MAVERICK LIVE…

The Loft Nightclub, 34c Gabriels Hill, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6JJ

World Class Americana, Folk, Country, Roots & More on a Monday Night in Maidstone.

Dear Friends.

The news that our host venue The Zebra Bar has been forced to close has come as a great shock to us over the past few days. The closure is entirely out of our hands and has been forced on Danny & Sarah by serious difficulties with their landlords who own the fabric of the building.

We regret that the gig scheduled for Monday 8th June with Peter Cooper & Eric Brace has had to be cancelled. Over the last few days I have been working all hours to negotiate the use of an alternative venue in Maidstone to host our gigs at least temporarily. Where we will end up in the long-term is not yet decided but from June 15th until further notice we will be taking the Maverick gigs to The Loft in Maidstone town centre.

The Loft is 5 minutes walk from The Zebra Bar and King Street Multi Story Car Park. See directions and map at foot of email. There is also parking at the nearby Palace Avenue and Carriage Museum (Mill Street) Car Parks. This building was once a Victorian grain store, although it has been used as a nightclub for some years and has recently come under new management. The venue is undergoing renovation in coming months but serves our purpose for the time being and actually has great potential as a live music venue for Maidstone. The gigs will take place upstairs where there is more space. Here there is a full size stage with dedicated sound system, and I am confident that if we receive strong enough support from our past customers/supporters that the venue management will allow us to stay beyond the next few weeks until we know where we will continue on a permanent basis.

We will be able to seat around 50 people initially so seats are now a little more limited than they were before. There is however much more standing room than at Zebra Bar, and the view of the stage is excellent throughout the room.

No food is served at The Loft but obviously the bar will be open and it needs to do well at each gig to ensure that we remain welcome at this venue. Regrettably there is no wheelchair access to the upstairs for these gigs.

So Rod Picott & Amanda Shires will be our first gig at The Loft on Monday June 15th– full details below. All seats have now been sold for this show – but there is as I have said lots of standing room, so please please come out and support us as we try to keep these gigs on the rails. Your support over the next month or two will decide the future of what we do, and indeed whether we decide to carry on after the end of the year at all. Your support has never been more important for Americana/Folk/Roots in Maidstone.

The following gig on June 29th I had seriously considered cancelling because of the uncertainty this week has thrown at us. Chris Farlowe is however one of the finest singers I have ever had the pleasure of seeing live – I met him recently before a gig and he was really looking forward to playing Maidstone for the first time in many years – during our chat it struck me that he is simply one of the nicest men in the business – he made me feel so welcome backstage and we talked about his fascinating career and the amazing list of people he has worked with during and since the 60’s. His performance that night was nothing short of astonishing – and I mean there was something very genuine and uplifting there – he still has a great voice and his choice of material was faultless. It helped of course that his band were absolutely fantastic also. I had not seen Chris and this band for a few years but they are every bit as captivating as they ever were – so this gig will go ahead! – even though an initial rush of ticket sales has slowed worryingly for us. It is vital that a high profile act such as Chris Farlowe does well at The Loft or it would not bode at all well for the future of the music we present. Trust me on this one – you won’t be disappointed by Chris Farlowe – one of the greatest singers this country has produced – and at 68 still has the voice and wit to thoroughly entertain a crowd. This is one of the best live acts I have ever seen – don’t miss this chance to catch Chris in Maidstone. We still have seats left for this gig!

As always Alan and I appreciate your support immensely.

Dan Turner.

Click HERE to see Chris and the band we have booked perform the classic ‘Handbags & Gladrags’

For now our website remains here www.myspace.com/maverick_zebra

Tickets for our shows are available online HERE through ‘We Got Tickets’

or simply call 01622 744481 with your credit card (no fees) – Please don’t call late at night – this number is at Alan’s home.

Check the MySpace or scroll down this email to see newly announced dates now on-sale. Remember there are 50 - 60 seats for each gig so get in fast! We need to sell these seats & also some standing tickets to cover the cost of these gigs.

Please note that The Loft is currently an 18+ Venue.

 Our Next Gig ... You’d Be Mad To Miss This!

Monday June 15th - £10 (advance) £12 (on the door)

The Return Of A Sublime Live Act

Rod Picott & Amanda Shires

+ Marybeth D’Amico with Tim Whelan

www.rodpicott.com www.myspace.com/rodpicottandamandashires

www.myspace.com/marylisbeth

60s Beat/Mod, Soul or Psych
We are looking for any bands that have unreleased material on acetate or reel to reel tape from about 1964-1969 that we can use on a second compilation CD/LP fo a well known record company..

