All posts by Jen

BXHS Xmas Bauble no.6: Mangö

Xmas

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

Mangö – photo credit @cali_titmas

Mangö are an experimental cosmic quartet with a blend of psychedelic rock, soul and jazz on a musical journey to challenge new sonic possibilities. 

Brixton Hill Studios: What’s your Xmas tipple?
Mangö: Baileys on the rocks

BH: Tell us your own musical highlight of 2019 and anything exciting you’ve got coming up in 2020?
M: In 2019 we released our first EP and also a Single ‘Demons’. 
A great year of accomplishments & can’t wait to go full steam ahead into 2020.. where an album is waiting for us to finish it…

BH: Fave album of 2019?
M: White Denim- Side Effects

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
M: Black Midi at End of the Road Festival. Just pure bonkers!
BH: Black Midi appear on the Brixton Hill Xmas album ‘It’s Briiiiiiixmaaaaaaas’ – (see details below)

BH: Best gig you played this year?
M: Our Demons Single Release!

BH: Who should we go see in 2020?
M: Mangö! Tundra Love! Bulldada! Ham Legion! No Me Coman! Lime! Dog of Man! Hurtling!

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
M: Make it groovy baby

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
M: Serve the music, not yourself. If it needs a Keytar solo, serve it!

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
M: All the lovely people, and the homely live room decor! Good vibes all round.  Guaranteed milk in the fridge

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
M: Rudolf protruding out my stomach
BH: !

BH: Who would you play in the Nativity?
M: We’d be a band of donkeys, every single time

BH: Best Christmas song?
M: Ham Legion – We’d Better Start Dinner
BH: Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, and the aforementioned Ham Legion (Nick Howiantz’s ban) and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen.

Festive greetings from all of us at BXHS x

We hope to see you again soon in the New Year…
Book online – Or call us to book a session 020 8674 3065
Did you know we’ve started hiring backline too? Give us a call to find out more
….And you know about our super cheap weekend evening deals right??

BXHS Xmas Bauble no.5: Jimi Scandal

Xmas

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse (and work) here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

Jimi (centre) playing guitar with Gabi Garbutt (left)

You’ve probably seen Jimi around the studio, he is a fixer of all things guitar, and can sometimes be seen on reception too. Amongst other things (Stephen Evens Band/Reals) he is guitarist for Gabi Garbutt and the Illuminations, sometimes garage rock, sometimes motown banger.

Brixton Hill Studios: What’s your Xmas tipple?
Jimi Scandal: Pisco Sours (chilean lemon liquor w/lemon juice & egg whites) or a good Whiskey Old Fashioned

BH: What was your musical highlight of 2019 and what exciting things are in store for you in 2020?
JS: Supporting the Libertines on tour across Europe, and especially playing the Columbiahalle in Berlin to a sold out audience.

BH: Fave album of 2019?
JS: Hurtling’s ‘Future From Here‘

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
JS: Edwyn Collins at the Shepherds Bush Empire, Edwyn’s brassy baritone voice was stunning as was all of his band.

BH: Best gig you played this year?
JS: I think being main support for the Libertines in Paris at L’Olyimpia and having the band’s name in lights in the french capital was pretty special. There was a lot of love for everyone that night.

BH:Who should we go and see in 2020?
JS:  Go see Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something, NO SRSLY GO AND SEE THEM!

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
JS: Not so much advice, but gave me the attitude to become the musician I am today.Eric Clapton ‘what’s that awful fucking noise get it off’ (me recording guitar at Olymipic studios when I was about 20)

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
JS: Don’t do it! If you’ve got a passion for anything else, do that instead. 
No but really music has been the subject of the highest highs and the lowest lows for me and friends of mine.

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
JS: OBVS that the staff rock, but mostly because Rudy the Labrador is there sometimes too!!

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
JS: It’s hot pink and has an all seeing eye on it

BH: Who would you play in the Nativity?
JS:I’d be one of the heavenly hosts, swinging around the sky in a big white dress.

