Interview: Kane Ashmore

Kane Ashmore is an emerging talent within the hip-hop scene in Nottingham. Born and raised in the area, the Notts local has been honing his skills as a lyrical creative, producing his own beats as well as writing his own bars. A multi-instrumentalist, this wise head on nineteen year old shoulders has experience enough to deliver a fresh angle on how he sees things. We caught up with him ahead of the launch party for his single The Ashmore Show, taking place this Thursday at the Alley Cafe. 

So Kane, if you were to describe your style in three words to us, what would those words be?

Bi-polar, soulful rap.

Sweet. You're young, but you've certainly got a lot to talk about. What would you say there are dominant themes within your lyrics? Do these differ depending on when you're writing?

Well, it depends on what kind of day that I've had really. Lyrics will pop into my head all day and ill write them onto my hand, then when I get home they just flood out of my head onto the page.. If I've had a rubbish day, they'll be really twisted or on a happy day - really hyped up etc. Hence the bi-polar, soulful rap, haha.

Yeah, that definitely suits the bipolar front. You've had quite a lot of happenings in your past that you've been able to relate to. Has your past been a motivation to become a musician?

Definitely! One of my first memories of music is my mum cooking dinner in the kitchen, blasting out Lovers Rock, haha. I was hooked, stealing CDs from her. But ever since I can remember, I've wrote songs and learnt instruments. Every time I see someone making music on the TV, I want the instrument and I want to master it! And obviously I was a bit naughty when I was young too, in and out of fights, very frustrated, trying to find myself in all the wrong ways, then music found me and its kept me out of trouble ever since!

Haha, I can imagine the musical taste has shifted somewhat from listening to your Mum's CDs. What was the worst CD you've listened to as a youngster? Steps, Blue?

Hahahaha that's a bloody good question. I still have a huge ska influence in my production - there's an upbeat wherever I can put one. I can remember the first ever cassette I bought was a group called The Cartoons and they dressed in ridiculous flares and really high multi-coloured platforms. They did The Witchdoctor and covered Who Put The Bomp in a Vengaboys style, haha. I also had Westlife's Red Nose Day's release of Uptown Girl. Which I am NOT proud of, hahahahaha!

Good job it was for a good cause... Back to your style though, as someone who creates boom bap type hip-hop, has it been because you've wanted to put recordings out yourself in a DIY style?

Definitely, I love doing it underground, cause If I have an idea I can write, make the beat and then record it, all in the comfort of my own bedroom... Then take it out of my bedroom and go and perform it for people! It's amazing.

Nice. Do you feel the stripped back vibe also helps your lyrical content to come to the fore?

100%. Like I said, it's very bi-polar. I don't feel restricted, I don't worry about offending people around me while I'm creating because there is no one but the four walls I'm surrounded by.

This is a tough one, but if you could give us three albums that have been massive for you, what would they be and why?

Ooh that's tricky, but its a good question... At the top of my list, Wu Tang Clan - Enter The Wu Tang. That album made me want to start rapping. It's flawless. Every rapper is incredible - Method Man is my idol and I get a lot of influence from him. It was recorded in a basement and produced by RZA, what more can you ask for!? Second at this moment in time, Tyler The Creator – Goblin. I love that guy so much, he says what he's thinking, and he's incredibly creative. His live shows are off the hook! He's hilarious, the full package. I like what he's done with hip-hop. Finally, Bob Marley – Kaya. No matter what, I'm still a reggae head at heart.This album completely changed my life and my mindset at one point! Rather than purchasing Bob's 'Best Of' compilation, grab this! It's incredible! Heart, Love, Passion and Music.

We caught Tyler at a Dutch festival not long ago, what a crazy guy. Closer to home, as a locally born musician, what do you think about Notts as a music scene?

