#02 Send your news stories to [email protected] Elevator Cable

For us, it’s a vindication that we’re in the Contents The tempo of change inside right part of the city and the special interview – All Floors, please! Elevator Studios may have feature with Liverpool Vision in the Baltic News from up and down News section will give you loads to think and all around Elevator slowed down a little but about. Find out who’s joining us in the Baltic – outside, in the Baltic’s Triangle (apart from the Hampton by Hilton Title hotel) and get the lowdown on all the area’s Regular Q&A with residing company three points, visible signs of – improvement works, which start this month. Meet...Sound of Guns development are becoming Regular Q&A with Elevator band The biggest change for us will be at the front – evident. This is great news as of Elevator when three loading bays are Another Brick in the Wall installed, which will mean no more long-term Elevator’s building developments it means the area is getting the – parking. On the upside, this will make walking Elevator in Pictures: Smiling Wolf attention it deserves and that along Parliament Street much safer. But all Inside an Elevator Studio our quality of working life in all, exciting times! – Baltic Triangle News will improve over time too. Thanks to everyone who gave us really positive Exclusive Feature - Baltic in Focus – Occasionally, however, there may be more feedback on our first issue of Cable and we hope Elevator Music obtrusive signs of development work like the you’ll enjoy our second installation even more. Recording studio updates road closure in Jamaica Street from 15 March – – Tim and Paul Hired Guns more of that in the news section. Job ads

News from up, down and All Floors, please! all around Elevator

Film maker turns Matt Melia helped to sustain the filmed in – and some of their colleagues will help her trace more back family time independent grocery trade in Ireland customers – we’re going to film their people from Matt’s films. during the 1960s and 70s. He was a memories of my grandad and about key player in the voluntary group life during those times,” said Laura. “There’s a compelling story behind Laura McGann’s latest ‘Mace’, which was created to help the struggles of the Irish grocery trade documentary has taken her back smaller shops compete against the During her trip to Ireland, Laura will and my grandad’s actions and loyalty, to the heart of her family with larger retailers as they increasingly also film some of her grandfather’s which I’m really proud of. Very sadly, a research journey into her monopolised the market. last customers following his retirement he died last March so I really want grandfather’s life – one of few in 1996. But Laura’s search for to produce a documentary that does It seems that Laura’s inherited a others continues. him justice.” people to ever receive an family bug for documenting events International Humanitarian because her grandfather also reached Her return coincides with the 50th Laura’s documentary will be broadcast Award for his work. for the camera to film his friends and anniversary of Mace, which will be in Ireland so we might not get to see it colleagues from the grocery trade. celebrated by a convention in Galway in the UK but Matt Melia’s films can “Once we’ve found a lot of those where Matt Melia’s film footage will be watched on www.mrmace.ie people who owned the shops he be shown for the first time. In doing Laura’s Elevator studio is on the so, Laura’s hoping his former second floor in warehouse 25.

Why would anyone want reacquainted with a bad night's “Album launches tend to be a bit Go on, ’ave an art to tour when all you do is sleep,” says guitarist, Paul Rafferty. embarrassing in my experience,” says Paul. “We tried to have one Arena’s annual charity art auction reacquaint yourself with Bristol and Brighton provided tour once. The electricity failed and gets the gavel out on Friday 26 March a bad night’s sleep? highlights. “Both cities had vocal we didn't even get to play. Might be 6.30pm. Artful doctor, Paul O'Keefe yet polite and attentive audiences, tempting a bad omen to try that again.” will host the night at Leaf. Bid for Hot Club de Paris who finished their which makes what we do far more original art works from Arena UK tour in early March having played interesting.” Hot Club’s current EP, deftly members and specially invited 17 consecutive nights will have two called ‘With Days Like This As artists. Great chance to experience months off before plugging forthcoming “Bristol was extra special because Cheap As Chewing Gum, Why an art auction with affordable EP allegedly called ‘The Rise And we saw our friend's new band play, Would Anyone Want To Work?’is prices. Registration for bidding Inevitable Fall of the High School The Severn Sleepers and they were available on download and limited on the door. Free entry. Suicide Cluster Band’. totally ace.” (500 copies) hand-numbered 10" www.arenastudiosgallery.com vinyl released in March. “I've missed sleeping on floors Their album is due out in summer but so it was a great opportunity to get don’t expect an invitation to the launch.