BH: Best Christmas song?
JS: Pogues – Fairy tale of New York No matter where I am, I always know Xmas is coming when I hear that song being rolled out.

And the bells are ringing out for Christmas Day!

Festive greetings from all of us at BXHS x
Are you aware Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, Ham Legion and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen.

We hope to see you again soon in the New Year…
Book online – Or call us to book a session 020 8674 3065
Did you know we’ve started hiring backline too? Give us a call to find out more
….And you know about our super cheap weekend evening deals right??

BXHS Xmas Bauble no.4: Death and the Penguin

Xmas

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

Taking their name from a novel by Ukrainian author Andrey Kurkov, Death and the Penguin are purveyors of their own brand of avant-garde alternative rock. The four piece released their debut album, Anomie, in 2018 to critical acclaim from the likes of Alt Dialogue (9/10), Metal Injection (8/10) and Already Heard (4/5). The first release from the album, Kill Saatchi, was described by The Line of Best Fit as having a “perfect equilibrium between disjointed key signatures and catchy instrumentals”. Clash Magazine described the follow up, Colour In Me, as “a devastating bout of avant rock that breaks down barriers into tiny little pieces”.

FFO: At The Drive In, Everything Everything, Minus The Bear

Brixton Hill Studios: What’s your Xmas tipple?
Death And The Penguin: Fireball Whisky. It’s fiery, it’s cinnamony, it’s whisky. What more could you want in a warming xmas drink? Plug: you can get it at Andy’s local, the Cavendish Arms in Stockwell.

BH: Tell us your own musical highlight of 2019 and anything exciting you’ve got coming up in 2020?
DATP: Not really musical, but we had the pleasure of meeting Andrey Kurkov, author of Death and the Penguin, the novel. Not only was he not angry with us for nicking his title, he is a genuine fan of our music and is just a generally lovely person to boot. We had a ‘few’ beers, swapped some merch and are now good mates. Next stop in 2020… Kiev?!

BH: Fave album of 2019?
DATP: For me (Andy) it would have to be Better Oblivion Community Centre’s self-titled (and probably only!) album. The combination of Phoebe Bridgers and Connor Oberst is just gorgeous. 
For something that fits more with the DATP vibe, you should definitely check out Body Hound – No Moon. Heavy instrumental math at its finest. They play all of the notes.

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
DATP: Idles at Glastonbury. Say no more.

BH: Best gig you played this year?
DATP: Portals Festival in June – a yearly celebration of all sorts of weird and wonderful music (math/instrumental/hardcore and more). It was a pleasure to play on the same line up at Mclusky and Three Trapped Tigers and to be surrounded by friendly faces from our little nook of the music world.

BH: Who should we go see in 2020?
DATP: If you get a chance check out instrumental gurus Polymath. Chris has just joined them to make some filthy noises on bari sax and has been touring with them around the UK and europe. 

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
DATP: Not really advice, but when we first started out and were working with Anthony from Best Before records he said ‘opinions are like assholes: everyone’s got one’. For some reason that’s just stuck with me and is a reassuring philosophy when others don’t necessarily get your ideas

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
DATP: Get out to gigs whenever you can, meet people, drink beer. And for fucks sake: be nice.

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
DATP: The community surrounding it. We’ve met so many lovely people through BXHS. Plus it’s right on our doorstep and the rooms all sound great. Striker!

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
DATP: A badass looking kitty (courtesy of Big Scary Monsters)

BH: Who would you play in the Nativity?
DATP: 3rd sheep (you know, the one who is always trying to ‘baa’ in polyrhythms, his name is probably Kevin, or Keith, I don’t know, they probably never thought this far when casting people)

BH: Best Christmas song?
DATP: Reuben – Christmas is Awesome

Festive greetings from all of us at BXHS x
Are you aware Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, Ham Legion and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen.

