), Misfits actor – and stunning singer – Iwan Rheon introduces White Lies, Brother and Gruff Rhys (Feb 1) and Mark Ronson brings in The View, The Joy Formidable and Lykke Li. Win tickets from www.topmanctrl.com
So, in the lead-up to this year’s event – a welcome distraction from some royal wedding involving a girl who’s been called Kate all her life but now has to be referred to as Katherine – there’s the ongoing treat of the CC Tips nights.
CC Tips previews Crawl talent, a helpful nudge when struggling between the weekend’s delights.
So head to the Bull & Gate (Jan 27) for chilled-out beats from French multi-instrumentalist Anoraak, maverick Mat Motte and special guests.
PS - The Crawl’s also released details of the daytime line-up, see the Camden Crawl website
• Here’s one that came from leftfield – sultry pouty French singer and Johnny Depp’s missus, Vanessa Paradis makes a rare UK appearance at Koko (Feb 2) and, not surprisingly, has sold out already. Expect songs from her Greatest Hits album and some new tracks.
Ready for some retro Paradis baggy jumper dancing?
• It’s tough to decide which not-yet-famous band to see at The Dublin Castle when there’s something on every night and you know it’s full of hidden gems. So I’m helping out this week by suggesting filthy dirty blues maestros Circus Town (Jan 30).
• Stoke Newington International Airport’s a dark horse. It’s managed to secure the Topman CTRL gigs filmed for Channel 4. The line-up’s perfect. Each week someone different gets to curate the night so In-Betweener James Buckley has lined up Miles Kane, The Vaccines and States of Emotion (Jan 28), Misfits actor – and stunning singer – Iwan Rheon introduces White Lies, Brother and Gruff Rhys (Feb 1) and Mark Ronson brings in The View, The Joy Formidable and Lykke Li. Win tickets from www.topmanctrl.com
Friday 21 January 2011
RECORD OF THE WEEK - FRANKIE & THE HEARTSTRINGS, Hunger
SUNDERLAND five-piece Frankie & the Heartstrings are thrilling live.
Thankfully debut album Hunger hasn’t polished away the urgency of their snappy, bare style or frontman Frankie Francis’ distinctive north-eastern accent.
Although drawing many comparisons to 80s bands such as Dexy's Midnight Runners, there's a distinct flavour of The Jam in here, most audible in single Hunger, released on a limited 7" vinyl last year, but on wide release next month.
Definitely one for the download list.
Hunger was recorded at West Heath Studios, produced by Edwyn Collins (quiff-lovers unite), and is out on Feb 21, when the band play an NME Awards Show at Heaven.
Thankfully debut album Hunger hasn’t polished away the urgency of their snappy, bare style or frontman Frankie Francis’ distinctive north-eastern accent.
Although drawing many comparisons to 80s bands such as Dexy's Midnight Runners, there's a distinct flavour of The Jam in here, most audible in single Hunger, released on a limited 7" vinyl last year, but on wide release next month.
Definitely one for the download list.
Hunger was recorded at West Heath Studios, produced by Edwyn Collins (quiff-lovers unite), and is out on Feb 21, when the band play an NME Awards Show at Heaven.
ANA SILVERA'S ROUNDHOUSE ORACLES
ANA Silvera’s tough to pin down.
A former squatter who now lives in Primrose Hill, she’s classical but indie, listens to Bartok and Grizzly Bear in equal measure and uses the fantasy of fairy tales to reflect her own reality.
She’s constantly late, devoted to making music and relies on the intense heat of Bikram yoga to relax.
At the moment, the 27-year-old singer’s life has been taken over by her new work Oracles, to be debuted at the Roundhouse (Feb 2 – 4).
She said: “My days, which I love, are a round of rehearsals and writing. It’s like putting a huge patchwork quilt together of musicians, a choir, and the piece itself. It’s definitely the biggest thing I’ve ever done. It’s amazing to do three nights because I’ve never had the opportunity to refine the performance as I go along, see how everyone grows with the piece.”