01 We might see each other every Tea’d up for an Emmy Giant’s Daytrippers Get day, we might smile, might say Ticket to Ride Tuxedos and glam frocks will be thanks for holding the door but packed next month when Milky Tea American tourists disembarking The who are they? Elevator News flies to Cannes to the International from their cruise ships in Liverpool profiles one of the companies Digital Emmy awards organised by the are the latest people to receive the Producers nestling in Parliament Street’s International Academy of Television Giant cycle trail treatment. About Rob Whiteley Arts & Sciences. The digital production 25 passengers sign up for their bike Whitewood Recording Studio. industrial folds: Whitewood company, with collaborators Conker ride along the Wirral Way from West www.whitewoodrecordingstudio.com Recording Studio. Media and Lime Pictures, are Kirby’s beach, past Thurstason and nominated for an award in the on to Parkgate where the group Digital Programme for Children stops at one of the locals for a Whitewood Recording and Young People category thanks well-deserved drink after the Studio. From left: to their work on a BBC Switch 12-mile ride. The overseas cyclists Rob Whiteley, Jon Hall cross-platform project The Well. are always reminded to reverse their and Daniel Woodward Milky Tea also produced the 3D + traditional directions for checking Photography Alex Hurst artwork for The Well’s online traffic, looking left rather than right. [email protected] interactive environment and games. Shame that owner Colin Trigg, "The 2010 nominees showcase global wearing the maillot jaune and excellence in programming on digital crossing Birkenhead tunnel platforms and we congratulate them for roundabout, forgot to advise his their outstanding achievements," said VIP guests the same thing; Giant’s Bruce Paisner, president and CEO Taiwanese CEO and European of The International Academy. executives all checked left and made When was the studio established? You get one wish: one artist / group to See Milky Tea’s handiwork: one rather hairy leap right for Giantkind. We were working independently in use your studio… Who is it / who are www.bbc.co.uk/switch/thewell If you want to ride your bicycle on a number of studios as well as our they? And why? www.iemmys.tv/awards_nominees.aspx an organised ride, pop into Giant. rather elaborate 'home' studio for a Maybe the Master Musicians of few years. It was still a building site Jajouka? Supposedly their music is so when the boys from Hot Club de strong it can’t be recorded! But it would Get the maxx out of Macs Was Lost, Now It’s Found Paris told us about Elevator Studios probably be easier to get hold of Shellac, (and PCs) but we immediately fell in love (producer) Steve Albini's noise rock Ever wondered how you’d formally with the place. It has a sense of band. I admire his work and it’d be nice Ever wondered if you’re really identify your laptop or mobile if it community lacking in many to see how well we’d fare at recording maximising your computer and was lost or stolen and handed in to recording studios. the man himself. software? Why not accept a generous the police? A quick (and invisible) offer from Liverpool Vision and UV mark can sort that out. This In less than 75 words, describe the Why choose Elevator Studios – why Business Link to identify areas for registers your equipment on the sort of recordings you manage. is it a good location for your practice? improvement, training requirements police national database so in the We record everything from noisy art It’s probably the best place for passing and sources of funding – at no cost. event of loss or theft, police can rockers such as That Fucking Tank, trade in town. We’re close to the city IT adviser, Hiren Gandhi can review identify recovered items and return it pop stars The Wombats and Ladytron centre as well as from home. Both come your website and e-commerce; online to the rightful owner. If this strikes to harp and spoken word performances in handy when you finish a session marketing including Google adwords; you as a good thing to do, bring the