We hope to see you again soon in the New Year…
Book online – Or call us to book a session 020 8674 3065
Did you know we’ve started hiring backline too? Give us a call to find out more
….And you know about our super cheap weekend evening deals right??

BXHS XMAS Bauble no.3: Tippa Irie

Xmas

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse (and work) here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

Tippa Irie (bottom row centre) and band in Studio 1

Last year, Tippa Irie celebrated 40 years in the reggae business. Hailing from South London, Tippa has performed around the world during his career. He has made 15 studio albums and had UK chart hits including ‘Shout For The Gunners’ for the Arsenal football team which reached the top 30 in the 90s.

Brixton Hill Studios: What’s your Xmas tipple?
Tippa Irie: Baileys

BH: Tell us your own musical highlight of 2019 and anything exciting you’ve got coming up in 2020?
TI: Playing with musical youth at birmingham university and playing Earth Garden Festival in Malta. Looking forward to going to play in Thailand April 2020

BH: Fave album of 2019?
TI: Rapture by Koffee

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
TI: Bitty McLean at Electric in Brixton

BH: Best gig you played this year?
TI: Earth garden in Malta

BH: Who should we go see in 2020?
TI: Tippa Irie!

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
TI: Trust no-one

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
TI: Work hard.

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
TI: Nice staff
BH: *blushes*

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
TI: One Love

BH: Who would you play in the Nativity?
TI: Bob Marley

BH: Best Christmas song?
TI: Last Christmas by Wham

Festive greetings from all of us at BXHS x
Are you aware Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, Ham Legion and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen.

We hope to see you again soon in the New Year…
Book online – Or call us to book a session 020 8674 3065
Did you know we’ve started hiring backline too? Give us a call to find out more
….And you know about our super cheap weekend evening deals right??

BXHS Xmas Bauble no.2: Stephen Evens

Xmas

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse (and work) here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

Employer of the month, boss man, Stephen Evens

Brixton Hill Studios: Who the hell do you think you are?
Stephen Evens: I am Stephen. I am the chief cook and bottle washer here at BXHS. I have been a professional drummer in my time.  I like to pretend I’m a pop star called Stephen Evens.

BH: What’s your Xmas tipple?
SE: Booze. Lots of it. It’s Christmas all year round with a bottle of Torres 15 year old Brandy.

BH: What were your highlights of 2019 and what exciting things are in store for you in 2020?
SE: As a professional musician I got to play timpani and percussion as part of Andy Mackay & Phil Manzanera’s Roxymphony.
Band wise I got to tour with the Stephen Evens band and we finished our album “Employee of the Month” which will come out next year, 2020.

BH: Fave album of 2019?
SE: Hurtling “Future From Here”  – peerless.

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
SE: Last night I saw BC Camplight play on a boat in Bristol. He then came to the pub we were drinking in afterwards. My wife made me introduce myself. I think I may have scared him.

BH: Best gig you played this year?
SE: Stephen Evens Band @ The Windmill last November.  Felt like coming home.

BH:Who should we go and see in 2020?
SE:  Loads of ‘em
Jemma Freeman & The Cosmic Something
Roscoe Roscoe
Hurtling
Sgt. Duke
Von Horn
Hot Sauce Pony
Barringtone
Scud FM
The Rt Rev Jennifer Husband
Black Midi
Gabi Garbutt & The Illuminations

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
SE: Don’t be a dick.

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
SE: Be honest in your music making.  Play what’s inside you trying to get out. Don’t be a carbon copy of what you “think” you should be.

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
SE: The people who run it. My lovely team….and Rudy (studio dog) naturally.

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
SE: Sauce….bit of egg.

BH: What would you play in the Nativity?
SE: Guitar.

BH: Best Christmas song?
SE: Oh man, you are asking the wrong person. I love Christmas SOOOO much. I love all the Christmas songs.  Can I suggest my latest Christmas album purchase instead?
BH: Go on, you are the boss after all. I can’t stop you…sir.
SE: A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio

Seasons Greetings from all of us at BXHS – FYI we are closed Dec 24th-26th and Jan 1st, and we are closing early on Dec 31st, but we are open for business as usual all the other days of the Christmas.