The Roundhouse chief executive and artistic director Marcus Davey offered Ana the use of The Roundhouse Experimental Choir.
She said: “He’s a huge supporter of what I do. I could’ve made my life easy, done my normal set and arranged some songs for the choir but I thought this is such an amazing opportunity, I’ve been writing for a long time with a choir in my head, why not write a whole new suite of songs.”
The volume of work is such that it’s the first time Ana’s had to learn the words to her own songs.
As is her style, Oracles takes the form of a story.
She said: “My music so far isn’t necessarily personal in a confessional sense, it is obviously personal to me but I filter it through stories or folk tales to bring my own personal story out. This is very much like that. I’ve taken the arc of a fairy story which starts with a dark kingdom and something’s gone wrong, someone’s died, lost something hugely important and picks up the trajectory of that loss to a kind of redemption and acceptance. It’s got that traditional story arc, along the way the falling in love, re-emergence of self, but starts off with grief. It sort of connects to my own personal experience over the years of grief and loss but it’s also an archetypal story.”
The grief Ana alludes to is the loss of both her mother and brother in a short time.
She grew up in a single parent family and Ana’s relationship with her mother and brother was close. It was her English teacher mother who first sparked her interest in words, Ana’s early ambition was to be a writer, and enrolled her in a choir as a child.
She auditioned for the English National Opera aged 13 and was soon singing for them, although opera was never her real passion.
Instead, Ana was attracted to folk songwriters and classical music, both of which have heavily influenced her own work.
At 15, she decided to live in a squat, still going to school and singing with the ENO, but returning home to live with this anarchic, eclectic community.
She said: “My mum was surprisingly cool about it. There was a very colourful scene at the time. I met a nice group of people I wanted to hang out with, I didn’t really want to be at home and I was still singing at the opera house so that was quite weird.”
More recently she recorded single My Home Town with members of Antony and the Johnsons in Brooklyn – another hive of musical activity her mother suggested visiting.
She said: “There’s a whole scene of classical indie musicians. Being away from London allowed me to write in a more personal way, something about being away from yourself, kind of freed me a lot. I immediately felt so at home and loved it, it’s so vibrant, people were so collaborative.”
Her impressions of living in Berlin were not quite so inspiring.
She said: “What I took away from Berlin was an appreciation of London. It made me realise how much I have here.”
And here she remains – at least until Oracles is over.
More information from www.anasilvera.com and www.roundhouse.org.uk
A former squatter who now lives in Primrose Hill, she’s classical but indie, listens to Bartok and Grizzly Bear in equal measure and uses the fantasy of fairy tales to reflect her own reality.
She’s constantly late, devoted to making music and relies on the intense heat of Bikram yoga to relax.
She said: “My days, which I love, are a round of rehearsals and writing. It’s like putting a huge patchwork quilt together of musicians, a choir, and the piece itself. It’s definitely the biggest thing I’ve ever done. It’s amazing to do three nights because I’ve never had the opportunity to refine the performance as I go along, see how everyone grows with the piece.”
The Roundhouse chief executive and artistic director Marcus Davey offered Ana the use of The Roundhouse Experimental Choir.
She said: “He’s a huge supporter of what I do. I could’ve made my life easy, done my normal set and arranged some songs for the choir but I thought this is such an amazing opportunity, I’ve been writing for a long time with a choir in my head, why not write a whole new suite of songs.”
The volume of work is such that it’s the first time Ana’s had to learn the words to her own songs.
As is her style, Oracles takes the form of a story.
She said: “My music so far isn’t necessarily personal in a confessional sense, it is obviously personal to me but I filter it through stories or folk tales to bring my own personal story out. This is very much like that. I’ve taken the arc of a fairy story which starts with a dark kingdom and something’s gone wrong, someone’s died, lost something hugely important and picks up the trajectory of that loss to a kind of redemption and acceptance. It’s got that traditional story arc, along the way the falling in love, re-emergence of self, but starts off with grief. It sort of connects to my own personal experience over the years of grief and loss but it’s also an archetypal story.”
