Mr Elephant is a large mammal made up of many humans. The core team consists of around 5 – 10 people, the collective network is around 100-150, and the people who create the atmosphere currently orbits around a mailing list of 1800 – 2000….(some of which might be also be found in the facebook group)
In an effort to shine a light on these humans, and get you connected up if you are looking for them, here are a few more details (and links where available) to our team and participating friends thus far.
If you would like join the mailing list please feel free to subscribe (just add your email in the right hand sidebar), and if you would like to get involved (at any level), please see how to here and feel free to email us anytime.
THE CORE
Marc Reck - www.marcreck.com is our music and event curator and one of the founding members of Mr Elephant Presents. He has 10 years of events management experience, 11 years of djing experience, 12 years of music experience, and a wide spectrum of self taught skills including web developing, video editing, flyer design and project management. Marc was recently voted local Dj of the year in the Night Times Awards in December 2008 and currently has 6 residencies in his hometown of Birmingham. He is also a core member of Project X Presents and has a wide range of music commisions and teaching experience to date. Marc has keen interest in the grass roots of his home city and hopes the events and radio shows in someway help to shine a light on Birmingham’s wealth of underground and creative culture.
Pyn Stockman – www.dramask.com is our workshop and performance co-ordinator and is one of the founding members of Mr Elephant Presents. She has over 10 years experience working in the arts as designer and director, with a particular interest in community projects and events, and a passion to inspire learning. In 2003 she founded community arts organization Dramask, which specializes in projects incorporating a range of art forms, and enabling participants to work with professional artists in order to create performances and events, and since then has grown Dramask into one of the leading community arts providers working in a wide range of settings, from the CBSO, to Warwickshire Arts, from schools to club events, alongside her own creative practice as an accomplished mask maker and drama practitioner, working with a huge list of theatre companies, mask makers and mask performers. Pyn has a deep interest in taking the arts to new audiences, and in using cross artform collaboration to make the arts accessible and engaging. Since the first Mr Elephant event Pyn has provided a mutitude of ways for revellers to get involved with the event and also to get creative in the social environment, from hosting creative and family workshops in the day to enabling revellers to perform as interactive performers, or be part of the midnight parade via a range of engaging and accesible methods, all of which have proved hugely succesful in grabbing the audience’s imagination.
Liam D’authreau - www.blendstate.com is our resident Vj, who also works on many other areas of the events. Liam hosted the indymedia screen at our 2nd event at Epic Skate Park and since then has become a core part of Mr Elephant working on many areas of the events from websites and design, to promotion and organising (and this June 2009 is set to launch one of his own elephant events – cinephonic!) He is quickly gaining a strong reputation for creating and delivering innovative and inspiring visual work, and is one of the leading vjs in Birmingham, currently working alongside various dance companies, vjing in most of the underground events in birmingham, and producing impressive video productions and webdesign projects for clients from the bbc to local graphitti artists. Hardworking, postive, peaceful, and very talented.
Aart Tanner - www.tvsmedia.com has been with Mr Elephant from the 2nd event and has produced much of the graphic design content of 2008, as well as bringing ideas and unrelenting enthusiasm to each event. As one of Birmingham’s most talented up and coming designers, who at the young age of 23 has already carved a strong name for himself within the web and graphic design industry, notably reflected in the fact that he currently works with award design agency T.V.S Media. Aart designs much of the elephant flyers, posters, cd covers, branding and websites logos, and continues to inspire and enthuse with his talents and approach.
Ruth H Robinson – is a freelance artist from Birmingham. Ruth produces work that continually feeds into and inspires her critical investigation of the role of art in society, and its systems and class distinctions, which is further informed and inspired by current issues, and exists as practical social activity at a grass roots level, and as exhibitions. For Mr Elephant Ruth produces 3 reports in 2008, exploring the current issue of regeneration in Digbeth, (inspired by the recent issues with established venues like the Spotted Dog), and explored activities that explore the the social, political and economic issues that surround regeneration.
Dodgy Greg - www.myspace.com/111367772 (notably not dodgy in the slightest), is one of Birmingham’s hardest working underground sound and light providers for live underground music in Birmingham. While venues we inhabit often have inhouse sound and lighting, Greg has provided light and sound on many occasions and is our first choice for our outside events, currently with a range of marquess and sound equipment for hire, and he himself being no stranger to promoting with his weekly underground live Subvert events at the wagon and horses. What sets Greg apart is his friendly approach, and adaptablity and dedication to delivering high quality custom made setups, regardless of whatever budget is available.