like Eliza and the Bear. If it makes at 1am on a Friday night. search engine optimisation and item(s) you’d like to register to a sound we’ll record it – and well. network infrastructure among Elevator’s postroom, next door to If you ran the Elevator café, what other things. For more information, Leaf, on Monday 29 March between If you had a moment to brag about would you put on your lunch menu? contact Hiren on 07796 996047 or 4pm-5.30pm when community your equipment, what two things Chives! Anything with chives. email Hiren.Gandhi@businesslink police officer Sheila Mathews will be would you harp on about – and why? But without banana. nw.co.uk armed and dangerous with her UV It's the two things attached to the machine. It’s free. side of our heads as well as the grey What do you like about the Baltic matter in between them. We have Triangle as an area - and what could be some lovely microphones and things done differently? Not SATC – or Hart to Hart Invitation to private viewing to plug them into but it's our way I like the emerging artistic aspects of the of using our equipment that sets area; I think the skate park is an amazing We’ve been joined in room 4.6 by: Arena is inviting everyone from us apart. expression of an art form. And so far, the Samantha Jones, artist, lecturer and Elevator Studios to their next private lack of franchised shop fronts (think research scholar with the Liverpool viewing on Thursday 18 March, What’s your favourite piece of work Subway/Tesco) that make every high Biennial. Sam has undertaken artist 6-8pm. ‘Collusion’ is a newly you’ve done in the studio? street look the same is a positive thing. research residencies in Europe and commissioned collaboration between Probably our bass traps, which we Maybe more public friendly spaces – the Middle East and exhibited in Rich White and Brychan Tudor. It made together over two days in Jon's benches or a small park area – would responds to the unique architectural international new media festivals. dad's garage. They give our rooms be good. features of Arena Gallery’s space and Currently researching for her PHD. the right blend between live and draws on the history of Elevator Stephanie Power, freelance radio controlled sound. My favourite What motivational quote / piece of Studios in its former glory as a former journalist largely working for BBC recording is always the last one advice keeps you going when things industrial trade building. If you can’t Radio 4 and Five Live. Also, artist and I did, or most of the time anyway. are tough? photographer. Stephanie’s hoping that make the 18th, pop along between Thursday and Saturday, 11am-5pm Everyone makes sense to themselves. recording studios in Elevator might let until 3 April. Free entry. Arena Describe one of the best lessons her do occasional radio links! Gallery is on the first floor. you’ve learnt from running a studio. Where do you see yourself in five www.powerproductions.org.uk Sally For more information: Life is about people. Life is not years’ time? Medlyn, self-employed consultant who www.arenastudiosgallery.com where you are, it’s who you’re with. We have either taken over the fifth floor worked on European Capital of Culture Being with creative people and from Anna's dance studio [that’s a joke, bid. Also involved with green energy helping them fulfil something Anna!] to record the orchestral parts for research: tidal turbines and amphibious they’ve worked hard for can be the the latest James Bond movie or I’ve vehicles. She is a member of the most rewarding thing in the world. retired to a villa in the north of Italy. artist-led company Jump Ship Rat: But hopefully both! www.jumpshiprat.org 02 When they’re not entertaining their fans on their first headline tour, Sound of Guns can usually be found right here with us in Elevator Studios. Meet...Lee Glynn (Guitar) Sound of Guns www.myspace.com/soundofguns And if you don’t see them you can hear ’em – they’re currently making some serious noise on Radio 1 and the UK charts. But that’s nothing. Cue the crescendo when their debut album is released in May on Distiller records.