The grief Ana alludes to is the loss of both her mother and brother in a short time.
She grew up in a single parent family and Ana’s relationship with her mother and brother was close. It was her English teacher mother who first sparked her interest in words, Ana’s early ambition was to be a writer, and enrolled her in a choir as a child.
She auditioned for the English National Opera aged 13 and was soon singing for them, although opera was never her real passion.
Instead, Ana was attracted to folk songwriters and classical music, both of which have heavily influenced her own work.
At 15, she decided to live in a squat, still going to school and singing with the ENO, but returning home to live with this anarchic, eclectic community.
She said: “My mum was surprisingly cool about it. There was a very colourful scene at the time. I met a nice group of people I wanted to hang out with, I didn’t really want to be at home and I was still singing at the opera house so that was quite weird.”
More recently she recorded single My Home Town with members of Antony and the Johnsons in Brooklyn – another hive of musical activity her mother suggested visiting.
She said: “There’s a whole scene of classical indie musicians. Being away from London allowed me to write in a more personal way, something about being away from yourself, kind of freed me a lot. I immediately felt so at home and loved it, it’s so vibrant, people were so collaborative.”
Her impressions of living in Berlin were not quite so inspiring.
She said: “What I took away from Berlin was an appreciation of London. It made me realise how much I have here.”
And here she remains – at least until Oracles is over.
More information from www.anasilvera.com and www.roundhouse.org.uk
ROCK 'N ROLL MAYOR'S A HIT, SHHHH FOR THE MUSIC + MILES KANE AT XFM ALL-DAYER
SOUNDS like Mayor of Camden Jonathan Simpson and his consort Amy Lamé were such a hit as guest DJs at Barfly’s Casino Royale birthday celebrations that there are already talks to bring them back. Casino Royal promoter and DJ Jeff Automatic was so impressed with their talents that he’s also considering taking them on tour to clubs around Europe – as ambassadors of Camden – you heard it here first.
What did they play on the night? The Smiths, The Beastie Boys, Suede, Iggy and the Stooges and much more. Apparently the band room – more used to groupies – was packed with councillors pre-set, not so rock ‘n roll.
• Saturday’s such a busy day it’s almost impossible to decide what to do.
Admirers of quiet music bite your tongue for the Shhh Festival at Cecil Sharp House. The bands are not always low key, but the audience is expected to keep schtum and a special team of shushers will be there to ensure hush. The all-day programme features more than 20 acts including a rare appearance from Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite, Still Corners and Lewis & Clarke.
More info from www.thelineofbestfit.com/2010/01/shhh-cecil-sharp-house-london
• Another feast of music on Saturday is Barfly’s XfM X-Posure all-dayer, featuring the wonderful Miles Kane, Clock Opera, The Brute Chorus, Lail Arad and many more promising acts, handpicked by DJ John Kennedy. Worth a visit.
• For something a little more far out, geographically and musically, how about Stoke Newington International Airport. A night of heavy experimental music from members of a bunch of bands including Red Snapper, Three Trapped Tigers, The Heritage Orchestra, and Kandinsky – all for £5.
• I would love Bruno Mars to leave my radio alone but for those who don’t feel the same, the Brit nominee plays Cafe de Paris on Monday (Jan 24) and Koko (March 13 & 14).
What did they play on the night? The Smiths, The Beastie Boys, Suede, Iggy and the Stooges and much more. Apparently the band room – more used to groupies – was packed with councillors pre-set, not so rock ‘n roll.
• Saturday’s such a busy day it’s almost impossible to decide what to do.
Admirers of quiet music bite your tongue for the Shhh Festival at Cecil Sharp House. The bands are not always low key, but the audience is expected to keep schtum and a special team of shushers will be there to ensure hush. The all-day programme features more than 20 acts including a rare appearance from Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite, Still Corners and Lewis & Clarke.