Nice! Id give anything to do a show with him, it would be an absolute bloodbath, haha. The Nottingham music scene is absolutely amazing, we have some talented kids here man... So many different genres too, it's amazing, and everyone looks out for each other and promotes one other. The hip hop scene could be better though, not many people listen anymore, so we need a revival! We have Cappo, 1st Blood, Heavylinks and my boy Motormouf.. It's not enough if you ask me, we need to recruit some more of the kids!

We'd better speak out then! On the Notts circuit, you've brushed shoulders with some great local acts, but would you personally recommend any other artists besides the ones you just mentioned?

Definitely! Oh yeah, I've been honoured to play with some people... KUNDALINI! One word, wow, haha. An amazing local jazz band. If you're ever bored, hunt down where they're playing, 'cause it'll be a night you'll never forget!! Another one is Josh Wheatley, that boy has soul. He's an acoustic artist who writes all of his own material and truly has an incredible voice! I can see him going far!

Cheers for the heads up Kane, anything else to say before we sign off?

Grab my music, even if you don't like it, because it makes me look good! Haha. Be whoever you want to be, even if it's a door handle or something. You can do it!! And listen to REAL hip-hop! Lets get this revival going! PEACE!

*************************************************************************************************************************************************

Head over here to grab some of Kane's material: http://ashmore.bandcamp.com/

*************************************************************************************************************************************************

You can catch Kane Ashmore for free this Thursday from 8pm at the AlleyCafe. His launch party is part of the Wire and Wool Festival , with hip-hop from I'm Not From Brooklyn on one floor, and acoustic treats from Under The Tree downstairs. Come along!

Coming Up...

Here at I'm Not From London and INFL, we've been very busy bees. So here's the honey, a whole host of events arriving imminently to keep you on your toes. This should provide you with a taste of what's coming up.

Thursday 25^th July: 6 Weeks of Summer @ The Bodega

Under The Tree are currently showcasing their 6 Weeks of Summer event every Thursday at The Bodega. The next event sees a number of acoustic acts gracing the stage, who go by the names of Samuel.P, Matt Mcauliffe, Cecil Chamberlain, Adam Peter Smith, Anwyn Williams and Ryan Thomas. A great way to kick back after four days of gruelling work heading into Friday. Enjoy!

Saturday 27^th July: The Waterfront Festival @ Canalhouse

The Waterfront Festival is back for its fourth consecutive year, snowballing with anticipation each time. Expect no less this year, as a huge line up is worth salivating over. Under The Tree stage will be boasting the best of Notts' acoustic talent, from the likes of Georgie Rose, The Most Ugly Child, Ryan Thomas, Leah Sinead, Molly & Jack and Sam Jones – not to mention the fantastic acts on the Castle Rock Stage and the LeftLion stage. Beyond the musical pleasures you can indulge in this Saturday, the Waterfront is throwing other means of entertainment your way, too. We're talking Nottingham Roller Girls, a silent disco and some jugglers thrown in the mix, and that's not all. All of the madness is with two great causes in mind. 
The proceeds from this event will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at Nottingham City Hospital and the second of which will be to Framework: a local charity that aims to keep vulnerable people off Notts' streets. Come along, get your face painted and have a knees up!

Thursday 1^st August: Wire and Wool Festival @ Alley Cafe

The first Thursday of August will play host to our monthly Wire and Wool Festival. We'll have acoustic music on one floor courtesy of some of the best Under The Tree has to offer. Whilst that's going on, our I'm Not From Brooklyn upstairs will be the platform for hip-hop artists. We've got wit and creativity through rhyming verse, as Kane Ashmore celebrates the release single The Ashmore Show. Cedric Peters and Shyan will be joining the party.

Friday 2^nd August: Blow-Out - LeftLion's 10^th Birthday @ The Corner

Whilst the world speaks of the arrival of a royal baby, our attention has instead been turned to celebrating a different arrival - Nottingham's LeftLion magazine is reaching it's ten year milestone. In that time, LeftLion have been quite literally throwing themselves into the world of Nottingham, such is one with a diverse and rich cultural presence. So, what better means for celebration? On the evening, we'll have acts such as Matt Shelton, Justin Turford, Ricky Marr and Soulfly on the decks. Don't miss out.

