As you may know we are taking a break from all the monthly events for the forseeable future, to concentrate on other projects, so until we return, we just wanted to say a massive thank you on behalf of the whole Mr Elephant crew for bringing the vibes to our last 41 events, and to everyone who has been part of any Mr Elephant event, workshop, radio show, or website.
We’ll really miss the events, and each one has been a truly inspiring experience, but the time feels right to move on to other projects until next year.
It was really important that we left things on a high, and we’re forever grateful to all the venues that have housed us throughout the last years, the Adam & Eve, Hare & Hounds, Epic Skate Park, Rainbow Beach, the Bulls Head & Prince Wales.
When we return to do events we will certainly be looking to promote local talent through smaller regular events, but there was a unananimous decision that we all wanted to return to another reason why we started Mr Elephant in the 1st place, and that is the larger more festival style events. Like the 1st 2 at Epic skate park in 2007, the family days at the Prince garden, the 12 hour celebration pf Birmingham’s Underground on the Rainbow beach/warehouse, and the workshops & multistage 2nd Birthday at the hare and hounds. Events that are one offs and that encompass all the areas of Mr Elephant in one cohesive event, or to put it another way, a balance of all the events over the last 3 years, and pushing some of the Mr Elephant ideas forward.
We’ll still be hosting our radio show on www.rhubarbradio.com with Marc Reck every monday evening at 6pm & Mr Elephant residents Skeleton & Dolhasz will be hosting The Beat Suite every wednesday from 11.30pm. However to avoid the whole website being taken up with the radio shows, it seems more appropriate for these to exist on their own websites & of course the rhubarb ones, so that the artists & events can remain on the front of this one. One of the main aims of Mr Elephant is to shine a light on great stuff, and so hopefully the videos of the events housed on this website helps further that.
There are many ideas and goals that we have as Mr Elephant and while we’ve achieved so much more than we hoped, (due to the ever expanding platform of talented contributors) there is so much we have yet to explore.
We have always been totally unfunded, and, as most will know, it becomes difficult to devote such a large portion of your life when you have to cover your own costs, and have other ambitions to explore. With that in mind we are looking at ways to fund future events so we can realise their true potential, and we’ll be taking time out to further our own interests in order to bring them back in bigger and brighter. We all want to keep the free party ethos alight wherever possible, simply because it allows the most accessibility to people, regardless of financial status, and therefore the most diverse mix of people, which is always a good thing… The logisitics of sorting the time and resources we can work out.
Anyway, once again, thanks to one and all for a truly inspiring 3 years, and on behalf of all the Mr Elephant crew, we wish you a beautiful hot summer.
Yes another year is almost passed and as we enter a new decade we would like to whole heartedly wish you all a very happy 2010 on behalf of the Mr Elephant crew.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who bought their vibes to any of our 25 events this year, lent their ears to any of the 16 radio shows, or took part in our community workshops back in May.
And of course a big shout to the 50+ artists who delivered their magic at the various Mr Elephant events, and the 100 + people who came together behind to make it all happen, and platform and share their unique skills, with us (and each other.)
You may have noticed that this year we wanted to focus more on showcasing as many Birmingham artists as we could (hence the 3 very different monthly residencies at 3 great Birmingham venues) but we haven’t forgotten why we started Mr Elephant, and in 2010 we will be looking to hopefully bring a balance to both with slightly less regular events and slightly more of the larger events.
Because they require so much time we have had to look at how best to move forward so we will be playing the next quarter by elephant ear, but suffice to say there are plans already in action for another festival style event with the return of the mr elephant midnight parade and featuring all the trimmings of the 1st 2 at Epic from 2007, the 12 hour celebrate underground from 2008, our 1st birthday also from 2008 and our 12 hour 2nd birthday from 2009. We are also aiming to grow our regular monthly events and showcase some great live artists,underground djs, and forward thinking vjs at two of our favourite Birmingham venues.
Our Party Rockin Mammal Sessions will be the first to return with a new home @ the Hare & Hounds room 2 on Saturday Jan 9th (http://www.hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk/party-rockin-mammal-sessions-free-party/) with a huge free party featuring around 10 of our favourite underground djs in brum, and will of course be on rotation 2nd Sat of every month thereafter with our Cinephonic A/V cinematic dancefloor sessions both bringing you a host of great djs, vjs, and live electronic artists.
Along with his unique visual talents, Vj Blendstate has taken over the promoting reigns of both of these events since mid October, along with our super skilled elephant residents the beat suite (aka skeleton & dolhasz) rocking the decks, and Liam has some big plans afoot, so if you like underground dance music and quality visuals, keep it locked.
I’ll be continuing with our live and free residency at the Adam & Eve which will feature more great live bands, eclectic djs and solo artists on the last saturday of February and each month thereafter, and will of course remain free entry til 4am, and will be returning with our eclectic radio show each monday to its home on rhubarb radio from 6pm – 8pm – (Check out/hear all our past shows and artists here) . – On a personal note i’ll be returning to the decks in around April/May with something i been working on since having a break in October.
Along with Jack and friends we will continue to capture and post footage of all artists as best we can on this website and make a loud elephant noises about the wealth of talent that exists in the city we live in. BIRMINGHAM! and our resident journalist Emily P will be continuing her cool column on the news and reviews front, and is rumoured to be bringing her interviewing prowess to the site in the new year.
The website (like the events, workshops, and of course radio) is totally unfunded, and features over 140 posts, many of which with video, photos, and of course links to all artists, so please have an explore round the various posts, check the videos and support any of the artists you enjoy by following their links and making a noise about whatever you’re into.
We would like to work the site better, so if you know about websites or have any ideas, feel free to let us know on how we can improve the community side of the website, or by dropping a comment. (We’ve had major issues with the mailing list plugin which has now been discontinued, hence no mailouts for almost a year now, but we are migrating to another option in jan)
And finally we would like raise the collective trunk and make a huge elephant noise to everyone who is, and has been, involved with Mr Elephant thus far, (which deserves a post in itself!) Whethers it’s bringing music and events this great city, using the platform to showcase and develop a creative passion, or trying a creative interest with experienced artists in hands on situations, the shared grass roots ethos that seem to run through all people who get involved with the phat mammal, is a testament to the abundance of opportunities that it continues to create.
Whatever you are interested in and however you celebrate, may 2010 bring you all you wish for, and the decade be an evolution of all that interests you.
Beginning a set with a rendition of Jungle Book’s I wanna be like you can seem like a daunting task for some, but not The Correspondents.
This truly imaginative duo, comprising of DJ Chuckles and Mr Bruce, allow no time for talking, just pure 1930s big band revamped for the 21st Century.
Whenever these gents start a gig, there seems to be an influx of men in bow ties and ladies in high-wasted flapper dresses. Their sets drain any energy out of the room; just watching Mr Bruce strut his stuff leaves the most athletic out of breath. The Wandsworth swing-hip hop outfit never fail to impress at their gigs, ending with some incredible drum ‘n’ bass style finales, topped with lyrical virtuosity.
Chuckles, the musical mastermind, effortlessly selects jazzy and bouncy hip hop, which allows for Mr Bruce to MC, scat, sing and work his voodoo over the crowd.
The Correspondents, when they can drag themselves away from the usual London haunts, play some pretty exciting gigs, as well as the major festivals including Glastonbury and The Edinburgh Festival.
Their debut release, The Rogue EP, is available for download from www.soundspurple.com.
The Destroyers – Are you ready, ‘cos here they go!
http://www.adrian-burrows.co.uk/?p=225
When you find yourself down on one knee in the mud at Glastonbury, among a few thousand people listening to a story about a mouse – you know you’re watching The Destroyers.
The 15-strong group of instrumentalists, vocalists and composers describe themselves as specialising in turbo-folk mélanges of gypsy, Balkan, Klesmer and beat poetry. Formed in Birmingham, a small group of gypsy-folk enthusiasts decided to play Eastern European music at a makeshift jazz venue in someone’s basement. As the band grew, so did their scope and talent.
The Destroyers have been everywhere this summer; including the Avalon Stage at Glastonbury, Shambala and Bestival. Their live show is certainly something not to be missed; they take story-telling to another level. If you keep up with these 15 turbo-folkers, you’re in better shape than you think. Their shows are manic and get even the sceptical of gypsy toe-tapping.