More info from www.thelineofbestfit.com/2010/01/shhh-cecil-sharp-house-london
• Another feast of music on Saturday is Barfly’s XfM X-Posure all-dayer, featuring the wonderful Miles Kane, Clock Opera, The Brute Chorus, Lail Arad and many more promising acts, handpicked by DJ John Kennedy. Worth a visit.
• For something a little more far out, geographically and musically, how about Stoke Newington International Airport. A night of heavy experimental music from members of a bunch of bands including Red Snapper, Three Trapped Tigers, The Heritage Orchestra, and Kandinsky – all for £5.
• I would love Bruno Mars to leave my radio alone but for those who don’t feel the same, the Brit nominee plays Cafe de Paris on Monday (Jan 24) and Koko (March 13 & 14).
RECORD OF THE WEEK - MARCUS FOSTER, Shadows of the City
SEEING Marcus Foster live is essential. His unkempt stage presence leaves the intoxicating blues of Shadows of the City overpower all other thought. Young yet unspeakably mature, living every stunning note – he’s a muso’s dream. Yet his friendship with Robert Pattinson and contribution to Twilight soundtrack means he’s more likely to be known by vampire-crazed teens. (Out Feb 28).
CAMDEN'S ROCK 'N ROLL MAYOR TURNS DJ
TO MANY, the title Mayor evokes images of Mr T jewellery, stuffy occasions, endless ribbon-cutting and a mature figurehead.
Not so in Camden. This year’s mayor Jonathan Simpson is youthful in comparison, spends his spare time on gigs, has 25,000 tracks on his iPod and has just been Camden Barfly’s star DJ.
Jonathan, who spent hours sifting through his collection to narrow down his favourite tracks for the debut DJ set at Barfly’s Casino Royale night’s 12th birthday, shared the decks with his consort, broadcaster Amy Lame.
Speaking to me before the gig, Jonathan said: “I’m scratching my head thinking what on earth I’m going to play. I’m just this music nerd with lots of records but I’ve never played them publicly before. We’ll see if it’s good fun or completely car crash. Amy and my music tastes are fairly similar, she has more French pop records than me but we’re both big Morrissey fans. This will be a first, it may be a last we’ll see.”
Their fee will go to The Roundhouse Trust, the mayor’s chosen charity of the year.
“The Roundhouse is a not for profit venue. It has great gigs and events and money raised goes back into the studio enabling young people to get involved in music and performing arts. It has a really cheap studio space, concerts are recorded live by young people so can be watched around the world, they have a radio station, cheap instruments to hire – it’s a fantastic space for creativity. If there’s one space in Camden to produce the next Amy Winehouse, Madness, future artist, it will definitely be the Roundhouse.”
He chose music as his theme, he said, because: “Other mayors in the past have chosen themes which have not necessarily related to the true spirit of Camden. If you mention Camden round the world, people will probably say first the market and then the music heritage. So many great bands have been born in Camden and while it’s fun to promote, it’s also really important because it creates so many jobs and gives millions of pounds to our local economy.”
He’s not shy to recognise the competition “Everybody who goes out in Camden has a good time, while people who speak to me about going out in Shoreditch say they don’t necessarily, and feel like they were desperately pretending to have a good time, be fashionable, and if anybody broke out into a smile they would be frowned upon.”
While he may be drowning in music, he hasn’t yet got to the point of alphabetising his records (downloads excepted).
He said: “I have too much, it’s a constant bugbear, I occasionally wish I didn’t have so much but when I feel my inner geek coming out, the records come out.”
Where others at school headed for the football pitch, Jonathan, aged 10 – who played accordion at school – was busy organising relatives to drive him to see The Smiths.