Left: Sound of Guns Photography Tom Sheehan Above: New single:Alcatraz +

Where did you all meet and how long have you Best gig to secure in the future? If you ran the Elevator café, what would been together? For me, it would be The Big Day Out Main Stage be the first sandwich / first soup and first In a roundabout way we’ve all kind of known each other back in Australia. Or headline Glasto. meal you’d put on your menu? for years because we’ve all been in various bands together. The first sandwich would be a pizza Sound Of Guns came about when Si and Andy posted And the dream producer? sandwich with mayo! I love making an ad looking for band members and Nathan, John and I Too many to choose from, but I’d like to see what those. The soup would be my mum’s answered. Fast forward nearly two years and here we are! Eno could do for us! chunky pea and bacon bone soup - that fills you for about a week! The meal When you received news about being signed, how Best tour? would be my world famous carbonara. did you celebrate? Supporting Super Furry Animals because it was We all went down to The Swan Pub in Liverpool just really inventive and entertaining. Favourite SoG song – and why? and celebrated big time. I think I had that hangover By far, the best SoG song for me is for three days. What can fans expect from the album? ‘106’. It’s the best thing I’ve ever been The same power that we radiate onstage on the album. involved in. It encapsulates all of our You start a tour soon to promote the first single from the We’ve put our hearts into everything on there. There are respective talents and influences, the album due out in May, but what’s the feedback and press tracks that no-one has ever heard. Some really great songs result being this great journey of a song been like so far for ‘Alcatraz’? that we think are better than most of the crap that’s being that takes the listener somewhere else The press have been very good to us, with the likes of Radio played these days. It’s a big ‘f*ck you’ to those who think completely. It’s very different from 1 getting quite heavily involved and others saying we’re guitar bands are dead. anything on the album yet reflects the doing a good thing in their opinion. One quote sticks out manic aesthetic that this band thrives quite nicely: “Forward thinking rock ‘n’ roll” – we were How do you like to write your material? in perfectly: controlled chaos. all happy with that because people are getting onto the fact We get into a room and hammer out an idea until we we’re looking forward rather than to the past for influences. know we’d be happy playing it forever. Ninety per cent of What band /artist would you most like to the time we start with one of Andy’s ideas and jam it until meet – what one question would you ask There’s no Liverpool tour date – why is that? we know we’ve got something special. Songs can take and what one song would you jam to? We try to make our Liverpool shows a real spectacle, months before they show signs of being something great, Probably Tony Iommi. He’s probably so trust me when I say that there will be one – and it and other times we can write a great tune in a day or two. been one of my biggest influences since will be immense! I was a teenager; he can be so heavy yet What do you like about the Baltic Triangle as an area – melodic at the same time. I’d probably Best gig so far – and why? what could be done differently to make it better, if ask him why he thought it was a good For me, it was either Glastonbury or The Main Stage at anything? idea to get Dio in to sing for Sabbath, Latitude Festival. We played our hearts out four nights It’s constantly being improved and I feel it’s really starting and I’d love to jam with him on in a row in Glasto and came away feeling like we’d really to look like a place to be. It’s becoming a nice hive of Supernaut. That’s the song I like to achieved something as a band. We won over a myriad of fans activity, so I think it’s definitely on the right course. listen to most before I go onstage – who’d never heard us before. The Main Stage at Latitude the drum solo is outrageous. was immense because of its sheer size and the people getting involved down the front. It was pissing down and loads of To watch the new video search people rode out the weather just to watch us. for ‘Alcatraz, Sound of Guns’ on www.youtube.com

03 It’s a Grade II Listed building so your Another Brick in the Wall workspace and rehearsal rooms are a bit special. Refurbishment is ongoing... so what’s happening inside Elevator?

In come the builders Please put wood in hole It’s not just about security (though that’s the main reason) because Work continues apace in our fourth warehouse, number 31 We need to ask you for a collective security conscience. they also have to consider health Parliament Street. Another entrance has been installed and Leaf café have asked us to remind everyone to close the and safety. Might sound boring the new lift and staircase arrive soon too. You’ll start to see front door and the security gate when they’re leaving but these things really do matter. all the materials being loaded inside as well as a lot of hi-vis late at night. jackets and hard hats decorating our café. Now that the café is keeping somewhat irregular hours Perhaps a special workers’ breakfast butty will be added to their staff can’t be relied upon to close the door after the menu to save them chugging down the road to the mobile you have left so it’s up to all of us to ‘put wood in hole’. van or former Novas architect’s corner shop.