Following the launch of their debut single “Out of Babel” and their huge show to mark it’s release in their home town of birmingham back in July, the Destroyers are now releasing their lomg awaited debut album of the same title, available right now via their own website – http://thedestroyers.co.uk,
Catch them live in Birmingham at the Town Hall on October the 11th for a birthday celebration with The Old Dance School & The Toy Hearts.
Little feature on Mr Elephant appeared in the recent Night Times publication which gives a little overview of what we do as Mr Elephant.
20, 000 copies of the Night Times have been distributed this month to showcase the best of brums underground and music nightlife to our new arriving students. Copies can be found for free at your local music venues in Birmingham and for those that havent come across the paper, its a must follow publication in our opinion and we lucky to have it in the city, featuring music reviews, events and local information. As far as we know its funded only by advertisting and the fact they make the advertising really affordable and really useful to underground nights and local people who dont have much money, means its something that needs supporting, so get in touch with them if you have something you want to share with the birmingham masses.
Here’s our little biog, and click here to read a bigger version
Something magical has been happening in a heavenly forest, tucked far away near Market Harborough.
This weekend, the Mr Elephant collective donned its wellies and raincoats to experience an assortment of emerging and established talent from the Midlands and further afield.
Birmingham favourites, the Destroyers and Boogie Dave put the city firmly on the Shambala musical map. Bristol’s finest gave the crowd the what for, introducing acts such as Yes Sir Boss, Bizaliand Carnival Collective. The revellers were privileged to see legendary acts such as Dub Colossus and The Egg, and were treated to a secret gig by Coldcut. Take a look at some of these sexy highlights and delights:
Kokolo opened the Shambala Stage on Friday afternoon. The New York afrobeat band meshed together funk, dancehall and polyrhythms. Bizali followed shortly after offering a Róisín Murphy wannabe attached to a Bjork sounding band from Bristol.
Moving over to the second alfresco stage, delightfully situated next to the ground’s lake and manor house, Miss Cecily played a beautiful set on the Lakeside Stage. Miss Cecily performed with a talented six-piece band encapsulating jazz and soul to Latin and klezmer.
By way of a birthday present, Coldcutplayed a secret AV set for the last hour of the roller disco in the Kamikaze Tent. The set offered 80’s delights and feel-good samples from classics such as Little Miss Sunshine (Super Freak) and the iconic Hiphopopotamus rap from Flight of the Concords.
Another of Birmingham’s regulars,The Apples, kicked off the evening’s entertainment delivering their signature explosive live experience. The Tel Aviv musicians spontaneously kicked ideas up and down the stage in a torrent of decks, horns, double basses, drums and electronic effects. They, of course, finished with their fantastic Rage Against the Machine cover Killing in the name of.
Saturday was brought intoits primewhen Zion Train followed the enigmatic Royal Galaand picked up the pace ten-fold. Described as one of the best dub acts around, these guys have been leaders in the roots reggae field for over 15 years and the energy and dynamic still remains. The crowd was worked up into a dub frenzy, with the band feeding the crowd some of their classics tunes.
The Correspondents, made up of DJ Chuckles and Mr Bruce, filled out the Kamikaze Tent on Saturday evening. The set started with their rendition of Jungle Book’s I wanna be like you. With some masterful MCing throughout, Mr Chuckles dropped the genius Ghost remix of It’s all love and finished off with some incredible drum ‘n’ bass with lyrical masterfulness.
Crazy P Soundsystem took the tempo down after The Correspondents with her soothing voice and dancefloor groves. The Bays followed at a drowsy 1 o’clock in the Kamikaze Tent, bringing the mood into a different dimension with their musical adventure of drum ‘n’ bass, techno and hypnotic beats.
Slightly deflated after all those nitrous balloons, Sunday was put into fifth-gear with some mind-blowing dancing from Tikambilanie. This collective brings together rhythms and dances from Zambia’s seven main tribes and got even the most temperamental of toddlers stamping their feet.
Sunday evening saw the Carnival Collective bring out the sunshine with their enchanting drumming. This extraordinary collective used their traditional Brazilian instruments and percussion to play reggae to break-beat, encapsulating the carnival that is Shambala.
The eagerly anticipated Dub Colossus closed the Shambala Stage shortly afterwards. The might of the lead vocalist took many somewhere more spiritual than they’d been all weekend. The set took the listener on a journey of African musical heritage, capturing some of Ethiopia’s finest performers. Shambala was truly privileged to see this performance.
This festival encapsulates what every festival should: innocence, general sillyness and tea! Happy 10th birthday Shambala.
Check out this year’s Shambala photo albumand see if you can spot Mr Elephant in action.
For more crucial rantings and ramblings about Shambala pick up a copy of this month’s Night Times.
Sometimes it takes a hard slap in the face (or your average out-of-body experience) to realise that you’ve been doing the same thing week-in, week-out for about four and a half years. Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun? The number 50 bus to work, the same over-priced warm beer accompanied by unobtrusive house music or the majestic trips to Cannon Hill Park to feed the only duck left in the city.
Now, my friends, is the time to inaugurate Random Monday’s Club with your buddies, Sexy Thursdays with your capably sexy neighbour and Weird Weeknights with your mum– they’re all bloody good options!
Summer is about to get eccentric and there’s plenty of tomfoolery to be had in Birmingham whilst you’re learning to love the rain. Here’s a list of some juicy activities to get your teeth into:
Now, to the modern dyslexic out there this may seem like a frightening thought, but this club is a sociable affair and fun can be had by all. Beginners and professionals alike are welcome. The aim is to play three games between 7.30pm and 10pm with a break for tea and Penguin biscuits.
This week saw a fight break out between Ralph and Mavis over an illegal double word score.
The Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath, last Tuesday of every month
The widely acclaimed (and featured in the Daily Mail) Stitches and Hos monthly meet has encouraged even the most sceptical swines to have a go at all things knitted, crocheted and stitched. All are welcome – you don’t even have to know your cross from your fisherman’s rib stitch!
Stechford Cascades Leisure Centre, 8.45pm every Monday
You won’t believe it, but you can actually go diving with blue fish tuna, great white sharks and barracuda, right in the city – they’re rectangular and made of foam, but that’s fine. Birmingham, sometimes mistaken for Barbados, actually has a diving club to which anyone is welcome to join and learn to dive with friendly and qualified coaches.
The Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath, starts Tuesday 1September
Ever laid awake in bed and thought about what it feels like to beat your older brother at Street Fighter? Yes? Well this is going to be right up your garden path. On offer is a menagerie of arcade games, arcade theme tunes, game inspired music, robotics, hacking and circuit bending, along with a collection of games consoles for you delight from the 80s and 90s.
Free, yes free. Sorry did you hear that? Free adult guitar lessons are starting in September. Places are limited, so get booking or forever hold your peace.
Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, from 11am onward on 16 August Find out what, and who, lives under the surface of the ‘secret pond’ at Cannon Hill Park. The event is again free, but you may have deal with some pesky kids asking how snails have sex or something, actually that would be quite interesting eh? Nets provided, wellingtons advised.
In fact, the much-loved park has community events on most weekends over the summer.
New Elizabethan School, Stourbridge, 5pm onwards on 29 August With pre-movie entertainment from the local radio station (maybe skip that bit) starting at 5pm, Moonwalker will be screened at 8pm in loving memory of Mr Michael Jackson to commemorate what would have been his 51st birthday.
This summer, kids (and grown-ups) will have a chance to feast on film. Inspired by the classic Saturday matinee experience, the Travelling Picture Show will be popping up in arts centres and community venues all over the region with a lorry-load of short films, animation and features from across the world.
Other nights to look out for this summer include: the swing based Sugar Foot Stomp, the excellent Coffee & Cake by The Other Woman’s Cluband Mr Elephant’s very own Cinephonic/Intermix; all offering a twist of lemon and some ice in your warm lemonade. And one last thing, keep your eyes peeled for ArtsFest running from 11 to 13 September.
Synonymous with bringing anything to the table, Supersonic Festival offered willing musos experimental delights from around the globe. This three-day miscellany of music brought together folk, breakcore, metal and chaotic beats – a daunting task for some, but not Supersonic.
