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…
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