Are you aware Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, Ham Legion and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen. Xx

BXHS Xmas Bauble no.1: Jim Bob

Xmas

To mark the festive season, and highlight some of the excellent musicians in our little community at Brixton Hill Studios, we asked a select few artists who rehearse here to be a bauble on our musical Xmas tree by telling us a bit about themselves and answering some Christmassy questions…

As the singer with Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine, Jim Bob had 14 top 40 singles, a number one album and headlined Glastonbury. He has made about a million solo records and published five books. He likes crisps and animals with long noses.

Brixton Hill Studios: What’s your Xmas tipple?
Jim Bob: Prosecco/Coca Cola in a glass bottle

BH: What exciting things are in store for you in 2020?
JB: A new novel, ‘A Godawful Small Affair’ published in March, then recording an album and planning some big live shows.
 
BH: Fave album of 2019?
JB: ‘Dogrel’ by Fontaines D.C.

BH: Best gig you went to this year?
JB: Better Oblivion Community Center at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

BH: Best gig you played this year?
JB: Glasgow Art School in October

Jim Bob – Dream Come True

BH: Who should we go and see in 2020?
JB: Hurtling 

BH: Best piece of musical advice you’ve ever had?
JB: ‘Whatever a group is, it was the chemical mixture of those four people that makes a group work. That’s a lesson everyone should learn, Don’t mess with it. If it works just let it. Do whatever you have to do to bring it forward but don’t mess with it’ – Joe Strummer 

BH: Any tips for fellow music makers?
JB: Be nice to everyone but trust no one. 

BH: Fave thing about Brixton Hill Studios?
JB: In a lot of rehearsal studios I’ve felt as though I’m inconveniencing the staff by booking a room and turning up and paying for it. I feel more welcome at Brixton Hill Studios. I don’t feel guilty about spoiling everyone’s day by rehearsing there or asking for another microphone lead.
Also: parking and no stairs. 

BH: What’s on the front of your Christmas jumper?
JB: It’s either a plain green jumper or the picture has fallen off. 

BH: Who would you play in the Nativity?
JB: I’ve always fancied myself as a shepherd. Or Mary. 

BH: Best Christmas song?
JB: ‘Goodbye England (Covered In Snow)’ by Laura Marling

Festive greetings from all of us at BXHS x
Are you aware Brixton Hill Studios alumni such as Black Midi, Hot Sauce Pony, Scud FM, Ham Legion and more have made a Christmas Album? You can check it out/buy it online, or ask at reception and we’ll sell you a copy. Profits go to Brixton Soup Kitchen.

We hope to see you again soon in the New Year…
Book online – Or call us to book a session 020 8674 3065
Did you know we’ve started hiring backline too? Give us a call to find out more
….And you know about our super cheap weekend evening deals right??

BXHS Summer Showcase Special

Gig List, , ,

Hi-De-Hi Campers xx

This month’s blog is dedicated to our super special SUMMER SHOWCASE on SUNDAY AUGUST 4th. Where’s that you ask? Why, it’s round the corner AT THE WINDMILL, BRIXTON! Click here to get your £4 Adv tickets. Doors open at 6pm. The line-up is a bonanza of talent that have all graced our hallowed halls at some point, plus, er, includes a plate of BBQ! IKR?

We asked the Quality Quartet of artistes/bands who are on the bill a few Q’s – here’s what we found out (in no particular order) x

Paul Morricone
You may have seen Paul guitar-godding in Scaramanga Six, but he has branched out with his self-monikered solo project, which has already had much interest from BBC 6Music. Normally a three-piece with Ant Sargeant on drums & Mitch Cockman on bass, on Sunday Paul will be delighting us with his new songs all on his own, with the aid of some backing tracks. We can’t wait.