The Capsule gang: the masterminds and curators of the festival, now into its seventh year, took over the Custard Factory in fantastic style – utilising the factory and outside spaces for not only music, but cheeky pockets of artwork and film.
It had been passed down the grapevine that 2008 was going to be hard to beat, but Capsule seem to have recreated the perplexing balance of eclectic and experimental. The weekend seemed to offer a platform for new and emerging Birmingham talent, alongside established and international acts.
People came from all corners of the UK to descend on a not-so-sunny Birmingham, almost selling out the festival on all three nights.
Friday’s highlights
Friday saw the bemusement begin in supersonic style with Drum Eyes belting outpsychedelic soundsin the Factory Club. Scorn followed shortlyafter with stirring downtempo minimalist beats and deep baselines. The former Napalm Death drummer Mick Harris served a unique fusion on trip-hop and dub revellers.
The Custard Factory outside stage, inhabited by a 300-strong army of hardcore Sunn O)) fans, were treated to their juxtaposition of ambient sounds and black metal. Accompanied by only their guitars and what seemed like an unnecessary amount of amps, Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley couldn’t fail to make an impact.
Smoke filled the outside stage through which droning guitars, feedback and other sound effects could be heard at an incredible decibel level.
Thirty minutes into the performance, still with no discernible beat, body numbers had reduced significantly; the mob of hardcore fans persevered in classic style.
Sunn by J D Robinson
The only endurance test which could follow the might of Sunn O)) was Venetian Snares, aka Canadian mind-bender Aaron Funk.
This legend could be described Aphex Twin meets your little cousin f**king around with your old breaks records, whilst drumming a skip with chop sticks. He seems to have mastered experimental electronic blending anything from reggae to classic techno at around 4000 bpm!
Saturday’s highlights
Saturday saw an arcane line up, with Nisennenmondai welcoming the evening on the outside stage. These fine Tokyoites gave definition to Japanese punk, with the female three piece enticing the crowd into a frenzy.
Staying in East Asia, Japanese band Corrupted played their first gig in the UK and offered Space 2 (the Custard Factory’s warehouse space) a bleak and forceful sound. The band demonstrated brutal riffs-drones, as well as a drummer who maintained an unbelievable striking force on improbable slow tempos.
Bobby Previte and VJ Benton offered a fully immersive audio-visual experience straight from New York. Zu, scheduled slightly awkwardly afterwards, shifted down-gear and left the crowd somewhat indifferent.
The reminder that music festivals shouldn’t be taken so seriously came in the form of Monotonix.
Easily the hairiest men at the festival, the Tel Aviv trio closed the Saturday night on the outside stage in unparalleled style. By far the most energetic performance of the festival, these guys sported some courageous shorts and offered some old-fashioned entertainment.
The equipment, originally set up amongst the crowd, moved to all four corners of the venue throughout the performance (with kit being passed everywhere, it’s a miracle if they got it all back). As the drum kit and singer edged the crowd further away from the stage, enticing havoc at the back, VJ Blendstate and the front of house team were almost taken out.
The crowd numbers soon doubled, then tripled to a full house. The crowd sat down thanks to the singers barking instructions and one guy almost got a clout round the head – carrying the debacle on for a further ten minutes.
Banned from most venues in Tel Aviv, hopefully, they’ll be frequenting the city a little more often.
Monotonix by J D Robinson
Sunday’s highlights
A credit to Capsule’s programming, Theo (aka Sam Knight) worked his one-man magic on a rainy afternoon. To see this talent live is something of wonder with his looped layers of delicate sounds echoing on the factory walls.
Each song moved effortlessly to the next as his impressive guitaring and drumming baffled an attentive crowd. His rhythmic melodies and beats induced a trance like state as he improvised and worked off the crowd.
The Black Country’s finest industrial export, Head of David, played their first live show in 23 years as the original line-up. Sunday’s headliner, Italian legends Goblin followed with nothing out of the ordinary.
Goblin by J D Robinson
Old Supersonic favorites Caribou closed the outside stage offering building blocks of divine melodies. Programmed as a “perfect slice of bedroom psychedelia from someone for whom melody and emotion are ten times as important as collectible obscurity”, they certainly didn’t disappoint before bed time.
Time and time again, Supersonic gets described as the best organised music event in the Midlands by gig-goers, crew and artists. Everyone seems willing, friendly and this creative hub becomes a place where metallers meet the folk fairies.
And don’t forget the cake…
You can listen to this tomfoolery and genius on Rhubarb Radio and catch a look on the Flickrgroup.
Yes, yes, we are most excited to announce that our big little radio show is back on the rhubarb airwaves, every monday evening from 6-8pm from 20th July 2009.
After a somewhat shaky start we decided that their was too much technical difficulties with trying to stream from home, which meant the show was at the mercy of Marc’s dj gig commitments, which were pretty much each week.
Now however we have a new timeslot, due to an opening in the schedule, in which we can showcase some of the cities finest musical talents, live recordings from our elephant events, and a huge range of unreleased music from Marc’s own promo lists.
Expect a whole host of music you’ll know too, and special guests each week from our sock rockin resident, and also pushing the Birmingham sound is one of the kings of brummy airwaves, little chris, who will be hosting his inspiring Brum cast live each monday from 8pm, starting on the 8th August 2009.
Monday nights are a good night for new music, and relaxing in your space.
Those lovely people at the Night Times have featured Mr Elephant twice in this month’s issue! An interview and a review! Click on the pics for a readable version
Mr Elephant’s Second Birthday Review by Dom Brotherton
A Large Slice of Birthday Cake – Mr Elephant is Putting on Weight!!
Mr Elephant by Elin Morgan
Since its inception in 2007, Mr Elephant has been on a steadily increasing diet of eclecticism, celebrating some of the best underground club nights, djs, vjs, live bands, dancers, performers and inhabitants that Birmingham has to offer. Now with 5 residencies all offering different slices of Birmingham’s nightlife, it seems appropriate to celebrate Mr Elephants success by sticking 2 candles in a cake to mark its second birthday, but on the 23rd May there was a whole lot more on the cards than our average birthday party…
Dj & Vj Workshops – Photo by Dan Roblin
Throughout the afternoon there were opportunities for all ages to learn an array of different skills in a series of grass-roots workshops, and in most cases enabling those involved to participate in the performances of the night. Drumming, vjing, djing, beatboxing, poi, animation, etc, all workshops were offered for free to anyone who wanted to try the various creative artforms, and were hosted by an excellent cast of contributors.
Drumming Workshop – Photo by Dan Roblin
As the sun set, the herd moved in-doors to be entertained by a fine hour of acoustic music from two of Birmingham’s most modest stars, namely Richard Batsford and Laura Louise, who both delivered magical performances.
Laura Louise – Photo by Dan Roblin
Rich Batsford – Photo by Dan Roblin
At 10pm the Osmosis hosted Dance Stage kicked off with phat breaks & banging techno, while the Live Stage commenced with the mighty Jam Jah reggae collective, who got people up and grooving, providing the perfect backdrop to those of the audience who were adding the finishing touches to their carnival masks.
Jam Jah Crew – Photo by Dan Roblin
As the crowd welled up, the 1st band of the night Circadia took to the stage with new changes to the line-up adding more seasoning to their tasty flavour of psychedelic ska.
Ciradia – Photo by Dan Roblin
Up next was a crowd pleasing half hour of monkey swing from Marc Reck,
Marc Reck – Photo by Dan Roblin
followed by the now infamous mr elephant midnight parade, which invited all poodle creations out for their midnight dance-floor stroll, and offering two prizes for best in breed.
Mr Elephant Midnight Poodle Parade – Photo By Dan Roblin
Following, was an unexpected drumming jam session with beat boxer and host of the Live Stage, Bass6, who as always, entertained and mediated with more energy than an army of Duracell bunnies.
Mr Elephants Midnight Percussion Jam – Photo by Dan Roblin
With the night in full swing, Bristol beat-boxer extraordinaire, Dub FX took control, complimented perfectly by talented female MC, Flower Fairy. There was a lot of buzz around Dub Fx, and he certainly didn’t disappoint! With just his mouth and a loop station with efx unit, he created phat beats, huge basslines and orchestral melodies that cranked up the atmosphere with each track.
