CABLE #5

THIS ISSUE: CONTRIBUTE: Cold Shoulder Ditto Music Send your news stories to: Token Films Studio [email protected] Arena Biennial Line-up clare makes films Follow us on: Elevator Bands at Festivals In The Room Print Company www..com/elevatorstudios or www.facebook.com/elevatorstudios

CLINIC RETURN WITH NEW

Six in, Elevator residents Clinic are still charter- album we really thought it would be good to work with The band will spend the majority of the autumn touring ing new territory with their sound. While many bands someone who could raise the bar with the recordings,” he ‘Bubblegum’, in both the UK and America, and when they find what works and stick with it, the Liverpool four-piece explains. “I think John Congleton has done a great job, return, it’s straight back to the studio. “We’ll be continuing continue to laugh in the face of convention as they ready he works very quickly and didn’t allow us to dwell on with new songs, there’s always something that needs work- themselves for the release of ‘Bubblegum’, the “curve- anything. It’s very easy to get distracted by the smaller ing on or finishing off.” ball” album in the Clinic arsenal. things.” The group have been long-term residents of Elevator, util- “We wanted to produce a record that flowed from beginning ‘I’m Aware’, the first single to be lifted from the forthcom- ising both the rehearsal space and the Studios themselves, to end, something that was easy to listen to,” explains drum- ing album, released September 20th, features the artistic do the group think places such as Elevator are beneficial to mer Carl Turney. “Previous Clinic records have been really genius of the world-renowned Pete Fowler on the video. bands, both veteran and start-out? “It’s really handy hav- diverse and are sometimes quite intense to listen to, always Famed for his work with Super Furry Animals, as well as ing all your gear in one place, accessible 24 hours a day,” jumping from one style to another.” other high-profile projects, Fowler brings the otherworldly explains Turney. “Not only do we rehearse there but we charm of the song to life in the fantastical, puppet based do a lot of recording there too - everything from “Visita- ‘Bubblegum’ is a significant departure from the band’s creation. “We’ve been a fan of Pete Fowler’s work for a tions” onwards with the exception of the drums on the new previous offerings. In place of the trademark driving gui- long time, from the early Super Furry Animal’s albums and album, a bit of bass, some acoustic and strings has tars, harpsichords, strings and dulcimers combine to cre- ‘Monsterism Island’ but it was actually Domino who sug- been recorded using our own studio equipment in Elevator.” ate a complete reverie of an album. Pop beauty at its best, gested approaching him to do the video,” explains Turney. Clinic’s 13 years in the business certainly haven’t left them “We wanted something bright and fun to reflect the sound The long-time heroes of music aficionados everywhere bereft of new ideas. The group describe the album as al- of the record and we all agreed he would be the man for release forthcoming album ‘Bubblegum’ on October 4th. ternating between the “lost soundtracks to exploitation the job. For years critics of the band have missed the joke Catch the bands home leg of their UK tour at the Static films”, “watery pop-psych” and “ping-pong symphonies”, with the masks/surgeons gear so this was a way of putting Gallery on October 23rd. certainly not the assertions of a group stuck in a creative rut. across our lighter side.”

Is the fact that the group are still willing to take the leap into Continually cited by other bands in the city as either an the unknown the secret to Clinic’s success? “I think the influence or a firm favourite, how have Clinic managed to key is to always try and do something different and not be keep on the right side of so many with over a decade spent afraid to change something,” Turney explains. “Early reac- in the business? “It helps not being associated with any tions have been good and we’ve been playing a lot of the scene or hype,” says Turney. “In fact I think the good thing new songs live which is a very good benchmark to judge about Liverpool is there isn’t one particular scene, just lots what people think.” of bands doing their own thing. You say hello to people around and about but we don’t tend to hang around with Did the new sound change the way the band went about other musicians, although it was great to play with bands the recording process? “We haven’t worked with a producer like Mugstar, Hot Club De and Married To The Sea from the outset since ‘Winchester Cathedral’ and with this at last year’s Mass Freak-out.”

