Co Arts Editor Barney Evison rounds up the latest music news from our corner of South London.
Windmill Brixton unveils top lineup for Independent Venue Week
Local new music hotspot Windmill Brixton has again been chosen as an official venue for Independent Venue Week which runs from 25 to 31 January 2016. They’ve got some very exciting local acts confirmed, including Warmduscher (Trashmouth Records Night) on Monday 25 January, Misty Miller on Wednesday 25 and Childhood on Friday 27. They’ve also been featured on the Independent Venue Week website.
The Thirst sell more than 8,000 CDs by street busking
Remember we told you that local band The Thirst were busking around London to promote their O2 Islington gig on 10 December? Well, they’ve sold 8,000 CDs and have been able to become full-time musicians as a result! An inspiration! Don’t miss their new EP ‘True’ which is out now – it’s electro-groove-tastic.
Bird releases her third album
South London singer-songwriter Bird has released her third album, ‘Figments Of Our Imagination’. She plays every instrument on the record and produced it with legendary rock producer Chris Kimsey, whose previous work includes The Rolling Stones and Duran Duran. Check out our interview with Bird.
Tribute to Paris attacks at New Order gig in Brixton
Manchester post-punk legends New Order paid tribute to victims of the Paris attacks at a comeback gig at Brixton Academy last month. “I’d like to dedicate this song – in fact the whole set – to the victims of the appalling, senseless violence,” said frontman Bernard Sumner, founding member of both New Order and predecessor band Joy Division.
New electronic music festival to celebrate Brixton’s diversity
Carnival of Colours, a new London music festival celebrating our area’s diversity, kicked off late November at Brixton Bloc promising a month live electronic music, art installations, food stalls and a Christmas market. “We want to give as much back to Brixton as possible,” says organiser and former housing association worker Wesley Evans.
Experimental remake of Eddy Grant’s classic ‘Electric Avenue
Check out this pumping new take on Eddy Grant’s famous hit ‘Electric Avenue’ – named after Brixton’s famous street, the first to get electric street-lamps in London. It’s by artist Open Out, whose SoundCloud page says that ‘Each track is made entirely from 4 x 7″ singles which are chosen at random from flea markets and record stores.’
New music inspired by Brixton literature
London-based singer-songwriter Tom Murray has written a song inspired by the novel Island Songs by local author Alex Wheatle, otherwise known as the Brixton Bard, about a Jamaican immigrant to Brixton in the 1960s. “There was a beauty in his writing, the way in which he described the area and the love he had for his characters that I found compelling,” says Tom. Listen to it on his SoundCloud page.
iyatra Quartet release debut album
Local quartet iyatra Quartet have released their debut album ‘This World Alone’ in a series of concerts across London. The group have a unique sound, fusing together Indian raga, jazz and plainchant to create enchanting, melancholic sounds unlike anything you’ve heard before. Visit www.iyatraquartet.com to find out more.