Dub Fx – Photo by Dan Roblin
With the crowd almost at fever pitch, the 3 piece live dub, breaks & drum & bass act Alphadrive, delivered a slick set of some of filthiest breaks I’ve ever heard come out of a live band, before handing over once again to Marc Reck who delivered a massive drum & bass finale ending with don’t worry be happy as a 2nd encore.
Alphadrive – Photo by Dan Roblin
Over on the Dance Stage techno superstar Jerome Hill was rinsing it out with a hugely powerful set which sent the osmonauts into overdrive, in amongst big birthday sets from 32DM, Hijacker, and the mighty Dk Roon who finished things off with a big bang.
Jerome Hill – Photo by Tina Taylor
Massive applause is also necessary for visuals maestros Blendstate and The Lab for providing some truly awesome visuals; always interesting, innovative and apt for the occasion.
Blendstate & The Lab Visuals – Photo by Dan Roblin
Mr Elephant comes off as a much more dynamic event than your usual club night, and feels closer to a festival than a club night. Always looking to broaden horizons, it off-sets different musical genres and strives to include much more than just DJs, visuals and a space to dance in the quest to create something groundbreaking, inclusive, and celebratory. Adding to the diverse range of musical styles and the conglomerate social strata that regularly appear at Mr Elephant events, even the barrier of age was broken by the scurry of little feet in the workshops that began early in the day, and it’s refreshing to see an event that appeals to such a huge range of tastes, and ages!
Mr Elephant doesn’t have punters; it has contributors; and the evolution of audience participation from an amusing quirk to a fully fledged feature is a wonderful thing to see, because it gives us all more ownership over the event, engaging us well beyond the boundaries of the venue. Even after the final curtain call, the place was rife with chit-chat and the exchange of phone-numbers, and it’s fantastic to experience such a collective engagement, rather than the typical race for an unoccupied taxi. (My own eventual exit was met by communal singing and a drum performance by an enthusiastic fellow whose flow was only ended after 15 minutes or so due to apparent complaints from the neighbours.)
The organisers of Mr Elephant turn clubbing into a real adventure and I love that they want to celebrate the fun of interaction and offer so many ways for everyone be part of the festivities whilst also having a real desire to make elephant noises about their home city of Birmingham. With the Party Rockin Mammal Sessions @ Bulls Head showcasing Birmingham djs, The Live & Free events @ Adam & Eve showcasing live bands, the new Cinephonic & Intermix events @ the Hare pushing dj & vj boundaries, and with the forthcoming grassroots workshop programme, elephant radio shows, elephant tv, and their large website – www.mrelephant.com, it seems that there are now plenty of large tasty elephant portions that we can feast on in between the big festival style events, and it only looks to be getting bigger and more inclusive! Mr Elephant clearly invites us all to join the conga, if not start our own, so let’s put on our dancing shoes, bang on the Brum, and celebrate!
By Dominik Kai Brotherton
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Massive thanks and respect to Dom for that review and to the Night Times for publishing it! Jack Brabant, and Jules Hyland were videoing the event and Jack is putting together the entire 12 hour footage into a 4 minute video, so that will be online hopefully by mid June. Also Tony from the Lab will be putting together the Elephant Tv dvd episodes which will should be online by July.
Feel free to subscribe to the Rss if you want automatic notification, and we look out for more photos and videos as they return, plus a special Jam Jah recording of their set on Mr Elephant Radio, when it finds a new time slot.
Project X Presents was, and continues to be a huge inspiration to Mr Elephant. Some of us have been involved with Project X from the start, and Mr Elephant was born out of the experience of the first Project X Presents Event, the early Rockfall events, and a lot of what was going on in Birmingham at the time.
One of those things that was going on in brum was the noise abatement orders Our first home for the first Project X Event, and the first Mr Elephant festival style events – Epic Skate Park, ended up being shut down due to one obsessive complainer. Then followed the first home for the Mr Elephant Family Events – The Prince of Wales, which Keith & Diane were again really keen to use for arty and community events, but yet again they are facing more and more restrictive legislation, which pretty much stops them doing anything.
All of the above events were very safe, full of lovely people, incorporated both family events in the day and music events on the evening and generated a wealth of positive response from all ages, yet both events were not able to continue at the venues, because of the restrictions imposed upon them by the council. Its worth noting that our 6th event host – the fabulous the Rainbow Beach for Celebrate Birmingham’s Underground was also under scrutiny, and it seems that all these venue owners, (promoters and collectives) are all just trying to do great stuff for Birmingham, always at great financial risk, but seem to be constantly limited by the very council who is looking to put Birmingham on the map with the big city plan!?
Following some initial conversations with John Tigue and John Mostyn, the stirrer and created in birmingham was the first time we read about all this online, and it inspired 3 investigative reports from Ruth Robinson on Digbeth (who herself has a deep interest and experience in the development of areas). They raised an interesting question of whether the complaints were also linked in with the developers plans, and whether the intention to close venues down was not because of any real problems or issues, but to develop the vision of splitting Digbeth in quarters, as part of the Big City Plan, regardless of the impact on business and the city.
We’re not sure, but it leads really nicely onto this insightful Project X Presents video – Music Is Not Pollution, with interviews from John (Spotted Dog), Keith (Epic/Prince), Kent (Rainbow), and an abacus resident, all of which raise some very interesting points. One of which being why would the council want to stop such venues when there is such a huge support for them and only a handful of complaints, and when they are wanting to put Birmingham on the map in such a big way.
If you have anything to say, please feel free to comment. Now we’ve got the website going again, this video has inspired us to follow up some interviews we did in 2007. We’ll post links to any further debate from the Project X Presents collective, and anything else we can find, and feel free to add links yourself in comments
After 2 years and 14 events at 6 of our favourite Birmingham venues, the time has come to celebrate Mr Elephant’s 2nd birthday with our biggest festival style celebration to date, featuring lots of interactivity for all ages, the launch of Elephant Workshops in conjunction with Dramask, and the community based Elephant Tv project in partnership with The Lab.
On Saturday 23rd May 2009 @ the Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath, Birmingham, we have a 12 hour, 4 room event over 3 stages, featuring a great lineup and a 3am license. Alongside some groundbreaking international artists, we will also be shining a light on some grassroots workshops and inspirational birmingham artists, promoters, bands, djs, vjs, and local orgs, with plenty of ways for everyone of all ages and tastes to get involved with the festivities.
A Live Stage, A Dance Stage, An Acoustic Stage, A programme of workshops, and local stalls will be the main focus of the 12 hour celebration at the award winning Hare & Hounds venue in Kings Heath Birmingham. As always local artists, and local promoters will be the main feature, though this time we’ve invited a few international artists too.
N.B - Here follows a little background on the workshops, so scroll down if you’re more interested in checking the music side of things
At the first event back in 2007, we invited all to get involved by either playing percussion with our Samba guests, decorating a mask and parading in the midnight parade to win some booze, dressing up and interacting with our interactive performers aka The Tourists. A year later, and the percussion parade, and interactive performance is now totally made up of Da’locals, with local organisations, the midnight parade has grown with each big event, and local shops and creatives are hosting stalls, with many friends of the elephant now developing their own creative practices by being more integrally involved with the events in whatever their area of interest is, mainly on the events side and workshops side.
The main addition/difference this time will be the evolution of the mr elephant workshops. The workshops began as decorating card masks, followed by 2 family/all ages welcome days, which featured a range of drop in activities for all ages from mask making and djing to drum skinning and juggling.
We always wanted the workshops to enable the participants where suitable to perform at the events in a more involved way, so we are very happy to say that this will be a part of our 2nd birthday with a range of free workshops open to the local community of all ages. Drumming, Beatboxing, Poi, Vjing, Animation, Mask Decorating, Juggling, and of course poodle making will all feature from 3pm – 7pm in our workshop area from a host of great workshop facilitators, with the masks and poodle making materials available on the evening too.
The poodles have been so well recieved that they will also feature in the performance (another open door for any budding performers, no experience necessary) with all poodles being judged in the midnight mask poodle percussion parade. Masks will also as always be available to decorate (the flip side of the flyers so keep hold of them) with materials (and masks/flyers) being provided for all.
