Nottingham’s Free Montly Live Entertainment Magazine 3

NEW GENERATION SUPERSTARS

BECKY SYSON • ARCANITE REAPER • DOUBLE ENTENDRE NOTTINGHAM LIVE AT SEVEN • I’M NOT FROM LONDON TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY • PANIC CELL • THE SHIVER

Editors Welcome Hi all and welcome to the 3rd it out and help us move forward the event. issue of Nottingham LIVE, thanks - the survey will be available at for checking it out and we think www.nottinghamlive.co.uk from Getting back to this issue, we think we have another cracking issue in January 1st. we have packed in some great store. Despite being onlty three stuff for you, we have interviews months old the magazine has gone Speaking of the website we are with New Generation Superstars, from strength to strength and the working on a huge redesign of the Arcanite Reaper and Teenage feedback we have received has site to tailor it to the new needs, Casket Company, and pics from been excellent. We are extremely the site was originally launched as a host of events including The grateful to all the bands, a replacement for the magazine Limits in London, Nottingham photographers, contributors and but will now run as a companion LIVE and Becky Syson’s EP launch. the like who have helped us grow. to both the magazine and live gig As part of our expaning product nights, we will again be looking we also have an interview with Looking ahead to 2010 we are for suggestions on what you want Nottingham burlesque duo planning on ways of imroving from the website, in our survey. ‘Double Entendre’. We have also the magazine to make it “the” launched a new section featuring essential read when it comes to We have another gig coming up on acts visiting Nottingham and this live music and entertainment in December 15th at Seven, featuring month we spoke to Italian’s The Nottingham, we are speaking to New Generation Superstars, Shiver and rising British metal other players in the local scene Lipstikk and Arcanite Reaper, and band Panic Cell. Plus columns from at ways we can all work together we are already looking at gigs Will Robinson and Steph Kirkup. and hope to have some great for 2010 with plans to expand new features launching in the our live music, we are pleased to So enjoy the magazine and have new year. To help us improve we be involved with the Julie Butler a great Christmas and wonderful are going to run an online survey Charity Night events at the Old New Year and we speak to you at the beginning of next year to Angel (32 Jan) and The Central (6 again in 2010 see what you like, don’t like and Feb), these events are for a great would like to see in Nottingham cause (see page 5) and we hope LIVE so please take the time to fill you will come along and support Daz Inside this Issue

3 Editor Column/Contents 23 Interview - Teenage Casket Company 5 Latest News 24 Jay Hannah Thomas - Open Mic 2009 6 Column - The Maze 25 Nightstalker Promotions 7 Interview - New Generation Superstars 11 Becky Syson EP Launch 26 Column - I’m Not From London 12 Nottingham LIVE at SEVEN 28 Visiting Notts - Panic Cell 13 Julie Butler Fundraising Event 30 Visiting Notts - The Shiver 15 Interview - Double Entendre 32 The Limits - In London 16 Feature - Arcanite Reaper 18 Feature - Ghost Bus Tour 2009 33 Introducing - Louise Kim McKenna 22 The Central - What’s On 36 Gallery - I’m Not From London Event The LIVE Team Nottingham LIVE Magazine is produced and created by Nottingham LIVE, all EDITOR: Darren Patterson rights reserved. ADVERTISING EDITOR: Geri Richardson EVENT CO-ORDINATOR: Dave Patterson All comments within the magazine are those of the respective authors and CONTRIBUTORS: Will Robinson, Steph Kirkup, Steve Rowe, not necessarily those of Nottingham Jay Hannah Thomas, Sam Bennett LIVE Magazine. PHOTOGRAPHS: Steve Rowe, Ralph Barkham ORIGINAL CONCEPT: John Semak Student Prices

TeenageMonday Casket Company founder - member Wednesday trio of Rob Wylde, Laney 74 and Spike - have Jamie Delerict has announced his departure become one of Nottingham’s best loved rock from the band after six years. In a blog posted bands acquiring a cult following of fans known on the groups MySpace on September 9th, as the ‘Coffin Kids’. The band had recently Delerict announced his decision to leave the made a storming return to the scene at Live band. Riot’s TrashStock 2009 event after a break from working together, but it seems for Jamie the Describing being in a band as like being time has come to move on to other things. married Delerict said the time had come to 28 Goose Gate, Hockley “get a divorce” explaining “The sex (playing Teenage Casket Company have said they intend live?!) may still be good, but the rest of the to carry on as a trio. relationship is beyond repair and deep down, Nottingham NG1 1FF you know that it’s time to turn the page in your Opposite Brownes Bar life and start a new” chapter. Formed in 2003, TCC - which now features the “bridges the gap between the sterile, unisex salon and the backstreet barber”- FHM Collections The Sal gets Latest News ‘Bizarre’ Sharp Knees head to hoping for New venue for Nottingham’s ‘Big Break’ night of wild naughtiness. Nottingham band The Sharp Knees are celebrating after winning a place in the KitKat Battle of the Bands tournament. Cassidy Event Management is proud to present Nottingham’s first ‘Bizarre’ Festival - an evening devoted to ‘Twisted Glamour’. The Festival will Lead singer, Sam Bennett, fills us in now be taking place at The Olde Salutation on Mansfield Way on Saturday 12th December “The heat was Thursday 3rd December, at the Pulse Bar (Trent 2009, 7:30pm-2am. Uni SU). It was contested by 5 bands, and then voted for by the people that attended (mainly students). A fantastic outdoor performance of stiltwalkers and fire artistes greeting the audience will The winning band would then get a place in the final, in officially open the night at 7.30pm. This is a rare London. The final is decided by a panel of judges from the opportunity to get ‘Bizarre’ and enjoy theatrical live music from the catchy-as-hell TRIXION music industry, including Frankmusik. As Sharp Knees won the CHERRY, SYSTEMATIC KILLING MACHINE heat, we’re through to the final. ‘putting the metal into mental’ and ZADKIEL will be playing some of the best Psychedelic The winner of the final wins £3000, a remix by Frankmusik, Grunge/Indie rock music you can get. Also and a rehearsal session with him. The date is 26th January, in starring THE DEATH NOTES – a female fronted London, but the venue alternative rock band who produce dark is yet to be decided.” melodic songs that audiences have compared to Sonic Youth. The Final will take

The ‘Bizarre’ entertainment also includes tattoo place on the 26th art by Mad Tattooists, ‘Double Entendres’ of January, we at burlesque dancers with a natural stage flair, Nottingham LIVE wish stalls – including Ann Summers - and much, Sam and the band all much more waiting for you to come and explore the best. – if you dare! (We at ‘Bizarre’ love surprises....) A campaign is underway to bring a music festival to Mansfield in Holly Cassidy, Festival Promoter: “This festival 2011. The campaign, which is building up steam on Facebook, and is probably a first for Nottingham – a chance to has already had support from a host of Nottinghamshire bands, let your wild side show!. We actively encourage is the brainchild of Arran Stirland, who aims to put the event on the audience to become a part of the evening, for charity. Nottingham LIVE are pleased to offer their full support so they are not just static on-lookers. This will for this campaign and will have more on the progress of it as it be a great evening of adult entertainment happens. For now check out: http://www.facebook.com/event. with live music, a host of ‘Bizarre’ delights and php?eid=193402863393#/group.php?gid=204085195848&ref=ts well, what we like to call ‘Twisted’ Glamour! “ We want everyone to come along and have a SYCHATRISSI ENTERED INTO SURFACE wickedly good time and there will be a strict door policy - over 18’s only and no jeans or UNSIGNED FESTIVAL trainers I’m afraid – so you’ve got to ‘Dress Nottingham metal band Sychatrissi have landed a huge opportunity to Impress’ us before you are allowed into our after being selected to take part in the Surface Unsigned Festival 2010. Bizarre Festival of Devilishly Delicious Delights... But whatever your taste, there’s bound to be The event which offers a huge array of prizes including £5,000 cash, something to entertain you!” distribution deals, Online PR packages and a place on the bill at the 2011 Sziget Festival is the “single biggest opportunity they have ever Nottingham is diverse in so many ways and if had” in the bands own words and they will be looking for the support people come along and show their support of everyone to receive the votes they will need to progress. we can promise that this will be the first of the ‘Bizarre’ Festivals - providing a boost to The bands first heat will be at The Flapper in Birmingham on February the city’s multifariousness and highlighting 4th and we will have a full interview with the band next month. the wonderful mix of communities living here today. Canning Circus based venue SEVEN unexpectedly closed it’s doors as the latest issue of Nottingham LIVE was going to press - following on from the Running Horse and The Loggerheads it is yet another venue at the heart of local music to close it’s doors in the last few months. At Nottingham LIVE we would like to thank Roz and all the staff for their help putting on the Nottingham LIVE at SEVEN events. Column: The Maze WORTH WALKING UP A HILL FOR by Steph Kirkup