He said: “When I have free time I go to concerts and that’s what attracted me to Camden. The best gig was at the height of Suede’s popularity, they were on fire and had a fantastic gig at the Roundhouse. There was this surreal celebrity moment when Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys came out and sang Rent with the band. It was brilliant – the idea of the Pet Shop Boys being a rock band. Lots of great gig memories – also seeing smaller bands at venues like The Dublin Castle and them going on to do really well. You can never judge a band until you’ve seen them live, being able to see something and test your boundaries.”
Bands he champions include Beirut, Sleigh Bells, Best Coast, The Irrepressibles and Jonsi.
He added: “I find most music completely uplifting. I’m listening to loads of Tom Waits which I suppose most people would find like being tortured in Guantanamo Bay. If I need cheering up I tend to grab a Tom Waits or Leonard Cohen album. When I’m getting ready to go out Brigitte Bardot is guaranteed to cheer you up.”
Jonathan's also roped in friend Camille O’Sullivan to do a concert at the Shaw Theatre in March and has convinced Jarvis Cocker to DJ at a charity party at the BT Tower, “it’s not often you can say I’m the mayor of Camden would you like to come play a party at the top of the BT Tower.”
He added: “I’d love to take readers to the pub and talk music for the whole evening and have them leave thinking what a nerd I am.”
Not so in Camden. This year’s mayor Jonathan Simpson is youthful in comparison, spends his spare time on gigs, has 25,000 tracks on his iPod and has just been Camden Barfly’s star DJ.
Speaking to me before the gig, Jonathan said: “I’m scratching my head thinking what on earth I’m going to play. I’m just this music nerd with lots of records but I’ve never played them publicly before. We’ll see if it’s good fun or completely car crash. Amy and my music tastes are fairly similar, she has more French pop records than me but we’re both big Morrissey fans. This will be a first, it may be a last we’ll see.”
Their fee will go to The Roundhouse Trust, the mayor’s chosen charity of the year.
“The Roundhouse is a not for profit venue. It has great gigs and events and money raised goes back into the studio enabling young people to get involved in music and performing arts. It has a really cheap studio space, concerts are recorded live by young people so can be watched around the world, they have a radio station, cheap instruments to hire – it’s a fantastic space for creativity. If there’s one space in Camden to produce the next Amy Winehouse, Madness, future artist, it will definitely be the Roundhouse.”
He chose music as his theme, he said, because: “Other mayors in the past have chosen themes which have not necessarily related to the true spirit of Camden. If you mention Camden round the world, people will probably say first the market and then the music heritage. So many great bands have been born in Camden and while it’s fun to promote, it’s also really important because it creates so many jobs and gives millions of pounds to our local economy.”
He’s not shy to recognise the competition “Everybody who goes out in Camden has a good time, while people who speak to me about going out in Shoreditch say they don’t necessarily, and feel like they were desperately pretending to have a good time, be fashionable, and if anybody broke out into a smile they would be frowned upon.”
While he may be drowning in music, he hasn’t yet got to the point of alphabetising his records (downloads excepted).
He said: “I have too much, it’s a constant bugbear, I occasionally wish I didn’t have so much but when I feel my inner geek coming out, the records come out.”
Where others at school headed for the football pitch, Jonathan, aged 10 – who played accordion at school – was busy organising relatives to drive him to see The Smiths.
He said: “When I have free time I go to concerts and that’s what attracted me to Camden. The best gig was at the height of Suede’s popularity, they were on fire and had a fantastic gig at the Roundhouse. There was this surreal celebrity moment when Neil Tennant from the Pet Shop Boys came out and sang Rent with the band. It was brilliant – the idea of the Pet Shop Boys being a rock band. Lots of great gig memories – also seeing smaller bands at venues like The Dublin Castle and them going on to do really well. You can never judge a band until you’ve seen them live, being able to see something and test your boundaries.”
Bands he champions include Beirut, Sleigh Bells, Best Coast, The Irrepressibles and Jonsi.
He added: “I find most music completely uplifting. I’m listening to loads of Tom Waits which I suppose most people would find like being tortured in Guantanamo Bay. If I need cheering up I tend to grab a Tom Waits or Leonard Cohen album. When I’m getting ready to go out Brigitte Bardot is guaranteed to cheer you up.”