We're looking for bands that played 60s Beat/Mod, Soul or Psych. Do you know any of bands that have recordngs we can hear for possible release. If the tracks get released the owner would of course get paid royalties against sales, the last volume which was issued 5 weeks ago has already sold 3000 copies which is no mean feet

If you know of anyone please let me know ASAP.

Chris
chris@kentgigs.com
01303 893472

John Oram, known as an Analogue EQ pioneer for many years, celebrates 44 years in the recording industry this year and is proud to open this facility commercially in Kent to provide the highest standards of audio recording
State of the art analogue equipment predominant here at the Analogue Barn
This combined with multi format recording and editing facilities creates a unique sound.
To take the opportunity of this Special Deal contact Rory Alderton at rory@oram.co.uk
or phone 01474 815300 International +44 (0) 1474 815300 from USA 011 44 147 481 5300
and say kentgigs.com introduced you.

Musicians for Deaf Ears

Wanting to provide the best of services for the audience in the Tower Theatre, a special fund raising event is being organised. This event is to raise funds to purchase an infrared hearing aid system for the deaf and hard of hearing attending the shows at the Tower Theatre.  A number of local musicians (amateur and professional) have agreed to give their time for free to help raise the necessary funds by putting together a full and varied programme of musical events. This is a one off evening whose sole purpose is to raise funds for this one item and how more fitting can it be that the makers of the most beautiful of sounds do their bit for the people least able to hear and appreciate it.

Peter Heselden, the theatre manager says,” We are promised a magnificent evening, with music for all tastes, from light opera to rock, jazz to music hall. Supporting this summer’s musical event at the Tower, is a must for all who enjoy quality  music and wish to support this worthy cause”.

For more information on Musicians for Deaf Ears and the final line up contact www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk after the 1st June 2009

Date;              Saturday 13th June 2009
Time;                          7.00 pm
Tickets;          £8.00 (£10.00 on the night)

Maverick @ Zebra - Maidstone
Live Music As It Should Be - A Living Legend In A Town Centre Bar!

Monday June 29th - £18 Limited Seating (£16 Standing)

The Legendary Chris Farlowe & His Band.

Standing Tickets

Seated Tickets (Limited Availability)

Chris Farlowe is one of the greatest living British R&B/Blues/Soul singers. He really needs little introduction. His number one hit 'Out Of Time' was one of the biggest selling singles of 1966 and is a classic played on the radio all over the world to this day. Other hits included the original version of 'Handbags & Gladrags' written for him by Manfred Mann's Mike d'Abo. Farlowe and his band featuring respected blues guitarist Norman Beaker are an awesome live attraction. Seating will be limited to just 50 so get in early or be prepared to stand!

www.chrisfarlowe.co.uk

The Ronnies - Old Originals EP

Maidstone Band 'The Ronnies' released their new EP upon the world in April with 4 original tracks celebrating the good time Rock and Roll era reminiscent of The Faces and early Rod Stewart. A damned good listen, this will go in our private collection and will certainly be played next time we go on the air with the Local Band Show on Romney Marsh FM.

Always good to hear songs with a local touch, 'Farleigh Lane' is an ode to living, loving and drinking in the country in East Farleigh, not far from some great music pubs the lads are known to frequent.

The Ronnies live, create a good time rockin' feast of boozy rock and roll numbers by The Small Faces, The Faces and The Rolling Stones.Inspired by the music of Ronnie Lane & Ronnie Wood,

The Two Ronnies started to perform on the Kent and London circuit in 2003 steadily building a reputation as a fun loving, crowd pleasing bunch of solid geezers. With a new singer, the band now have a 6 piece line-up: Lead vocalist, 2 Guitars, Keyboards, Bass & Drums.

One thing for sure at least, is that you will know the songs and words at The Ronnies gigs - Don't sing to loudly.

For More info and Gigs http://www.2ronnies.co.uk
buy The EP at www.realvisionrecords.co.uk

Eben's launch night of "Washed White EP" with special guests: The Race
The Farmhouse, Canterbury.
Wed 27th May 8pm-10pm
Three pound entry

Eben    www.myspace.com/ebenband

5 Piece alternative/ ambient/ rock band from Canterbury. eben create emotive, beautiful and captivating songs. They have had comparisons with "Radiohead" and "Sigur Ros" and have enjoyed playing at Z008 and lounge on the farm festivals as well as Radio 1's fringe festival after being selected by Zane Lowe and Huh Stephens. Expect an intimate and uplifting performance from one of Kent's top bands and on this special night you can buy their new ep for 4 pounds.

"Eben are one of the finest bands that Kent has to offer, they never cease to set a high standard for unsigned acts to follow." Tom Kirkby BBC Introducing.

Room Thirteen write: "With a delicate reverence Eben paint melodic, touching tunes that swell with bliss and hope."