BH: Describe your music in 5 words
PM: Cinematic punk your mum likes

BH: (Dogs not included) What is your favourite thing about recording/rehearsing at Brixton Hill Studios?
PM: The friendly and knowledgable staff, and Stuffy.

BH: (Dogs not included) What is your favourite thing about The Windmill venue?
PM: It’s dark enough that you can hide.

BH: Hot Dog OR Burger (veggie options apply)
PM: I’d like a hot dog with jumping frog. 

BH: Fave gig of 2019 so far?
PM: Kraftwerk at BlueDot/Squid at The Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds

BH: Going anywhere nice on yer holideees?
PM: A lovely weekend away in Whitby in the camper van beckons.

BH: What you drinking?
PM: I’d like a nice espresso martini please.

Watch the video for ‘Estranged’
Listen to the album ‘The Dissolving Man’ on spotify

Photo credit Suzi Corker

Jemma Freeman and The Cosmic Something
Having just signed to Trapped Animal, with an album due for release in October, you’ve probably seen this lot orbiting the London music scene or heard their upcoming dual mono single ‘Find A place’ on the wireless (out on Friday Aug 2nd). Our advice? Get down the front.

BH: Describe your music in 5 words
JF&TCS: Outsider, dream, alt, psych, rock

BH: How many of you are there and what are your names who plays what?
JF&TCS: Jem (non-binary: they/them) Guitar, Voice
Mark (he/him) Bass, Voice
Hami (he/him) Drums
Jason (he/him) Drums

BH: (Dogs not included) What is your favourite thing about recording/rehearsing at Brixton Hill Studios? 
JF&TCS: Everyone is so friendly! Omg Air con, the dream.

BH: (Dogs not included) What is your favourite thing about The Windmill venue?
JF&TCS: Fantastic sound every time and a music loving audience

BH: Hot Dog OR Burger (veggie options apply)
JF&TCS: Burger or hot dog, never a bun. Stick to the high value items. Always

BH: Fave gig of 2019 so far?
JF&TCS: Charles Hayward with Georgia and Kwake at The Albany Deptford, they absolutely blew my mind, total control and technical ability but with such a cool sense of playfulness and joy.

BH: What you drinking?
JF&TCS: Courvoisier straight from the bottle and a Maissels Weisse 0% vol beer

Watch ‘Helen Is A Reptile’ video
Listen to JF&TCS on spotify

Les Futiles
This 5-piece are BXHS darlings, we love them. They recorded their upcoming EP with us here, it is out on the 30th August. Get your ears ready. C’est magnifique.

BH: Describe your music in 5 words
LF: Loud, playful, rock, punk, indie

BH: How many of you are there, what are your names and who plays what?
LF: Paul on vocals
Shona on lead guitar
Jim on rhythm guitar
Rob on bass
Ali on drums

BH: (Dogs not included) What is your favourite thing about The Windmill venue?
LF: We played our first gig there! It’s always great to come home. 

BH: Best condiment?
LF: Ketchup? Catsup? Ketchup? Catsup?

BH: If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?
LF: Drinking excessively and going to the Windmill to watch other bands. Not much change there then!

BH: What you drinking?
LF: What have you got?
BH: Tap water, please drink responsibly.

Watch ‘Dead’ (live) @ Margos Livingroom

Roscoe Roscoe
Just played Glastonbury, and playing Meltdown with Stepbrother and Josef Kurtz Vespers v soon. Hotly tipped, Roscoe Roscoe are Jacob on Guitar, Dewi on Bass, Ben on Drums, Milanka on Keys and vocals and Charlie on Guitar and Vocals. Make sure you stay for these guys.

BH: Describe your music in 5 words
RR: Psychedelic sugar coated pop songs

BH: (Dogs not included) What is your favourite thing about recording/rehearsing at Brixton Hill Studios? 
RR: Super friendly employees, great rehearsal space and equipment. (But Rudy would have been up there)

BH: Fave gig of 2019 so far?
RR: Probably HOMESHAKE at the Forum, but closely followed by Fat Whites at Glasto which was also mind-blowing.

