Franco and the Dreadnought @Nambucca, London

February 13th, 2012

It didn't really feel like the last day at The Farm. Perhaps I was missing beer, but still for 5½ months I always was thinking that the first day was just yesterday.

There's no doubt that I learned a lot during my stay, and I could leave richer with experience and knowledge. Though, some facts I've come to realize has made me think that the music scene is losing hope and musicians can be complete stupidos. However getting results and discovering artists, who could change that way of thinking, made the struggle of just and just not exploding worth while.

I was exhausted of the life in London that I couldn't wait to get back home. However, I will miss the relaxed atmosphere and great bosses and colleagues. I will especially miss the dissing between all of us.

The work day didn't end at 6pm that evening, as I had to head off to see one of our artists, Manchester-based Franco and the Dreadnought performing. Franco (real name John) will also be my thesis subject, when I'll basically be studying social media in a way that we could get him some more recognition and fans. We had quite a good brainstorming session with him and The Farm's American intern, Beth, who just tasted her first Mars bar.

It's good to see that he's one of those musicians, who comes up with good ideas and is very enthusiastic. He's also a good songwriter and guitar player, which I witnessed at the venue. The music was so calming and relaxing, and with the lights dimmed and candles burning, I fell asleep just for a second. In a good way though.

Drinks with him and his girlfriend was a perfect way to getting to know each other better. They're so easy-going and nice people.

Now when I'm reflecting this whole experience, I'm feeling a bit more motivated to do some hard work. But let me watch some Desperate Housewives first.




Ps. Franco is performing at The Purple Turtle in Camden next Thursday at 8.30, so I hope all of my London friends could make it!

Athletes In Paris @The Roof Gardens

February 10th, 2012

It was a 'Farm' night, as people from the office were invited to go see our own Athletes In Paris. The guys were performing at an exclusive club on top of a building in West London. The dress code for The Roof Gardens is 'No effort, no entry'. Knowing me, there were serious doubts of getting in. But I thought if I wouldn't get in, this would have been the great opportunity to say 'don't you know who I am' and 'does effort mean dressing slutty' to the bouncer.

Surprsingly they didn't even ask for my ID!!! I guess being tired and stressed makes you look older.

Marble floor in the elevator, going to the top floor. The garden and the live music area looked really nice.

Athletes In Paris' great show was the best part or actually the only good part of the whole evening, as I'm not a fan of fancy clubs. Just the thought of clean places filled with nasty people. Ugh. And I still wonder how the band ended up playing there.

Anyways loved the band's entry (first band pic above) and singer Matt's semi-dorky dancing. They are definitely worth listening to. Here's their latest video;

Where were you when this happened?

10.1.2012

People ask where were you when John F. Kennedy was killed? Where were you when you heard about Kurt Cobain's death? Depressing innit? So let's look at a different kind of historical moment.

'Aunt Jallu, where were you when I was born?'

'Dear whatsyourname, who has an extremely good taste in music, supports Liverpool Football Club and enjoys reading philosophical books thanks to your awesome aunt, I was at the legendary Mayflower pub taking part in a pub quiz while enjoying a tasty English cider.'

I received a txt just before we were about to go to the pub that my brother's baby should be delivered in an hour. During that anxious hour me, Linda and three extremely nice and funny South Africans were trying to answer questions like:

1. What is the only food cockroaches do not eat?
2. What is the difference between a man and a woman's tears?
3. With whom was Ann Darrow in love with?
(answers in the end)

Then I received a txt, which just stated that the content cannot be shown. Even though I enjoy holding on to my old Nokias (=I do not want a new phone), that was a moment when I wish I had a more recent phone. But it was a good thing that Linda had a Nokia, which actually could show pictures.

Wondering for 9 months how the baby would look like.. just like my brother! Of course another drink had to be enjoyed in that atmospheric place.

note; quote from the bible

If Mayflower still doesn't ring a bell, it's the ship which transported the English Pilgrims. So the pub was located where the ship left.

It still though doesn't feel like my nephew is born. So much preparation has been done (buying Liverpool stuff..) and I still remember the day I got the news. School was stressing me so much and everything was just terrible, but then I got the news, which made me realize I was worrying for nothing. My flat mate Judit and other exchange friends Jara and Maria threw a lunch to celebrate the occasion (CHEERS X), at which I got a Kinder chocolate egg. Check out the expiration date.

That was also the day that I heard I got my internship here in London, and the next day I was travelling to Ireland. All good things come at once!

All of this feels like yesterday. I guess all of it will feel more real, when I see the little one. And also my sister in March! I actually dreamt of her last night. Perhaps I'm too eager to see...the pair of Converse shoes she's bringing.

Answers:

1. Pickles.
2. A man's tears are a  half celcius colder.
3. King Kong.

We learned a word too; falange (not sure if it's written like that, but try to guess what it means!).

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble @Jazz Cafe, London

7.11.2011

For a couple of years I've been a fan of Chicago-based brass group Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. It features eight sons of Phil Cohran on horns and a drummer. It had been hard for me to see them play anywhere, as they'd play in cities to where I wouldn't have a chance to go to at that moment. But finally I was in the right place in the right time;

Here's a performance from Later with Jools Holland to show you one of the reasons why this indie music fan loves this brass group.


The support act was Hackney, London's own Hackney Colliery Band. Not only did they play covers like Under the Bridge and Sex on Fire (which made the audience go crazy), but also their own songs.

 Taking pictures of a bunch of moving people isn't the easiest thing!



Too bad their merch sale ended so quickly after their gig, it would have been nice to own their debut album. But at least you can listen to it on their website.

After a great support act, which played quite a long set than usual for warm up bands, it was time for the long-waited moment.

Have to say that I was disappointed that there was more talking than playing, though they managed to entertain and interact with the audience pretty well, as for me that was the best English audience I've seen so far. Usually they tend to be dead boring and conservative, but now everyone was jumping around.



Everyone was having fun, except for the ones who came with me! Even the guy in the wheel chair moved more than them. They claimed the band's approach to the audience was too American. Too American or not, you don't go to a gig to sit down, unless it's someone like Celine Dion performing.

I loved the energy the band brought and the brilliant chemistry between them. Well brothers, so it shouldn't be a surprise. I also loved the drummer's glasses, and how he stood out with the hipster-liked look. I bought their latest release, but too bad they didn't sell their other releases and shirts. I reserved just enough cash to get them all, but only ended up with one CD :( #firstworldproblems

But for your information the CD is still great. Kryptonite is the name. And it was very nice for the group members to sell the CDs and vinyls themselves.

Until the next time I see them, TOUCH THE SKY!