James / Iz – www.myspace.com/ilovejamesls – James was the first reveller to come to our first event in fancy dress, and ever since has become a real part of the big mammal. One of the first to get involved with our performers (and now an integral part of each big event with her own creations) alongside her journalistic skills, and promotional talent, James creates good vibes wherever she goes, with a joyous approach, huge creative flair, and a deep love of the underground nightlife in Brum.
Dom – Dom is another local legend, who has vibing up the dancefloors at the elephant events from the early days and now is a part of making them happen. His last review of our Celebrate Underground event being featured as a main feature in the Night Times publication, and himself now an integral part of the performance, Dom is another muti-talented mammal who brings the party wherever he goes.
The COLLECTIVE & FRIENDS OF MR ELEPHANT
(aka anyone who’s been part of making an elephant event happen
Venues
Epic Skate Park / The Prince Of Wales Pub – Epic was our home for our first two events, (and a lot of skateboarding teenagers), and was setup by Keith and Diane to address the problems of teenagers having no where to go. They also hosted some groundbreaking events there, including the first Project X Presents, but unfortunately one obsessive complainer/mp decided to force them out, so they had to move. Epic is still there, but Keith and Diane now host the Prince of Wales pub in Moseley, with probably the best beer garden in Brum, and whch hosted our first Family alldayer in 2008.
The Hare and Hounds – www.hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk - After our first birthday party there in April in 2008, and the longest day festival, we’re huge fans of this award winning venue. With all the fantastic music and spectrum of events that this venue is bringing to Kings Heath, the Hare and Hounds is definitely one of the best places to go in Birmingham, and a real hit with promoters from all over the city. We’re hosting our 2nd birthday there with an allday/til 3am event over 4 rooms, and while there are a few places that could feasibly accomodate workshops and multi room events, there aren’t really any that feel like the hare and hounds in Kings Heath
The Rainbow - www.therainbowpub.com - The new beach, the warehouse, the courtyard and of course the rainbow pub, this 4 room complex is fast becoming the venue in town, and with the license granted for events in adderley street, we expect things of a huge scale to be going down in this place. Our Celebrate Birmingham’s Underground Event on september 20th 2008, was only able to be happen on a beach because of the rainbow, and its warehouse and courtyard are just as special. Again this venue really is one of kind, and one of the only options when considering something on such a large and diverse scale.
The Adam & Eve – www.theadam.co.uk - One of the best live music venues in Digbeth, and our new home from May 2009 for our monthly live & free events, the Adam & Eve, oozes warmth, charm and party atmospheres, with its 200 capacity, and 4am license. Always a great place to see really good live music.
The Wagon & Horses – www.myspace.com/wagonhorses – We haven’t done a mr elephant event here yet because of the 2am license, but its a really great space, and they do important stuff each week, often featuring many of regulars, and often run by Dodgy Greg. Well worth a visit.
Bands/Musicians
Dub FX – www.dubfx.net – 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, and well worth a tenner.
Alphadrive – www.myspace.com/alphadrive – Our other headliners for the 2009 may bank holiday gig on sat May 23rd, these guys are coming down from Leedsa, and 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.
Free Control – www.myspace.com/freecontrol – Free Control make great music, and are another band for the 2009 may bank holiday gig on sat May 23rd. With a new album coming soon, and appearances booked for many of the major festivals, these are one to watch out for in a big way.
Circadia – www.myspace.com/circadirka / http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Circadia/41719392713 – 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 on the 23rd May 2009. They house a great line up of talented musicians, which include Jon Elliot has been one of the percussionists since our 2nd event, and is himself a multiskilled instrumentalist.
The Heels – www.myspace.com/theheelsska – need no introduction, and fire up any venue they set foot in. Having recently toured with The Beat, and one of the most well known and talented bands in Birmingham, we are looking forward to their Elephant debut at our 3rd live and Free and the Adam & Eve on June 20th 2009.
Origami Sounds – http://www.myspace.com/origamisounds – These guys were seen by our designer Aart, when he was at a festival in Croatia, and recommended as a “have to book for mr elephant” band. Obviously we have, and you can check them out on May 30th at our 2nd Live and Free event at the Adam & Eve.