The Maze is just 10 minutes a acoustic Ska-Punk-Reggae drinking it’s time to relax and up Mansfield Road, it’s not half from the biggest names on unwind with one the hardest way to Sherwood it’s just up the Nottingham scene to some working and most respected a slight incline! And anyway, of the biggest names in Ska- country-rock artists currently we’ve got some great stuff Punk in the UK (including ex- on this planet. From Nashville over the next few weeks that Filaments frontman Jonny One Tennessee we give you Mr. should get those crazy legs Lung) we hope to raise enough Kevin Montgomery. pumping…it’ll keep you warm money so they can keep their January 23rd anyway! allotments. It’s £5 to get in and all money Revolution Sounds bring us a December 16th goes to the centre, with a highly anticipated night with raffle and sellable items drive 3 of the most respected ska- is the launch of our new regular for a jumble sale it’s a great reggae-punk bands in the Metal night Rack & Ruin. The way to give something back country plus a US ska legend! night will be a monthly fixture to our local community this at The Maze from the new Christmas. Random Hand, The Skints, year and this launch night Mouthwash and Chris Murray will get you right in the mood December 23rd on the same night, you heard. for it. It’s a Nightmare Before Christmas fancy dress theme and we’re feeling charitable This will be a reet good party with photographers itching again! This time raising money atmosphere and the music to take the photo of the best for Maggie’s Cancer Charity will not only be top class but dressed! you will still be feeling the Bands include No Lovers, following day. Get your skank Bands include local Ronika, Ghosts Wear Clothes on! Metal legends Engines Of and Dog Is Dead Armageddon plus Sychatrissi, The Maze, 257 Mansfield Valhalla and Machine God and then No Lovers and Road, Nottingham, NG1 3FT Spiritualized DJ’s til 2am £3 entry www.myspace.com/ one last party before themazerocks December 18th you’re dragged off to family gatherings! www.themazerocks.com sees local Ska and Punk promoters Revolution Sounds expect electro experimentation [email protected] put on a big fundraiser for and indie madness in for a The Friary Drop In Centre in good cause! search “The Maze” on West Bridgford. The Centre Facebook. helps all sorts of people from January 7th Cosmic American single parents to homeless, presents… SEE YOU THERE to drug users, to low income families and with a great night After all that gorging and Interview WORTH WALKING UP A HILL FOR by Steph Kirkup

New Generation Superstars are one of the biggest and best loved rock groups in Nottingham, ahead of their perform- ance at the Nottingham LIVE at SEVEN gig on December 15 we decided to find out more about them... First things first, how about which we’re fans of as well. It’s album, Raising the Stakes? introducing yourselves to our a real honour. readers? The album was released NGS have been well received worldwide in stores and on-line I’m Davey - lead guitar and by both critics and rock fans in August this year, so it’s still vocals alike, what do you think it is very new. With the reception that makes NGS stand out ‘Crash Course... In Rock n’ Roll’ AJ - Lead vocals & guitar from so many of the other received from fans and press rock bands plying their trade we were eager to get back in Tony - bass and vocals on the various scenes across the studio and do more. All Chris - drums the UK? four of the band member’s influences get thrown into the When and how did NGS come We’re diverse in what we do NGS melting pot and ‘Raising together? and the audiences we attract. the Stakes’ is what was served Another thing is that we’ve up. The inspiration behind it is In 2004, it was four friends never lost focus on what it’s life and stories. getting together and that’s all about. That ain’t money when the rock n’ rollercoaster or fame as so many people We sing about what we know ride started! expect, it’s about playing great and there’s songs on there for music that us and the fans everyone. We get fans of all For those who have not heard enjoy and having the time of genres coming to the shows n’ you guys yet, what is the NGS our lives doing it. there’s not just one common sound? song which everyone picks as If somebody wanted to check their favourite or as the ‘hit’ Rock n’ roll with a raw out NGS for the first time on the album. It’s certainly a edge! Catchy riffs, huge sing which tracks would you point diverse collection of songs all along choruses, big hooks. them to for their first taste of in a NGS branded rock n’ roll Everything that’s great about you guys in action? package! rock n’ roll music in a tight 3 minute package. We’ll pick a selection for the How does it differ from your reader’s to add to a mix tape, debut album, Crash Course in What can fans expect from a ha ha! Rock and Roll? NGS gig? ‘Do it ‘Cus I Can’ and ‘I Won’t It’s a natural progression of A high energy performance Stop’ - the titles sum them up, the NGS sound and picks up with four guys having fun plus you can check out the where ‘Crash Course... In Rock doing what they do best. We video on you tube and our n’ Roll’ left off. We were able like to have a good time with web-sites. to spend a bit more time in the the crowd and entertain them studio and it’s helped capture as well play our asses off. ‘Come Over’ and ‘Nothin’ the big sound that we have to Lose’ (off the albums live, earned through being on You have performed alongside ‘Crash Course... In Rock n’ the road all the time. some great bands and artists, Roll’ and ‘Raising the Stakes’ including The Distillers, Love/ respectively) will make ya Your first album was very well Hate and Ginger from The wanna party and have a good received when it came out, Wildhearts, it must be like a time, which is what we’re all did that put an extra pressure dream come true, do you ever about! on you when recording the have to pinch yourself just to Raising the Stakes knowing check it’s all real? If ya like, get on Spotify and you had to live up to, and then you can listen to both exceed Crash Course? OH YES!! We’re livin’ the our albums for free! But if ya dream, ha ha. We never forget like them, bag a copy from our Yes it did. It’s where the title how lucky and privileged we web-site as rock n’ roll ain’t came from. We had to raise are to be in a position to do free, ha ha ha! the stakes for ourselves and this and play alongside so not be complacent that we many great bands. Many of Tell us a bit about the new could just put anything out. We chose the songs we liked where the heart is! Rock City helping each other out with the most and best represent is where a lot of people dream gig swaps and so on, that’s our sound. The reviews and of playing (I know we all did) when it really helps a scene. feedback from ‘Raising the but with it being the local Stakes’ has been colossal! I too, it adds that extra level of As for recommendations I’d think we’ve achieved what we excitement! recommend The 7:21s, Luxury set out to. Stranger and Union X. Totally Do you still remember your different to us and all totally You have played at some great first gig, if so how do you incredible. gigs and festivals across the remember it when you look UK and beyond, are there any back? The end of the year is that especially stick in your fast approaching, what mind? Remember it with a smile does 2010 hold in store and a great memory, but not for New Generation Trashfest II in Helsinki, Finland in a semi-forgetful way like Superstars?Thanks was like being in another we mentioned above. It’s world. We flew all the way nervous, there’s expectations More, more and MORE! We’re over there and had people from all the people who probably gonna sprinkle a bit down the front going crazy and you’ve dragged out to see the of ‘more’ seasoning on that singing every word and waiting show, but once on stage it too! outside the venue to meet us was exhilarating. There was a before and after the show. It feeling that it just felt right and Things are shaping up bigger felt like NGSmania, ha ha;) we were doing what we were and better than ever. We go supposed to. back to play Finland in March, New York was our first then come back to the UK for adventure overseas so that Having played everywhere our own headline tour. was special. Festivals like from London to Helsinki Bulldog Bash and Hard Rock what is it like coming back We’ll start recording our third Hell always lead to great to Nottingham to perform album as we like to work shows and great parties, but infront of your home town ourselves hard and we’ll be one thing that is always great crowd? playing over in Germany too and humbling is playing to a in May. Spain and America are full venue in your hometown! As home town crowds have also on the cards as well! often seen you before you It always brings you back to There’s also the ‘Nothin’ to where it started. have to go the extra mile to give them something new Lose’ single and video on it’s And are there any you would each time. We love to play way. rather forget? and every gig is a chance to Check www.myspace.com/ perform, win over new fans newgenrocks and www. Every show is memorable for and have a good time! one reason or another, even newgenrocks.com for all the one that should perhaps be What do you think of the local latest updates. www.youtube. viewed as ‘forgetful’. I don’t music scene? are there any com/newgenrocks for our think there’s any we’d like to local bands that stand out to current videos/tour diaries. forget, we just look back at a you? Follow us over at www.twitter. what should be a forgettable com/newgenrocks too! gig with a smile and a great I think Nottingham is great. As memory. So...Barnsley in 2005 with all big cities there are a lot made us laugh, ha ha! of diverse bands and scenes within a scene! We have How does taking to the stage some great local venues and at somewhere like Rock City nationally recognised venues. compare to performing at one For a City to put it’s mark on of the festivals? the map, it takes more than one band and when bands are Your home is where it’s at..or open to working together and

Becky Syson EP Launch Nottingham acoustic folk star “They have put a lot of work “I love doing what I do and Becky Syson has relased her into this EP, given me a lot I just want to keep making brand new EP, “Weave Your of advice and organised a more music and improving professional myself”. producer”. Saying that there is one thing That producer that Becky is keen to point was Ich Mowatt, out, and it is a something that a former EMI comes up a lot. employee who now has his “I often get asked if I would own studio out ever go on the X-Factor” she near J26 and, tells us with a sigh, “and I can like Aboretum, tell you now, No I won’t” is keen to help some of the Becky Syson’s new EP “Weave great local of Dreams” is available now, talent on offer in for more information and Dreams” and held a launch Nottingham. to purchase the EP visit the party at new Nottingham Aboretum also helped fund official site music venue ‘The Central’. the EP as well as organising www.beckysyson.com the launch party which was a For Becky the EP is a step hugely succesful event with Becky is currently involved up on the ladder following the main room at The Central in organising a charity event on from her debut record being pretty much packed in aid of the Woodland “H.O.L.L.A.N.D”. out. Trust on 20 December, the LIVEaCOUSTIC CHRISTMAS “This is a much bigger Support came in the form of CAROL will take place at The project” the singstress tells Repunzal Map, Jay Leivers Central and entry is £5 us, “my first album was self and Ashdowne who got the released with my brother crowd perfectly warmed up producing, this album was for the acoustic sounds of much more professional” Syson who did not disappoint putting on On this EP Becky has teamed a beautful up with Arboretum Records, and melodic the Nottingham recording set, ably group who were also behind supported by the succesful ParkLive concert her band. in Basford this summer. For Becky “I played a number of gigs for this album them (Arboretum) and some is the next non-profit shows to help step on her them out”. rising career and she is The partnership has been enjoying what hugely succesful she is doing. NOTTINGHAM LIVE JULIE BUTLER FUNDRAISER Charity event at The Old Angel in January