BH: Best condiment?
RR: A good chilli sauce

BH: If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?
RR: Delivering more pizzas I guess

BH: What you drinking?
RR: Aperol Spritz are great, reminds us of Barcelona.

Listen to Roscoe Roscoe on soundcloud
Watch their Glastonbury performance

See you there BXHSers xx

BXHS Update July 2019

Gig List, ,

Have we all recovered from Glastonbury? I do hope so, and well done for leaving it so tidy this year. Yes. We’re back with another rough guide to where and when our gifted and beautiful clientele are parading their musical talents.

Firstly though, a couple of newsy things. Foundlings have brought to our attention their input into this rather lovely thing, a cassette compilation from Friction Shifter. All music on the album is by female or LGBTQ artists and moneys raised go to Mermaids a UK based charity that offers support to transgender and gender variant children and young people, their families and supporting professionals. It is released on the 26th July but you can pre-order it NOW!

  • Dog of man

Also out this month, but in a slightly unorthodox and wholly interactive way, Dog Of Man release their album Dogmatic Manual, one song a week, the first release is on Wednesday 3rd July. There’ll be a poll and you get to influence the album and everything. Meanwhile you can listen to the single Wedding Night Erection Failure on Soundcloud.

A couple of sad to hears – The Borderline venue will be closing its doors at the end of August, another victim to rising rents. Also, gutted to learn that Janet Weiss has left Sleater Kinney, love that band and she’s such an awesome drummer. SAD.

Also, if you’ve got down this far, and you fancy helping a sister out, my very own band Hurtling were featured on Amazing Radio’s Audition show, if you have a minute to go to the poll and vote for us that would be AMAZE.

Anyway, I’m off to watch some tennis…Daaaahling, where’s my Pimms?

Some gigs:

  • Gaygirl

JULY:
02 – Gaygirl, The Victoria, Dalston
02 – Mice On Mars/Sound Picture Show, Shacklewell Arms, Hackney
02 – Jerry, Windmill, Brixton
03 – Madonnatron, Supersonic, Paris
05 – Ye Nuns (w/King Khan & The Shrines), Oslo, Hackney
06 – Rookfest ft Meatraffle, Pregoblin, Fell & the Fallen and more. Streatham Rookery Gardens, SW16

  • Lost Crowns

08 – Lost Crowns, The Black Heart, Camden
09 – Misty Miller, Windmill, Brixton
09 – Jessica Winter, XOYO, Old St
11 – Deaf Havana, Alive Corn Exchange, King’s Lynn
11 – Nadia Rose, BBK Live Fest, Bilbao
13 – Les Futiles, Hope And Anchor, Islington, N1
13 – JAHTIME International, Dublin Castle
14 – Social Contract, Wasteland Festival, Newcastle

  • Social Contract
  • Hurtling

18 – Hurtling (w/The Purple Lights), Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney
19 – Hot Sauce Pony, Hope and Anchor, Islington
19 – Mice On Mars, Windmill, Brixton
19 – Dog Of Man, The Finsbury, Manor House
20 – Madonnatron, DIY Thursdays, Bow
20 – Meatraffle/Pregoblin/Jessica Winter – Hate Zine 6 Launch, The Ivy House, Nunhead
24 – Dog Race, Sebright Arms, Hackney
27 – Stephen Evens, The Betsey Trotwood, Farringdon
26 – Luca FD, The Islington, Angel
26 – Indietracks ft Foundlings/Big Joanie, Midland Railway, Ripley
29 – Tom Robinson Band – A Night for Danny Kustow, Scala, Kings Cross

BxHs Update June 2019

Uncategorized, ,

Welcome to another round up of what some of the lovely bands who frequent our rehearsal rooms are up to.