PAGE 1 ELEVATOR BANDS AT THE FESTIVALS

SOUND OF GUNS

It’s been a whirlwind year for Sound of Guns, and their on a 5-track EP, and will be working with “a reasonably big summer schedule didn’t disappoint. After their debut album name producer”, according to vocalist Connor Clarke. The ‘What Came From Fire’ received acclaim from critics, the band plan to tour the EP upon its completion. bands profile has risen sharply. The group have been fea- tured on Channel 5, and are in the throes of a love-affair Go to www.majormajor.com for all your pop extrovert needs. with TV sports channels, new single ‘Elementary of Youth’ is frequently played on Soccer AM, Sky Sports, ESPN, every time a try gets scored at Liverpool St Helen’s rugby BICYCLE THIEVES matches.

Festival dates included Leeds and Reading, Mallorca Rocks, , Great Escape (NME show), Bing- ley Live, Middlesbrough Music Live, and not forgetting the wonderfully named Cockrock.

Catch the band on their current tour at their Liverpool date on October 1st with support from Fly With Vampires.

For more information go to: www.myspace.com/sound- MAJOR MAJOR ofguns

After recording with producer Mike THE BENDAL INTERLUDE Crossey earlier in the year, the band have been holed up in the studio writing, and recording a new set. Having just completed their forthcoming EP (recorded in Elevator with Hot Club de Paris’ Paul Rafferty at the helm), The band took a break from recording to play dates with Bendal Interlude are planning a tour for later in the year. British Sea Power at the Stockton Riverside Fringe Festival and with mates on their jaunt about the After playing with the likes of Iron Maiden, Iggy Pop, UK. Slayer, Alice in Chains, and Alice Cooper at Sonisphere, Bendal were also featured in last Months Metal hammer, The band have also been busy with side projects. Ash Hop- with their song Cat Spats appearing on the cover CD, ‘A kins and Tom Hammersely have joined forces with Ollie Tribute to Black Sabbath’. from We Came Out Like Tigers to form a new hardcore With summer festival dates which included the wonderful band. Ash also received funding for Payper Ti- The band are planning a full-length release for next year. Jedi fest, and Nozstock festival, the band filled the rest of ger, one of the names behind the Inside Pages Festival. The For more information on Bendal, go to www.myspace.com/ their time busking and creating a rather successful anti-BNP label will give away a free compilation CD at the festival. thebendalinterlude video, which can be seen on Youtube. For more information, go to: www.myspace.com/bicyElevator’s control room.- The band will return to the studio in November to start work clethievesuk PAGE 2 PAGE 3 INTRODUCING... TOKEN FILMS