The Race      www.myspace.com/raceuk

5 piece alternative idie band hailing from Reading. The Race have just released their second studio album with Shift Disco named "In my head it works". Think jagged guitar riffs, big beats and boy/girl vocals. They have had comparisons with "The National", "Arcade Fire" and "Bloc Party". Big, bold songs from a brilliant band.

"endearingly awkward... couldn't be more triumphalistic if they soundtracked Brandon Flowers taking a unicorn for a victory lap round a paddock" NME

"Akin to Editors, Interpol and White Lies....Floor-tom heavy with a rolling bass the guitars are alternatively choppy then floating on a Chameleons-like tide of echoing, chiming, glassy effects." Q

www.myspace.com/allegroforever

 ALLEGRO are just not like every band nowadays. 

It's not enough to tell tales of Spanish transvestites, old boys on the run in Spain, pixies enchanting ones dreams, or even to simply declare that they are gonna Steal Your City Lights (which they undoubtedly will). It's not even enough that the songs they play are instantly recognisable like one of your old favourites, even though you know you've never heard them before.

These are mere footnotes though my friends, because the true delight is that ALLEGRO are something to believe in. And love God dammit. Their cheekiness endearing, their songs enchanting, exuding a fuzzy romance and doffing a cap at the world they have created, they really will change everything... or at least your Friday night. This band will steal your hearts and souls and fall in love with you. Just as you will fall in love with them.

ALLEGRO were formed from the birth of many an animated Friday conversation in the mythical Kings Arms pub. Ian, now the band’s drummer, and Dan, now the keyboardist, DJ`d indie, motown and anything else that took their fancy every Friday night and people in the know would flock from miles around to come and party. Austin, now ALLEGRO’s lead singer, would regularly take the decks for a few songs, and the merits of everything from Joe Strummer’s haircut to Robert Johnson’s deal with the devil were discussed at many an after hours lock in. It soon became apparent that the next obvious step to take was to start up a band and take over this merry world. Austin recruited the die-hard punk Nick as lead guitarist, and the final piece of the jigsaw came to fruition when Austin’s childhood friend Nicky, otherwise known as ‘Mayhem’, returned like the prodigal son from his self imposed 18 month exile, and declared that he would learn the bass to complete the band.

The obvious birthplace to show the world what had bloomed was the Kings Arms...and in fact a farewell gig as the Arms was to shut. What ensued was a raucous celebratory night that is still talked about in hushed tones by anyone who was there, and a clear statement of intent for the future!

They haven’t looked back since, with the ALLEGRO ARMY [or the AA as the eclectic group of beer boys, poets, punks and St Trinians that follow them are known] always in tow as their trusty followers. ALLEGRO have graced the stage at the Clapham Grand and twice headlined the Dublin Castle. They’ve gone on to play supports with ex-Libertines John Hassel’s band Yeti and Reverend and the Makers. And these are just their gigs in the south. Mayhem’s 18-month exile saw him wander, and he now has a base both in Kent and Manchester, with the ALLEGRO boys bridging the north south divide with music for the people by the people.

As well as the continual gigging with the ‘fashionistas’ in Hoxton and all over Camden in venues such as Proud Galleries, ALLEGRO are set to play their first festival this year. The Red List Festival will see 15,000 people through its gates. ALLEGRO will go wherever the AA follows. The future’s bright. Allegro forever!!

Catch ALLEGRO live at the following venues, with more dates to be announced soon 
April 3 – Tap n Tin, Chatham, Kent
April 8 – Underbelly, Hoxton
April 10 – Dirty South, Lewisham
April 12 – The Grove, Gravesend 
May 23 - Monto Water Rats, Kings Cross
June 20 – Red List Festival

Indigo Road’s debut single, the double A side single, ‘Simple/Goodbye to You’ enjoyed a very positive reaction and considerable airplay on regional BBC radio when it was released in mid 2008.
‘I just love this song’ - Sue Marchant, BBC Radio Cambridge

Indigo Road returned this year with their new double A side single. The band is the brainchild of producer Mark Herbert and features and every changing line up.The single received a fantastic response and made it on to numerous BBC regional playlist. Critically the single was also well received with Classic Rock Society magazine saying 'Mark Herbert's band continue with another very high quality release' and the Subba Cultcha site saying about the single 'Touching mix of melody, glimmering piano melodies and a waltz-like soul…'

 The band’s follow up, another double A-side comprising ‘Hey It’s Alright’ and ‘Up for Air’ was released last month.

A new download single 'Monkey on the Bus' is released in May and the band creator Mark Herbert would like to make a call for musicians to join his project and help record a unique collection of songs and influences to create an album.