Playing Django – www.playingdjango.com – Anyone who can play Django Reinhardt, and Stefan Grupelli in our book, have to be very extremely talented musicians, and these guys really can. We first heard two of the guitarists when they came and played at our 1st family day at the Prince in 2007, and now with a full band, featuring some amazing musicians from other top brummie bands, you can hear for yourselves at our 1st Live & Free event in April 24th.
Munchbreak – www.munchbreak.com – need no introduction and have been a firm brummie favourite since forming in 2001. Described as “a hungerbusting fried funk special with crispy hip hop and lashings of reggae gravy”, this collective of muti-talented musicians, djs, and producers have been igniting and filling venues all over birmingham since their legendary moseley jam sessions, with 2 albums to date, and a third one just been released. Munchbreak are due on stage around Midnight at our 1st Live & Free event in April 24th 2009
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 welcome her back for our our 2nd birthday on the 23rd May 2009.
Smiley Mic – www.smileymic.co.uk – is a live-looper and effectively a modern day one man band, creating whole arrangements live on stage by playing several instruments into a loop pedal. From acoustic singer songwriter stuff to hip-hop style beats with some funk thrown in, Smiley Mic plays guitar, bass, glockenspiel, and while he doesnt class himself as a beatboxer) he creates all the parts organically, whilst looping vocals into harmonies and mixing all of these elements together into one live show. He performed a great show at the Gigbeth fringe event with cid music, so we cant wait to see what he creates at our 1st Live & Free event on April 24th 2009.
Bass6 – www.myspace.com/rhythmandbass – What can we say about the beatboxer Bass6, other than that he’s a legend. With superb hosting skills, a inspiring attitude and a huge range of skills from beatboxing to workshops, this guy always makes everyone feel great, and 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. He’s not to be missed
Crash Repeat – www.myspace.com/crashrepeat – A band we wholly support and fronted by our the infamous Captain Smithers, you need to check these out, and show the love to a very hardworking band.
Rich Batsford - www.richbatsford.com – 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.
Mama Matrix – www.myspace.com/mamamatrix - A great band who rocked our birthday party. Mama Matrix are an exciting five piece band based in Birmingham UK. Heavily influenced by Balkan gypsy music, they play their own blend of Zappaesque, Gypsy Punk Madness, and never fail to ignite any venue they play in. One of the best bands in Birmingham in our honest opinion.
Kelsang – www.myspace.com/kelsangni9e – Beautiful hilled Electronic Music and a persoanlity that can vibe up any dancefloor
Samba Central - www.myspace.com/sambacentral – They came and rocked 3 rooms at our first event in 2007, leading our very first midnight mask parade. We salute you mighty samba central.
Percussionists
Jon Elliot (Circadia) – http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Jon-Elliott/610234114 – Jon Elliot is another brummie legend, and has been one of the percussionists since our 2nd event, and is himself a multiskilled instrumentalist. Always up for getting involved with anything musical..(or that looks like fun) and now part of the mighty Circadia. Top bloke and a skilled workshop leader. Catch him on all 3 at our May 23rd Bank Holiday Festival.
Gaz (Mooncup) – http://www.myspace.com/dj_mooncup – One of the original percussionists and a great dj, Gaz was one of the famous 5 who rocked our first event at Epic, and went onto to perform at Drop beats and custom Made events. He also hosts a radio show and works on his own music.
Rich W (Elephant Drums) – http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Richard-Wanklin/745974637 – We first met Rich at our first family alldayer, where he made the first Mr Elephant drums and gave drum skinning demonstrations. In return our resident gave his son a live dj lesson, and ever since that Rich has led the percussion parade at the Celebrate Undergound Event, and is set to host Mr Elephant Drums. After a long search, we can honestly say that his djembes are truly amazing quality, both in build and sound quality and for around half the price of other pro grade djembes! A man with a real grassroots passion for making drums and a pleasure to be around.
Yannis – www.myspace.com/frutalokamusic – Bassplayer, percussionist, and supporter of music, Yannis loves to jam, and his band Fruitaloko are going from strength to strength. He’s performed in our midnight percussion parade ever since the birthday party in 2008, and we hope he will continue on his inspiring musical journeys.
Paulo Riddle – www.myspace.com/thehiddenhalf – A multi talented Percussionist, and inspiring musician, Paulo has many musical projects, and a desire to jam! he Rocked our Celebrate Underground event, and performed at the last big Project X Event in 2008.