Saturday 3^rd August: The Corner's 1^st Birthday @ The Corner

Situated in the heart of Nottingham's thriving creative quarter, The Corner is I'm Not From London's home. The regeneration of our place in The Corner is part of a much bigger urban regeneration project, envisioned and actioned by Rob Howie Smith. This article by the guys at LeftLion documents Howie Smith's ideas for invigorating life into derelict Nottingham buildings, so they can be utilised for new creative purposes. Here it is:

http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm/title/rob-howie-smith/id/5995#.Ue1VBI0WLVU

In light of this celebration, we'll be announcing some more about the acts you can expect at this event, so keep your eyes peeled!

Friday 30^th August – Sunday 1^st September: I'm Not From London @ Out the Box Festival

Out The Box is a festival in Derbyshire that has been stirring since its debut three years ago. We're taking care of Friday and Saturday's main stage, as well as Saturday's second stage. Bliss, anarchy and all manner of shenanigans will kick off, with performances from Band of Jackals, Deaf Bridges, Her Majesty's Service as well as our own Baby Godzilla and so many more. What's more, Under The Tree will also have an acoustic stage. Enjoy our last fleeting moments of our summer with this one!

Saturday 7^th September: Neon @ The Maze

Another of our ventures delves deep into the Nottingham underground electronic scene, promoting one of our latest offerings, Neon. Neon's amalgamation of electronic genres puts on a night fitting for all, laced with house, drum and bass and all sorts of other fringe influences vying position. With the success of our first one, we're bringing you the next event on September 7^th at The Maze – get yourself down there.

Sunday 8^th September: Barefoot Walk @ Wollaton Park

The Barefoot Walk is a festival gathering people in their droves to walk 3km and 5km distances to raise money for charities Nottingham Hospitals Charity Fund and Children's Air Ambulance. INFL are throwing the musical party, with acts such as such as The Establishment, Big Rhino, Prisms, and many more to be announced. There's a Guinness World Record to be broken as well, so get involved!

Friday 27^th – Sunday 29^th September: I'm Not From London @ The Great Notts Show

Taking place in the Old Market Square, I'm Not From London is on hand to deliver the musical goods across this three day extravaganza. All means of entertainment as well as food are going to be showcased across the weekend, complemented by our milky musical smoothie, drink up! Here's a short article from Nottingham Live about the event:

http://www.nottinghamlive.co.uk/live/first-acts-announced-for-great-notts-show/

Friday 1^st November: The Invisible Orchestra @ St Mary's Church

The Invisible Orchestra are one of the most talked about acts in Nottingham at the moment. A 32-piece outfit comprised from a range of influences spanning from reggae to jazz, their pieces defy a justified and honest description. Instead, you should just see what they're all about by getting down to St Mary's Church for the next one. Such a range of musical talent from across the Midlands, plying their trade the way they do best, is certainly something worth watching.

INFL: Your New Favourite Brand

At I'm Not From London and INFL, our ethos is to assist in increasing the exposure of musicians, artists, and businesses in and around the Nottingham area. Consequently, INFL Ltd. Has developed as a result of our efforts to better tailor our work to the needs of the individual. INFL Ltd. are responsible for the more corporate forms of events management and brand marketing, as well as having an extensive range of services to make such events run smoothly. Our years of hard work provide us with a wealth of experience and contacts with whom we collaborate and network. Our attention to detail allows us to front bespoke events for clients, all whilst retaining our unique sense of fun. We're going to document some of the new events and partnerships we've undertaken in the past few months.