Nottingham LIVE are pleased Helen Martin is the woman The GP told her she should go for to be teaming up with behind the gig, here she tells us it....only to have NHS regulator, Nightstalker Promotions to more about the event and why the National Institute for Clinical present a night of rock and she had to help: Excellence (NICE) said the drug’s metal to raise funds cost outweighed the benefits. for Julie Butler, a 50 year old As soon as I read the Chad mother of two, who suffers (Mansfield Local Newspaper) I Friends and Family have raised just felt completely and totally money to help her keep paying from a terminal form of bowel saddened and shocked by Julies for the Avastin that she should cancer and is trying to raise plight. have been able to get for free funds for but the money runs out after the life-extending drug Avastin, I’ve lost two members of my own Christmas. a drug the National Institute for family to Cancer (my Uncle last Health and Clinical Excellence year) and as a family member it’s Julie until she got ill had worked refuse to fund as they do not Heartbreaking to watch someone all her life, she had Made Regular you love in pain or to think they Donations to Cancer Charities consider if “cost-effective”. would be going through any form but since she was gave the news of Indignity. 3 years ago that her Illness was The event will take place at The terminal she has also found in her Old Angel on January 23rd and To think that Julie is being denied fight for life she is also Fighting a will feature performaces from of something that should be ridiculous Political Barrier. a host of local rock and metal a Basic Human right that has been turned down in terms of it As well as the Gig raising funds for bands. not being ‘Cost Effective’ is not Julie it’s also to raise awareness only an Insult to Julie herself, that saddle there are more cases Taking to the stage will be: but also to her Family who are like this by the day. Julies words Fargo going through a very difficult and were ‘what price do you actually Jukebox Junkies traumatic time. put on a life?’. Scarletts Wake Sychatrissi I met Julie a week or so ago and Since then not only down to the she was ready to embark on her kindness of The Old Angel and The Invey 32nd dose of Chemotherapy. Central Music Venues and Reg Whiskey Syndicate Despite this and knowing that Davey (Nightstalker Promotions) she is on borrowed time she and Darren from Nottingham Live The event starts at 7.30 and was remarkably upbeat and Magazine as well as the Bands admission is just £3 before irregardless of everything she taking part, we are now in the 9pm (£4 after that) wants to carry on as long as she Process of arranging two Gigs. can for the sake of her Husband A night of Metal taking part at and Children. The Old Angel on Saturday 23rd Please come down and support January and an Acoustic Night this well deserving cause and She learned of the drug Avastin taking part on the 6th February at help us raise the money to give from a Gentleman sitting next to The Central. a mother the possibility of a bit her there who had been granted of extra time with her family. it. He told of how it had improved All Bands have kindly Donated his quality of life and had enabled their time for free and we just A second event, featuring him to go on Holiday and also want to show Julie that the helped him get along with the people of Nottingham (and a some top acoustic acts, will simple day to day tasks that we lot of people from outside of take place at The Central take so much for granted. Nottingham) care and want to do on February 6th - more something. To a lot of people £4 information to follow. Hearing of this, it gave her some admission is a typical night out hope and she went to her GP. She but for Julie it’s buying her some We will have full previews on knew that it wouldn’t be a cure, more time to spend with those both events in next months but it would be something that she loves and to know that others would give her another couple of are Supporting her Plight. issue of Nottingham LIVE Months and to be able to uphold her Independence.

Interview DOUBLE ENTENDRE Double Entendre are a two peice burlesque act from Nottingham who are making quite a name for themselves, here they tell Nottingham LIVE more about their act... Hi, first things first can you What does it feel like taking crowd were really responsive introduce yourselves to our to the stage and performing in and they made it for us. Plus readers? front of a crowd of people? we were on with some really fantastic acts We are Vickie and Lyssa of the Its a huge high! Obviously double entendres, we are a we get nervous but when Has their ever been any of Nottingham based burlesque the adrenaline kicks in, the those “like to forget” moments dance act music starts and we hear the on stage? audience cheer, our confidence Tell us a bit about how you got shines through No *touch wood!* Not actually started in burlesque dancing during a performance. however Do you remember your first during a run through Vickie did We met at another dance class performance, and if so what nearly kick Lyssa in the head and discovered that we had the was it like due to having a small stage same taste in music and both space and long legs! Not a good had an interest in burlesque It was scary but once we got combination... performances so we looked out there and the audience into local classes. gave us the biggest cheer, it was What does 2010 hold for the brilliant! We couldnt wait to do Double Entendres? When did the Double it again Entendres first get together? Bigger and better routines, Do you have a favourite gig great tracks, sensational Although we have both danced costumes...any more detail separately in a variety of styles, Oxjam in Leicester rocked! The than that would be telling! the Double Entendres were born in summer 2009. The name actually started as a joke between us but then we realised how apt it was and started getting bookings using it! What would you say are your inspirations? They are so diverse! Ranging from the fabulous stylings of tim burtons films to steampunk and Victoriana...and of course the lovely Dita Von Teese Tell us a bit about a Double Entendre show? Strong and sexy, tease but not strip, cheeky and stylish. dance performances with quirky traditional and modern influences. but to get the full impression you’ll have to see Photography- Julian holtom www.jaholtom.com Clothing- Jema Hewitt- www.bridaloriginals.com for yourself! Make up- Sali MsMoo- www.MsMooMakeUp.com ARCANITE REAPER

Arcanite Reaper are a young (guitar). time they have started writing band on the rise in Nottingham, their own music. starting up only around nine Eddie and Connor tell us months ago they have already more about how the band got “Eddie bought some songs played at established venues started. along to practice and Connor such as Seven and The Central, started to play along to them, “Kris was playing in a band attracting a good following then we all joined in” Justin called Avian Fire that was along the way. It is quite a tells us. reaching it’s last legs and was jump forward from their very looking for people to start a Eddie is the main songwriter in first gig at the Westdale Tavern new band with. He suggested the band coming up with the in Gedling, one they have been getting together and it went lyrics and rhythm, the rest of left with some interesting from there.” the band then adds their own memories of. parts to the song. The band originally had a fifth “While we were packing away member, Ian, but musical some guy stripped off all his some guy differences meant things “ clothes and started shouting failed to get off the ground stripped off all that he was going to beat up and eventually the band came everyone in the pub.” The his clothes and back together as a quartet. band, with the exception However it wasn’t all plain started shouting of drummer Kris who was sailing at first. packing his kit away, were that he was hastily removed to the upstairs “At the start Connor never going to beat up of the pub. turned up for practice so it everyone in the took a while to settle in, and Arcanite Reaper are made we didn’t have our own bass up of long time friends Kris pub.” amp until after our first gig”. and Justin (bass) along with Though Eddie, it seems, isn’t two young lads they met at a When the band originally house party, Eddie (Rhythm the only one to try his hand at formed they mainly performed writing. guitar and vocals) and Connor cover tracks, however over pic by Ricki Lage “I have a bank of songs” Connor tells us, “they are mostly acoustic so we need to take the ideas and make them into something that works for us as a band”. Eddie then fills us in on Connor’s unique inspiration when it comes to writing, “he dreams about an Asian guy playing songs to him”. After their memorable first gig the band also performed at Arnold Working Men’s Club amongst other gigs, however their biggest show to date was without doubt appearing as part of the MacMillan’s Cancer as hopefully getting into the one. Trust charity event at Seven studio to record some of their “It comes from World of in July – and event that raised music, as Kris tells us. Warcraft (online game), it’s over £400. “We are hoping to save up and axe in the game. It started The show saw them perform enough to start recording off as a joke name but kind of with a host of great bands an EP at the end of this year, stuck”. including top Nottingham beginning of next”. Joke name or not, it seems rockers Illuminatus, however The band are also actively Arcanite Reaper are a band the evening was not all plain looking to book gigs for next slicing their own mark in sailing for everyone in the year as they look to continue Nottingham and a definite band. their steady rise up through band to watch in 2010. “Justin got banned from Seven the Nottingham music scene, for 2 months after that gig” and we asked the band their the rest of the band eagerly thoughts on Nottingham’s tell us, “for over-enthusiastic buzzing music. moshing”. “I don’t think the potential It seems the bassist got a bit is being shown” Kris tells us, carried away moshing and “There are some great bands the sound engineer, manager like Illuminatus, Design to Fail, and bar staff, thinking a fight Drag the Lake and Numb. All was kicking off, jumped in and good bands from different dragged him out of the venue. scenes but they need to get noticed.” Despite that though the band consider the event a success. So with things looking good for this young band all that was “It was a great gig, raised a lot left to ask was one thing. “It comes from World of of money and we played with Warcraft (online game), some great bands”. Where did the name, Arcanite Reaper, come from? it’s and axe in the game. It Now though the band are started off as a joke name but looking to top that gig, as well It falls to Connor to answer this kind of stuck”. HAUNTED HALLOWEEN Will Robinson tells us about INFL’s Halloween Ghost Bus Tour of Notts pics by Ralph Barkham