Jonathan's also roped in friend Camille O’Sullivan to do a concert at the Shaw Theatre in March and has convinced Jarvis Cocker to DJ at a charity party at the BT Tower, “it’s not often you can say I’m the mayor of Camden would you like to come play a party at the top of the BT Tower.”
He added: “I’d love to take readers to the pub and talk music for the whole evening and have them leave thinking what a nerd I am.”
MYSPACE FAIL, PRIMROSE HILL'S MYSTERY GIRLBAND, SILVER BULLET'S GOOD NEWS AND MORE
IS IT wrong to dislike MySpace? I know it’s supposed to be a forum for the great unsigned but seriously, it’s impossible to navigate, takes an age to load and seems to be a graveyard for spam.
I’d rather check a band out for real, see their shaky YouTube uploads, or go to their official websites, where it doesn’t take a year to work out where their next gig is.
No offence MySpace but can’t you redesign – again?
• So much to look forward to this year – Pulp at Wireless, Two Door Cinema Club at Roundhouse and my guilty pleasure...Linkin Park at the Roundhouse for the iTunes festival – don’t judge me.
• What’s this about an emerging girl band called Primrose Hill? Have I missed out on the next big thing? Checked them out on MySpace – aside from “snippet” to single LOL, only info is they are three 13-year-olds, loads of spam messages – case in point. Don’t sound bad given their youth.
• Slightly old news but haven’t had a column to mention this – Nambucca, which burned down in a great Islington musical tragedy, but which then inspired The Flowerpot – has reopened and has an overflowing list of live gigs coming up – time to return to Holloway Road.
• Brilliant news for Finsbury Park’s coolest “pop-up” venue. Looks like it will have to drop the “pop-up”, after its lease was unexpectedly renewed. Still, nothing’s permanent so make the most of it while it’s still here.
• My digital radio is stuck on a channel that only plays ‘90s music – good memories but confusing – only bought it for 6 Music, XfM and Radio 4.
I’d rather check a band out for real, see their shaky YouTube uploads, or go to their official websites, where it doesn’t take a year to work out where their next gig is.
No offence MySpace but can’t you redesign – again?
• So much to look forward to this year – Pulp at Wireless, Two Door Cinema Club at Roundhouse and my guilty pleasure...Linkin Park at the Roundhouse for the iTunes festival – don’t judge me.
• What’s this about an emerging girl band called Primrose Hill? Have I missed out on the next big thing? Checked them out on MySpace – aside from “snippet” to single LOL, only info is they are three 13-year-olds, loads of spam messages – case in point. Don’t sound bad given their youth.
• Slightly old news but haven’t had a column to mention this – Nambucca, which burned down in a great Islington musical tragedy, but which then inspired The Flowerpot – has reopened and has an overflowing list of live gigs coming up – time to return to Holloway Road.
• Brilliant news for Finsbury Park’s coolest “pop-up” venue. Looks like it will have to drop the “pop-up”, after its lease was unexpectedly renewed. Still, nothing’s permanent so make the most of it while it’s still here.
• My digital radio is stuck on a channel that only plays ‘90s music – good memories but confusing – only bought it for 6 Music, XfM and Radio 4.
Wednesday 12 January 2011
AND THE AWARD GOES TO...
WE’VE read countless annual reviews, griped over XfM’s choice of The Killers’ Mr Brightside as the top song of all time and have been quite proud to be left out of the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Now, in the hope of being the first official music awards of the year, here are Tutankarbon's alternative prizes...
GLASTONBURY AWARD FOR MOST DRENCHED FESTIVAL – The Camden Crawl
Rain or shine we love it, you’re only ever seconds away from a venue to shelter in, but this year really tested our resolve. As we said at the time, rivers of black eyeliner ran down Camden High Street as someone in the heavens chucked buckets at the dedicated music fans swimming their way from gig to gig.
