Brixton music news – February 2016

Co Arts Editor Barney Evison rounds up the latest music news from our corner of South London.

Bowie celebrated around Brixton

Brixton became the focus for the extraordinary global reaction to the death of David Bowie, who was born in the area. Fans left tributes at the mural beside Morley’s, and local events celebrated the star’s incredible musical legacy, including a street party outside the Ritzy, a tribute night at Windmill Brixton, and a planned event at the Tate Library for National Libraries Day on 6 February. Some locals are even calling for a more permanent memorial to be erected in Windrush Square. Read more about Bowie in Brixton elsewhere on the blog.

Brixton musician Rami Radi launches Laid Bare record label

We were really excited to witness the launch of a new Brixton record label last month – Laid Bare Records! The brainchild of local musician Rami Radi – the man behind the Laid Bare music nights – Laid Bare Records has released its first EP, a debut from singer-songwriter Chris Belson. If the standard of curation is as high as Rami’s events, we’re expecting great things. Read more about it.

Brixton bands releasing second albums

With Fat White Family having just released their second album, this year we’re looking forward to second records from two other successful Brixton acts; Misty Miller and Childhood. Punk singer-songwriter Misty’s been waiting to get this album out for a while, and psych-rockers Childhood are currently working on the follow up to their acclaimed 2014 debut, Lacuna. Don’t miss these records!  

Windmill Brixton going strong, celebrating new South London music

At a time when several well-known venues in London have been forced to close, the Windmill still sails on and curated a strong week of events to celebrate Independent Venue Week in January, without even having to look north of the river for talent. Read our reviews of performances by Misty Miller, Childhood and up-and-comers Shame.

Half Moon to reopen

The Half Moon Pub is due to reopen in Herne Hill. This famous music pub, which has been closed since the flood in 2013, has hosted the likes of Eric Clapton, U2, Billy Bragg, The Police, and Paloma Faith. Even Frank Sinatra called in once, as the manager of the pub at the time had been his chauffeur in a former life! Read more about the campaign to save music there .

New summer festival in Brockwell Park

The team behind Brixton night club Phonox have announced a new summer festival in Brockwell Park called Sunfall, with the lineup being revealed some time this month. Slated for Saturday 9 July, the festival is billed as a ‘celebration of the underground’, and there will be several after-parties in nearby bars and clubs, including Electric Brixton, Effra Social, Phonox and the Bussey Building.