Participants of the animation workshop will see their creations live in the visuals on the nights on either the live or dance stage. Participants of the vj workshop will get the opportunity to capture, and perform live in front of a full audience, with online support after the event, and the drummers will be invited to perform in the midnight parade (providing we can find enough drums), and there will be range of other interactive workshops and demonstrations to give the local community an opportunity to try out these various creative practices, all for free in a grassroots, comfortable and accessible environment.
We are and have always been not for profit collective, and are currently not funded in anyway with all of us involved with the event,( including all workshop providers working for free, with costs of the event at just under £2000.
We have a commitment to keeping the entry fee at the minimum, as want the event to be accessible to as many people as possible so there are some £5 early bird tickets available for people on low income, with the main advance ticket price at £7. As the capacity is around 300 at the hare and hounds, there are only 50 of these available.
Grassroots approach seems to be working though, as we’ve already had already a huge interest from workshop providers and people wanting to get involved with the next event, and we will be applying for our first funding to support another full programme of workshops at the next big mr elephant due for the summer.
This is kind of an elephant experiment and can only work with the support of the local community, so if you do like what you see, please think about passing on the email to 10 friends, and if you are on facebook, we really appreciate inviting as many facebook friends to the event, and/or the group as you have time to click on… Really does make keeping in touch with interested or local people a whole lot easier.
Alongside the workshops (3pm – 7pm folks) there will be stalls from local people from reflexology to local art, sone fine drinks promos courtesy of the hare and hounds, interactive performance from james, dom and the crew, the mr elephant midnight mask poodle parade featuring local percussionists (with prizes for best mask and poodle made), multi projector visuals from Vj Blendstate & The Lab, and a whole lot more….
We are more than excited to have this guy down from Bristol on the 23rd May 2009. He’s one of the best beatbox and loop pedal artists we’ve seen, and just check out his youtube videos for what you can expect. On heavy rotation on the mr elephant radio show, and one of Bass6’s recommendations, Dubfx is an inspiring artist, and we are going to be making a lot of noise about his incredible skills. He has a new album out on May 30th, and his last cd is available from his website… well worth a tenner.
An introduction to what he does (worth watching these through)
Jamming on the street
At Glastonbury Stone Circle
At Glastonbury on stage (Apologies for sound quality)
Our other headliners for the 2009 may bank holiday gig on sat May 23rd, these guys are quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the freshest live dance acts around showcasing “a perfect fusion of danceable dub, breaks and electronica” (Raise the Roof Festival”. Following a string of high profile appearances at UK festivals and club nights, this up-and-coming live trio have supported acts such as: Atomic Hooligan, Beardyman, The Bays, DJ Deekline, Tayo, Rogue Element, Scratch Perverts, and DJ Yoda. Definitly one to watch.
What can we say about the beatboxer Bass6, a true grassroots star in our opinion. With superb hosting skills, a inspiring attitude and a huge range of skills from beatboxing to workshops, this guy really brings the vibes, with his own productions are opening doors all over the country. He hosted our Midnight poodle parade on the beach at Celebrate Brums Underground, and he’s back for our next big event on Sat 23rd May 2009…not to be missed.
Hosting our last mr elephant midnight poodle parade competition
These guys have really come into their own this year, and one of the reasons why we are chuffed that they will be performing at our 2nd birthday. They house a great line up of talented musicians, which include multiskilled instrumentalist Jon Elliot has been one of the percussionists since our 2nd event.
Osmosis is a a co-operative run by a group of people who are passionate about their music and sharing it with like minded people. Each member of the crew has given their talent, equipment and time freely with any money made being ploughed back in to improve lighting, decor, sound, produce free CDs, and if we’re really lucky, buy us a couple of drinks.
Supported by the vibrant and eclectic venue, Rootys (rip), Osmosis has developed a reputation for it’s atmosphere, music and support of local talent, with names like Paul Damage (1881 Recordings/House of God), Sir Real (House of God) , and Sub Citizen (Resistor Records/Inukshuk) joining Residents and local heroes DK Roon’, Mack, Dr Pepperspray, HijACKER and M-AK.
A huge techno and breaks artist, and an international legend in his own right, we can’t quite get our hat on that he’s going to be headlining the dance Osmosis stage! Prepare yourselves.
Live at Glade (Apologies for Sound quality)
Scratch Practice
We couldn’t find any footage of their residents aside from the osmosis myspace link, so will be looking for mixes to help promote in the next week or two. Suffice to say Osmonauts need no introduction, and their programming and residents skills are hugely respected in the Birmingham Underground. Osmosis have organised legendary packed out parties from day one, and always attract the friendliest crowd of people you could hope to meet on a night out.This will be their first outing at the hare and hounds, so we look forward to a lot of warmth and phat music on the evening.
The other dj appearing is our own resident Marc Reck who will be playing either swing or a live eclectic set on the main stage, or a big room breaks techno, and drum and bass set on the dance stage. Here’s a recent clip of the end of his gig at the Night Times at the Custard Factory.
A core member of Project X Presents, one of Birmingham’s finest piano players, and all round top bloke, Rich Batsford is one of Birminghams’s musical treasures, and his music has been compared to that of the great steve reich, Keith Jarret, Michael Nyman, Claude Debussy, and Brian Eno. His debut album is currently free to download on his website, and his live performances are not to be missed. Check the valentines day Mr Elephant Radio show for a live recording of a gig from 2007.
Rich Batsford – Namaste
Live at Project X Presents
Laura Louise – www.myspace.com/lauralouiseowen – Hailing from New Zealand, Laura is a huge talent, and somewhat undiscovered on these shores. An amazing voice, and multi instrumentalist, she creates beautiful layers and well crafted songs with her loop pedal and a microphone. She performed a great set at the gigbeth fringe show, and we look forward to welcoming her back for our our 2nd birthday.
Cover of Fat Freddy
Laura Louise – So many days (Apologies for first 30 secs of sound ..worth watchin past)
So thats an overview of the eve, more to be added so feel free to subscribe to the mailing list, or facebook group for updates and info over the next fortnight.
All that’s really left for this post is to invite you to come and join the celebration. Its free til 9pm and tickets are needed for main stages entry upstairs
P.s here’s a little footage hashed together of our last 3 bigger events to give an idea.
On Rainbow Beach in 2008
At Hare & Hounds in 2008
At Epic in 2007
Oh and if you want to take part in any of the workshops please get in touch via email, or get there at 3pm. Timings will come soon, and workshops will be Beatboxing, Drumming, Animation, Vjing, Juggling, Poi, Mask Decorating, and Poodle Making. Seperate blog posts will give more details so subscribe to mailing list, facebook group, or the rss feed for instant notification.
Here is the final of 3 reports on the digbeth regeneration from investigative artist Ruth Robinson
The ‘Digbeth 2008’ reports are part of the ongoing study ‘An Account of Profit & Loss’- research of regeneration in the midlands. This work has been carried out independently without the aid of mainstream funding a mission I undertook under the guise of the ‘MISC.ellaneous organization’. This experience has not only advanced my research project, but also provided a starting point for the evolution of Eastside. The findings contribute to an ongoing public conversation in the local area and hopefully will lead to a negotiation with developers and the hierarchy that they represent.
The adaptation of the artistic role can construct and reinforce community ties therefore building strategies that might lead to ‘communicative action’- an important principal of Habermasian theory. I hope that the space that I have occupied might now be handed to ordinary working people, having established a site for text that allows open and opinionated discussion. I am proud to have been part of other similar protests that unite our community, enforce change and allow for common debate.
Communication leads the way, but an extent of control is required in order for this to become effective. Chaos alone will not change anything in an area of regeneration- a balance is needed between compliance, understanding and respect for difference. Resistance to blogging and text splurge of a hedonistic nature, if well constructed and contextualised, will focus our recognition on how free space can cause change and effect in society.
Reprise
This exploration began on the sixteenth of January at the Digbeth Business Association’s ‘What they are planning for Digbeth’ event. Having spent 12 months looking at the changes in the area I am now hoping to share the data I have collected and utilise the findings of this research study. RHR2008.
