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The Eclectricity Festival - Custard Factory

Sunday, April 20th, 2008

Eclectricity returns to the Custard Factory in association with Bacardi B Live, for another full site event utilising many of the unique spaces on offer to create a boutique festival experience in the heart of Digeth, Birmingham. We continue our policy of breaking down genres, keeping things varied and interesting with a whole host of different music styles on offer for today’s discerning music lovers. From house to breaks, indy to electro, techno to drum n bass, hip-hop to dub step and whatever other sub genres you can create….. there is something for everyone!

Gibb Street in Digbeth will be cordoned off, to make way for an array of music areas and other activities. This will create an inner city festival with over 5 rooms of music and other activities! With two massive main arenas expect a big room, festival vibe and carnival party atmosphere but at an affordable price and minus the mud!

The Custard Factory lake (normally a pool of water situated directly in the middle of the Custard Factory complex) will be drained and a luxury heated marquee put in its place to act as the BACARDI B LIVE ARENA in association with SPECTRUM Headlining is one of most in demand new breed of DJ’s on circuit, ANNIE MAC. When she manages to find time in her hectic schedule in between her weekly Friday night “Mash Up” show on BBC Radio 1 as well as having her own TV programme on BBC 2 every Saturday, it is always a pleasure to welcome her to Birmingham! Added to this are Spectrum favourites THE PLUMP DJ’s. Their last performance in February was a complete sell out and this is the first time they will have performed on the Marquee set up of the Custard Factory so there is much hype surrounding this one!

The COUNT (otherwise known as Herve) and SINDEN also perform live alongside vocalists and dancers. Expect to hear classic tunes such as “Beeper” (which is currently playlisted on Radio 1) as well as other club mash ups and booty shaking house from two of the hottest talents to emerge on the scene. We also welcome seminal live act THE WHIP who are making waves with the release of their new album. They are a great crossover acts gaining props from the electronic fraternity as well as the indy kids having toured with the likes of JUSTICE and SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO. Custard Factory favourite and Spectrum resident PETE JORDAN completes the bill

The SCRATCH PERVERTS host Space 2 (The Custard Factory Warehouse) with a massive bill of upfront talent covering Hip Hop, Breaks, Drum n Bass and Dub Step. The Mercury music award winning RONI SIZE presents his full live band REPRAZENT whom headline the BEATDOWN arena. Off the back of the re-release of New Forms, one of the most seminal albums in Drum n Bass, REPRAZENT hit the road with a sell out tour of the UK. Such was the demans that they added some extra one off dates….. this beinhg one of them! The biggest name in Drum n Bass, the iconic ANDY C also joins fellow heavyweight FRICTION as well as CASPA & RUSKO who bring Dub Step flavours to make a very eclectic and exciting programme of music. Not to mention the SCRATCH PERVERTS themselves on 6 turntables, 4 CDJS and 3 mixers with their unique blend of party tunes and deck wizardry that have earned them a cabinet full of awards and critical acclaim!

The Factory Club sees Space Ibiza resident and house legend STEVE LAWLER alongside PAUL WOOLFORD bringing techno, tech house, progressive and minimal to the line up adding a new musical dimension to a very eclectric programme! Plus the finest local DJ talent Birmingham has to offer in the Kitchen and Rooty Fruity!

Added to this will be a large cocktail bar with fully trained flare staff serving a delicious range of Bacardi cocktails, plenty of seating areas, 2 outside courtyards for the smokers, food and entertainment stalls, street performers and so much more! Do not miss what is set to be one of the largest electronic music events in Birmingham of 2008!

Date: Bank Holiday Sunday 25^th May 2008

The Custard Factory Complex, Gibb Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B9 4AA

Time: 21:00 – 06:00

Tickets: -

Limited Earlybirds £15 + bf

General Admission £20 + bf

Outlets: -

Credit Card Bookings: 0844 870 0000

Online Tickets: click here

Birmingham

Swordfish Records – 0121 6334859

Old Skool Daze (Selly Oak) - 0121 4720777

Jibbering Records (Moseley) – 0121 4494551

Smokin Vinyl (Erdington) - 0121 373 7051

6 Rooms – 8 Bars – Cloakroom

Due to the massive success of the October event we have added more facilities including 2 larger bar facilities, extra toilets as well as Hot and Cold Food stalls.

Info: 0121 4720777 / 0121 6936333

Click here for the WOIB listing, full lineup and tickets.

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Emma Scott Presents

Sunday, April 20th, 2008

Kerrang! Radio DJ, EMMA SCOTT presents yet another mouth-watering night of great live music with an exceptional line up of superb bands, all introduced and brought to you by the first lady of rock (and vodka) the “wench” herself EMMA SCOTT

Emma presents the daytime show on Kerrang! Radio 11am - 3pm Monday to Friday
And the new music show RAW on Saturday nights 10pm - 1am

This is the 9th in her series of “Emma Scott Presents…” gigs…

AT THE BARFLY, BIRMINGHAM - FRIDAY 23RD MAY, 7PM

The “Emma Scott Presents…” gigs are devised to give the chance to new and exciting, bands to play along side established artists.
The previous 8 gigs featuring the likes of, THE FUTUREHEADS, THE ELECTRIC CITY, GUNDOGS, JOHNNY PANIC, PURESSENCE, BEAT UNION, LONGVIEW, RELUCTANT HEROES, EXIT CALM, 93 MILLION MILES FROM THE SUN, GO: AUDIO, amongst others were all sell outs, and have set the benchmark for “new music” gigs in the midlands…if not the country.