Nath – www.myspace.com/public_hair – One of the original percussionists and now travelling the world, Nath was one of the famous 4 who rocked our first events at Epic, and went onto to perform at Drop beats and custom Made events.
Chandra – www.myspace.com/whatissoul – One of the original percussionists and an all round top bloke, Chan was one of the famous 4 who rocked our first events at Epic, and went onto to perform at Drop beats and custom Made events.
Mylo – One of the original percussionists and a talented producer, with his various studio projects, Mylo was one of the famous 4 who rocked our first events at Epic, and went onto to perform at Drop beats and custom Made events.
Pete M Dixon – The man who helped create our Diy Samba parade at our 1st birthday bash in 2008, and performed with Samba Central on the first. A very talented musician, producer and sound engineer, who has worked with a who’s who of the Birmingham musical scene from both sides of the desk.
Tom – A great percussionist who we met and jammed with at Celebrate Underground event on Sep 2008.
Animal – A great percussionist who we met and jammed with at Celebrate Underground event on Sep 2008.
Dibble – A great percussionist who we met and jammed with at Celebrate Underground event on Sep 2008.
Charlie Brown – A great percussionist who we met and jammed with at Celebrate Underground event on Sep 2008.
Djs
Jerome Hill – www.myspace.com/djjeromehill – 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 at our may bank holiday gig on sat May 23rd 2009! Prepare yourselves.
Sir Real (H.O.G) – www.myspace.com/djsirreal – A Birmingham Legend, whose been rocking floors and making great electronic music for over a decade. Despite being one of the residents behind Brums most famous/important Techno event House of God, Sir Real plays a massive range of electronic music, and rocked the house with techno, electro and breaks at our second event at Epic Skate Park with a huge back to back set with our resident Marc Reck. Neil Spragg himself is top bloke and his Sir real alterego quite simply rocks dancefloors.
Dk Roon (Osmosis) – www.myspace.com/osmosisevents – Another brummie techno legend, Dk Roon always sets the dancefloor on fire, whether he’s rockin his residency at the mighty Osmosis, or guesting at the summer festivals. Roon is a top man, and an inspiring dj, and will be headling with Dk Roon on Sat May 23rd 2009.
Olly Badaboon (Digiphunk) - www.myspace.com/badaboon – From his 1st back to back set with Boogie Dave at our first event, to the last party rockin mammal sessions, Olly is a great dj of funk and party breaks, and with his own events filling the floors, his funk ass stylin, is always a great pleaser. Top man, and a great dj.
R Caine (Dj Joust/Rockfall) – www.myspace.com/djrcaine – One of the sets of our Celebrate Underground gig in sep 2008, Dj R Caine is a great party rockin mammal, and why we’ve invited him back for our Party Rockin Mammal Sessions on May 1st 2009. A great producer, promoter and dj of all things breakbeat, and one to watch on the label front in 2009.
Munchbreak Djs – www.myspace.com/munchbreak – Hip Hop, Funk, Scratching, and genre blending, these two djs from the mighty munchbreak are skilled in the ways of the ninja dj, cutting up records and setting off parties. Hear them at our first live and free gig on Fri April 24th 2009
Olbi Iyah (Lombard Royale) – www.rhubarbradio.com/djs/olbi-iyah.aspx - Olbi is a great selecta of reggae, roots and ragga jungle, with a great radio show on rhubarb, and the awesome Lombard Royale events at various venues in Brum, Olbi knows how to throw a great party and has a great selection of vinyl to boot. He played a great selection of reggae and ragga at our 3rd party rockin mammal session, and has some great events lineup in 2009.
Dj Smokedog (Fire Gathering) – www.myspace.com/smokedog5 – Dj Smokedog, who simply put, has a relentless passion for what he terms “proper old school” and “classic jungle” With over 15 years experience, Smokedog is a familliar face in the festival and free party scene, and no stranger to rockin hoards of party mammals with a record collection that is brimming with music from the days before the criminal justice bill came in. He blew the roof off at our 2nd Party Rockin Mammal Sessions, and we can’t wait to invite him back. Jon is a proper top man.
Sam Redmore (Freestyle/Leftfoot) – www.myspace.com/samredmore – Sam redmore is a great dj, and plays a wide selection of music in an innovative way, making a lot of edits to old tunes, and working hard on his cds which span a huge range of styles. Resident at the mighty leftoot, and with a string of gigs on the more funk side of the water, Sams a great dj, and his freestyle event is building with each event. He rocked our Celebrate Brums Underground, and was our first party rockin mammal dj.