The second floor of Elevator is home to Token as runner up and then screened as part of ‘B.U.G.’ plains Stuart. “I have been working with projected Films, the creative stomping ground of Stuart at the British Film Institute, I was absolutely over visuals for a few years and I’ve always been inter- Lancely. He’s the face behind music videos for the the moon! ested in interactive installations since I visited one likes of , , Q-tip, John Squire, at the Tate gallery when I was a teenager, so this The Beautiful South, , and The Twang While many film-makers make the move to , scheme seemed like the perfect chance to produce but to name a few, and with accolades from the struggling to make a creative industry living in the one myself. I had pitched a similar interactive proj- BBC and a showcase at the British Film Institute North, how has Stuart found staying put? “I can’t ect before to a record label for a music video, I won already under his belt, we ask Stuart what’s next exactly say how I’ve managed to stick with it. I sup- the pitch but in the end I couldn’t secure a location for Token Films? pose it’s important to do something that you love do- so I had to do something else for the Avideo. veritable Thank wet dream.- ing, this will help you keep going. Taking advantage fully the Shops Up Front team did a lot better than Lancely attended University in Liverpool, and went of the business advice that’s available helped too, for I did! The scheme is a great idea. From an artist’s on to do various video-related jobs on shows such example David Parrish and ACME, which helps you point of view, they are helping to provide a platform as Hollyoaks and Brookside (before it went “tits make the most of your potential. I suppose people in for them to show their work to a wider audience. up”, which Stuart assures had nothing to do with the creative industries are always drawn to the big- This will hopefully mean that currently empty shops him!). “Part of my job was to watch every single ger cities. It’s where the money is. But I also reckon will be given a new lease of life, the installations episode and check for even the most minute glitch, money follows the creativity, just look at Jamaica and workshops will bring more people into the city misplaced pixel or continuity gaff,” he explains. “To Street now. So just choose the path you want to take: centre and renew interest in all the exciting things this day I have an uncanny knack of spotting these head to London and wade in with the crowds, or stay that often are bubbling away just under the surface things in TV programmes and films. I learnt a lot, up here and do your own thing. of this vibrant, creative city. It’s such a wonderful both on the technical side and about what I wanted opportunity, I’m so glad and lucky to have been ac- to do with myself. So I decided to take the plunge “You’ll have to sacrifice some things, the need to do cepted and given the support of th he Shops Upfront and set up as a freelance camera operator and video other work to earn a living can be frustrating and it’s scheme. director, which suits me down to the ground.” easy to get distracted. Over the years I’ve worked on other people’s videos as a camera operator, as “I hope that the installation will be a light-hearted, Stuart set up Token Films, a Liverpool-based video an animator, even as a runner. But there’s more to colourful and entertaining break from the norm. production company specialising in music videos. be gained from staying here I believe. And working What was once an empty space ofIoisis no founder importance Anna Rosser . “I’ve always been into film, animation and video. for other people has allowed me to learn firsthand will hopefully now add some colour and raise Those are the some of the things I really loved as a about making music videos from some very talented a smile. If it can bring a bit of play into the lives kid; Morph on ‘Hartbeat’, James Bond films, Ray people. I also do some more corporate work from of people passing by, I feel it will have more than Harryhausen’s stop-motion creatures in ‘Jason & the time to time to keep the wolves from the door, and served its purpose. It’s family friendly too, so there Argonauts’ to name but a few,” he explains. “As I I don’t regret that at all either. The corporate jobs should be something to be enjoyed no matter what grew up, I started to really enjoy music and mak- make you appreciate the more interesting creative your age. ing things, making anything really! So music videos projects, and it also teaches you skills and self disci- were the obvious choice, the best of all of the things pline. Besides, the experience, skills and equipment “I’ve rented office space in Elevator buildings for I loved, rolled into one!” I’ve built up are easily transferrable when the need years now. For me it’s a perfect mix of business arises for me to earn a bit of dosh. and creativity. It definitely helps to have a space Stuart began to gain national recognition and plau- to concentrate on work. It’s very reasonable, so it’s dits after completing videos for Liverpool’s Wave “The next project on the cards is an installation for definitely a good investment, but equally important, Machines and BBC comedians Adam and Joe. “My the ‘Shops Upfront’ scheme in Liverpool City Cen- being around other creative people is always inspir- video for ‘The Greatest Escape We Ever Made’ was tre, working with Zoe Darnell, the creative genius ing, not to mention the fact that there is often ‘cross- featured on Motionographer.com, selected as “Staff behind ‘Mmm Biscuits’. We’re going to animate pollination’ between different businesses and artists Pick” on Vimeo.com and also as “Video of the Zoe’s fantastic creatures and they will waddle, fly, based here. I sometimes think that you could pretty Week” on Nemone’s show on BBC6Music. crawl and run around in a shop window, interacting much make ANYTHING if you had the help of ev- with passers-by. The location is yet to be announced, eryone in Elevator! “Often the only feedback you get for a music video is but it should take place over several weeks, after the from the band/label and the comments on YouTube, Liverpool Biennial. For more information contact Stuart at: stuart@ so to actually have your work featured in blogs and tokenfilms.co.uk. Search for ‘Shops Upfront’ on on websites is wonderfully ego-boosting. When the “As soon as I heard about the ‘Shops Upfront’ Facebook for more information on dates and times video I made for Adam & Joe’s show was picked scheme, I made it my mission to get involved,” ex- of forthcoming events. PAGE 3 PAGE 3 ARENA UNVEIL A JAM-PACKED BIENNIAL PROGRAMME POWER PRODUCTIONS AIR NEW DOCUMENTARY

Elevator based Arena Studios and Gallery will be a major player in this year’s Biennial, holding many exhibitions between now and November.

From film nights through to interactive concerts, the pro- gramme at Arena offers a way to get thoroughly involved while challenging the very basics of our concept of art the next week.

Currently exhibited is ‘Neither/Nor’, an exhibition which aims to rethink and redefine the task of painting through MORE SUCCESS, VICAR? exploring the philosophical and theoretical underpinning of the artists involved’s work, drawing upon gender, otherness and inter-disciplinarity. Running until September 30th, the exhibition features the work of Maggie Ayliffe, Caroline Cleary, Brendan Fletcher, Simon Harris and Alistair Payne.