STATE RADIO

Few bands are as outspoken and thought-provoking as State Radio, the musically inventive, socially and politically charged trio fronted by Chad Stokes. With its sophomore album, Year Of The Crow, the group–rounded out by bassist Chuck Fay and drummer Mad Dog–matches its conscience-raising messages with an inspiring amalgam of rock, punk and reggae that is as distinctive as it is sublime.

For U.S. concert-goers, Stokes was first known as the voice behind agit-prop outfit Dispatch, a band that sold a whopping 600,000 albums by word of mouth. Although the outfit’s six-year tenure ended in 2002, its members have reunited for noble causes, including 2007’s epic three-night sold-out stand at Madison Square Garden to benefit the plight in Zimbabwe. In lieu of college, Stokes lived in Zimbabwe during his eighteenth year, and the experience not only galvanized his songs, but it also shaped his life with a commitment that is as strong as ever.

“The ultimate goal of State Radio is to have people consider what I’m saying as they enjoy the music we create,” Stokes says of the trio’s objective on Year Of The Crow. “I’m not looking to alienate anyone.”

Unconcerned with major label deals and radio exposure, State Radio thrives by living and giving as charitable men who play outstanding live shows. Developing a following from the ground up, Stokes is a unique fixture who defies music industry traditions. He’s also proof through his efforts with Dispatch, his forthcoming TV series “How’s Your News?” and State Radio, that a loyal and engaged cult following is arguably the best of all business models.

Their current album (the bands 2nd album proper) “Year Of The Crow” was recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World studios in Wiltshire, England and was overseen by acclaimed producer Tchad Blake (Gabriel, Pearl Jam, Soul Coughing, the Bad Plus). “Tchad was integral in making a record that was more indicative of our live show,” Stokes says. “I don’t know too many producers by name but he’s one of them.”

Gabriel’s studio is, as Chad explains, “An unbelievable facility. It’s this old mill with water running right through it on either side of the control room. The live room is this tall stone-type place and the control room looks directly out onto the mill. Plus, its run by this tall Rastaman named Solomon, who makes sure that everyone’s needs are taken care of.”

With the willingness to give back and raise issues, it’s little wonder that State Radio’s following–which gravitated to its first album Us Against The Crown (2006) and a series of well-received EPs–continues to expand. Positive karma seems to surround everything that Stokes does, of which he says, “I’m thankful that we’ve been able to grow as a band. And being in Dispatch enabled me to fund our growth without being fucked by some major label. We feel very lucky that we don’t need to necessarily sign any of our rights away.”

“As long as people keep believing in us,” State Radio’s leader says, “and we feel like we’re making a worthy contribution to the movement, we’ll keep playing.”

STATE RADIO are currently on a tour of the USA and can’t wait to do a handful of UK dates and are ready for the Emma Scott Presents…experience!

BEAT UNION

Beat Union are from Birmingham and are one of the most exciting new bands out there at the moment. A truly electrifying live set will leave you breathless.

The band have shared stages and toured with the likes of Good Charlotte, Goldfinger, Gundogs, The Wildhearts, Gym Class Heroes, Bedouin Soundclash, Zox, Steriogram, etc, and are currently on a massive world tour, which has so far taken in over 50 shows in America alone.

Songs like “Can’t Stop the Radio”, “She Is The Gun” & “Pressure Zone” will have you dancing and jumping on the spot.

Emma says “they are the most energetic band she’s ever seen, and i can’t wait to see them again. This band will be massive across the world!…mark my words”

Ones to watch for the future for sure. Their debut album “Disconnected” is out in the USA on 22nd April and is a must have album.

WALK.DON’T.WALK

Walk.DontWalk’s music embodies energetic guitar rock blended with a pithy punk attitude and a ska tinged edge. Quite simply, this concoction produces music that makes you want to dance and sing your heart out. Hailing from the West Midlands they found themselves stretched beyond the local scene and ventured to London looking for the brighter lights and more lost souls to convert to the Walk.DontWalk ethic. After just a single taste they were hooked and soon found themselves as favourites with promoters and playing regular slots around the UK and on the London circuit. Thus followed stints supporting the Paddingtons, the Young Knives, and Vincent Vincent and the Villians to name but a few.

In 2007, not happy with just playing live Walk.DontWalk locked themselves in a studio with Loz Brazil (Arctic Monkeys) and self released a sell out EP entitled “Flings and roundabouts”.

However, it is Walk.DontWalk’s never failing emphatic, energetically charged, live performances which have earned them a devout following of fans throughout the UK.