Halloween, my favourite time of year, loads of parties, scarily dressed men and sluttily dressed women, the pathology of the night in general causes people to act with less inhibitions than the day but once you throw fangs, masks and makeup into the mix, the rate of chaotic unpredictability and fun increases tenfold. This is no different. I don’t normally like holding parties on New Year or Halloween as there’s so much competition and with throwing at least 4 nights a month in Nottingham, it’s nice every now and again just to go and enjoy myself somewhere else without all the associated worries of promoting and organising an event when all you want to do is get up everywhere consisting of “ex” on which you sit will undoubtably messy. brewery staff who had suspiciously be pulled from beneath your Tonight’s event was slightly close connections with the current arse approximately five seconds different however. For over 3 breweries and again, the landlords after time is called before being years my favourite venue to hold were ran out of town replaced ejected by the doormen, barmen nights was “The Loggerheads” on by managers who seemed to and managers keen to get home Cliff Road. Like many other a good burn out and get understandably or pour themselves a few after pub nowadays, they have had to disillusioned fast. Check your local serving such a dire crowd (what close their doors for good due to paper now- despite the rate of do they care about making more astronomical rates charged by the pubs closing there seems to be money- it’s not their pub, right?, brewery, their access way being no shortage of people unaware they’re on the hourly wage which blocked off by the council less than of this and taking on venues in ends half an hour after the bell a year after they took on the license the hope of making it work- “Own tolls). Personally I look forward to and restrictions being placed on your own pub, young couples the return of the speakeasy and loud music and live bands playing wanted- apply within” seem to be shibeen of yesteryear where we there due to one neightbour’s on every boarded up pub or job can drink and smoke whatever we complaints. They hadn’t had much page and nine out of ten times, it’s like and dance like the fools we luck but you never heard them the breweries placing the adverts, long to be! why don’t they do it themselves- moan. Pete and Jay would tirelessly Anyway, I digress, that’s another promote and organise barbecues because they know it’s a mugs game and need you in their pocket. story- I run a night “Wire and Wool” nights and parties attracting an which catered to those rules, we assortment of different promoters Unless something is done about only had acoustic and performance with their friendly personalities this, I fear we are fast headed art acts on in the caves and garden and funloving attitude to work to high street pub hell where a of Loggerheads and in the main around these “nanny state” place where everybody knows room after the extra thick windows restrictions and regulations. At your name may be due to the were installed and the council after one time being a publican used to fact that your the only guy there confiscating one P.A system had be a respected and high earning who can afford a pint, wears installed a “restrictor” on the new living to have. Now the breweries shoes out, doesn’t mind the chart one so we could never go above are slowly killing the great British music being blasted at you and is the imposed volume, we had DJ’s pub. The government put a stop fine with freezing your arse off and bands play. It was like a festival to breweries buying up all the whenever you fancy a fag which each month as we could get up pubs and forcing the managers will probably cost you a tenner a to 30 acts which pretty much all to achieve unrealistic targets and pack by this point and is well aware played for the love and the pub pay ever increasing rents. All of a that the chrome and plastic perch was free to all and sundry to come sudden “pub companies” sprang down and join in. This was the plan ticket companies but as with any were two vampires and one for the night and we had arranged event, there are elements that slip rather loud uncooth zombie who for a big red bus to pick up revellers through the net. were waiting for the bus, the in town and eventually bring them original time was 7.15 and hadn’t to the party after stopping at I arrived in Nottingham from an rechecked the event since it was several of our favourite venues for Irish funeral of a family friend the changed, oh dear, I wondered how a free shot in each. Due to the night night before, James McHugh Senior many more creatures of the night being an I’m Not From London” (R.I.P) had every place in the church would have made this mistake. I one we thought a vintage red full with mourners, it was standing placated them with whisky which London bus was the best vehicle room only left for me as the entire had been bought as a free shot for the job. Posters were stuck Irish community of Mansfield for each passenger by each venue up around town, facebook users and beyond gathered to pay their and wondered if giving whisky to were mercilessly hassled and flyers respects. My grandparents had people with an axe to grind was were lost and distributed in the died last year too and though at such a good idea, so decided to month’s leading up to Halloween. first it was thought strange to have get home to change before the Then we received the news about a band and Irish dancers at the hatchet was buried in my back!. Loggerheads being shut down, it reception, now I think it would be was a sad time and we had one last an insult not to send such lovers I wanted to go as The Crow but had small blowout to toast the end of of life and laughter off out with no time so dug out my yellow lycra an era of cave induced chaos and a bang. I’m only pissed off that I bee inspired wrestling costume got on with getting new posters won’t be there to see my own as I and cape from the cupboard and made and organising a new route. reckon it’s gonna be quite a party. grabbed lighting, banner and By four o clock in the morning the got in a taxi to “The Maze”. As I Obviously at a fiver a ticket, the pub was still packed and women arrived the place looked like there bus was never going to make were dancing on the tables to really was no more room in Hell. me a millionaire and what with “Fields of Athenry”. I was feeling I wondered if we had actually got Loggerheads no longer being fragile. enough space for everyone and around to be able to sort me out felt slightly sick with nausea at the more cash to take up the slack for I had to pay for the bus and was possibility of the bus not actually organising the party there, it was counting on the tickets to do so arriving. I had rang them earlier in potentially gonna cost me more as I had spent all my money on the day to confirm but I only got the than I had. The best thing about whisky and beer and thankfully answerphone. I had payed a £100 having no money though is that “Speakeasy” handed me the deposit in the beginning when we you can’t really be anything other envelope which previously had booked it despite the company than skint so you’re not really in the 20 tickets in and it had sold double booking themselves much of a worse postiion than you each one, brilliant. Next, “The that night with another event in were in the first place by losing Fleece”, they had sold 14 and Bridgeford. See tickets had not more money. Ok, Alan Sugar may “The Maze” had sold 13 Wax was sent the tickets out to the people not agree with that but who wants closed but things were looking who had bought them online and to go drinking with him? I don’t. up, I might actually be able to Nottingham being Nottingham, I bet he’s round shy. We changed afford the bus! The passengers everyone wanted tickets on the the posters and details with the and the bus company would be night (in general no one ever really pleased! In “The Maze” there seems to want to buy in advance) . I take cover behind the bar and sell tickets, take reference numbers and explain that the shots would be given once the bus arrives. The Maze looks great though, everyone’s gone to such effort, a girl Magdelena looks great in a bloodied wedding dress and white undead contact lenses, Jay from Loggerheads is Frankenstien’s creation, we have two Japanese undead geisha girls, an invisible man, a bloke with two faces, Nick, our cameraman has come as the modern horror movie and has a picture frame around his neck and plastic forks and drills hanging off him (don’t really get it either but it looks funny). The bus was meant to be here at 9.15- it’s now 9.30. I voice my bus and our resident burlesque to miss the shot glassed entirely concerns to Jay and give him strict girl for the night- “Harlequin” is and land on the wich’s shoes, I instructions that if the invisible doing the dance of death to the expect her to start screaming “I’m man asks for me, then to tell him I music twirling round the seats and melting” but instead she smiles can’t see him, and buzz out to the keeping everyone’s blood up. The politely and downs the shot I give back as I think it might pull up on chavvy zombie is irritating a couple her, everyone seems to be (excuse the back of North Sherwood Street of people and still complaining that the pun) in rather good spirits! rather than Mansfield Road. I’m we’re late- has he no idea of the starting to worry, the locals are importance of suspense? I have a couple more shots myself, getting restless and I have a feeling if this bus doesn’t arrive the crowd will want blood, and not the fake kind. Shit, shit, shit- the phontom bus is still not here, I ring the company- answerphone, I ring Pete from Loggerheads-answerphone- I do this ten more times and Ali (Bonsai Projects) our deathly bus inspector runs and tells me he’s just seen a London materialise on Mansfield Road- I kiss his moribund head and ring the bell asking all the passengers on the first bus to gather outside and I run back through the other side. We have brought out shots of whisky which each passenger downs before showing me their bus ticket and taking their drinks token. I sample a couple of measures for good measure and We get to “The Golden Fleece” as as the organiser of this rabble, it’s we’re off. The band “Maniere’s “Farmyard Records” are holding best to be on the same level as your Des Bohemiens” strike up, they their night- “Pappa la Bass” are customers, everybody is enjoying are dressed as the ghostbusters playing, Simon in funeral garb lets the music and the bus goes off to while “Captain Dangerous” are me round the bar and I head to the collect the other passengers from the ghosts, they share a double side as the trail of the dead head “The Maze”. Chavzombie is now bass player, a fact I was typically assemble at the side of the bar for at full arsemode and barges his made aware of one hour earlier their drinks, The Wicked Witch of way to the bar in a foul mood, “I and they can’t fit the double bass the West is first up and I realise it’s want a refund this is a ripoff” he up the stairs but downstairs is a lot harder than I had previously wails. I can’t seem to find anything eerily perfect as the accordian and imagined to pour lots of shots to sever his spinal column at this violins start people dancing on the quickly and the Absinthe seems point and it riles me slightly “How dare you say this is a ripoff- ok we’re a bit late but I’ve given you extra shots, you get four anyway, a London bus to take you through town to each pub with parties on plus burlesque and bands on a bus, if you were to get a cab it would cost you more than the price of this and i’m making nothing on it, what are you talking about!”. This calms him down a bit and as he starts to decompose himself, he asks for his money back as he wants off the tour. This is the best news I’ve heard all night, with events like this, there is always one but normally they hang around like syphillus untill something bad happens but this one is volunteering to go- great. I have no time for people who can’t see what time is fleeting, madness takes round the pool tabel (stage) and I I’m trying to do with things like this it’s toll, but listen closely, not for can’t seem to find her. I get on the which is basically to give people very much longer, I’ve got to keep pool table to look as the place is a great time and just to prove I’m control. The next bus is here so crammed, people cheer, maybe no shark I give him another shot the staff and I fill the jugs with they think I’m the act? I shout her before he slinks off into the night. orange, tequila, vodka, rum and name Laura and to sooth/repulse My mood is immediately lightened. grab as many straws as i can. In the the crowd, show them a bit of side entrance i’m letting people shoulder and attempt a striptease. I am informed that the next bus in and letting them sip as much As a man in a lycra yellow catsuit is about to leave for the next bar as they want and can before they it’s genuinely quite hard to do and I quickly see a flaw in my plans, feel a sensation like they’re under a burlsque act and eventually how do I get everyone out and how sedation. Jared from Leftlion settle on pressups whilst shouting to I distinguish between pasengers seems to be the longest on the despearately for Laura/ Harlequin and regular drinkers, everyone’s jug, eventually just pouring most to arrive, she turns up and I fall off dressed like monsters, ghosts, of it over his face, he descibes the table letting her do her stuff. skeletons, vampires and zombies my nights as being “beautifully She is quite literally spellbinding and it’s heaving- bugger, I tell shambolic” which I like to take as a and does a ten minute fandance everyone in the pub that the bus is complement but my attentions are to rock and roll music. Check her leaving and run outside and hope now turned to the bus. It’s running out anyone wanting to see some for the best. Amazingly this works, late for it’s other appointment quality burlesque. The pub is soon next year I will have an airhorn. The so anyone who wants to leave on closing so we all head to The Alley pasengers show me their ticket and the bus must get back on it now, I Cafe and dance, drink and generally a drunk man on the street tries to tell everyone this and say we’ll be piss about. I’m so relieved that get on thinking that this is a normal at “The Speakeasy” if they want the night went well though I’m bus but the inspector tells him he to meet us there, most are happy certainly gonna have more people needs a ticket and he may as well to stay other are too pissed to helping me if I do it again. Our go into the “Fleece” for a drink. As understand. I have no power of the producer, Danny tells me “Psycle” we start to pull off he asks what bus, these people or my life but all have a rave on, so we pile in the it’s like in there, I tell him it’s good I can do is keep people informed. taxis and get ripped off for our fare fun but a bit dead at the moment When I’m satisifed everyone has before losing my phone (again) and and we head to “Wax”. I’m really been told, I help someone finish eventually heading to a party from starting to have fun here. their pint by drinking it for them which I am never allowed to leave! and run outside. The bus is gone! “Wax Bar” is packed and I run off Lets do the time warp again! the bus. My friend Nate grabs my I see it turn left at the balls throught the lycra, I have bottom of broadstreet his costume with me too but he and run after it, the won’t wear it as he reckons he will students outside look like an idiot (he is later found “Oceana” are having outside his flat covered in his own a superhero stand off urine and vomit). Last time we wore and I fly through the them was for a wrestling match we middle them as I run put on for our birthdays (check up the street I grab a Youtube Audio massage/I’m Not red sequinned cowboy From London for the whole fight) hat from the floor . We got the costumes made by and do something costume designers on their degree i’ve always wanted course for Notts Trent and wore to but never done in jockstaps to protect our jewels London, jumped on to and our dignity. In my haste to get a moving bus. I highly out I only had my red 666 Y fronts recommend it. Feeling and they don’t leave much to the happy and drunk I imagination. Some of the ghoulish break into the song girls on the bus have already taken “New York, new York” to calling me penisman and the and get the passengers camera keeps filming my groin, to join in. hey it’s a cold night in October and Finally we arrive at anyway i’m a grower, what do you The Speakeasy and want from me? the shots are ready “Wax Bar” have prepared me for us upstairs, once pitchers of cocktails and everone they’re gone, the bar gets sorted out, the cocktails seem announces that the quite strong too, it’s astounding, burlesque act is about to start, people gather THE CENTRAL: DECEMBER LISTINGS