The Nottingham Institute

The Nottingham Institute are a collaborative organisation established earlier this year to promote the creative work by projects, initiatives, businesses and charities in Nottingham. They've picked businesses to front their departments and, at INFL, we've been selected to work on their events, in which we'll be adding our dynamic and unique stamp on things. We've already hosted and helped to orchestrate events at the Alea Casino, including this Harlem Shake:

Dedicated

March saw us team up with Notts About Music to present Dedicated: a charity event that celebrated the vibrancy of Notts fashion and arts. Located in INFL's office in the lace market (fitting for a fashion show), the evening also played host to an eclectic blend of arts and crafts, as well as music coming from Just James and I Am Lono. The proceeds garnered from this success were contributed towards Framework, a local charity aiming to keep vulnerable people off of Nottingham's streets. Creativity was the order of the day, and something else that was reclaimed from Notts' streets were materials, which constituted the set for the show. All in all, Dedicated was a spectacle sure to be replicated, so keep your eyes and ears out for the next one! Here's a video of the evening's happenings:

http://vimeo.com/61110734

We've also got a photograph of the cheque we presented to Framework today, designed by our very own Rachel Parry:

Exposure Photography Exhibition

We Are Heroes Films and INFL collaborated for Exposure Photography Exhibition, the first of which was held in April. The event allowed enterprising photographers to present their work and network with fellow individuals, giving a real avenue for inspiration for attendees. Again, this had an element of charitable cause, as artists were able to contribute 10% of sales to a local charity. Heroes director Raj Pathak suggests the event will be ''bigger, much bigger next year'' as we anticipate the exhibition to dramatically increase in size. Here's a clip of the evening, with plans well under way for the 2014 showcase.

Here at INFL, we've got some big plans for the remainder of the year and for 2014. Ensure you visit us regularly to keep in the loop with our current and upcoming events!

I'm Not From London: The Recap

Over the last few months, I'm Not From London have been grafting away to deliver some quality events that showcase talent in music and the arts across Nottingham and beyond. This post is going to give you a taste of just what we've had in store this year, so have a read and see how busy we've been...

Under The Tree

                                               

Firstly, one development assisted by the allure of summer has been our sister project Under The Tree, which has been quietly stirring within Nottingham's music scene of late. The monthly event (which often hosts a range of additional infrequent events) is a platform for fresh acoustic talent across the city. Under The Tree's current success has seen them host a stage at the upcoming Waterfront Festival, Dot to Dot Festival and a stage for our regular Kerblammo! nights. All in all, Under The Tree are providing valuable means for the progression of new artists and those on the Wire and Wool label. Currently, Under The Tree's 6 Weeks of Summer has been taking off every Thursday at The Bodega. There's still four weeks left on show, so get yourself down to The Bodega on a Thursday from 7pm!

Captain Dangerous - Heather and Tommy

Over the course of the last few months, we've also produced a couple of new music videos. The first of these is Captain Dangerous' latest single Heather and Tommy, which characterises the turbulent relationship of Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee and his ex-wife Heather Locklear, directed by creative all rounder Tom McAdam. See it here:

This interview also documents Tom's genesis for innovative ideas, including what his thoughts were for Heather and Tommy's Barbie doll-type vid. Check it out:

http://amusicblogyea.com/2013/04/16/gimme-your-answers-beyond-the-stage-an-interview-w-tom-mcadam/

A Pint of Dangerous

Of course, there's no better way to mark the release of Dangerous' single and the Heather and Tommy Tour than by launching an ale, is there? We owe big thanks to Revolutions Brewing for their part in the creation of a crisp, honey pale ale, fitting for the generous fortnight of sunshine we're experiencing.