“A mingling together of understated, earnest and genuine musos, could earn the orchestrator of it all, Mark Herbert the tag of being a low-key and poetic Mark Ronson” - Glasswerk

contact Mark via www.myspace.com/theindigoroad

www.indigoroad.net

UTOPIA UNPLUGGED

Utopia Bar and restaurant in Ashford town Centre and local Singer Songwriter Terry Daniels have got together to hold
an acoustic night called ‘UTOPIA UNPLUGGED’. This will be an opportunity to present four different acoustic acts / artists who will be able to perform their own original material. The first night is scheduled for Sunday April 5th from 8pm.

Utopia is a venue that will offer a relaxed evening with candle lit tables and customers can expect a very cosmopolitan atmosphere where they can sit and enjoy original music without the background noise . Wine and beverages with a bar menu will be offered .

Terry said,
"I know from being a songwriter myself that it is very difficult to find venues where original music is played and Cd’s available from each of the performing artists on the evening".

The evening wiil specialise in solo artists but will consider small acoustic groups. A small entrance fee of £2.50 will be charged.
18’s an over only only although there may be an exception for the artists.

Artists who would like the chance to play on one of the evenings should contact:

Terry on 0775 1060090
email: quietnessoflight@hotmail.com
or
Utopia Bar and restaurant
email: utopia-ashford@hotmail.co.uk

YouTube to block U.K. access to music videos from Monday evening U.K. time

By Yinka Adegoke

NEW YORK, March 9 (Reuters) - Google Inc's online video site, YouTube, said on Monday it will block all music videos to British users after it was unable to reach a rights deal with the main songwriters' collection society.

The world's largest video sharing site said PRS for Music, a British collection society that collects royalties on behalf of nearly 50,000 composers, was asking it to pay "many, many times" more than the previous licensing agreement that has expired.

"The costs are simply prohibitive for us -- under PRS's proposed terms, we would lose significant amounts of money with every playback," the company said in a blog on Monday.

The move is the latest sign of the tension between YouTube and the music industry and also indicates the video site's resolve to keep operating costs under control as it strives to generate meaningful profits for Google.

YouTube said PRS was also unclear about which songs are included in the renewed license.

"We've been talking to them for a long time and we're still talking to them," said Patrick Walker, YouTube director of video partnerships for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Walker described it as a "painful decision."

But PRS disputed YouTube's version of events and said it was caught by surprise by the announcement in the middle of ongoing negotiations.

"We were shocked and disappointed to receive a call late this afternoon informing us of Google's drastic action," said PRS for Music Chief Executive Steve Porter.

PRS said in a statement it was "outraged" on behalf of consumers and songwriters by YouTube's move.

"Google has told us they are taking this step because they wish to pay significantly less than at present to the writers of the music on which their service relies, despite the massive increase in YouTube viewing," the London-based organization said in a statement.

The PRS statement pointed out that Google, YouTube's parent, saw its revenue grow to $5.7 billion in the last quarter. The figure will likely be juxtaposed against the fast dwindling fortunes of the music industry.

Some rights-holders argue the video site should pay a higher fee or share more advertising revenue since many users come to watch their music videos.

The move to block British users access to artists' music videos and user-created videos, which feature licensed music, will take effect on Monday evening British time.

The commercial relationship between YouTube and PRS is separate from YouTube's relationship with major record companies. Those relationships have also been strained at times.

(Reporting by Yinka Adegoke; Editing by Derek Caney and Andre Grenon)

Kentgigs comment
Whilst we and our associate record label love Google and find Youtube a moderate help to our sales, the American royalties from YouTube for our songwriters has been very low and insignificant when compared with UK sites that are properly licenced by PRS for Music. At this time we unsure if we will edit or remove our videos form the site.
We are in the process of moving our authorised videos to our new Red Admiral Video channel at Audiotube, a UK company.
Myspace next?

Martin Ledner - New Album My Mistress's Songbook

Hello all my favourite chums!
This is an unashamed plug for the album my friend Martin and I have recorded here at "Beaucroft Recorders" deep in the heart of rural Kent.
If you click on this link it will take you to the website for the album. www.martinledner.com
Martin and I are very proud of our album and if you like the sound of the tracks you hear on the website we urge you to pre-order it! We need to recoup the manufacturing costs!
We think it is a lovely object to behold. The cover painting is by our good friend Sarah Batt and the sleeve artwork is by Trevor Moss, better known as one half of Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou, who run the ever growing Lantern Society folk club in Clerkenwell. See their link http://www.myspace.com/trevormossandhannahlou
There is a sixteen page booklet with lyrics and a glossary of terms for some of the old English words used!
We will be performing some of the songs as the collective "Shouting in the Woods" at the album launch in April. See the website for details.
Ok, thanks for getting this far. Write to me for more details.
Take care,
Alan. Cork