Matt Tilley (Bunka) – www.myspace.com/bunkatech – Matt’s bunka events and his guest appearances put him firmly on the map as a leading minimal dj. Another great set at our celebrate birmingham underground gig, Matt is a great dj, promoter and a very talented designer to boot.
Dani C (Funkatronic/Sumo) – http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53954811425&ref=ts – Dani C’s rocked our celebrate birminghams underground and the longest day festival, and is as good a promoter as he is a dj. Versatile, hardworking and positive, his energy flows into his sets, and make for memorable events. Top bloke, and a great dj.
Tom Automaton (Scratch Club) – www.myspace.com/tomearko - A brummie legend, back from the days of Boogie Down Brum, then Earko, and now Scratch Club. Tom’s a great promoter and very versatile dj, who can scratch, cut, rock, and produce killer tunes. Now with a string of international gigs, and releases on a load of forward thinking electronic labels, Tom’s a multi-talented individual, and an important longstanding part of the birmingham underground scene. With Bass6 on the mic, he scratched and jammed in our midnight parade on the beach at our Celebrate Birmingham’s Underground gig, along with 15 percussionists, and some of his own cuts. Another top brummie.
Mark Smallman (Custom Made) -www.dontstayin.com/parties/custom-made - Great dj, inspirational promoter, top bloke, and a force on the dancefloor, Mark has bought culture, music and great memories to brum, and continues to put on some of the best events in brum with his and shona’s custom made events, which won best small promotion in the night times awards. He rocked our Celebrate underground gig, and guests at many of the more diverse but equally party rockin dancefloors in birmingham. Superb fellow!
Justin Bond (Loafers Lounge)- www.myspace.com/loaferslounge – Justin’s played at our family alldayer, celebrate underground and the longest day festival and each time has played beautiful record after beautiful record. A legend in his own right, stretching back from before the boogie down brum, Justin has bought many a great artist and beatiful chillout record to our fair city, and has some exciting projects in the pipeline. If you need design, he’s also a very talented designer by trade, and was the man behind those memorable posters for our family day.
Adie B – www.myspace.com/adiebee – The 3rd of the sexual allstars and now part of Rockfall, Adie is a great dj, sound engineer, and all round good egg. He came through and made our indymedia screen against all the odds at our 2nd event, and rocked the floor with a great breaks set.
Kaiser Sayso -www.myspace.com/kaisersayso – The other half of the Sexual Allstars, Si’s now pioneering his dj dojo workshops, and this year concentrating more on his productions. Si is a great dj, who can scratch, as well as rock the floor, and a very focused talent in many areas. Watch out for his forthcoming productions.
Dj Lopan - www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=39935960785&ref=ts – Steve Lopan is a great breaks dj, and was our first headliner back at Epic. With an unforgettable back to back set with our resident Marc Reck, Steve has trailblazed floors all over Brum, and is now the proud owner of Sumo Soundsystem, one of brums best local breaks nights, and one he runs with other resident heavyweight and elephant favourite Dani C. Steve is packed with personality and plays great records.
Boogie Dave - www.myspace.com/boogiedave – The man behind Drop Beats Not Bombs, and co-promoter of Rockfall and Mybass, Boogie is a legend in Birmingham, and a great dj to boot. Used to be all about the breaks and now its all about the dubstep, Boogie Dave, like Hicks, Prince (Cher, and Sting! 
, and is known by one word and loved by many! 
A very important part of Birminghams rich Tapestry.
32 dm – www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=57772833184 – Catch Iain and Ed’s multi decks and efx live mashup in the osmosis room at our event on Sat may 23rd 2009. Definitly party rockin mammals!
Workshops/Creatives
Lucy Nicholls – www.lucy-nicholls.co.uk - Lucy Nicholls is a freelance artist working with theatre, dance and performance. She runs educational and recreational workshops, classes and programmes for all ages as well as her own creative work and performances. Lucy appeared as one of the tourists in our celebrate underground event, and will be hosting workshops in the future. Hugely talented individual
Elin Morgan – www.facebook.com/people/Elin-Morgan/565086069 - is a talented sculptor and artist from Birmingham, who has a strong connection with archetypal issues that affect us all. She is currently exploring the world of video animation, and merging that with her clay modeling and camera skills, to produce video and animation for Mr Elephant which aims to share archetypal stories at the summer events alongside some proposed workshops.