Captain Dangerous - I Am The Wind

Fresh to the internet just this week comes Captain Dangerous' latest video for I Am The Wind. This song and complementary video satisfies their edgy moniker by illuminating us to the hushed and taboo subject of sex trafficking.  This is a harsh and gritty recreation of such a reality, not for the faint hearted - Ofcom won't be pleased. Directed by Chris Harris and Jermaine Edwards. See it here:

Baby Godzilla - Powerboat Disaster

We've also produced Baby Godzilla's video for Powerboat Disaster. Filmed in Poolsbrooke Hotel, Chesterfield, the video was directed by Dave Lankester from Deaf Bridges with some generous assistance from Wolfpack Media. Here's the vid:

It might also be worth gaining Godzilla's insight through this interview, where they tell us a bit about the filming process (which was a bit mad) :

http://www.caughtinthecrossfire.com/music/baby-godzilla-interview/

Girls with Guitars

                      

 

Recently, we've teamed up with local events company Dime Store Pulp to host joint events. Our latest offering was Girls with Guitars at The Maze. The proceeds went to the Nottingham Women's Centre, who actively support women in providing services for security, skills and development. The talented ladies performing that night were Chez Chez, Alexa Hawksworth, Leah Sinead and Cecille Grey. Listen out for more appearances from them guys.

IKE/I'm Not From London Introducing 

Our work with promotions and events group IKE Productions has seen the continued strength of IKE/INFL Introducing nights, offering a chance for local bands to get some vital exposure. Its' seen the prominence of a few bands among Nottingham and beyond, including The Establishment, Proper English Gentlemen and Her Majesty's Service.

Mammoth Howl & I'm Not From London

We've also joined forces with a group of London based promoters called Mammoth Howl to showcase free gig nights at city venue Spanky Van Dykes. This collaboration presents a great opportunity for local artists to perform outside of Nottingham, as well bringing outside talent into Notts. It's seen the arrival of raucous post-punk outfit Arrows of Love (who are back soon), as well as glistening left-field rockers Tripwires and a whole host of others.

Our Big Gig

Our Big Gig was our latest gift to the Nottingham public, where hundreds of locals flocked to the Arboretum to enjoy a diverse range of summer entertainment. Beyond the music, Hopkinson's Vintage stall brought us the goods needed to look sharp and Reviva provided the mocktails perfect for our sun-drenched Sunday. We made use of a bandstand that probably hadn't played host to the type of music on display before, as acts such as Ryan Thomas, Sam Kirk, OneGirlOneBoy and Georgie Rose all got themselves nicely warmed for the Splendour Festival that's going off this weekend at Wollaton Park.

The Invisible Orchestra

Finally, the emergence of 32 piece band (yes, thirty two) called The Invisible Orchestra is one of the most hotly anticipated of this year. Creative brainchild and impresario James Waring describes music as the only form of art that cannot be seen, therefore providing a name for such an eclectic and vivid aural showcase. Musical elements within the collective span from soul to reggae, but all find a home within the consistency of an orchestral framework. The birth of such an innovative and ambitious project is soon to be documented by We Are Heroes Films.

Featuring talents from several bands across Nottingham and the Midlands, the Invisible Orchestra are the name on Nottingham's lips, and we implore you not to miss them. They have already played to sell out crowds at the Nottingham Arts Theatre and Nottingham Contemporary and are poised to take over St Mary's Church on the 1^st November, where our holier-than thou Will Robinson is assuming the role of compère once again. It's going to be biblical.

All in all, it's been a great 2013 so far. We've got our fingers in all sorts of metaphorical music pies in our glorious Nottingham home and will continue to churn out more fun and games for all. Keep up with our blog and social media for the low-down on our exciting future events and get yourself along to some of them!

LITTLE WOLF PARADE

*** LITTLE WOLF PARADE ***

10th November at MOBIUS - The amazing new venue opposite The Old Angel

"Lets explore the ugly, beautiful, the sublime and create a new adventure. Lick the glitter from your wounds baby & come join in the parade!"


We're all very excited about the launch of our new night, headed up by I’m Not From London's visual arts co ordinator Rachel Parry- Little Wolf Parade is I'm Not From Londons foray into live art.

INFL events have teamed up with a group of artists and curators to develop “Little Wolf Parade” - an experimental subversive art adventure in a reclaimed building in Nottingham (our new venue and office)


Little Wolf Parade will create a space where the boundaries of Art/Music/Sound & audience blur. Where radical, experimental, provocative, beautiful, ugly, sublime, political and humorous art can exist, explore and evolve...


