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
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….And you know about our super cheap weekend evening deals right??