With the big day just 24 hours away, we feel the need to feature not 3 but 6 promoters/residents that you can expect to be shaking your touche too this saturday. Everything is shaping up really well, and i’ll be posting the schedule of treats we have in store in the next couple of hours.
For now however its over to 2 more guests repping their connected brummie events on the beach.
Up around 2am on the beach will be one you’ll all know -
Drop Beats Not Bombs, the online presence for the bi-yearly anti war event that donates 100% of its profits to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Campaign Against Arms Trade.
Our aim is to educate the people on these important issues whilst they have a good time. So from the start we have made it our mission to put together an event that comprises of a broad spectrum of sounds and styles.
From Drum & Bass to Techno to Indie to Hard House, we aim to leave you breathless as we relentlessly seek out the cream of up coming talent as well as established acts/artists. And we hevent even mentioned the incredible visual displays at every event. This truly is a full on assult on the senses.
While head honcho Boogie Dave will be representing with his other event My Bass in the mini warehouse, up and comer DJ R Caine will be representing the breaks stage on the beach. Here’s a little bit more about the stage and him
Rcaine runs the breaks stage along with Nuskoolbreaks.co.uk owner Jimmy Brayks and the next event on 08/11/2008 promises to be one of the best to date.
This time the breaks stage is under the arches of adderley street with a line up bigger than ever including Napt, Baobinga, Tom Real, The Beat Assassins, Subsource (live), Ben & Lex, Richie Balboa and Rcaine vs Doc Vin. Visuals will be supplied by VJ Air and all will be broadcast live on NSB Radio.
D-Joust
D-Joust is one of the biggest DJ competitions out there covering the whole of the UK and now Europe. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the local rising talents to make a name for themselves on the circuit and gain exposure all over the UK and Europe.
There are 3 categories in this year’s competition consisting of the London/South, Midlands/North, and Europe.
Rcaine is behind the midlands and northern side of the competition and is confident with the talent on offer up here; we will have someone go all the way and take the crown in London November 15th.
The DJ’s already through from the midlands/north are Mogs, Tom EQ, Miss B and Enigmatik.
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Before Russ you can expect to hear our very own resident dj – Marc Reck who will be representing the dj side of inspired Project X Presents.
“Project X Presents is like nothing else you ever experienced, and was started back in 2004 by 5 friends, including local musician and comedy promoter Rich Batsford, and Birmingham Based Dj and Event Promoter Marc Reck.
The one off 8 hour shows are a culmination of about a year of work for each one, and feature around 100 participants, including a range of musicians, bands, VJ’s, Dj’s, comedians, engineers, dancers, choreographers, costume designers, make up artists, performers, and set designers, all working together to create a omnimedia wonderland of sound, light and performance.
The main body of the event takes place in the main room – in which the audience is surrounded by three stages housing a seamless procession of music, spoken word, visuals, performance and dance – all carefully sequenced and woven into an 8 hour journey, with participants comprising of some of the most talented in the region, each producing work specific to the event and it’s theme.
Expect to see experimental electronica through to balkan gypsy jazz, from mesmerising piano through to big breaks and drum and bass. From energy fulled ska to impovised dance, from interactive performers to intelligent experimental visuals, Project X Presents draws on all of Birmingham’s creative talents to take you on a journey like never before.
A separate room offers a change of pace and the chance for the audience to interact with giant toy-like installations from Object – X, alongside some cutting edge djs, and weird and wonderful suprises.
Project X Presents is, as one reviewer put it – “Simply like nothing else out there” – More details can be found at our website, and feel free to get in touch if you would like get involved – www.projectxpresents.com
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Inside in the Night Times mini warehouse you can expect to see these guys :
Mybass began as the brainchild of three underground DJ’s who sought to conceptualise the element of bass for the purpose of a single night. What came to pass was the launch of a rave filled with an eclectic range of open-minded revellers intent on feeling, if not hearing, Dubstep bass weight. The legendary Loefah and Emalkay more than accommodated the basest of these ravers desires! Since this phenomenal initiation, the likes of Komonazmuk and Headhunter have graced Mybass events, demonstrating the promoters’ endeavour to cater for the whole spectrum of the Dubstep movement. The fluid nature of Mybass has led to its founding deejays throwing free parties incorporating genres such as D&B and Breakbeat, whilst remaining zealously true to the Dubstep sound. Upholding their nonchalant form, the three often unite with other promotions to host events showcasing the best in Birmingham’s underground talent, amalgamating the Mybass style. This night is the epitome of an ‘anything goes’ ethos.
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We are formerly co-promoters of the legendary night Urban Disturbance, which continues to grow in success. We now present to you a new night of heavy bass coming from musical genres across the board focussing on reggae, dubstep, old skool and drum and bass. For the time being we are exclusive to the venue set in the spotlight of live music and DJ’s, the Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath, thereby offering an alternative site to come and have a great night out. Bringing a party vibe to one of the suburbs of Birmingham, never charging more than a few quid entry and having a reasonable finishing time of 2am, [sic]… allows you to escape the confines of the city centre and listen to some of Birmingham’s finest DJ’s, in an intimate environment. [sic]…acts as a brilliant warm-up to what the rest of the night may have in store for you or you can get boozed up, have a dance and leave feeling happy and satisfied. Transforming the inner space using an assortment of artwork, VJ artists and weird but wonderful moving images demonstrates that we want the evening to be a multi-sensory experience.
Our next party called ‘[sic]…in ya Hare’, takes place on Friday November 14th with DJ-X summoning sounds from the darkside, Escape mixing Jungle and Pace incorporating insatiable old school beats into the mix.
It’s wrong to mention Christmas when we’re only in September, but we should let you all know that we’re putting on a fancy festive fandangle on Boxing Day called ‘[sic]…on Santa’. So, if you need an excuse to escape the family then this is a very good one.
So, come and be [sic]…with us!
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And on the warehouse, the Night Times are also showcasing House to Drum & Bass
The Ultra+ brand is known for producing quality events with a party atmosphere that’s second to none, the music styles range from Techno, Tech House, Underground Electro & Breaks or D&B, but the main focus is House & Techno.
The music heared at Ultra+ events is always supplied by the worlds best DJs and its some of the most cutting edge and up front dance music around.
Ultra+ was created by Ben Nott and it began in the States in 1997, at the time Progressive house and trance was the sound at these events and they where usually held in warehouse type venues, these events where a huge success and a handful had over 5,000 people in attendance.
2001, Ben moved back to the UK and started the Ultra+ brand so he could book his favorite DJs but also used it as a platform to regularly promote and play the tech house and techno sound he loves. The events were scattered until 2004 when Ultra+ was finally made a monthly resident at the now legendary Custard Factory in Birmingham.
Moving forward to 2008 onwards, Ultra+ now has residency’s at the Custard factory & Rainbow Warehouse in Birmingham, the Royal in Derby and joint ventures with brands at other venues such as Excentric, Ministry of sound-london, Honey Club-Brighton, Arches-Glasgow, Sankeys-Manchester and overseas events for 2009 include Hacienda & Ultra+ festival in Croatia, Ultra+ in Bucharest, Sofia and Ibiza.
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Drum and Bass, Jungle, Old Skool, Breaks, Dubstep……Birminghams music for the headz. A little something for everyone who likes to go just that little bit deeper.
Today we are featuring two legendary techno events who will be appearing in the warehouse at our Celebrate Birmingham’s Underground Event, and from the beach, a custom made event that already developed a reputation for delivering quality events in Birmingham.
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In the main warehouse (probably around 2/3am) prepare yourselves for the might of
HOUSE OF GOD
House of God was started in January 1993 by Chris Hog, Surgeon, Sir Real & Paul Damage. Named after a seminal electro 12″ by D.H.S., House of God was intended to be an antidote to the cheesy hardcore and house nights that relied on fashion or star DJ’s rather than musical content to make a good party. Over the years, this became the core philosophy behind the HOG, using residents in all of the rooms, supporting the developing UK Techno artists and not relying on star DJ’s for the sake of their names. When HOG moved to the city centre of Birmingham in the summer of ’93, it quickly developed into a seminal night-out for ravers. No dress code, cheap entry and cheap beer created a loyal and large following at the HOG nights in the Dance Factory. These first few years helped develop the core HOG sound of Techno/House alongside Drum n Bass and Breaks rooms overseen by DJ-X which became the template for many other nights around the Midlands and the UK. Always with an innovative music policy and some huge productions, HOG has provided the Midlands with legendary parties of all sizes at venues ranging from the 2,000 capacity Que Club to Subway City and the Sanctuary. HOG has also been responsible for most of the big names in UK Techno playing their first events in the Midlands, with Dave Clarke, James Ruskin, Neil Landstrumm, Billy Nasty, Tim Wright, Andy Weatherall, British Murder Boys among them and also helped to launch the careers of artists such as Surgeon & Louis Osbourne.