Led down the dark and mysterious path by
Pigheart from Miss imp comedy

Explore the depths of the belly of the beast

Featured Artists and music from the minds of …

Rebecca Clunn Cunningham Captain
(Australia) Live/Performance Art, 1:1

Trans/Human featuring YOTP
(Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle) Artists & Musicians / Noise/Aktion

Jullieann O'Malley
(Liverpool) Artist/Live / Performance Installation

Adam Rose
(Chicago) Artist/Butoh Dancer / Film

Dr Paul Hurley and Caleb Parkin
(Bristol) Artists/ Live / Performance Art / Poetry

Natalie Raven
(Leicester) Artist / Intimate, 1:1 / live art performance

Sara Gaynor
(Nottingham) Photography

Emerald Ace
(Nottingham) Performance / Burlesque cross over

Julien Hughes and Matt Storer
East midlands – Sculpture / interactive

Charly Chapin
(Nottingham fashion label Hand Clothing) Fashion/Performance / Sculpture cross over

James Rapley & Rhys Cannon
(Trent students) Artist / Live Painting & Illustration

Simon Raven
(Nottingham) Artist / Site Specific / Remote / Interactive

Kate Whyles
(Nottingham) Artist / Sculpture

Jenna Finch
(Nottingham) Artist / Performance / Music cross over

Yvonne Lake
Artist / Performance art

Tom Woodcock
Artist / Installation / interaction

Emma Lloyd
(Nottingham Trent) Artist / intervention / roaming

“I’m Not From London MixTape”
Steve Fossey
David Flint
Also featuring video art from all over Europe/USA and Asia!!!

Music from…

Aggressive Ben

"Inspired beautifully twee ukelele songs from one of Nottingham's new rising stars"

http://soundcloud.com/aggressive-ben

Flat Soufflee'

"With a predilection for the absurd and unexpected, Flat Soufflee' are a band with a twist, listen to the lyrics, enjoy the chaos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOHrGbbdBBU


Misk Hills & the Spontaneous Skiffle Show

‘Misk Hills Mountain Rambler III’ is an absurdist 'Skiffle Poet' with a banjolele, washboard & bag full of Kazoos . . . Nottingham's only 'Alt-Skiffle' artist! . . . Adversely influenced by Ivor Cutler, Tom Waits and Michael Hurley . . . ‘Misk Hills’ literally chain saws his way through the madness of life!

There are poems & songs about hangings, tractors, the Devil, Werewolves, naked ramblers and stolen washboards! . . . take your pick and let the journey begin!

Misk Hills (essentially a 1-man band) dares to transcend the gap between the artist and audience … Reveal your long lost (or never found) musical skills as YOU become part of the amazing ‘Spontaneous Skiffle Orchestra’ … washboards, shakers and kazoos abound and much laughter ensues …. Let down your hair and let the surreal fun begin!!


http://www.reverbnation.com/miskhillsmountainrambler

Red Bear

"Now you may not have heard of Red Bear, however you have probably heard of him by his real name, Adam Clarkson, better known as the lead singer of Captain Dangerous, one of Nottingham’s most talented and insanely enjoyable bands. When Captain Dangerous perform they, somehow, cram about a million people onto what are often the smallest of stages, tonight though it was just Adam performing, ironically on a stage that would have been plenty big enough for the whole band.

As fans of Captain Dangerous we are well aware of Adam’s talent but in doing this solo show you get a chance to hear just how talented a singer he really is, the set seemed to fly by, leaving us keen for more Red Bear stuff – in particular the special project of which we are sure you will be hearing a lot more about in the future. His version of Captain Dangerous hit Forgive Us We’re British was worth the entrance fee alone."

Darren Patterson - Nottingham Live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbbXAs3yvZk&feature=related

https://www.facebook.com/red.bear.3994

More TBC..

Stiff Kittens spinning tunes til you howl at the moon.
And some musical vs things that make your ears bleed surprises!