Performers/Dancers
Birmingham Dance Collective – An inspiring dance collective from Birmingham who have always pushed the boudaries of dance, and performed at many of the early Mr Elephant events. Now residing in various places around the country, B.D.C continue to pioneer dance in an array of locations.
Khalghani Belly Dance - www.myspace.com/dawnobrien – Another mind blowing dance collective and a firm favourite on the underground club scene, with an amazing array of hugely talented belly dancers, who run workshops and continue to take the ancient style of dancing into new arenas all over the country. Khalghani have peformed at our 2nd event at Epic, and our 4th at the hare & hounds, alongside Project X Presents, and Rockfall.
Photographers/Filmmakers
Rob Nicholas - www.spagettihoops.com – Rob Nicholas is one of the best up and coming photographers, with a keen eye for killer shots and a great personality.
Dave Piper - www.davepiper.org.uk – Dave Piper is another great photographer we’ve been blessed to work with at our events and you just need to check out his work to see what we mean.
Alina Ha – http://homepage.mac.com/alinaha/alinahaphotography/contact.html – Alina is another amazing photographer, who has captured many of the finest pictures of our events.
Visual Artists/Vjs
Leon Trimble - www.chromatouch.wordpress.com is a visual artist from Birmingham, and provided many of the visual delights you may have witnessed at early mr elephant’s. He has a huge range of experience at many of the clubs, concerts and music festivals in the U.K, a fantastic beard, and is well known for exciting and innovative visuals and stage screen layouts.
The Lab – www.myspace.com/monturner , www.ediroleurope.com/story_news.php?StoryType=WVJ&StoryID=EN_20080707181548 – Tony and the lab has been pushing innovative visual work for years, and his warm and postive personality flows through everything he touches, whilst his performances are as crowd pleasing as the most animated dj. The Lab are the official Edirol touring Vj, and the resident vj with Freecontol. Tony will be hosting workshops at the Mr Elephant event on Sat 23rd May, and promises great collaboration in the future.
Tech/Stage
Peter Maxwell Dixon – www.bassnote.co.uk – The man who helped create our Diy Samba parade at our 1st birthday bash in 2008. A quality sound engineer, who can turn sofas into swivvelling phone boxes, and is as comfortable in the studio as he is behind the mixing desk.
Evolve Productions - www.myspace.com/evolve_productions – Jock from Evolve did the sound and lights for our first event and did a cracking job, so here’s his and Suz’s website.
Liam Lights – has a wealth of experience of lighting from small clubs to huge theatre productions, and has provided the lighting for our larger outdoor events with his Dmx controlled lights and conscientious friendly approach. In 2009 he has moved onto new creative territories, but still has a range of lights for small scale situations, and can put you in touch with like minded people for anything bigger.
Slick Events – www.slickevents.org No tech section is complete without mentioning Birmingham based Slick Events, who a lot of our collective have worked with on many large (and small) scale events. A one stop solution for all your tech, stage, lights and sound needs, Rick and Jane offer a great service and work with your budget to deliver what you need.
Local Businesses/Stalls
Lentil Fashion - www.mzfitzau.blogspot.com – Lyndall Fitzgerald and her Lentil stalls consist of great clothes, useful creations, and and a wealth of recycling tips. Her stall was a huge success at our Celebrate Bhams Underground event, and her work takes on many forms, most recently being showcased as poetry in the last big Project X Presents event in 2008.
Youth Decay Clothing – www.sarahaccident.com – Sarah & Mizz are another great example of Brums multi-talented individuals who not only make great music in their respective bands, but also come together to make stunning range of clothes. All designed and produced by themselves, youth decay exists online and deserves support from anyone who loves individual fashion as much as they do.
Zen - www.thezenshop.co.uk – Alongside their holistic therapies, and workshops, Zen also sell herbal highs, important literature, and a massive amount of other merchandise. A Family run and very friendly business located in the centre of Moseley (and in brindley place) zen are an important part of the birmingham landscape, and have hosted stalls at our events ever since the beginning.
Manic Organic Cafe – Multimap of where they are – Our favourite local cafe. and a well known food source at festivals. The best veggie burgers, and a choice menu made with real organic ingrediants, we were proud to have Manic Organic share their delights at our first birthday bash and suggest you go have lunch sometime.