Elevator in Pictures: Smiling Wolf

Design Consultants Smiling Wolf’s studio Photography Marianne McGurk +

The Baltic Triangle News

Over in Blundell Street Picasso and Bacon will be on show. Artist Seeks Shareholders for two four-hour sessions on 15 March Organised in collaboration with local and Still Life and 8 April and fancy getting your Last chance to see The Orchard’s arts organisation dot-art, this two-floor mitts on a special lunch, a DVD of exhibition is free entry. The Orchard the film and 1/200 share in the value first art exhibition in a new series A Foundation artist, Rebecca Lennon restaurant is on Blundell Street, Baltic of the final performance artwork, email showcasing local artists. Until 24 is looking to recreate a still image as Triangle. For more information about [email protected]. March, self-taught painter James a live performance and film with 200 dot-art, email: [email protected] Lavott who draws inspiration from participants and they’re looking for and for The Orchard: artists including Velasquez, Dali, people to get involved. If you’re free www.theorchardliverpool.com

04 Our man in the Baltic is Barry McGorry, Senior The Baltic Triangle News Development Manager with Liverpool Vision – the agency that’s helping to bring new business and investors into the Baltic Triangle. Given that our unique playground is the last city central outpost ripe for regeneration we ask BalticBarry McGorry, Liverpool Vision Vision him what sort of changes and growth we can www.liverpoolvision.co.uk expect to see over the next year.

Barry McGorry Liverpool Vision +

How does Liverpool Vision There’s talk that Baltic roads will change quite Can you say who else is coming to the area – view the Baltic Triangle? a lot – what do those plans look like? other investors, say?

Vision sees the city of Liverpool as Jamaica Street will benefit from being narrowed because The Hampton by Hilton boutique hotel, which is closer a major centre for the creative and the pavements will become wider making it a lot more to the city end of the Triangle known as Kings Dock Mill. cultural industries and there’s amenable for pedestrians. It’s important to make this short Phase I, is close to completion and within that complex considerable potential to continue walk between Liverpool One and say, Parliament Street there will also be a viable mix of residential and commercial growing this sector in the Baltic as enjoyable and as safe as possible. New street lighting, space. Further building work is expected in that area, as Triangle. It’s an area that can cycle parking and street furniture such as benches and part of Phase II, which will include land occupied by accommodate large concentrations litter bins will also be installed on Jamaica Street. Youth HostelAssociation and the old Pilkington warehouse. of creative and cultural businesses. Vision will continue to bring together And what about parking? Planning application has been submitted for a mixed use a range of delivery mechanisms to scheme incorporating underground parking, commercial develop opportunities in this sector. There’s a scheme that’s up for public consultation so ideas and live/work space with a mixed residential offer formed One of these mechanisms is the ‘public and views can be contributed now. There’s an ambition around an internal courtyard. This will be located in realm’ project. This seeks to to alleviate congestion and remove commuter parking by the Maritime Warehouse on Watkinson/Jamaica and significantly improve the environment, introducing a business permit scheme and limited pay Bridgewater Street. Projected start date – late 2010. image and identity of the area, which and display parking. Email Steve Tilby with comments: The next block up sees the Norfolk Street Warehouses now includes destinations that bring in [email protected] nearing completion for office and restaurant space national and international visitors. fronting Jamaica Street. Work will concentrate along main As you mentioned in your first newsletter, three dedicated transport corridors, linking the area loading bays are proposed on Parliament Street at the front The Women’s International Centre for Economic with the wider city centre and of Elevator. During the morning and daytime these bays Development (WICED) on St James Street is now on site improving connectivity from the area to will be used for loading and unloading. They will be cut and expected to be finished between late 2010 to early 2011. its surroundings – The Waterfront, back into the footway so parked vehicles won’t obstruct The centre will provide a training and resource centre Liverpool One and Ropewalks, Hope the running lane of traffic on Parliament Street, which encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit among women. Street Quarters – all primary creative can be extremely fast-moving despite speed limits. and cultural visitor destinations. The footway will remain and be re-paved to provide an Asteering group is now being chaired by Vision to encourage improved access to Elevator and its various businesses. the production of a masterplan for the Beers site on Wapping ‘Public realm’ work refers to – one of the biggest development sites left in the city. When are we getting some greenery? It occupies a prominent and strategic location close to the street lighting, parking, safety waterfront and the L1 development (the biggest of its kind such as CCTV cameras, tree in Europe). It’s hoped that the masterplan will inform Tree planting starts in November 2010 once the planting investment and development decisions for years to come. planting and transport. What’s season begins. New trees will be planted in Jamaica Street, the latest? Park Lane and St James Street. The trees will be various Baltic Creative is a newly formed community interest species and they’ve been chosen for their size and shape company set up to primarily own and manage a number of Work started in early March and we’re to fit in with the environment. hoping to see it completed by autumn. small industrial units in and around Jordan Street. Work to make them fit to accommodate tenants from the creative This new approach should significantly Are we allowed to do guerrilla gardening? improve the area’s safety aspects. industries starts soon. Similarly,the installation of new street Does that idea get harder if there’s not very much soil lighting is about to start on Greenland For any general business issues, please contact to plant in? LOL! We don’t recommend that people plant Street. You can see more plans here: Tony Haines at Liverpool Business Association things willy-nilly but if businesses want to put potted www.liverpool.gov.uk/highwayprojects. on [email protected], or Tony O’Neill at plants and shrubs in tubs in areas that won’t obstruct the Comments about public realm work to Liverpool Vision on [email protected] public highway etc, then I can’t see any wrong in wanting Lyndsay Hammond: to introduce nature to the urban environment! [email protected]