Firstly we’d like to send our condolences to those in our community who have been affected by the untimely passing of Jack Medley. Beth from Madonnatron has been integral in setting up a gofundme campaign to help with Jack’s funeral costs, and also posthumously releasing his album, Charlotte from Madonnatron also created the wonderful artwork pictured below that was on display in The Windmill for his memorial gig on Sunday May 26. Amazing to think this painting was just a piece of wood in our car park a few days ago!

Also on May 26, our wonderful boss held the first of his monthly residencies at The Betsey Trotwood. ‘The Curates Egg’ beheld an afternoon of cracking talent including music and comedy from Kate Arnold, Benjamin Louche, Andrew O’Neal, The Stephen Evens Band and Terre de Lune who, as I write, is recording songs with Stephen and Nick in the studio. Next one is June 30th when the pub will again open especially on a Sunday for your listening and laughing pleasure.

Releases-wise we look forward to June 7 when Dinosaur Pile-Up’s ‘Celebrity Mansions’ album is unleashed on an unsuspecting public, they recently announced a few small shows to mark the launch before they play at Download Festival. Go. See. Hear. Love,

Also in your record shops is the new Madonnatron album ‘Musica alla Puttanesca’. We were very touched to have a thank you mention in the sleeve notes, plus our very own Alex plays trumpet on the album!

We raise a glass to lead singer of Les Futiles and regular visitor to these hallowed halls, Paul Killengray, in honour of his upcoming wedding in June, we wish you love, luck and happiness on your special day, and all the special days to follow with the lovely Lou xx

And if you’re OK with it, I’d like to raise a personal glass to my dear Dad who passed recently. He was a big fan of music, and mischief – in healthier times he was always up for a natter over a whisky (or three) with me and my bandmates.

He woulda loved you lot, almost as much as we do x

SOME GIGS:

MAY
29 – JOHN, The Lexington, Angel
30 – Les Futiles, Amersham Arms
31 – Dog Race, Old Blue Last, Shoreditch

JUNE
01 – Screaming Toenail/Big Joanie, Poly Styrene Weekender, 198 Contemporary Arts & Learning, Herne Hill
02 – The Good Tenants, Camden Rocks Festival, Brewdog, Camden
02 – Rat The Magnificent, Windmill, Brixton
05 – Rachel Chinouriri, Moth Club, Hackney
07-11 – Dinosaur Pile-Up, various Record stores across UK
08 – Penya, Visionary OddBall Festival, The Isis River Farmhouse, Oxford
09 – Death And The Penguin, Portals Festival, The Dome, Tufnell Park
10 – Big Joanie (supporting Bikini Kill), O2 Forum, Kentish Town
13 – Ham Legion/Hot Sauce Pony/Dog Of Man, Windmill, Brixton
14 – Moreish Idols, Off The Cuff, Herne Hill
14 & 15 – Tippa Irie, Hideaway, Streatham
15 – Lion, Bushstock, Sheperd’s Bush
16 – Dinosaur Pile Up, Download Festival
16 – Eugene Coyne, The Windmill, Brixton
17-21 – Madonnatron tour, including Moth Club, London 21/6
19 – Black Midi, EartH, Dalston
20/21 – Lion (supporting Band Of Horses), Oxford Academy/O2 Forum, Kentish Town
21 – Light Emitting Dinosaurs, Rose And Crown, Bishops Stortford

BxHs update May 2019

Gig List, , ,

May, the month, not the Theresa, is upon us and we can rejoice in more ongoing goings on from the Brixton Hill Studios camp. If you’re off on tour/got a gig, we’ve embiggened our hire stock, so give us a shout if you have needs.