Thursday 3rd: Breachasers, Captain Cor Blimey & The Guv’nors, The Hubris

Friday 4th: The Attics

Monday 7th: All Or Nothing, Chaos Days, Lock and Keys

Wednesday 9th: RockSoc Christmas Party feat. Blood Divided, CAUSE I CAN Meberob, Blood Divided The new single from SCOTCH EGG Thursday 10th: Boomtown Rats Available NOW Friday 11th: from AMAZON Luxury Stranger, In Isolation, The Amber Herd, coming soon the debut Howard Spam Jacks (DJ) album “No covers needed” Saturday 12th: visit Ocean Bottom Nightmare, Hold Your Horse Is, www.scotcheggtrio.co.uk POLAR., The Charm Offensive

Sunday 13th: The Franchise, The King Ships, Spit Fish ADVERTISE YOUR Mon 14th: BUSINESS OR Buttonpusher Presents... Marvin’s Revolt, On History of Rosenburg, Nephu Huzzband EVENT IN Wednesday 16th: Bleed From Within, Martyr Defiled, Taster’s NOTTINGHAM LIVE Choice, Threnody Thurrsday 17th: Monkey Nuts, Triad FREE Friday 18th: Riot Promotions Yuletide Shambles! Feat. Kitty Hudson, Zen Motel, Silverjet, Disarm, Suicide Tuesday, Deadtime Stories

Thursday 31st: EMAIL Luxury Stranger, The Limits, Green For Go [email protected] Interview TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY One of Nottingham’s most loved and followed metal bands, Teenage Casket Company, talk about their band changes, new single and what comes next. This year has seen the band I always like a ‘power pop trio’ Show and the great Pure Rawk reform, lose a member and anyways, I think it’s cool. We’ve Webzine and Live Shows has always release a brand new single all in mentioned about possibly working been a great supporter of the the last six months, it must have some samples and keyboards into band right from when we first got been an extremely stressful and the live songs which would be together so it made sense to offer emotional time? huge so who knows? her the first play. Any radio play is great though, no matter how small TCC has always been a real Soap Maybe down the line we’ll get a the station, it’s a positive thing and Opera! We’re always saying we new guitarist but we’ll see. you never know who’s gonna be should write a book at some point listening. about everything that’s happened Your new single is “Best Friend is over the past few years - we’ve My Radio”. Can you tell us a bit Are there any plans for a new had more than a few scrapes both about where the idea for the track album in the coming months? personally and musically. But yeah, came from? I guess Jamie (Delerict - vocals There will definately be another It’s another Rob Wylde smash hit Teenage Casket Company album at & guitar) leaving this past for sure! As soon as I heard the title Autumn was the biggest thing some point but when I don’t know. I was sold. Easy as that! I think Rob It’s so hard to schedule everyone that’s happened within the band. has had the song bouncing around Over the last together - we literally live in for a while. He sent myself and different parts of the world these year or so the band had totally Spike an acoustic demo, we had days - but we all love this band, it’s grown apart, what with everyone two hours rehearsal and then just been a huge part of our lives for a pretty much relocating and doing hit the studio. It’s a great tune and long time now so another album different musical projects, so with the would be great, both for us and for whilst the return gigs were great I added keyboard riff I think it the people who love the songs. think it was time for something to moves us in a slightly different With 2009 almost behind us, what change. I miss Jamie a lot for sure, direction..... not too far away from he’s such a big personality but he’s does 2010 hold for Teenage Casket what people know us for but still Company? still a best friend at the end of the fresh sounding. We all agreed the day so if he’s happy and the band band sounded a lot more focussed The new single is a great stepping can carry on then it’s all good on this recording too which I think stone between the first chapter Losing Jaime was obviously a is great of TCC and what’s to come. Rob blow, how are the band moving Wylde will be heading back to the What has the response to the new USA in January to concentrate on on from this and how do you think single been so far? it will effect the style of the band his ‘Sins Of America’ band and over time? Awesome, it really has. We’ve recording their debut album so had positive comments from all we’ll be working to his schedule When we went it and recorded over the world and there’s talk of as to when TCC will pick things up the new single it was probably the maybe remixing the single at some again. Hopefully Spring or Summer easiest studio experience we’ve point in the USA which I think will see the band back out on the had. That’s no reflection on Jamie would add a cool new road again. Watch this space! at all, I think we just know how twist on it. I think one of hard it is to get everyone together, the main reasons to put so when we do, we have to get in this out, other than it and get the job done fast. Hopefully being a strong tune, was this’ll be a sign for the future - that our way we have to be as productive as possible and if the result of the of saying ‘Hey! We’re still new single is anything to go by here!’ and from what I then I think we can become an can tell that’s worked! even stronger band The track made it’s Do you intend to stay as a trio are debut on radio station are there plans to bring in another ‘Total Rock’, I imagine member down the line? that was a huge boost for you guys? We’ve spoke about this and for the time being I think we’re going That was cool. Nix who to concentrate on being a trio. runs both the Breakfast OPEN MIC 2009 Nottingham singer Jay Hannah Thomas recently competed in the final of the Open Mic 2009, narrowly missing out on winning the event, here she tells us about her day and her plans on where she goes next: “It was all a bit Pheonix Nights looking!! A fun night overall, i had some fun banter with a few of the other acts backstage, though it turns out the comp was less of a talent comp and more of a “who can get open mic uk the most cash and publicity” show!! Both the winner and the runner up did undeniably have great voices, but both sang cover songs, I was under the impression from the last round that the show was more about progressive original artists, but it seems not so, oh well, i guess it’s opened my eyes. Regardless of all that,I have achieved so much as a result of the kick up the ass doing the show gave me! I Shall keep marching forward with my musical mission, it’s all I know and I LOVE it!!! I was overwhelmed by the positivity i got from the audience. As i was on my way out at the end loads of people came over and said they thought i was really good. It’s great to know regardless of the winning title, that people love what i’m doing! I plan to keep gigging and sending out Demo’s. Ultimatly I would, of course love to get signed by a trustworthy and reputable label, get a nice deal and go on tour and generally be rock n roll for a few years!! (then build an eco house and fill it with my very own family!!) hahaaaa!! if only it was all that simple!! “ Check out next months Nottingham LIVE for a full interview with Jay as well as pics from her performance at the Open Mic final. NIGHTSTALKER PROMOTIONS UK PRESENT....