MOST WELL-INTENTIONED BUT ILL-JUDGED SPECIAL EFFECT – Kiss, 02 Academy Islington
They just wanted to give fans a taste of the stadium experience. But poor Kiss’ plans to set off ticker tape from huge cannons backfired as they accidentally suffocated themselves and their fans – cutting short their encore. There’s a reason they’re usually reserved for the arenas guys.
MALCOLM TUCKER AWARD FOR MOST DIPLOMATIC WARDROBE CHOICE – Missy Elliott, Wireless
She probably thought it was a nice gesture – wearing a German tracksuit from sponsors Adidas while their national team battled it out in South Africa. But Missy didn’t count on a bunch of sour-faced England fans, who booed and threw bottles at her, still sore at the country’s loss days earlier.
MOST RIB-CRUSHING GIG – Rage Against the Machine, Finsbury Park
We thought we’d planned it so well – close enough to see, far enough back to avoid being sucked into a mosh-pit stew of fists and feet. I even took my earrings off just in case. But from the very first bass note, the entire crowd contracted, we were lifted off our feet, flung across a molten sea of black t-shirts and banging heads before being dropped into the centre of the pit. Bones could be felt cracking and the mission to get to the edge of park was greater than any Labyrinth-type adventure. Phenomenal gig.
MOST WANTED MUSICIAN (for about five minutes) – Lowkey
He loves a good cause this one. Lowkey visited students at Camden School for Girls protesting at the planned university fees hike. Hours later, he appeared on the front of a number of national newspapers as one of the people police wanted to speak to in connection with protest violence. Of course nothing came of it and he doesn’t seem to be wanted but seeing his face in the rogues gallery it gave his fans a swift shock.
BIGGEST INSULT TO VISITING US ARTISTS – Wireless (Missy Elliott) and The Roundhouse (Talib Kweli)
I know they had their reasons, but pulling the plug on artists mid-song just is not cool. If they are running over, let them get to the end of the song. Leaving Missy and Kweli standing there, mic and music turned off, looking like fools, is not the way to make friends and can only end badly.
VENUE TO SCORE BEST SECRET GIG – Dingwalls – The Strokes
There was hysteria when news broke out that Dingwalls was going to host The Strokes’ comeback. Tickets were harder to find than a music store in Camden and there was no need for contact lenses from Cyberdog for those that missed out – the green eyes could be seen from outer space.
VENUE TO LOSE HUGE SECRET GIG – Dingwalls – Guns ‘n Roses
Dingwalls had to issue an 11th-hour cancellation after learning Axl and co wouldn’t be venturing our way, causing some anger but also a lot of relief from those who wish G n’ R would cut their losses and stop ruining the memory of their best work.
MOST MIDDLE-CLASS MOSH – Jamie Cullum, Kenwood
In among the vin, the pain and the Boursin, the picnic baskets were overturned, cheese knives waved in the air and Jamie Cullum’s encore became the oddest, multi-aged mosh-pit in the shadows of Kenwood House.
MOST GENEROUS HEADLINE PERFORMANCE (TAKE NOTE KANYE) – Jay-Z, Wireless
Unlike Kanye’s headline turn the year before, Jay-Z’s not mean with his time, his words, or his songs and there was not a hint of self-indulgence about his show.
SPECIAL AWARD FOR THE BAND AT THE CENTRE OF THE BIGGEST OFFICE ROW – N-Dubz
Yes Dappy, Fazer and Tulisa, you caused fireworks at my office earlier this year. No need to go into it now, suffice to say – I was on your side.
FAREWELL TO – The Luminaire, The Flowerpot and possibly The 100 Club
HELLO TO – The Wheelbarrow, Nambucca (just reopened).
Now, in the hope of being the first official music awards of the year, here are Tutankarbon's alternative prizes...