I am delighted to report that the album I have recently recorded, produced and arranged with Kent folk singer Martin Ledner was Album of the Week on BBC Radio Kent's Andy Garland show.
Andy has been championing the Kent folk scene, our local club The Egerton Folk Club, and Martin Ledner over recent weeks.
Martin Ledner writes and sings folk songs of Old England, telling stories which reference his favourite Kent and London places.
To hear tracks and read about the production work for some of the tracks, including original recordings, go to www.myspace.com/alancork.
To find out more about Martin Ledner and to buy the album, go to www.martinledner.com
I will be looking for future recording/production projects to add to my portfolio and will offer free recording to suitable bands/musicians at Beaucroft Recorders. Singer/songwriters are most likely to be ideal. Please contact me at beaucroftrecorders@hotmail.co.uk or the MySpace site for details.

Live from the Fort is back for a round two assault on Medway

Live from the Fort is back at Fort Amherst thanks to Jeemo Events however this time it’s bigger and better.

The Fort will play host on the 28th March 2009 to nine of the best bands in Kent with four of the performances being acoustic and five being bands playing from 8:30 right through till 1:00am.

A fantastic wide range of music will be on show at the gig including performances from Burn Paper Tigers, Lupen Crook, Floors and Walls, Mexico Fallz and UPCDOWNC to wet just about every musical appetite there is.

The performances will take place live within the haunting underground tunnels of one of Kent’s famous landmarks, Fort Amherst.

Built in 1756, Fort Amherst is one of the UK’s most stunning Georgian/Napoleonic fortresses in England. The Fort consists of a 2,500ft long network of tunnels with some of them measuring up to 20m below ground. 
The Fort offers not only a spooky yet intriguing feel but also an amazing sound too and is a truly different and impressive music venue.

Live from the Fort first began in September 2008 when Jo Lawford decided that Kent needed a different venue for the music scene and felt that Fort Amherst could be the one.
The first gig had six bands playing from within the tunnels and was the first gig like this to happen at the Fort.
The evening was a huge success even though the good old English weather tried hard to put a dampener on things with the tunnels filling up with 263 people.

Due to the success of this first gig Jo decided to set up Jeemo Events and go bigger and better with the second event.

So don’t miss out and make sure to book early for this one who knows when it will be back!

Number 10 received a petition asking: “We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to NOT introduce sound control devices as a legal requirement in entertainmment venues!” Details of Petition: ” It has been brought to attention that the government wish to consider it a legal requirement in the new tax year to introduce laws insisting anyone applying or re-applying for an entertainment license must have a noise control device fitted to the venue. This will be the final NAIL for ALL entertainment in the UK as the level at which these devices CUT you off is dreadfully low and damaging. PLEASE DO NOT INTRODUCE THIS LAW, WE LOVE LIVE MUSIC!.” Read the petition Read the Government’s response We are pleased to tell you that there is no truth in claims that the Government is planning to introduce a requirement for entertainment venues to fit noise control devices.  Each Local Authority Licensing Authority considers every live music application on its merits, and decisions are made entirely by them.   However, the Licensing Act 2003 does not allow mandatory conditions for live music to be imposed across the board.  It would not be possible to impose such a condition without a change in the law and such a change is not, and never has been, on the Government’s agenda. There is also no legal requirement under health and safety legislation for entertainment venues to have noise control devices fitted, nor is there any proposal. The Government is acutely aware of the contribution that music makes to our culture and we remain committed to a vibrant and flourishing creative sector, of which live music plays an essential part. Original Article Taken from Number10.gov.uk

Oyster Girls and Hovelling Boys

Oyster Girls and Hovelling Boys is our third compilation of folk songs from and about Kent.  Like the previous two, Keys of Canterbury and Apples, cherries, hops and women, it contains a mixture of very old traditional songs and some recently composed songs.  If there is any slight difference in the material it is that whereas much of the material on the previous albums was about specifically Kentish subjects, this time there is a predominance of general folk songs and ballads which are known throughout the English speaking world but in versions which were collected in Kent; The Dark Eyed Sailor, A Sailor Cut Down in His Prime, Love Is Pleasing.  That said the album is topped and tailed on the north Kent coast with the Oyster Girl and the Whitstable May Song and both Bob and Marian contribute songs about hops.

By chance the majority of the songs in this set were collected by Francis Collinson, a BBC radio producer in the 1950s, who came upon a few songs by chance and then made it his life’s work to find as much more material as he could.