The Crypt 18th Dec The Old Angel 8pm-late £3 on door With live music from sychatrissi and support

Nightstalker Promotions UK Present:31st Dec Antiproduct! NYE Party With support from Deadtime UK@ the old angel in 8pm til late £10 in adv WHO ARE NIGHTSTALKER £12 on door PROMOTIONS UK?

Nightstalker Promotions are a promotions company based in Nottingham in the UK. Nightstalker Promotions UK Present: Symbiosis Opening night 16th January Nightstalker Promotions (UK) intends to bring some of the best up-and-coming talent right 2010, industrial/EBM/darkwave across the spectrum of alternative music to clubnight Nottingham. With Live performences from Deviant They do not believe in limiting ourselves to sub- UK, Method cell And DJ sets from Jay genres of the alternative scene, and intend to Smith (Deviant UK) Gadge Europa bring everything from Classic Rock, Goth and (Nightmare) And Reg Davey (The Punk to Industrial, Death Metal, Black Metal, Heavy Metal, Stoner Rock, Doom and everything Crypt) 8pm til 3am £4 B4 11 £5 else in between. thereafter. Nightstalker will be working with several venues in and around Nottingham, eventually branching out across the Midlands... then who knows where? Column

I’M NOT FROM LONDON Promoter Will Robinson returns with his regular monthly column An early start this weekend, 8.00 to begin with. My head has always TV industry, to people with no A.M on a Saturday morning is a been filled with ideas yet my experience but a willingness time best avoided in even the wallet, with shite so all the ideas to help, was formed through most desperate of circumstances. have to become the selling point meetings at pubs and gigs and Jon T, our man with the van is when asking for free help. Guy the gauntlet was thrown down however, unspeakably on time Elderfield of Random Recordings and the dates for filming set. so once more drums and banner has worked with the likes of The The problem with Nottingham and are hauled downstairs and we Donnas, Jay Leno, The Libertines especially with the music scene is head to our equipment provider, and numerous other BBC projects there’s too damn much of it. It’s Hardcore Dave. You may know and festivals such as Glastonbury everywhere! Everyone I spoke “Hardcore” Dave by some of and Reading aswell as producing to had some recommendation his other monikers “Dave the some of Nottingham’s best of a band I should film or a rave, workshy Dave, Impeccably artists in his time so his being on person I should speak to. The behaved dave, Skagtooth Dave, board to record, mix and master project quickly snowballed from the list goes on and gets generally all the recordings of the bands a snapshot to a photo album more uncomplementary the involved by literally moving his complete with extras. We have futher back in time you go but studio into the venue (The Arts currently filmed and recorded to his credit dve has suppied the Organisation) really brought an over 70 acts from the city, this multicore and Desk for the filming air of professionalism and order includes interviews with ex if I’m Not From London for free to proceedings that with so many -Nottingham actress Samantha since the beginning of this project musicians involved could easily Morton, bands, promoters and just to see if I’d pull it off/how I’d descend into chaos. labels such as Anton Lockwood, balls it up. Earache Records, Hello Thor, Other local businesses were also Arboretum Records, Damn The film- I’m Nott From London- keen to help out, the bespoke You, Warp Records, Psycle, The Movie is an idea I have been Hockley Music shop “Fuzz” lent Farmyard Records, The Maze working on for around a year. The us the backline and drums, The and Chameleon. A good friend aim was to make a documentary Broadway lent and discounted and Nottingham film director Raj posing an oft’ asked question of lighting equipment and studio Pathak agreed to film Amusement our city- why, with it’s diverse booth’s for of the videos we Parks On Fire on their desert and thriving music community, filmed, Nottingham Trent let us video shoot in L.A while touring has Nottingham never gained a use their editing suite and local the U.S- Raj is currently filming his reputation as a musical city as brewery “Castle Rock” sponsored debut feature film “The Script” in much as (I feel) it deserves. The us beer and cash for our London the Hollywood hills so his help idea was to make a snapshot trip which were obviously spent and advice in the project was of the music scene as I saw it and downed “responsibly”. invaluable. and showcase some of it’s most The Loggerheads (R.I.P) for the talented bands. I had envisioned summer recordings was ideally We still have some more to shoot, an “Old Grey Whistle Test” located a stones throw away including more Hip Hop footage method of well recorded tracks from the Arts Organisation and and to wrap up the interviews but (one each) from the bands our interviews with the bands we have a massive editing project involved intercut with soundbites and after-parties were conducted ahead of us. The result will be a from local people involved in the there and they generously 3 disk set of CD, Extras Disk and scene, promoters, venue owners, donated us 10% of the bartake the final cut documentary which labels, etc. to help fund the project. A team each band will receive a copy of editors, cameramen and of for free and which we aim Money has always been a much runners from Nottingham came to sell in local outlets and gigs elusive commodity in my life and if together for the project ranging for around a tenner (£1 of each you take that out of the equation from students, graduates to copy sold will go towards Cystic from day one, it clears things up people working in the film and Fibrosis), we will also send the packs to every media and music and generally keeping everyone’s of time, so despite the fact I have jounralist for national magazines spirits up. two gigs to run- one now without and papers for free and invite a promoter or soundman and them up to Nottingham to see In order to pay for the hire of the the other guy could get fired for these gigs for free. Every band, Arts Organisation and not ever letting a stranger run the place, promoter and venue involved wanting to make things to easy on I wing it and even manage to has agreed to make this happen myself I have another gig running get away with it with the locals, and maybe we can do something concurrently at the Jam Cafe with one of them even buys me a pint to get the industry to realise the acts that are playing their which is much appreciated! what Nottingham has to offer, one song at the Arts Organisation at the very least, we have a film playing a full set later at the We pack down the equipment to be proud of and one that I Jamcafe plus a whole hose of and the end of the day, we get aim to show anyone I know that acoustic acts from the town and some cash from the Jamcafe to asks me how things are going involved in the project such as pay for the Arts Organisation and with Nottingham’s music scene. Hannah Heartshape, Natalie I look forward to a short sleep Over the years I have heard Duncan, Cecille Grey, My Dark before getting up with Jon T and bands moan about how nothing Star Rise, Hymn, Jay Thomas, dropping off the equipment, happens in this city but few have Gemma Painter and Jake Bugg to lights, decor and lost property to actively done anything to change name but a few. the relevant dropoffs, Jon is paid that perception so I decided to do and the phone is ringing again. No this and get everyone united in a I am running in between the two rest for ther wicked- I’m heading project that they would be proud venues and trying to keep things down to London with Nick, Phill to shout about. running smoothly, Hot Japanese and the band “Fat Digester” Girl take over the place on who are playing the Jazz Cafe So far things have been going Saturday night and are crawling that night. We are filming and unbelievably well, we have a over the tables, shocking the guys recording the sound for the movie Christmas party at The Speakeasy coming in for a quiet cuppa, and and end up literally bumping into on Friday 18th December that has knocking and rocking the place Minty and Gary from Eastenders a gangsters and molls theme to it, out and despite them initially who run away seeing me coming there will be a sitdown meal for being concerned that they were up to them with camera on each anyone wanting one, burlesque playing such a small gig end up arm trying to get a good position acts, shoop shoops girls, a swing playing in their words “their best to film the band, they run off band and more vintage garage gig ever!”. All is good untill day thinking me to be papparazzi bands playing for the night- 2- Sunday when my soundmen’s even though I don’t know who tickets are available here: band Par Excellence are playing they are untill someone mentions which leaves me with a problem it to me. The arrogance of these http://www.seetickets.com/see/ as one of them has a shift to work cockney B-Listers, they needn’t price.asp?code=442540&userid= at a local pub when he’s meant to worry, I’m here for the talent! be playing! The day before was Anyway, back at the Arts the arranged Organisation it is a cold and time but due grey November day, the team to settting is notably skeletal compared to up we had to the ambundance of interest and postpone it, help we had in summer when the they have been weather was much more pleasing. involved in the So only the hardcore left then! project since Thankfully, I had remembered to summer so pack the most important tool of it’s important all in such events, a kettle! Teas they get a as well as promises of beer later chance to be are made and the gang are at on the film too work. We have a crane supplied so I agree to and operated by local music and work the guy’s short film maker David Lilley shift even and Ricki Lage, Phil Formby, Nic though I’m not Cairns and Jermaine Edwards are an employee- filming the other angles on DV the boss is cam’s and super 8. Hana Chan is away and it’s today’s runner and is doing just only hopefully that, making tea, ordering pizzas for a couple Visting Notts