Recently, Walk.DontWalk beat a thousand other bands in a “Slice The Pie” showcase and scooped the first prize which entitles them to a £15k non-refundable payout to record their first album which is due for release summer 2008.

Links

www.myspace.com/stateradio
www.stateradio.com

www.myspace.com/beatunion

www.myspace.com/walkdon’twalkuk

www.myspace.com/emmascott
www.emmascott.co.uk
www.kerrangradio.co.uk/emma

emaflyerstededeateradio

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News from Custom Made…

Sunday, April 20th, 2008

“I can’t believe I’m going to have to have to wait a whole two to three months till the next” BlaggerZguide, Dec 07’

Bank Holiday Saturday 24^th May

Custom Made presents…

Luke Unabomber (Electric Chair)

Biggabush (Rockers Hi-Fi/The Big Chill)

Royal Gala (9 piece funk/ska band)

‘Decks, Rugs and Proper Coal’

Sisters and Brethren, Custom Made is back after a snoozy winter, ready to present to you another slice of the delectable festival pie that we began and brought to you last year.

After a MORE than fun 2007, we are now well and truly addicted to all your friendly faces and couldn’t help but plot another shenanigan for the pleasure of your eyes and ears.

But we wanted to give you bigger!

SO bigger venue (Hare and Hounds), bigger flyer and a MUCH bigger bunch of folk at your performing beckon call.

Expect what you know, a no nonsense party with happy faces and beats that make your derriere shake, Custom Made niceties and a mighty warm welcome.

BUT as a Saturday and Bank Holiday (no less!), expect louder, longer and a perfect excuse for having to spend Sunday with your eyes shut, on the sofa or at the most, in your local.

Luke Unabomber (Electric Chair)

His sets cannot be characterised; house, disco, hip-hop, broken beat, latin, soul, and techno thrown into the pot, and making the links between quality music with a rich vein of funk and soul. As one half of The Unabombers, and a resident and promoter of the Electric Chair (one of the UK’s longest running club nights), Luke has been accorded cult status for this monthly night of madness and mayhem. He has also graced the stage at T-In-The-Park, V, Creamfields, Fabric, Back To Basics, Bugged Out &The Hacienda, to name but a few.

www.electriks.co.uk

www.myspace.com/unabomberspace

Biggabush (Rockers Hi-Fi/The Big Chill)

A regular at the Big Chill festival, BiggaBush spent much of the 90s with seminal dub/house/electronic outfit Rockers Hi Fi. A past master at genre blending, expect to hear gems of deep funk, quirky late 60s mindbending prog, acid house, afrobeat original and reborn, eclectronica, psychedelia, dub, rocksteady, bluebeat, insane cover versions, exotica, big bands, boogaloo, rockers, bangers and classics and as the man himself says: “everything but trance”.

www.biggabush.co.uk

www.myspace.com/lionheadrecordings

Royal Gala (9 piece funk/ska band)

Royal Gala are a cocktail of Dub, Reggae, Funk, Soul and Ska and Full on Brass Laden Orchestral Grooves. Playing with Neville Staple (The Specials) and at Notting Hill Arts Club with Sweet Memory Sounds, Custom Made is excited to host this 9 piece live extravaganza…bring the noise!

www.myspace.com/royalgalaband

MASH Cinema

Veritable Custom Made VIP’s, Mash Cinema is about bringing films, music and art together in an informal setting and exposing audiences to things they would otherwise not have access to. It is loose, fluid and about breaking out of the standard cinema structure of rows of chairs and a cinema screen.

www.mashcinema.com

www.myspace.com/mashcinema

LML

These boys have been with Custom Made from the off and are the perfect visual accompaniment for the Custom Made vibe. These lads not only paint like demons, but party like them too! Artists from middle England, they have painted at some of the biggest parties in the UK. The Big Chill festival, Bloom festival & Shambala www.myspace.com/lmlpaintteam

Filling up the Ballroom we have got a good ole friend of ours from the free party scene (before the Criminal Justice Bill peed on our fun), Jinx in Dub (a dirty dubby breaks bandit from Bristol, and warming you up, our local lad of lunacy Lenny (Open Minded People), with his incomprehensible ability to move funk, soul and party vibes through those that didn’t event know they could skank!

Then there’s The Drawing Room, a cinematic musical frenzy of eye popping goodness. DJ Wee Poo will serve upfront video mash ups, fusing classic hip-hop with electro and a little bit of barn dancing. The Chop Shop, will give you cut-up AV comedy stylings, which are simply, “Fricking clever”, according to Bestival head honcho Rob Da Bank. And finally, Ariake Waveband, a cinematic blend of shoegaze era indie and electronica

And the Jam in the Dodger will be whipped up by our very good friends, Loafers Lounge.

For no other reason than to give you lovely people more to mingle with there will also be stuff to read, stuff to eat, and stuff to play with.

Come limbered! 

Showtime 7pm

Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath

7 gold coins

Facebook

www.myspace.com/custommadeevent

www.dontstayin.com/parties/custom-made

(All event photography by Rob Nicholas – spagettihoops@aol.com)

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