For those wishing to get a little more hands on with the ar-

atrical and claustrophobic environments. ‘Tales from the get a little artistic therapy and social networking. Woods’, is a new enigmatic work by Wilson, the instal- lation looks at traditional fairy tales within the context of November 24th is ‘Film Night’, with popcorn and soft Elevator, the historical building in which Arena Gallery is drinks, artists’ short films will be screened. housed. tistic process, the ‘Expressive Drawing Workshop’ (October Arena, founded in 1982, is housed on the 1st floor of Eleva- 2nd and 3rd) with Claire Ford could be for you. The work- ‘Take Away Art’ takes place during the Long Night (No- tor, and is currently home to 24 artists. Disciplines range shop will focus on the interaction between visual art and vember 18th, 6 till 11pm), the late night and jam packed from illustration through to fashion design. Having provid- music. Day one sees participants create highly expressive date in the Biennial’s calendar. Focussing on today’s con- ed space to hundreds of artists over its 28 years, Arena was graphical score drawings, which are turned back into music sumerist society, attendees will choose from the ‘menu’ and founded on the basis of “promoting excellence in the arts on day two by musicians, with the whole workshop culmi- receive a bespoke piece of work, created on site in front of a through affordable studio space, a collective ethos and the nating in a concert showcasing the amalgamation of art and chip shop audience. The unique event offers art that is fast skills of its members”. music. (To Book a free place or for more information please cheap and convenient. Salt and vinegar with yours? call; 0151 707 9879) To book free places for either of the workshops or for more The ‘Draw the Line’ workshop will see a vast cross-section information, please call; 0151 707 9879. For full listings ‘Tales from the Woods’, presents the work of Teresa Wilson of Liverpool life and artistic ability come together in this and to see other places artists from arena will showcase (October 28th to November 14th). Wilson is an installation extremely social and fun event. Graffiti artists, profession- their work, go to www.arenastudiosgallery.com. artist, combining sculpture, poetry and theatre to create an als and at-home doodlers all join forces to create murals, otherworldly trip via her macabre puppets and darkly the- PAGE 4 PAGE 4 CLARE MAKES FILMS RETURNS FROM

Though learning a Japanese martial art may not seem the most likely method of growing as an artist, for Elevator resident Clare Brumby of clare makes films, a recent trip to the Far East did just that, as she learnt the art of Kyudo.

Literally translated as ‘the way of the bow’, the modern Japanese martial art is practiced by approximately half a million people worldwide, and is even taught in Japanese schools. Brumby, who recently completed a Masters in Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores University, won a scholarship to travel to Japan via The Susan Cotton Travel Award.

“I applied for the scholarship in January this year,” explains Clare. “Previously I had been making work that involved manipulating sound produced through repetitive yoga breathing techniques and, as a natural progression from this, I was interested in looking at other practices that involved repetition and also focused upon breathing. Also, in my first year of the MA I was really influenced by John Cage and his ideas about taking the ego out of the art-making process and letting the art ‘happen,’ so I also wanted to develop my actual art practice in this sense as well, rather than just focus upon the subject matter. I thought about how martial arts practice trains the mind and body and from there, started looking into samurai archery or Kyudo and how this prac- tice could translate to the art-making process.

“When I got the letter confirming that I had won the award, it was really exciting but still quite unbelievable. I just thought it was an amazing opportunity to drive my work forward. It was also a massive confidence boost that people on the judging panel from the likes of The Tate and the LJMU Art School believed in my ideas, so that was a bo- nus too.

“I’ve always been intrigued by Japan and always wanted to travel there based on what we see and hear about it in the West, and the way ancient traditions and customs function alongside the modern and the new. My preconceived ideas about didn’t really prepare me for when I got there though – it was a lot more full on than I anticipated. One guide-book I read described it as an assault on the senses, and in some ways it was quite overwhelming. It’s an amaz- ing, very unique place.