“We have some very dedicated fans in Nottingham” Hi guys first things first can you tell there on our last headline tour back hmm...i would want to recommend us a bit about yourselves for those in 2007 in support of the release of tracks from the new album,but its readers not familiar with you? our second album,”what doesnt not out yet! picking a couple from kill us..”,and it was great then too. albums 1 and 2,i guess i would have Panic Cell were formed in 2003,we we have played there supporting to say,from our first album,bitter currently have 2 albums to our many bands as well,including soil, part of me,it would be “save me” name,2004’s “bitter part of me” american headcharge, staind, and from album 2,what doesnt kill and 2007’s “what doesnt kill us”... drowning pool and ill nino,so its us,it would be “stare into oblivion” the band have been tirelessly very familiar territory for us! working for 6 years to bring decent What are your guys plans for rock/metal to the uk scene.We You were supported in Nottingham 2010? dont follow trends,we just play by two top Nottinghamshire what we enjoy playing,and it seems bands, Designed to Fail and world domination!!! seriously that other people enjoy it too! Illuminatus, what were your tho,we are lokoing at the new thoughts on those guys? album,”fire it up” to be released You are currently touring the UK in late feb 2010,then we want to as part of your “Black Juice” tour, i really enjoyed listening to both spend the rest of the year touring how’s that going? bands-i dont know the boys from it as hard as we can.we are hoping designed to fail,but i am sure they to play some of the biggest festivals the tour has been going brilliantly have got a bright future ahead in europe to support the release,its so far-we have had huge amounts of them. Illuminatus, however, going to be a great year! of fun playing the dates,and have we know very well,we have been been pleasantly surprised with the friends and touring buddies for the turnouts,given that we have been last 6 years, and have played loads away from the touring circuit for a of shows with them. they are a good while now. fantastic band,and brilliant guys to You kicked off the tour in hang out with. Nottingham, how was that gig? Any plans to come back to play in it was fantastic to “get back in Nottingham in the near future? the saddle” so to speak. we love Well, the new album is due out rock city as a venue, so it was a at the end of february 2010,and good choice to play there first- we we will be touring it hard,so i am have some very dedicated fans in confident we will be back next nottingham, and it was a pleasure year,which i am already looking to see them all again. forward to. Rock City is one of the best known Can you recommend a couple of and loved rock venues in the Panic Cell tracks that would be country, how was it headlining ideal for any of our readers who there? wanted to give you guys a first Simply awesome. We headlined listen? ROCKING ROCK CITY Visting Notts “LONDON IS LIKE ROME VERY BUSY, NOTTINGHAM IS LIKE FLORENCE, SMALL BUT BEAUTIFUL” The Shiver are a rising Italian band who been the group’s base for the tour. We acoustic set featuring tracks from the have recently been over in the UK for decided to find out more about the upcoming A New Horizon album and it their New Horizon part 1 tour promoting group before they returned to their seems the gig had gone down well. the release of their second album due homeland. out early next year. The tour, arranged “Last nights gig was awesome” lead by Nottingham based promoters When we met them they were still singer Faith tells us, “it was a classical Nightstalker Promotions, has seen the buzzing on the back of an excellent gig pub with a really soft atmosphere”, band play across the country, including at Lenton’s The Happy Returns pub the while the band also spoke highly of the two gigs in Nottingham, which has also night before, the gig had been their first way they were treated by the venue itself, “they were great, they gave us food and drinks and really looked after us”. This it seems is not always the case with the band recounting a tale of a respected London venue that was not quite as hospitable as the Nottingham venue. Something I don’t think the band will be quick to forget. The Shiver were formed back in 2006 by two good friends Faith (vocals) and Finch (drummer) the band played a number of shows around Roma and central Italy, winning a few contests along the way, and recorded their first demo, “Shades Changing”. Though as the band tells us it wasn’t always that simple to get a gig when they were getting started, “we really had to push venues to get them to listen to our demo, but afterwards they would tell us how great we were”. The Shiver though had always had it in their mind that they wanted to take their music beyond their home country and in October 2007 they made their first trip over to the UK. The band were working on their debut album, ‘Inside’ which was released in January 2008 by UK Division Records a UK independent label. They then returned to the UK for a short Halloween tour in October 2008 which the band says was great fun. “We played one gig with all these young people all dressed up in costume” The band has been working on their second album, ‘A New Horizon’ which is set to be released in early 2010. For Faith and the guys this album marks a huge step forward in the bands music. “The first album (‘Inside’) was just about saying we’re The Shiver and we’re here, this album is more about letting people know our sound”. All songs on the album have been fully written and composed by Faith, and it seems this is the way that works best for the group, as the lead singer herself told us. “We tried writing as a group but I find it better to write the songs and the melodies” Along with Faith and Finch, the band Market and Ice rink, while there was a great, really kind and professional. are being ably assisted on the tour by slightly more unusual tourist attraction guitarist Rob and bassist Roy who both they visited. The track filmed, ‘Crashing Down’ will it seems are enjoying part of such a most likely be the second single from passionate band. “We’ve been to Games Workshop” the new album and the band plan to Finch tells us, bassist Roy in particular, make the video available across the net Guitarist Rob joined the band around it seems, was keen to spend time at the at the likes of youtube, Facebook and 18 months ago, though he has known hometown store of the strategy game MySpace. Finch since the two were at music giants being a big Warhammer fan. school together as children, while As the interview came to a close it was bassist Roy joined two and a half years For Faith it was the chance to visit some clear that this was a band with a real ago after meeting Faith and Finch in a of the unique shops in the town, “I had passion and desire to make great music restaurant where the duo were working a friend tell me what speciality shops and get themselves heard, a band with as waiters. to visit, we don’t have anything like their own style that is developing and that back home”. She was also quite improving all the time, but a band with While both have been, and still are, impressed by Victoria Centre which she their feet still on the ground, in fact the involved with other bands they speak described as “beautiful”. band were due to head back to Italy with great affection about The Shiver. just a couple of days after the interview So for The Shiver it seems that things where they would return to work/ “It is great to be part of such a are going pretty well, but with the year university. passionate band” Roy told us, “it is drawing to a close what does 2010 have amazing fun in this band and I am in store for the band. Both Faith and Finch are instructors enjoying the incredible journey”. in their fields as well as performers Well the guys are back in Nottingham knowing only to well how difficult it is Both Faith and Finch are keen to point in May when they will perform at the to make a living on the music scene, out that while they may be The Shiver, Cryptfest event at The Central, but however they intend to give it their the two sessionists play a huge part in before that they have a the release of best shot. the success of their gigs. “The two guys their new album as well as a tour of have helped us grow and improve on France in March, while they also hope Finally the band were intent to send stage” says Finch. to travel further afield in the next their thanks to Nightstalker Promotions twelve months. (UK) the Nottingham production firm Along with the acoustic set at the Happy headed up by Shane Murfin and Reg Returns, the group also played at the “We are hoping to arrange a tour of Davey that had been responsible for Old Angel, kicking off their tour there as the US in August”, while they also hope booking the tour and arranging their part of Nightstalker Promotions Crypt they may well have the chance take video. These are the same guys behind club night and it seemed the gig went things to the next level, “we are looking The Crypt club night and next years down well. into touring with a major band next Cryptfest at The Central. As Faith tells year, and the chance to play to crowds us “They are a great bunch of guys and “The show at the Old Angel was really of 2,000 or so” cool; there was a beautiful sound and any new bands looking for someone to a great venue” After that the band will begin work on book their gigs should get in touch with the third album which Faith says will them”. The band was also impressed by their be the one to show fans the real The Meanwhile for The Shiver it’s back to support band on the night, Nottingham Shiver “style”. punk-prog rockers Luxury Stranger. Italy and preparing for the release of The band will also release their first “A New Horizon” and after a busy, and “Luxury Stranger are a great band” video, which they filmed on their first exciting 2009 it seems and things are Faith tells us “I have always been a fan day in Nottingham earlier in November. going to get even bigger next year. of the 80’s new wave sound; they put on an awesome set”. “The video came as a surprise” they The Shiver will be performing at The tell us “we had been thinking of ideas Cryptfest at The Central 22-23 May While on tour the band have made for a video, then the day before we 2010 Nottingham their base, staying as flew out we got a message off Shadow guests of Nightstalker