15 years on, HOG is the longest running club night in the Midlands and continues to return to haunt the Midlands underground on an irregular basis.
HOUSE OF GOD 16th BIRTHDAY – 30th January 2009 @ the Rainbow Warehouse
And in the mini warehouse room, check out one of the cities most friendliest and most vibrant techno events
Osmosis
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the missfits, the rebels, the trouble makers.
Here’s to the roundheads in square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of the rules, and they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, dissagree with them, glorify or villify them.
The only thing you can’t do is ignore them, because they change things.
They push the human race forward.
And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see them as genius,
because the people that think they can change the world, are the ones that do“
Osmosis is a a co-operative run by a group of people who are passionate about their music and sharing it with like minded people. Each member of the crew has given their talent, equipment and time freely.
“Any money made is ploughed back in to improve lighting, decor, sound and to produce free CDs.”
Supported by the vibrant and eclectic venue, Rootys, Osmosis has developed a reputation for it’s atmosphere, music and support of local talent, with names like Paul Damage (1881 Recordings/House of God), Chris Finke (Atomic Jam/Split/Flux), Sir Real (House of God)and Sub Citizen (Resistor Records/Inukshuk) joining Residents and local heroes DK Roon’, Mack, Dr Pepperspray, HijACKER and M-AK.
The unique decor was specially produced by Birmingham artist A-109, and is complemented by the incredible light and lazer show by Brad. With a Funktion One state of the art sound system you can truly feel the clarity of sound.
They have also added a Smokers Retreat; no shuffling on the street for Osmosis‘ esteemed members!
In the end though, the night is all about the crowd.
“You can have the best sound, decor and lights in the world…. until the people turn up, it’s just a pretty room.”
Osmosis comes out to play the last Friday of every month at Rooty Frooty, The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham B9.
Dress Code: Be yourself. If you can’t be yourself, be someone else, you’ll always be welcome.
Respect your fellow party goers. Bad Attitudes must be checked at the door. You’re welcome to have them back when you leave.
And on the Beach, we welcome the eclectic party rockin maestro’s
Custom Made
The aftermath of a Custom Made recipe is barmy! A unique carnival atmosphere of shiny happy people, soaking up a no nonsense party vibe. Expect loud music, dirty twists and a big dollop of goofball behaviour.
The events are a law unto themselves. Think a boutique snacksize festival – GOOD music of any genre and stimulation for the eyes and ears. Definitely quirky and always seriously good beats. Make of it what you will!
There is no attitude at Custom Made and a very open minded music policy – it is a complete melting pot – if it’s good, it can go in! The tunes are dished out by a massive amount of folk. Past friends and guests include DJ’s Mixmaster Morris, Unabombers and Biggabush, through to crazy raucous underground ska bands like Yes Sir Boss and Royal Gala.
The vibe definitely errs on bouncy ass boogaloo beats: electro, dub, and breaks – but the melting pot has no boundaries.
A typical event is indescribable, but could see people chilling on sofas and deck chairs to the likes of Brian Eno and Tom Middleton through to hanging from the rafters and going bananas to breakbeat, old skool jungle and The Muppets theme tune!!
Add on top anything and everything: graffiti, mad visuals, maracas, bubbles, beach balls, face paints, character dress, limbo, everyday people celebrating the Glamour of Average; and you have gone someway into biting into the sexy pie that is Custom Made…Scoff up!
So in the run up to our big Celebrate Birmingham’s Underground, we’ll be featuring a couple of brummie promoters each day, so you can navigate your way on the night, or in the maze that is Birmingham city centre (dependant on whether you’ve just jumped off the train or not).
Due to the amount of biogs we’ve currently got we’ll be featuring two promoters from the the beach on saturday and one who you can see play in the warehouse. You can also find them in one of the 16, 000 copies of this week’s Night Times.
If you haven’t already please invite your friends.. It’s free for 6 hours and drinks are £1.50 before 11.30pm!!
On the beach from 5pm you can find :
Loafers Lounge
DJ’s and promoters Jon Harris and Justin Bond formed Loafers Lounge in 2006 based on their shared love of chill out music which encompases many music styles. At the time there were no dedicated chill out nights in Birmingham or rooms at other events catering for the genre considering how popular chillout rooms were in the 90′s. Between them they started nights at various bars and clubs around the city including The Bull’s Head in Moseley, Atticus in Bearwood, and The Yardbird in the city centre to name but a few.
After 12 months of promoting and performing at these events the guys started to get requests from various promotors of club events to come along and host their secondary rooms at The Rainbow and Custard factory etc… These gigs led to organising the first ever chillout zone at Drop Beats Not Bombs with friends Custom Made with musicians, artists and DJ’s from all over the world appearing. Both events were hugely popular with all who attended.
They are currently booking acts and DJ’s for the next Drop Beats Not Bombs event in November which will hopefully prove to be bigger and better than the first two so keep em peeled! www.myspace.com/loaferslounge
Friendly Fire Music / Jam Jah Sound
Friendly Fire Music is a reggae collective which includes a soundsystem, the Jam Jah Sound, a backing band, the Friendly Fire Band, a record label, Friendly Fire Music, and organizes reggae events in Birmingham.
Jam Jah Mondays
Each and every Monday night, upstairs @ the Bull’s Head, Jam Jah collective play a strictly vinyl selection of roots, reggae, one drop, dancehall and dub on the Bull’s Head’s bass heavy soundsystem, with able vocal assistance from Friendly Fire MCs.
With free entry, and nuff drinks promos, Jam Jah Mondays is the most inclusive and longest lasting reggae night in Birmingham – the best way to kick off the week, or end the weekend in niceness.
More info: www.myspace.com/jamjahsound
Friendly Fire Sessions
Every third Friday of the month, Friendly Fire Sessions is the only regular live reggae event in Birmingham, showcasing upcoming and established reggae and ska acts from across the UK, with support from the Jam Jah Sound and live visuals by Keyah, at South Brum’s favorite live venue, the Hare and Hounds. Bands that have performed last year include The Beat, Makating, Pama Intl, YT, Daddy Freddy, Friendly Fire Band, Hayeeryah, amongst others..
join the mailing list, download live and studio recordings, and find out more on the website: -
Human Hologram Interference Project. Our mission is to advance conciousness through low frequency bass driven music, enabling you to connect to a higher awareness of yourself. Feel your connection towards it. 2012.
Trigger was born out of Serotonin Sounds, which was formed in 1994 to bring to inner city Birmingham the ethos of the UK’s fading free party scene, due to the introduction of the criminal justice bill which was enforced that year. Trigger offered a unique, mind bending alternative to the often uninspiring ‘club’ experience, and went on to be named Trigger Your Serotonin before becoming Trigger in the summer of ’98, as it remains to this day.
Trigger Recordings was started in 2003 to allow a greater audience to be part of the Human Hologram Interference Project through Electro Breakbeat music, and began with ‘Holographic Bassforms’, a 14 track double CD with nine exclusive tracks on CD1, and CD2 mixed by Ksmknl with an additional five Trigger classics. The release was accompanied by four double A side 12″s featuring exclusive tracks from Tipper, Si Begg, Lawgiverz, Ksmknl and Cold Fusion Mafia.
Trigger continues to utilize the most innovative DJ’s and producers from both the UK and international Electro Breaks circuit, continually pulling large crowds at allnight events, providing a unique experience unrivalled within the scene, with their Funktion One sound system and full technical support from Funktion One, to create the ultimate environment for the Trigger experience to be heard and felt as the sound travels through you, with the likes of Tipper, Si Begg, Son Of The Electric Ghost, Jnr Hacksaw and many many more conducting their experiments in sound alongside Trigger residents Lawgiverz a.k.a. R-Kidz & Noize, Jnr Hacksaw, Ksmknl, Nobody, Iytal and Skeleton.