“As far as archery is concerned, I’d never really thought about practicing it before this trip, I had no idea that archery could allow a person to grow in the way Kyudo does, even though I only trained for a month – it was a real eye-opener and turned out to be a very rewarding art. “I trained almost every day for 4 weeks and my sessions took place at a dojo in Nakano in West Tokyo. I would train from 2pm until 5pm each day, and got one-to-one training from the teacher or Sensei. I had 2 teachers – neither of whom spoke much English. I don’t really speak Japanese either so I was learning by watching most of the time, which the layers of the self every time you shoot. One practitioner amassed a huge wealth of work on her CV via clare makes was quite comical. When I was practicing the hand posi- told me that Kyudo is a mental game and because of this films. How much of a challenge was it do do both? “I have tions on the yumi (bow) one of my teachers, who was 71, Westerners find it very hard to master this art but it’s also a to admit that it was a huge challenge to take something as would hit my hand with an arrow and say ‘No good, no practice that is very much about courage and the heart and massive on as the MA and try and run a business at the same good’ or ‘good’ depending upon whether I was doing it right there’s definitely no special treatment. time, but thankfully I have a very understanding business or not, so it was hilarious at times. He was quite a character. partner and it was important for us both to see the MA as “I think what this whole experience did was it really gave part of the business, and not something that was separate “Throughout the training I was given traditional Kyudo me a great opportunity to grow and expand my life. Being to it. wear which is white keiko-gi – a kind of cotton kimono in a different city or country is always inspiring and getting “Doing the MA, and winning the scholarship has really style top, tied at the waist by a coloured silk belt or obi, involved in an activity such as Kyudo really allowed me to added value to the business because it means we are tender- the traditional divided skirt, hakama and split–toed socks look at how I work from a totally new perspective. One of ing for a lot more art-based creative work than we were known as tabi. When I was shooting on the bow I also had the main ways in which the experience has impacted upon previously. I just think we are really excited about where to wear yugake – a traditional, samurai, deer skin glove on me is that it really showed me how I learn, and how impa- we can go now, the whole experience has allowed us both my right hand. tient I can be to get from the beginning of a project, to an to grow so there are no limits now. end piece of work. “The teachers were absolutely amazing and even though “We enjoy collaborating with other people and since we’ve there was a massive language barrier, I really built up a “You could say that Kyudo really trained me to have much been at Elevator we have worked with other residents and great relationship with them and the other archers and it was more patience in letting my work develop naturally, rather hopefully there’ll be more opportunities to do this in the also a great opportunity to open up their world. than forcing it. I also think that on a deep, fundamental future. Both Sam, my business partner and I, recognised level, something changed in me when I was practicing this that Elevator was a great location to base our business when “The practice of Kyudo is such that you get to know your- archery and the Japan experience as a whole has given me a we first went into partnership last year. It was already an self more and it’s really difficult to describe the changes that stronger sense of self belief and given me the opportunity to up and coming creative hub and we could really see that it take place within yourself when you practice, even for a develop a more confident, courageous approach to the work held a lot of potential for us as a place for us to develop our short time. Every practice session is an opportunity to peel and my business. business, and we were right. off the layers of the self and cut through the ego, where your mind and body become symbiotic with the bow and ar- Despite only just finishing her Masters, Clare has already For more information go to www.claremakesfilms.co.uk. row. You’re essentially clearing the mind and getting rid of

PAGE 5 INTRODUCING... COLD SHOULDER

“To me, it doesn’t seem like there is any pressure anymore. Back then there was so much pressure, obviously because it was someone else’s money, and there was also this ele- ment of pleasing people. When we’re making music now, we want to impress ourselves. Back then, because we were younger and more naive, you’d want to write a certain song because it would get played at a club, now we’re not both- ered if we get played in clubs or not.”

“Our pressure comes from a work ethic,” says Kearney. “The pressure that you put on yourself is what makes you really good. It’s what you have to have in the beginning to pick up an instrument, and then be good at that instrument, or whatever it is that you do.

“Luck is where opportunity and preparation meet,” quotes Ashton.