....feeling like you don’t fit in? See lovely & talented Laura Davis and she’ll paint you up and teach you to growl like a real wolf!

Plus much much more.....!!!!

Special Guests Olwen Davis featuring Lilly Wolf will be feeding the audience to the Wolves….
(East midlands Artists presenting collaboration where their polar opposites meaty) ;)

Join the facebook event here:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/435560516500127/

Tickets £5
collection of paper tickets from The City Art Gallery
(down the alley next to The Works Book shop in the city center / opposite the tourist info)


Tickets can be purchased from The City Gallery or in person from Rachel Parry or Will Robinson - Email : Rachel@imnotfromlondon.com or Will@imnotfromlondon.com for details.

http://littlewolfparade.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/LilWolfParade
https://www.facebook.com/littlewolfparade
http://www.facebook.com/lilly.wolf.313

www.imnotfromlondon.com

SUB GENRES

Some new neighbours have moved in downstairs and I've finally managed to pluck up the courage to knock on neighbour #2’s door to introduce myself (if only to give him a name other than ‘number 2’, which was a bit unfair as I hadn’t had time to suss out his hygiene habits yet). Once we’d fumbled our way through the usual to-and-fro topics of weather, employment and the next-door-neighbour with the monobrow I thought I’d aim for some common ground. Naturally, music was the obvious starting point, and on this occasion I struck lucky.

At first he was wary of elaborating on exactly what ‘electronic stuff’ he liked, which I suppose is understandable. Though I consider myself to be fairly open-minded I would probably have drawn negative conclusions were he to have proclaimed his love of Scooter or DJ Sammy. But in the end it turned out to be quite the opposite. He broke eye contact, looked down and said: ‘I feel like a bit of a dick for saying this, but I’m really into post-Dubstep’.

I could see exactly where he was coming from. Not his appreciation of the sub-genre itself, but rather his reluctance to say its name. People often question the necessity of having so many genres and sub-genres. Many consider them to be either fabricated by journalists wanting something new to write about or used by pretentious idiots who feel the need to form cliques or distance themselves from fans of more ‘commercial’ music.

That’s not how I see them though. In this continually evolving musical landscape, sub-genres are essential. While Djent and thrash metal may sound like ‘a lot of angry noise’ to one person, the same person would probably give you a back-hander for suggesting that he checks out an artist who actually makes Tech house rather than progressive house.

It’s rarely about having a superiority complex in my experience, though. People just don’t want to spend valuable time wading through stuff that they don’t like. Of course, it’s great to experiment outside the confines of your usual music of choice, but sometimes, such as when you’re trawling mp3 shops for new tracks, it’s useful to be able to click on ‘terror-jazz’ safe in the knowledge that you won’t have to listen to sample after sample of doom-jazz that you know just won’t hit the spot.

An awareness of sub-genres is essential in the world of live events too. The subtle differences between them can help create a sense of progression that is all too often lacking in large-scale gigs where the schedule is decided upon depending on the availability and popularity of the headliners.

It’s a hugely clichéd thing to say, but when I go to a club or a gig I want to be taken on a journey. Even a genre like drum ‘n’ bass that’s simply considered ‘ravey’ by many people varies wildly; from the melodic and jazzy sounds of LTJ Bukem to the frantic ‘dishwasher-falling-down-the-stairs’ noises favoured by the likes of Donny and Current Value. 

Put these guys in the wrong order on the same line-up and you risk having half the club bailing early with neck-ache and the rest getting confused by the sound of chirping birds emanating from the speakers and leaving at midnight thinking that it’s sunrise.

So by all means savour the broadness of ‘rock’ and ‘metal’ and ‘dance’. But remember that within each vast genre lies lovingly-nurtured musical morsels that can tickle your ears in ways that their collective elements never could.  

BRANCH OUT FESTIVAL - THE INVISIBLE ORCHESTRA & MORE - 3 GIGS IN ONE WEEKEND!