The ’cast’ on this CD has the same core as the previous ones, Pete Castle, Andy Turner, and Bob Kenward, but this time they are joined by The Millen Family from the Bethersden area who have been singing their songs for generations, Marian Button from Ashford who has built up a fine reputation around the Kent folk clubs and national festival scene and local poet Dave Mason who contributes his take on a typical folk song lyric.

The full programme is:

1. The Oyster Girl by Pete Castle
2. The Deal Hoveller’s Song by Bob Kenward
3. The Dark Eyed Sailor by Marian Button
4. In Yonder Old Oak by the Millen Family
5. General Toast/The Rose/Black Joke by Andy Turner
6. A Sailor Cut Down in His Prime by Pete Castle
7. The Kentish Woman’s Way (poem) by Dave  Mason
8. Chalk and Cheese by Marian Button
9. The Straggling Bine by Bob Kenward and Roger Resch
10. The Old Owl by the Millen Family
11. Aldridge’s Allemande / The Charming Fellow by Andy Turner
12. Love is Pleasing by Pete Castle
13. Whitstable May Song by all the company

Oyster Girls & Hovelling Boys is available priced at £10.00 (£12.00 inc. p&p) online from
Kentgigs.com Shop
Steel Carpet Music at www.petecastle.co.uk
Folk Spots, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 3HA www.folkspots.co.uk  alan@folkspots.co.uk

Alan and Pete Castle

Tenterden Folk Festival
info@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk
www.tenterdenfolkfestival

Martyn Joseph and Stewart Henderson
Fleet Leisure 20 March 2009
Nelson Road, Northfleet Kent DA11 7EE Telephone: 01474 743201

Because We Can...Again

The reviews say it all....be it Q, Mojo, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent....the respective songwriting, performing and poetic talents of Martyn Joseph and Stewart Henderson have attracted hugely impressive accolades. Their collaborative work on Martyn's albums such as 'Vegas', 'Deep Blue' and 'Whoever It Was That Brought Me Here Will Have To Take Me Home', and their sold out poetry and music album 'Because We Can...' sees their audience regard them as 'essential for the heart and soul.' Of the two, one is melodically tall and sings, the other is poetically shorter and doesn't....much.

Martyn Joseph and Stewart Henderson in performance tell of 'the passion, absurdity and at times, terrible joy of being alive.' They perform together....Because They Can....Again.

Expect an evening of belting songs, poignant verse you can whistle, plus mirthful ranting....

“Britain’s best kept secret…..a challenging songwriter and compelling and courageous live performer – MOJO Magazine

STUDIO OFFERS UK’S FIRST INTEREST FREE LOANS FOR RECORDING

 Musicians are set to benefit by up to £5000 to put towards release quality recordings, thanks to Astar Studios, the UK’s first professional recording studio to offer loans for recording purposes. What’s even better is the loans are interest free for up to 2 years!

Located in Heywood, Lancashire, Astar Studios, boasts the latest state-of-the-art digital control room technology, a large serious-sounding live room, a relaxing chill-out area and excellent nearby residential facilities. The studio opened in April of last year and has been custom built to meet the growing demands of today’s flourishing new independent music scene comprising self-contained artists, managers and labels looking to engage directly with the market.

Astar Studios is owned by internationally signed writer/producer Andy Ross (Clippers, Barcelona). The studio combines stunning acoustic design with breakthrough affordability for hi-end recording, plus support to take projects all the way, using key associates with a wealth of creative new media talent and music industry experience. For projects needing session players, Astar draws upon some of the UK’s finest musicians. Since the studio opened, Andy Ross has been flat out writing for and producing an eclectic mix of projects including six back to back albums, for independent and major cover mount release.

The 0% APR loans exclusively available from Astar Studios are being provided by the Musical Instrument Finance Company (MIFCO) who last year launched the ‘Take It Away’ scheme to purchase musical instruments, backed by the Arts Council and Music Industries Association. It was after hearing about this scheme that Astar Studios contacted MIFCO with the idea to enable interest free loans for recordings.

Astar’s Andy Ross explains, “Thanks to advances in recording technology and the internet, the digital revolution and inclusion of downloads towards the charts has created a level playing field for today’s savvy musicians.  This in turn has led to the need to create a new generation of recording studio that delivers outstanding recordings at a realistic, commercially viable cost for both the independent sector and majors who have needed to become more budget conscious.

Getting any type of credit has always been extremely difficult for musicians, so the opportunity to offer interest free finance for recording services sits well with Astar’s philosophy to empower artists with the best possible recordings, visuals and business plan to get them noticed. The loans can be taken out by the artist directly or on their behalf by a manager, family member or friend. Hopefully this will open the door for many artists and bands to make the record they always dreamed of and spread costs of promotion and gigging.” 

Astar Studios is a member of the Association of Professional Recording Services.
For more information call 0161 280 0908 or visit www.astarstudios.com

An Evening with Paul Dunton & Guests……….