“And obviously we’re putting the preparation in,” assures Kilroe. “We want the EP to be out in October to coincide with the tour, that’s part of the time constraints we’re put- ting on ourselves. We didn’t want to sit on it for too long. We don’t want anything to go stale, we want to keep on pushing forward. It would be a nice way to end the year by putting something out, it’ll be us finding our feet as a band. After being friends for years, and many parties and shenani- gans with their respective bands, are the group looking for- ward to touring together? “Well we’ve always had a laugh together which is so important,” says Kearney. Formed from the ashes of Liverpool mainstays The Aero- space between the songs, and it being more meaningful “It needs to be a lot more chilled out though,” laughs Kilroe. planes and The Black Velvets, current drummer with rather than being something commercially driven and not “When you’re younger and you go on your first tour, you Echo and the Bunnymen Nick Kilroe, Chris Kearney, and written for a certain genre,” Kearney continues. “We just just go mad, fucking crazy. It’ll be good getting in the back Andy Ashton have gone back to base level and back to wanted to write for ourselves, it was the key inspiration. of a van again and just doing it.” basics with new outfit Cold Shoulder. “When we all got together in a room, we just sort of hit on So will Nick still continue to play with the Bunnymen? “Of World-tours, headlining festivals and sold-out gigs every a sound and decided ‘this is it’, all the songs that didn’t fit, course,” says Nick. “It’s good being in the Bunnymen, if night aside, once a writer, always a writer, and through their we just left them behind. We wrote another set then, within I wasn’t a writer it’d be easier, but there’s respect there, new band, the Elevator residents have been getting busy a week of making that decision.” they’re a band who have managed to retain their integrity, readying their new sound and DIY approach. and are renowned as one of the coolest band around. It’s “I’ve never ever been in a band where it’s been like that,” awe inspiring going on tour with them and it’s a privilege “We were working together in Crash,” explains Kearney. says Kilroe. “Where we can get rid of a whole set and then to play with them. “Nick was playing in the Bunnymen but wanted to do get another one together that quick. It’s inspiring in its own something which featured his own input, I’d finished what way.” “I’ve gained so much integrity, I’d like to say coolness too, I was doing with the Aeroplanes, we both just wanted to but no-one could be as cool as Ian McCulloch. It’s exciting as soon as possible.” “Our sound has more balls, it’s not as sparse as the Plastic again, one can only hope you achieve the success that they Ono band, the thing we liked about that was the attitude of have, but now it’s about Cold Shoulder, it’s such a creative “It’s always been on the cards,” laughs Nick. “Since the the album and the rawness,” explains Ashton. thing.” Velvets split up, I’ve always been writing, as had Chris, there’s always been a lot of songs to work on. It was a case Lyrically, the Plastic Ono Band are amazing. We’re a lot Is Cold Shoulder a band for musicians? “They’re not easy of your free, I’m free, let’s do it. It took a long time for it harder in our approach,” explains Kilroe. “I think it’s a lot parts to play by any stretch if the imagination but they’re to happen though, because we didn’t have a bass player, more soulful than anything we’ve ever done in previous very accessible,” says Ashton. “There’s no indulgence, we and we didn’t have the belief that we could get in a room bands. play for the songs, but that doesn’t mean that the instrumen- together without having that. It’s easy to sit down and say tation side of things is simple, because, it’s not. that you want to start a band but finding the right people to “We both wrote for our previous bands, so there’s going to be in the band is probably THE most difficult thing.” be an element of those bands in Cold Shoulder, and in the So will the good folk of Liverpool be treated to a few home musicianship, but push ourselves a more though. We know gigs before the tour? “We don’t really want to do the usual So what was it about Andy that took their fancy? “The tight we can do that, so there’s no point in doing that any more. rounds. Our inspiration for this is something that probably trousers,” laughs Ashton. “I’ve been under the radar for “We’re trying to stay in control of it as much as we can,” came from the Bunnymen,” says Kilroe. “We had a really about ten years, but knew Nick from when we were kids, says Kilroe. “If you rely on other people to drive the band good idea to do the bombed out church back in May, but we used to jam together when we were about 17, and we it’ll go nowhere, we’re definitely driving this. since we’ve started it seems everyone had the same idea. just bumped into each other one night in a bar.” “It means more because if we’re doing it, it’s just us, it “We liked the idea of playing with no roof, so that anyone “It still wasn’t like ‘wow, this is it’ though,” explains Kil- makes more sense for us to just do it ourselves and produce who was out on a Friday night wouldn’t be able to get away roe. “We had our first rehearsal and then I went away on it ourselves, we can get our own gigs and map out what we from Cold Shoulder. The gig we did in Santa Chupitos was tour. But when I got back we got our own room in Elevator, want to do, because, at the end of the day, if it fucks up, we to blow the cobwebs away. We need to announce ourselves. got together in the room and just clicked instantly. It was only got ourselves to blame. It’s more of an achievement.” It’d be really easy for us to go and play the Zanzibar or the beautiful. We already had a set of songs together. I had the “You end up with a lot more satisfaction don’t you,” says 02, but we’d rather not. We want to be a little bit different, 8-track stuff already laid down with mine, and Chris had Kearney. “But it’s different at the moment as its early days. to have some ownership over the gigs. Maybe we could play all his, but the set that we put together wasn’t the one that We might end up in a completely different situation next the Duckmarine, or Fred’s weather map!” we ended up using. week with a team of people working for us, and we’ll com- pletely contradict ourselves!” “It’s more of an event then,” continues Kearney. “We’ve “It was possibly the first time any of us have made a deci- played everywhere so many times with other bands, it keeps sion to fuck so many songs off,” explains Kearney, “and “We have a six week period outlined, we need to layer it fresh for us too.” they were good songs too. We just got this sound one day, everything up in that time,” asserts Nick. “There’s a tour and everything that went before it just didn’t seem to fit planned, and there are time constraints. That’ll happen Why did the band choose Elevator? “There’s so much dif- anymore.” around October. The plan is for us to put out an EP, and do ferent stuff going on in Elevator. It’s like a new scene, it’s a it all ourselves. Obviously we want it to be heard by a lot of networking solution,” laughs Kearney. “It’s like Facebook!” “There’s an album which is very close to all of us, and it’s people, but the industry’s changed so much in the past six kind of the underbelly of our sound,” says Kilroe. “It’s the years, it’s completely different. There isn’t the money put For more information, tracks and upcoming shows, go to: ‘Plastic Ono Band Vinyl’. into bands any more. We’re trying to do it as professionally www.myspace.com/coldshoulderband as we can. “We were always on about that slap-back vocal and the