GLASTONBURY AWARD FOR MOST DRENCHED FESTIVAL – The Camden Crawl
Rain or shine we love it, you’re only ever seconds away from a venue to shelter in, but this year really tested our resolve. As we said at the time, rivers of black eyeliner ran down Camden High Street as someone in the heavens chucked buckets at the dedicated music fans swimming their way from gig to gig.
MOST WELL-INTENTIONED BUT ILL-JUDGED SPECIAL EFFECT – Kiss, 02 Academy Islington
They just wanted to give fans a taste of the stadium experience. But poor Kiss’ plans to set off ticker tape from huge cannons backfired as they accidentally suffocated themselves and their fans – cutting short their encore. There’s a reason they’re usually reserved for the arenas guys.
MALCOLM TUCKER AWARD FOR MOST DIPLOMATIC WARDROBE CHOICE – Missy Elliott, Wireless
She probably thought it was a nice gesture – wearing a German tracksuit from sponsors Adidas while their national team battled it out in South Africa. But Missy didn’t count on a bunch of sour-faced England fans, who booed and threw bottles at her, still sore at the country’s loss days earlier.
MOST RIB-CRUSHING GIG – Rage Against the Machine, Finsbury Park
We thought we’d planned it so well – close enough to see, far enough back to avoid being sucked into a mosh-pit stew of fists and feet. I even took my earrings off just in case. But from the very first bass note, the entire crowd contracted, we were lifted off our feet, flung across a molten sea of black t-shirts and banging heads before being dropped into the centre of the pit. Bones could be felt cracking and the mission to get to the edge of park was greater than any Labyrinth-type adventure. Phenomenal gig.
MOST WANTED MUSICIAN (for about five minutes) – Lowkey
He loves a good cause this one. Lowkey visited students at Camden School for Girls protesting at the planned university fees hike. Hours later, he appeared on the front of a number of national newspapers as one of the people police wanted to speak to in connection with protest violence. Of course nothing came of it and he doesn’t seem to be wanted but seeing his face in the rogues gallery it gave his fans a swift shock.
BIGGEST INSULT TO VISITING US ARTISTS – Wireless (Missy Elliott) and The Roundhouse (Talib Kweli)
I know they had their reasons, but pulling the plug on artists mid-song just is not cool. If they are running over, let them get to the end of the song. Leaving Missy and Kweli standing there, mic and music turned off, looking like fools, is not the way to make friends and can only end badly.
VENUE TO SCORE BEST SECRET GIG – Dingwalls – The Strokes
There was hysteria when news broke out that Dingwalls was going to host The Strokes’ comeback. Tickets were harder to find than a music store in Camden and there was no need for contact lenses from Cyberdog for those that missed out – the green eyes could be seen from outer space.
VENUE TO LOSE HUGE SECRET GIG – Dingwalls – Guns ‘n Roses
Dingwalls had to issue an 11th-hour cancellation after learning Axl and co wouldn’t be venturing our way, causing some anger but also a lot of relief from those who wish G n’ R would cut their losses and stop ruining the memory of their best work.
MOST MIDDLE-CLASS MOSH – Jamie Cullum, Kenwood
In among the vin, the pain and the Boursin, the picnic baskets were overturned, cheese knives waved in the air and Jamie Cullum’s encore became the oddest, multi-aged mosh-pit in the shadows of Kenwood House.
MOST GENEROUS HEADLINE PERFORMANCE (TAKE NOTE KANYE) – Jay-Z, Wireless
Unlike Kanye’s headline turn the year before, Jay-Z’s not mean with his time, his words, or his songs and there was not a hint of self-indulgence about his show.
SPECIAL AWARD FOR THE BAND AT THE CENTRE OF THE BIGGEST OFFICE ROW – N-Dubz
Yes Dappy, Fazer and Tulisa, you caused fireworks at my office earlier this year. No need to go into it now, suffice to say – I was on your side.
FAREWELL TO – The Luminaire, The Flowerpot and possibly The 100 Club
HELLO TO – The Wheelbarrow, Nambucca (just reopened).
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