A superb candlelit showcase of local original music, twice weekly at the Grey Lady Music Lounge, Pantiles. Currently 126 local acts on a rotational basis!

Just £5 entry, 7.30pm till late

All 52 acts from the annual Local & Live music festival perform at my twice weekly show at The Grey Lady.
5 headline acts are just breathtaking! 

Visit www.myspace.com/paulduntonandguests or www.thegreylady.co.uk for more information

Band members are:

• Russell English - Lead Vocals/Rhythm guitar
• Ian Banks - Keyboards/Vocals
• Russell Cramphorn - Lead Guitar
• Simon Jackson - Drums/Vocals
• Paul Georgeson - Bass/Vocals

Band have recorded 3 previous CD's;

1. "Where To, From Here"
2. "Along For The Ride"
3. "The Bad Weather's Gone"

The band have released a single "Save", which was inspired by the hit TV Series "Heroes" - "The song is definite progression from our last recording and we are really excited about it." comments Russell Cramphorn. The song is also accompanied by b-sides "The Silence" and "In My Headlights".

The band have also recently launched a brand new website - www.eustonweb.co.uk - Where you can download songs, view the photo gallery, download desktop wallpapers, buy official merchandise and view the upcoming gig schedule.

You can become a fan of the band on the Euston Facebook Fan Page - simply search for Euston on Facebook.com

The band also record weekly podcast's - which you can subscribe to for free, from iTunes. "It's a fun way of keeping everyone informed of what we're upto and where our fans can see us next" -  explains Russell Cramphorn.

www.eustonweb.co.uk

by Angela Cole

A BAND on the brink of stardom and another whose fame is still remembered 40 years on came together to compare notes on the music business.

The Zephyrs, a band with a massive following around Maidstone in the 1960s, and Billy Wears Dresses, who have just released their first single, were brought together as a result of an article in The Way We Were.

Ian Snowball, drummer with Billy Wears Dresses, was delighted to see his uncle, Zephyrs' lead guitarist Eric Snowball, in action in photographs featured in the Kent Messenger last month, playing in the Royal Star Hotel, Maidstone.

Costumes
Eric and guitarist Norman Hoskins were reunited at ESE music shop, Upper Fant Road, Maidstone, which Eric runs, with the full line-up of Billy Wears Dresses: Ian, guitarist and lead singer Nick Spink, guitarist and vocalist Martin Loft and bass player Paul Moss.

Two other members of The Zephyrs were unable to be present - guitarist Allan Flood and drummer Maurice Reynolds.

Costumes were just one of the many talking points. The Zephyrs all wore smart, shiny green, and later blue, suits on stage, while Billy Wears Dresses wear a variety of clothes, the highlight being a fluffy blue top singer Nick got his sister to make for him when he was 16, in homage to his hero Captain Sensible, the founder of The Damned.

Names too, proved ice breakers. It was Eric who thought up the name The Zephyrs.

He said: "I just used to work on them and thought it was a good name. Then I found something with logos with Zs on and put them on our stuff."

Billy Wears Dresses' memorable logo of a man in fishnets, boots and with a can of lager, was dreamt up by Nick to show, not a man in drag, but a man who looks like he's wearing a dress for a dare.

Venues, however, prove more elusive for bands today, according to Paul. "There aren't the venues like there were and people don't go out as much."

But reaching an audience these days is easier, thanks to one invention not even dreamt of when The Zephyrs were playing to packed halls - the internet.

Nick said: "It is different these days. The music industry is getting used to a new way of working. If a young person gets a CD they say now "you've wasted your money". It's all about downloads."

The group have their own website, kept by Mark Lawrence and Chris Harvey, in charge of their PR, while The Zephyrs' main publicity machine was their very own yellow ambulance - an eyecatching band bus they travelled around in. But neither were in it for the money.

Eric said: "I have never been out of the music business since then. We had some good times. We didn't do it for the money. We played at every village hall there was," adding: "I got hit on the head with a bottle once, but I survived."

Norman said: "There used to be the odd skirmish. We weren't so much a recording band; we were a good live band. We were good with the crowd, that's how we built up a following."

Billy Wears Dresses' burgeoning following include the Billyettes, who try to get to most gigs, and the Billywatchers, but fans can also see them online. They have filmed a video, to support their single, Derek Don't Deliver, with help from media arts students at Canterbury University.

Remembered
The band hope that they could follow in the footsteps of The Zephyrs and also be remembered in 40 years' time.

Nick said: "I think we aim to write songs that are remembered. If we play something that people enjoy, then that's great."

Band-mate Martin added: "If we're having a good time then other people do. If you're happy then that comes across in the music; it's infectious."