 FRIDAY NIGHT TO SUNDAY MORNING!!!
 ****************************************

In response and as tribute to Nottingham's thriving music scene and with October seeing the release of three Nottingham acts - Jake Bugg's number one album, Natalie Duncan and Dog Is Dead all being released on major labels, the council seem to have finally woken up and realise we have something well worth shouting about and put the wheels in motion to create a free festival celebrating the music and musicians of lace city.

DHP and the other independent venues of Nottingham were used as platforms for this and I'm Not From London were one of the promoters asked to help put the festival together along with Farmyard Records, Denizen Records, Hello Thor and Pete Fletcher of Denizen records was liason with the venues and council for the Branch Out Festival.

                                             Join the Branch Out Festival Facebook group here!

I'm Not From London was given the Rock City basement to stage manage for the day and we had our folk/hip hop/acoustic night Wire & Wool going on all day as part of the festival at the Alleycafe.

We aim to make this festival an annual one and were glad to be part of it's creation and hope to make it bigger and better with each year! Mike Atkinson of the Nottingham Evening post and Katy Lewis Hood of Leftlion said this about it….

                            Read Mike Atkinson's Evening post review here!

                            Read Katy's Leftlion Review here!


The day went swimmingly with beer and payment for all bands involved which certainly helped keep the mood upbeat for everyone. In fact every venue was busy all through the day which started at three o clock. This was the third night in a row for the I'm Not From London Crew having had our Friday night at Bunkers Hill.

 This was a John Peel day gig with two bands who used to play his show "The Bent Moustache" & "Parliament Of Bats" with two local bands 'Boots Booklovers" and "Her Majesty's Service" featuring I'm Not From London's new band and gig booker "Joe Zain" as drummer- featured here in full sweaty glory!

 HMS are a new Nottingham treasure with bombastic punk and indie riffs married with testosterone and primal tongue in cheek energy that you can't help but enjoy watching, last time they played our Kerblammo (last week) I saw a guy getting crowd surfed from one side of the crowd to the other finally being thrown over the stairs accidentally, he was fine!


Here's the bands if you want to listen to their stuff:

The Bent Moustache

Her Majesty's Service

Parliament Of Bats

Boots Booklovers

The next day Saturday 27th October was one of I'm Not From London's classiest night to date, we hired the Nottingham Arts Theatre to put on a 28 piece orchestra supported by both a 10 piece and 16 piece band.

It was a testament to the I'm Not From London team, Our Pat manned door helped by Parisa Elyon and Lee Hughes.

Our video guys Raj Pathak and Richard filmed the whole affair and did the pre gig video to promote the night

Watch it here!

Live recorded video of the set coming soon... Ralph Barklam took some amazing shots. Sonia worked as technician alongside Dave Whitewood, Kaveh Birch and Gordon and I myself even stepped up to compere and in the style of a northern comedian complete with drumbeat both commended and condemned my good friend, best man and I'm Not From London member, designer and band leader of two of the bands playing that night, James Waring of The Invisible Orchestra and Royal Gala. James had put the orchestra together 10 months previously and worked incredibly hard writing the set.

The orchestra comprised some of Nottingham's finest musicians and Justin Dodsworth of Bad Manners played the Hammond Organ, one of the heaviest instruments I've ever had the misfortune of carrying!

We had guest vocalist Percy Dread formerly of the Skatalites, Hannah Heartshape, Ed Bannard from the amazing Hhymn and as an extra special surprise to the audience, fresh from her major signing and Jools Holland appearance, Natalie Duncan absolutely amazed the crowd with her performance!

We arranged the afterparty at Coco Lounge across the road where we partied like children of the night before leaving for an after after party at our friend's studio the Night Rooms then carried it on at the after after after party at our mate Jared's after being refused entry to the local swimming pool and having an early morning fryup and beer!

In the words of our eterny, Pat Cannon - "If there's no rest for the wicked, then we must be pure evil"