Here is the 2nd of 3 reports on the digbeth regeneration from investigative artist Ruth Robinson
Report #2
In July 2006 my work ‘Gravy Train’ was exhibited at the ‘Dive Right In!’’ show at the Custard Factory Gallery. This work charted the history of manufacturing at ‘Bird’s’ and discussed the redundancy of British manufacturing. The use of the ‘Gravy Train’ logo throughout the gallery highlighted the branding of art and it’s economic function. Dr Carl Chinn featured the exhibition on his slot on ‘Radio WM’.
I recently asked Carl if he would comment about regeneration in Digbeth:
“Whilst regeneration of Digbeth can be a good thing I believe that it must integrate sensitively with the historic landscape and work carefully with established manufacturing businesses and licensed premises especially. Digbeth and Deritend are working areas and I am concerned that both are in danger of being transformed into another part of ‘apartment Birmingham’, an entity which has no connection with the past and which does not have an affinity with manufacturing and pubs.” (Carl Chinn, June 2008).
Carl highlights concerns that many of us are presently tackling and taking up issue with.
The Big City Plan will affect the lives of all those living and working inside the middle ring road for at least the next fifteen years. This process is not unique to Digbeth. Other towns in the West Midlands are undergoing comparable changes and in every industrial city in Britain we see similar patterns of transformation in the name of regeneration.
Common distaste for regeneration stems from the failure of Governments to acknowledge the selling out of British manufacturing and the ongoing denial of a working class supports and expands this ignorance. The instrumentalised decline of industry outmoded the labouring population of Britain, leaving traditional trades and skills surplus to requirement in a working climate based on commerce alone. The infiltration of such business systems destroying workers solidarity and now eating into the core of national services- service no longer a duty or helpful action, but a measurable commodity.
Industrial belts like Digbeth, in the wake of British industry, are earmarked for branding as ‘lifestyle quarters’, the new industry of Digbeth- the ‘Creative and Cultural’. Existing businesses that do not correspond with the desired lifestyle stereotype are encouraged to diversify and buy into imagined communities rather than finding support in their existing state. This state of flux and impending decline sends visual messages to onlookers who then back stark regeneration rather than renovation and restoration as an option for existing local enterprise.
Digbeth’s ‘Creative and Cultural’ status and the inevitable expansion of the Custard factory will continue to effect the immediate location and the working community. This brings into question not only the historical context, but the focus that is now put on artistic labour and the influence this will have on trades excluded from the ‘Creative’ sector. The arts and the art not’s. The elevation of the ‘Creative’ role will further alienate the function of the worker. How will the arts funded under the conditions of Bourgeois reality cope with an essentially contradictive environment that is fundamentally hostile to art? (RHR July 2008)
Here is the first of 3 reports on the digbeth regeneration from investigative artist Ruth Robinson
Report #1
Industrial belts like Digbeth that were once the guts of our nation, now lie in states of limbo as Government and private developers grapple with the complexities of regenerating spaces and local identities.
Investment should not disregard existing ways and means of living and would be advised to support rather than engulf active communities. Realistic planning benefits from grass-roots intervention as the professional consultation process remains disconnected from communities and isolates individuals.
Walking, talking and standing still are important to the outcome of my work and in the influence we have on the fabric of our communities – finding commonality and sharing experience reliant on our contact. Today’s pace of life often leads us to forget the power of a smile or spoken word.
Development of up-market residential zones and the expansion of all considered ‘Creative’ and ‘Cultural’ threaten the growth of independent economies outside these sectors- loud and lively elements discouraged in favour of appropriated art. Digbeth High Street seemingly split down the middle into a ‘Creative side of the street’ and a potential residential zone. The suppression of popular entertainment and activities will only extinguish the vibrancy that already exists.
As an artist I should be rubbing my hands together. Instead I am concerned that yet again the activities of an existing working community will be disregarded in favour of preferred bourgeois lifestyle options. The research and outreach in Digbeth will focus on the workers of the area. Responding to current debate and the predominant issues surrounding the invention of a place called Eastside. (RHR April 2008)
“Here’s a test to find out whether your mission in life is complete. If your alive, it isn’t” – James B (Shrewsbury)
“Live in the moment, Not for the Moment” – Rich Batsford (Kings Heath) – www.richbatsford.com
“Life is short, so lets have another one!” – Paul Pushkin (Kings Heath)
“Most inspirational thing anyone’s ever said to me is “Huh” from James Brown!” John Mostyn (Moseley) – www.mostyn.net
“The most boring thing in the entire world is nudity. The second most boring thing is honesty!” – James L (Kings Heath)
“The tradegy of life is not what men suffer,but rather what they miss” – Steve Farrington (Kings Heath)- www.myspace.com/thesexuallstars
“What keeps me on track is the poster on my wall which i wake up to each day which says ” You must be the change you wish to see in the world” and is by Mahatma Ghandi ” – Sofia A (Moseley)
“When you are present, you can allow the mind to be as it is without getting entangled in it. The mind in itself is a wonderful tool. Dysfunction sets in when you seek your self in it and mistake it for who you are” (Exchart Tolle) – Marc Reck – www.marcreck.com
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Rosie’s health tip for your joints – Courtesy of Janet (Hollywood, Birmingham)
Uncle George’s sloe gine recipie – Courtesy of the Liz and George (Yorkshire)
Sloes are the fruit of the blackthorne tree and can be found in almost all country hedge rows. In autumn sloe bushes can be recognised by their long sharp thorns and small dark blue skinned fruit. They are very similar to damsons. They are a wild fruit and adults and children can have lost of fun gathering them. Beware though they have long sharp thorns. Thick gloves are a good idea.
To make 1 lt of sloe gin you need;
1 kg sloes
200 gm castor sugar
1 lt gin
Wash sloes and throw away any damaged or extra soft fruit, then prick each sloe with a sharp knife. Sterilise a large glass container, put the sloes in the jar and add the sugar and the gin. Shake the jar daily for the first 3 to 4 weeks then store in a cool place for a further 3 to 4 months, shaking occasionally. After 4 months pour through a strainer lined with muslin and then pour into bottles.
Leave if you can in the bottles a further 2 months or longer if possible as the taste improves up to about 10 months, then drink and enjoy.
This recipe is for a rather dry taste so if you prefer something sweeter just add more sugar.
This is uncles George’s special recipe and I accept no responsibility for drunkardness.
Love
Uncle George
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A healthy drink in the morn or in the eve – Courtesy of one healthy sun!
Lyndalls top 5 recycling tips – Courtesy of Lyndall (Australia/Birmingham)
Woody’s top tip – Courtesy of local D.I.Y guru Mick (Wythall, Birmingham)
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Top products that dont erode the earth – Courtesy of Pyn (Kings Heath, Birmingham)
Instead of buying normal washing powder, or washing up liquid, (which is reaaaally bad for the environment), go to your local oxfam and buy Bio-D. Its better than Ecover in my opinion, and works as well as any branded washing powder.
Lush do reeaaally nice shampoo, and really nice body moisturizer in the form of soap bars. You get a free tin, and never have to throw away a plastic bottle
A lot of people have been asking me, where i’ve been, and more importantly when the next mr elephant event will be after the unfortunate closure of our home at Epic Skate Park, (which did you know was down to just one obsessive compulsive complainer, who also happened to be a lawyer….again!) Similar things btw, seem to be happening again at the Spotted Dog, so do please read this if you haven’t already.
Me, i’ve been loading up on human culture, and checking out some amazing music on a recent trip around the world, and while i’m still based in my park, its getting fxckin cold, so I will be moving in with a friend while the winter is here.
Whilst i’m at his house, we will be working on the next 4 Mr Elephant events, and we have put around 6 months of work into it all so far. We have much work still to do on redeveloping the site, so i’m going to keep shush until then, as we have been cooking up some cool stuff.
In the meanwhile, here’s a sneak dload of my 2nd mixtape specially, which is all about my journey around the world. Just right click and “save link as”. I really hope you enjoy it, and comments are appreciated. As ever please check out any of the artists you like via the links.
I’ll be continuing with our