Nick said: "Paul said the other day that we're too old to write about how our girlfriends have dumped us and to complain about the music industry. We just like writing songs about things that have happened to us."

Ian, who bought his first drum kit from Eric with wages he got from delivering the KM Extra, added: "There's nothing better than doing something you enjoy."

Another member of the Snowball family, Ian's father Alan, was also connected to The Zephyrs, playing drums when drummer Maurice broke his arm.

Jack Castle guitarist and vocalist with Mirkwood through the years has also released his life album "The Line" on Red Admiral Records downloads available now.

PURE HARDCORE
Mixed by AudioJunkie & Stylus
Release format: Digital downloads from internet stores worldwide (Physical release to be confirmed)

AudioJunkie & DJ Stylus:
•(nominees for the "Breakthrough DJ" category for the Slamming Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Awards 2008)

•Appeared at the Hardcore Till I Die (HTID) event in Spain.

•Interviewed for fusion TV at the True hardcore 2 launch party.

•On a weekly radio show for Krafty radio, Wednesdays 10-11.

•Recently remixed the Flyin' & Sparky tracks "Free at Last and Rave Phenomenon" both featuring MC WhizzKid.

•Upcoming gigs: Uproar, Stratagize, Rave in a cave and Monthly Mahem.

Digimix Records Ltd

Pure Hardcore: Mixed by AudioJunkie & Stylus
Disc 1
01. Body Rock - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat: JD
02. Listen To My Heart - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat: Scarlet
03. Shake Ya Body - Stylus feat: Olivia
04. Teknique - AudioJunkie & Stylus
05. Perfection - DJ Chaos feat Scarlet
06. The Awakening - AudioJunkie & Stylus
07. Rock The Place - AudioJunkie & Stylus
08. Drop Zone - AudioJunkie & Stylus
09. Uncontrollable - DJ Chaos
10. The Slammer - Jel & Fastraxx (Sy & Unknown remix)
11. Infectious - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat: Rachael
12. Close Your Eyes - AudioJunkie feat Scarlet
13. Shock Wave - AudioJunkie & Stylus
14. Don't Stop Now - AudioJunkie & Stylus
15. Mindwarp - AudioJunkie & Stylus
16. Feel Like Rushin' - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat Rachael
17. Attack The Track - AudioJunkie & Stylus
18. Dirt Style - AudioJunkie & Stylus
19. I'll Be There For You - DJ Chaos feat: Malaya
20. UK Ravers - AudioJunkie & Stylus

Pure Hardcore: Mixed by AudioJunkie & Stylus
Disc 2
01. Disfunktion - AudioJunkie & Stylus
02. Move Closer - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat: Rachael
03. Raverlution - AudioJunkie & Stylus
04. In This Happiness - AudioJunkie & Stylus feat: Rachael
05. Jigsaw - AudioJunkie & Stylus
06. Solace - AudioJunkie & Stylus
07. Temptation - AudioJunkie & Stylus
08. Cuttin', Scratchin', Mixin' - DJ Chaos
09. Shake It - AudioJunkie & Stylus
10. A Little Piece of Heaven - DJ Chaos feat: Malaya
11. From A Star feat: Rachael
12. Pure - AudioJunkie & Stylus
13. Shine Down - AudioJunkie & Stylus
14. Bass Invaders - AudioJunkie & Stylus
15. Don't Stop Now - AudioJunkie & Stylus (Flyin' & Sparky remix)
16. This Is A Rave - AudioJunkie & Stylus
17. Here It Is - DJ Chaos
18. Move Forward - AudioJunkie & Stylus

On sale now - download from
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=283881360&s=143444

Listen to AudioJunkie & DJ Stylus - Kraftyradio.com Mix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xUXyAFxvlY

AudioJunkie on myspace: www.myspace.com/audiojunkieonline

DJ Stylus on myspace: www.myspace.com/djalexstylus

Digimix Records have been working with and developing AudioJunkie and DJ Stylus for the last 18 months and are published by Scamp Music (part of the Panama Music group of Companies) whose stable of writers include: Gammer, Lisa Marie, DJ Chaos, Jel & Fastraxx, DJ Ruxpin, GrooveWizard, Scarlet, Malaya.

Digimix Records Limited . Sovereign House, 12 Trewartha Road, Praa Sands, Penzance. Cornwall TR20 9ST England. UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1736 762826 - Fax +44 (0)1736 762826 - Email: info@digimixrecords.com

Digimix Records Limited. The Cedars, Elvington Lane, Hawkinge, Folkestone. Kent. CT18 7AD. England. UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1303 893472 - Fax: +44 (0)1303 893833 - Email: chris@digimixrecords.com

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