05 Road closure to note The first full closure will run from re-pave outside the Giant bike store companies’ explorations to locate Parliament Street to Jordan Street will begin. This will also require lane services running beneath our streets, Sections of Jamaica Street will from 15 March to the end of May. closures on Parliament Street. so hopefully they won’t hit any water be closed to traffic to allow the public Works will move along Jamaica mains or electric when they dig it up! realm works in the area to be completed Street after that. Also from 15 March, Incicentally, you may have noticed safely and efficiently. but only during the weekends, the the yellow markings appearing on our Comments about public realm work work to install parking bays and pavements. These track the utility to: [email protected]

News from Elevator’s recording studio and Elevator Music downtown rehearsal rooms

Clinic chime with producer John Congleton

After a spell in Elevator’s Cheapside recording studio, Clinic (right image) took producer John Congleton to their rehearsal room to finish off their album. As well as producing artists as diverse as and , Marilyn Manson and Antony and the Johnsons, John has an appreciation of music beyond the studio because he fronts indie rock band The Paper Chase and also writes music for various projects, including MTV's Jackass and the Discovery Channel. Celebrated photographer The Coral shoots Sound of Guns “We all got on extremely well,” says John Leckie and The Coral will Brian Campbell from Clinic, who are Tom Sheehan has photographed return this month to continue now heading into mixing. “I hope it everyone who’s anyone in the music recording the new album. was a mutual feeling because we got industry, from Radiohead to The a lot out of working with him.” Stones, REM to The Charlatans to Coldpay. And now he’s shot Sound “Aside from the obvious things of Guns for their forthcoming album like homely environment, one of the inside Elevator’s recording studio, advantages of working at Elevator’s (see the music profile picture of SOG). Top left: Clinic at their Elevator rehearsal room. recording studio is that we can wake Some of the ‘Alcatraz’ video was also Top right: Producer John up in our own beds, which sets us up shot inside our studio. Find out more Congleton during a session. for the day – it makes it more relaxed. about Tom who’s been in the music Photography Sonny Plus they give you nice chicken noodles.” industry from the days of Melody McCartney Bottom right: The Coral Maker having spent his first three + Preview Elevator’s pictures of Clinic years as CBS Records’ first in-house shot by Sonnyme during a recording photographer: www.tomsheehan.co.uk sessions in their rehearsal room on Anyone interested in hiring our Facebook page (search for Elevator’s recording studio should Elevator Studios). email: [email protected].

Hired Guns Contact Follow Us

Senior 3D Artist Send your news stories to Twitter twitter.com/elevatorstudios [email protected] Facebook search for Elevator Studios Milky Tea is looking for a senior freelance 3D artist. For more info: www.milkytea.com/blog Wanted: band members Thanks If anyone’s looking to form a psyche / 60s style band Rachel Bishop wants to get involved email: [email protected] www.rachel-bishop.co.uk Thank you to Alex Hurst and Sonny McCartney for their generous photographic contributions. Alex can be contacted by email: [email protected] and Sonny’s website is www.sonnyme.com

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