Promotions and For more information on The Shiver visit (Nightstalker Promotions) to tell us we www.myspace.com/TheShiverband have made the most of their days off would be shooting a video the next day. by taking in some of the sights around We were tired but it the town, and it seems they liked what was really exciting”. they saw. For the band it “Nottingham is a beautiful city” says was their first Finch before making comparisons with professional video her home country. “It is like Rome and shoot and one that Florence in Italy, London is like Rome they were really very busy, while Nottingham is more pleased with. like Florence, smaller but beautiful”, “There were Unsurprisingly when it came to visiting separate shoots the city there was one name on their of each of us, and lips. some group shoots, “Robin Hood” they all announce, “we then at the end we had our pictures taken at the statue and filmed sections of visited the castle”. me screaming and the strings on the They also visited the Old Market Square guitar” Faith tells us, and were impressed by the German “The Director was THE LIMITS PLAY LONDON The Limits recenty played the O2 Academy in Islington supporting The Branco Heist, SJR Photography’s Steve Rowe was invited along, here he tells us about the gig and shares some of his photos “It’s 3.30Pm on friday 27th November and i have just boarded a train as i am travelling to London with 3 others to attend a gig at the o2 Academy Islington in London. Nottingham’s very own The Limits are supporting The Branco Heist at their EP launch night. I am travelling down with Graham, Steve and Matt. Graham is the dad of The Limits singer, Richard and Adam, their manager. Adam has very kindly invited me down to photograph the gig. The journey down is very interesting for me as I learn alot more about the background of the band and the lads. We reach london and after a short stop at hotel and meeting up with Stuart, we get a cab to the venue. The band are finishing off their sound check as we arrive so it’s across the way to the pub for some ale and some nosebag. The lads meet up with us in the pub and after a drink or 2 we make our way across the centre to the venue. This is my first time here and i must say it is a cracking little venue. It is a total sell out for tonight (approx 250-300) so it should be fantastic for the band. The Limits have travelled down for this gig as guests of The Branco Heist as they have previously played together in Nottingham. There is a good crowd in already which is always a great sign as it means that they will not be playing to an empty room. As the lads come out onto the stage they are greeted by approx 100 or so people. The atmosphere is good, the sound is brilliant and the boys are superb! After playing for approx 45 mins to an hour, The Limits say their thank you’s and leave the stage to rapturous applause from the crowd which by now has increased to it’s capacity. The Branco Heist take to the stage and highly praise The Limits before beginning their set. After the venue closed at approx 10pm (only open for this very special ep aunch) we all make our way to the Nags Head pub around the corner. As I had to leave to catch my train back to Nottingham, I could not stay and share a shandy or soft drink with Rich, John, Adam, Sam, Graham, Steve or Matt. I left them to drink them for me as i made my way back to St Pancras and the long journey home. Dan, The Limit’s bass player was also travelling back to Nottingham so we spent the whole journey looking at the images I had taken of them while chatting about music and everything. Dan had to travel back down to London the following day as the limits had another gig in Vamden. As I made my way through the cold, slightly wet streets of Nottingham at 2.30 In the morning, passing some god awful sights of very drunk people staggering along trying to find their way wearing next to nothing, I thought to myself that, even though I am totally knackered, my ears are ringing and I need my bed. I would quite happily do the very same thing again tomorrow in order to listen to and watch one of Nottingham’s finest bands performing live on stage. My thanks go to Adam for inviting me, Graham, Steve, Matt & stuart for the company, the ale and food (my 1st round at the next one!) And to The Limits for a superb show! Here’s to the next one!” Steve Rowe www.sjr-photography.com [email protected] INTRODUCING: LOUISE KIM MCKENNA Hi Louise, firstly, can you tell our readers a bit about how you got into music and performing? Ok I recently turned what I’m going call “lady luck years” 30, mother of two and currently studying for a degree in Music performance. I have been into performing from the age of probably 5 yrs old, when growing up I listened to all types of music, different genres from Motown- to Rock n Roll, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra to Bon Jovi Doris Day and the Carpenters to Whitney Houston and Tina Turner, Eyrkah Badu, Musiqsoulchild, Mariah Carey to Mary J Bilge and Faith Evans Reggae, Hip – Hop pop music like Nsync, Backstreet boys, Britney Spears R n B, Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson, the genius Prince, up to present day music, the list is endless. My other love is to dance I watched Strictly Ball Room from the age of 3/4 yrs old and remember wanting to dance from then. Dancing is how I really first got to perform. It was at Huntingdon JR school about 7/8 and taught the rest of the group and had to dance to I’ve Had The Time Of my Life form the film Dirty Dancing, I loved Patrick Swayze and, Jennifer Grey who Played Baby. It was I first time I danced in front of an audience other thanmy family. I was hooked from then I also love musicals from South Pacific to Oliver. I always copied what I saw the above do, well at least tried to copy, with my brothers and cousins or mainly by myself because I was shy, sometimes my mum would even make me dance in front of the family or sing songs like Cliff Richard, but also on my own I was free to do what I wanted and do it my way. By 14yrs old I joined a dance group called The Zone Dancers, we performed at our youth club disco’s we also performed at the Nottingham Playhouse The Umojoa Talent Night. At 17 I joined a tribute band of the Spice Girls which I quit after 10 months of travelling up n down the UK to 10 day tours in Ireland and going as far as Dubai doing a sheiks 10yr old son’s birthday party the whole experience was amazing it just made me want one thing & that’s was to perform on stage as a singer. I met Nick Sterret in 2001 & was singing & writing with him & then somehow I met Trevor Rose who introduce me to a group called OUTDAVILLE, which had that had the genius Scorzayzee, Instinct, Lee Ramsey, Mc C-Mone, Karizma & a classically trained singer called Sophie Johnson Hill, an amazing bunch of individual artist all from Nottingham City who had a lot of folk talking about them up n down the country, some of them had been rapping for at least 8-10yrs, I started rapping at 21, b4 I knew it we was on radio 1 Tim Westwood show, 279. Our tracks were played on radio1, BBC 1xtra, we did some festivals Outdaville was 1one of the top ten UK hip-hop group. won’t go into that right now. to write! I won best female on 1xtra in 2002-03 but still I wanted to What inspires you when Can you tell us a bit about your sing, so 2009 I have done abit writing your music? debut album and when we can of what I want. I haven’t had a I feel like I’m still finding my feet expect to hear it? chance to fully express myself sometimes when writing. Well the album is short of a lyrically. In the middle of all this Although most of the tunes are few tunes and u can actually I have two beautiful children mainly about love or meeting download it, but we just had to who keep me going and keep a guy I’m deeper than that like get what we had out there, you my strength up when I’m weak. political issues or inspirational can go to http://bigtrevnotts. I’m blessed to have them in lyrics in a different way, I word press.com, look for my life their 9yrs & 6yrs old, haven’t yet written about, I am Mizzred and follow the other their everything. They are two conscious I have had other life links, and you can download blessing I do thank god for. experiences good ones & bad, a copy. You can also listen to hard times & easy times some a couple of the songs off the How would you describe your people say I should write a album on YOUTUBE, just type in sound? book or do a film about my life. Mizzred look for 80’s child and My sound is eclectic, I work I wish, but I do just write songs Spaced Out feat Instinct. And with so many different types that I feel are in the music, I click on it. of producers & I rap as well as listen to a track I’ve been given sing. I don’t concentrate on & depending on what the beat What does 2010 hold in store how I want to sound I just sing. makes me feel the concept for Mizzred? comes from the beat and I get Who would you say are the familiar with the beat, play it Hopefully some videos and who biggest influences in your over a couple of times & then knows but expect more. music? find a melody, then fit lyrics to My children, Prince and most it & then record it on my phone of the list above not to mention so I don’t forget what I have Sanchez, Gregory Isaac, and sung, it’s the music that make Carol Tompson I won’t go on. me sing what I sing it is only when someone says can you Your new single “Spaced write a song about this… which Out” featuring Instinct is now one person I work with does available online; can you tell us that very thing, do I not really a bit about the track? think about what I write about, as long has real & how I feel so Well the track is produce by in I nutshell music inspires me Kirk Spencer who I love too bits, for his age I think he is pretty amazing too, he has produced another one called Thank U & we have more to come, Spaced out was ment to be the opposite of what it was, instead of about love it was ment to be about jealously but Kirk wanted it to be about love n feeling Spaced Out hence the title, when I write my tracks I like them to have realistic relevance lyrically, Instinct blesses the tune, we’ve been meaning to do a track together for years & only just got round to doing it. There is additional story behind the track but we

A COLLECTION OF PICS FROM I’M NOT FROM LONDON FILMING DAY FROM STEVE ROWE - SJR PHOTOGRAPHY

NEW VENUE: THE OLD SALUTATION INN, MANSFIELD ROAD, NOTTINGHAM