This month’s blog comes with added Spotify playlist! Enjoy x

A quick catch up on April…. Some of you have been on the radio (get you Maurizio Ravalico), the lovely Blaenavon popped in to get match fit for their upcoming UK Tour which starts May 1st. We welcomed the return of sessions with School Ground Sounds who give additional musical opportunities to secondary school kids and young people in lower income areas of London. PLUS our beautiful studios got some music mag love:

Fat White Family in Studio 2

The wonderful Fat White Family who’ve just released their third album ‘Serf’s Up’ on Trashmouth Records were pictured in our very own Studio 2 in, wait for it, Q Magazine…

Dinosaur Pile-Up in Studio 3

…and those talented Dinosaur Pile-Up gents were caught rocking’ the faaack out of Studio 3 in Kerrang! – the trio also released the track ‘Back Foot’ this month which is a total banger, as the children say, with an accompanying video, which might just be my fave thing of 2019 so far.

Frauds in Studio 1

Also on the music releases gravy train, Frauds put out ‘Canada Goose Step’ as part of DIE DAS DER Singles Club Volume 2 and Madonnatron released ‘Goodnight Little Empire’ whilst also gaining a 4 star review in Mojo for their new album ‘Musica Alla Puttanesca‘ which comes out on May 24th.
Hot Sauce Pony did a lush interview with 1883 in honour of the imminent release of their eponymous album on May 3rd, and former Eurovision hopefuls MAID release ‘Basic Bitch’ also on May 3rd.

We welcome back Alessio, who last month went off to Hong Kong to eat mystery meat, and Nick who done a tour round the Europe with his troupe Ham Legion and the delightful Dog Of Man. Both colleagues have since been busy in the studio…for example, while you were hunting Easter eggs, Nick was busy recording ‘Vive Les Futiles’ – Les Futiles‘ side of new split 7″ (with The Charlemagnes).

We wish the boss luck for his new monthly Stephen Evens residency at The Betsy Trotwood and we bid farewell to Lolo Wood, who regularly rehearses here with Ye Nuns. Lolo is well known amongst a huge collective of musicians in London and we will miss her terribly when she returns to Dublin this month.

  • Ye Nuns ft Lolo Wood (ctr)
  • Stephen Evens’ new residency

Also, mid month there is Art Brut’s Top Of The Alcopops extravaganza at The Dome in Tuffnell Park, a whole feast of bands are playing including Dream Nails, the aforementioned, Frauds, Raketkanon, Gaffa Tape Sandy and The Lovely Eggs. Sounds firkin’ awesome dunnit?

Last but not least, we must mention a significant BxHs presence at The Great Escape 2019 (both official, alternative and unofficially alternative), so much so our beloved Johny Van has coined the 3 day festival ‘Brixton-On-Sea’, if you’re gonna be there, let us know, we can hang. BxHsers (past and present) performing include:

And with that, I bid you adieu and leave you with a smattering more of live doings by BxHsers in May…

MAY 1 – Blaenavon, start UK tour in Dublin
MAY 4 – Hot Sauce Pony, Camden Rocks All Dayer
MAY 5 – Macadamia Sluts, Fiddlers Elbow, Camden
MAY 5 – The Little Unsaid, start UK tour in Saltaire
MAY 9 – Penya, NT’s, London Fields
MAY 10/11 – Great Escape/Alternative Great Escape, Brighton (see above for details)
MAY 11 – Modern Rituals w/ Kal Marks (US), DIY Space for London, SE15
MAY 11 – Rosie Alena, Hanwell Hootie Festival
MAY 12 – Big Joanie, Emily Breeze, Ye Nuns – all-ages mat, Lexington, N1
MAY 13 – Rosie Alena w/ The Accidentals (USA), Windmill, Brixton
MAY 17 – Art Brut, Top of The Alcopops, The Dome, Tufnell Park
MAY 29 – JOHN, The Lexington, N1
MAY 31 – Dog Race, Old Blue Last, Shoreditch

If you rehearse/have rehearsed at Brixton Hill Studios and have a gig/release you want us to feature on the site, please get in touch – hello@brixtonhillstudios.com or message us on twitter @BRXTNHILLSTUDIO