PAGE 6 IN BRIEF...

WHITEWOOD MIX IT UP SCREEN PRINTERS MOVE IN Whitewood Studios kept up their hectic pace as they wel- In The Room Print Company have moved into their new comed the newly re-named Dustland (formerly Copyright) space on the 5th floor of Elevator. into the studio last month. The business, run by the criminally under-rated rock band The four-piece enjoyed glowing reviews after this year’s Hot Club de Paris, will focus primarily on textile printing Soundcity festival, and with a new moniker now in-tow, for bands, punks and small businesses. the Deltasonic managed group have finished recording their demos. The Elevator based studio also recorded guitars for “We’d always struggled to find printers for our band’s t- The Red Suns, hotly tipped by Deltasonic founder Alan shirts who could deliver small runs at a low cost so we fig- Wills. ured we’d print them ourselves.” says Paul who plays lead bass in the band and is chief squeegee operator in the busi- Whitewood temporarily housed the talents Molly Jones for ness. “Now we’ve decided to print other things for other b-unique, 9 Lives, who release their forthcoming EP in De- people.” cember, and Blues outfit 44, who laid down some tracks be- DITTO MUSIC ARRIVE fore popping off to The Great British Rhythm & Blues Fes- Should you need to place an order, contact In The Room Elevator welcomes champions of the unsigned band Ditto tival in Colne and a live BBC broadcast. Fly With Vampires Print Company at [email protected]. music into the fold and onto the fourth floor, as they bring were mastered as were Elevator Metal behemoths Bendal their own brand of justice and know-how to those without Interlude, while a track recorded by Triphazard at White- record deals in the city and beyond. wood was used on the Matthew Street Fringe Festival CD. Slotting right into the mix, Ditto are a digital distribution Whitewood even did their bit for the Biennial, recording STUDIO LIVERPOOL company who specialise in supplying unsigned bands with Poetry readings from Eleanor Rees. services that were previously only available to those with Elevator is pleased to welcome Studio Liverpool, a hub for label backing. For more information on Whitewood Studios, go to: www. all things creative in the city. Bringing together the disci- whitewoodrecordingstudio.com or email info@whitewood- plines of theatre, film, music, poetry, and comedy, with the Getting your tracks up and ready to buy in stores such as recordingstudio.com added bonus of training workshops, rehearsal and per- Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and Emusic is easily achieved formance space hire, as well as gallery space, Elevator’s with a little help from Ditto. They also sort out the tiny mat- latest addition promises to entertain! ter of chart eligibility in the UK, , US and Canada, as well as claiming back royalties from , pre-release Studio Liverpool is modelled on and a sister operation to shenanigans, SMS keywords and many more essential ser- the critically acclaimed Studio Salford, the M.E.N award vices for any band wanting to sell their music to the great winning fringe theatre and performance venue housed at global public. The King’s Arm’s in Salford The Liverpool HQ was set up by former members of Studio Salford, which has been The company was founded my Matt and Lee Parsons in described in the press as ‘facilitator to the underground’, Birmingham, brothers whose previous endeavours in bands and ‘top of the fringe’. Work created and developed at the lead them to found Ditto. The pair made it their goal to volunteer led organisation has gone on to play to critical ac- provide unsigned bands with the same infrastructure and claim at The Lowry studio and The Library Theatre. opportunities as signed artists to much success. Their fight and achievements have seen them draw much media atten- The new studio is set to launch on November 6th, with the tion with the company being featured in The Telegraph, The website, which will provide full information on all Studio Gadget Show, and Digital Music News. The company are Liverpool will have to offer, launches on October 1st. The also featured in the Guinness Book of Records after they enterprise will begin with two in-house theatre companies released ‘One Off Song For The Summer’ by Essex group initially, Falcon Productions and Trickster Theatre, but are Koopa in 2007. This is listed in the as the first single to looking to invite three more Liverpool based companies to enter the top 40 singles chart on downloads alone. join as in house companies, giving them the platform to develop their work with the support that studio Liverpool Vice President Jay Kerr urges bands to come up and say ELEVATOR BANDS LAUNCH FESTIVAL can provide. hi, or to drop them an email. They also have special offers for Elevator bands. “To celebrate Ditto Music’s move to The organisation has already put out its first calls for par- the Elevator building we will be offering several discounts Elevator bands Bicycle Thieves and Owls*, and DJ’s Mr ticipants to take part in the highly successful ‘Embryo’, an to artists who practice here. All they have to do is drop an Paul and We’re Not Sorry will take place in the forthcom- event which started out in the Salford branch and has al- e-mail to [email protected]. ing Inside Pages Festival, taking place on October 1st and ready seen performances from hundreds of talented people. 2nd. “Also if you have just got your release mixed and mastered They are looking for performers, film makers, comedians, and want it live on iTunes ASAP call up to our office on the The event also sees acts such as The Suzukis, The Loud, poets, and musicians to perform on December 4th at Liver- 4th Floor with the CD and artwork and we will have it live Seal Cub Clubbing Club, The Cubical, Cold Ones, We pool’s first ‘Embryo’. The event gives participants a chance whenever you want for only £15.” Came Out Like Tigers and Fly With Vampires on the same to get invaluable feedback and the opportunity to take a bill. risk with performances of their stand-up poetry, scripts in For more information go to: www.dittomusic.com. The two-day festival, housed in various venues across the development, bands, or short films, anything creative goes. city including The Static Gallery, sees Liverpool Music The performer receives a ten minute slot in which to per- magazine Bido Lito!, club night Indo Silver Club and new form. Audience feedback, whether good or bad, is always record label Payper Tiger join forces, bringing the diverse passed on, allowing the performer to develop their work in TICKET TO NEW bill of bands together for one weekend. the right direction. Embryo is set to take place every six Record label Payper Tiger, the brainchild of Bicycle weeks. Thieves guitarist Ash Hopkins and partner in crime Rich Metcalf, are currently in the process of a compi- Unsigned bands are also in the sight of Studio Liverpool. lation CD featuring bands such as Sound of Guns, as well The organisation wants to play music by emerging and un- as other acts playing at the festival, to give away completely signed groups in house for free. gratis at the event. Exhibitions featuring artwork from the first five issues of The venue hire aspect of the studio generates revenue and Bido Lito, and the work of Horse (aka Gary McGarvey) finances the work undertaken by the studio. The space will will also take place at the festival. Probe Records will lend be available for rehearsals, performances, conferences or their support to the event in the form of the Inside Pages private functions, the space is multi functional and avail- Record Shop. able at competitive rates for everyone. Elevator residents Ticket to were given the op- portunity to play on a floating stage at the world famous Tickets for the event are priced at £6 for a day ticket, or £10 For more information, email [email protected] Matthew Street Festival after winning the Juice FM Un- for a weekend wristband, and are available from Probe Re- or visit www.studioliverpool.co.uk when the website is signed Competiton. cords or See Tickets. For more information, search for ‘In- launched. side Pages – The Bido Lito Magazine Launch’ on Facebook. Go to: www.facebook.com/tickettonewyork

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