Marva’s Carribean Shop – Although this isnt the title of her shop, you can find her, just down the road from manic organic in Kings heath. Marva not only is one of the finest cooks in Birminhgam, but is one of the most warm and friendly peoplein the area. She supplied the tasty and affordable food at our celebrate underground event, and will be cookin up a storm at our next big event on Sat May 23rd 2009 at the Hare and Hounds.
Promoters/Collectives
Friendly Fire Music - www.friendlyfiremusic.com – Friendly Fire Music is the home of the mighty Jam Jah Soundsystem, and provides fresh conscious music for the people, using the wealth of talent available locally in Moseley, Birmingham, UK.
Jibbering Records – www.jibberingrecords.com – Jibbering records is probably the friendliest record shop in the U.K, also nestling in Moseley, Birmingham. Aside from great coffee, and music from all around the world. Jibbering also run regular events at the Hare and Hounds, and are the people behind the best independant festival in the world – Shambhala
Project X Presents – www.projectxpresents – Project X Presents is a Birmingham, UK based collective of creatives who produce one off multi-media interactive performance experiences. Using 3 stages allows a seamless flow of multi-genre entertainment including musicians, comedians, VJs, DJs, performers and installations. As one reviewer put it, Project X Presents events are “quite simply – like nothing else out there”.
Indymedia - http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/ - Birmingham Indymedia is a toolbox aiming to empower individuals and grassroots communities within Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Rockfall – www.myspace.com/rockfallbreaks – One of Birmingham’s leading underground breaks events, Rockfall has been smashing up venues like the Custard Factory and Air since the launch in Febuary 2006 after beomcing a night in its own right since its birthplace as the main stage of Drop Beats Not Bombs. For almost 2 years straight, Rockfall packed out venues with big international breaks artists and some hard work by its promoters Boogie Dave & Marc Reck, who joined forces in 2005 on a night called Inter-course (which itself saw guests such as 808 State & Future Funk Squad.) Unfortunately the amount of headliners took its toll and Rockfall very quickly started to lose money, and while it bought some awesome lineups to the city, it became too un-sustainable. That said Rockfall now sports a new lineup, and promises some more rockin breakbeats in 2009 whilst still continuing as the main stage of Drop Beats Not Bombs.
Drop Beats Not Bombs – www.dropbeatsnotbombs.co.uk - DBNB is a bi-yearly anti war event that donates 100% of its profits to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Campaign against Arms Trade. There mission is 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, This truly is a full on assault on the senses.
Custom Made - www.myspace.com/custommadeevent - One of our favourite events, Custom Made have had rave reviews for all three events in 2007, and this year promises to be even better. 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.
The Night Times – www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=35836117497 – The Night Times is the underground publication, with a monthly free distribution of 8000 copies and a team behind some of the cities great events. We teamed up with them on the Celebrate Birminghams Underground gig on sep 2008, where they hosted the warehouse and we hosted the beach. A real pleasure to work with, and we look forward to future collaborations in 2009.
Trigger – www.myspace.com/triggerrecordings www.trigger.uk.net - 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.
House Of God – www.myspace.com/hogbham – 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. A Legendary Birmingham Night!
Broken Minds - www.myspace.com/phase2brknmnds – Big Drum and Bass Night in Brum!
Breakthru – www.myspace.com/blindsiderecords – One of the best D& B Nights in Brum, with 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.
Masters of the Past – www.dontstayin.com/parties/masters-of-the-past - Old school Ravin in brum
Raveology – www.raveology.co.uk – Old school Ravin in brum
Ultra – 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.
Magnetik – www.myspace.com/magnetikmusic – Electro, House & Drum and bass in Brum
My Bass – 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.
Sic – Formerly co-promoters of the legendary night Urban Disturbance, Sic is a new night of heavy bass coming from musical genres across the board focussing on reggae, dubstep, old skool and drum and bass. Normally found at the hare and hounds, and always a great night.
Osmosis -www.myspace.com/osmosisevents www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13287623627 – One of the best loved and real warm underground techno events in the city. Always put on inspiring events, and we are extremely chuffed to be working with them on our Sat 23rd May 2009 2nd birthday may allday/all eve, etc festi style party! Here’s the lowdown – 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.
Scratch Club – www.myspace.com/scratchclubbirmingham – Scratch Club was born a few years ago at a club in camden town. The night grew and moved to a bigger venue called ‘The Social’ in Central London. It was originally founded by DJs Disco Steve and Captain Crunch with MCs Leon P, Kingpin and The Leano to provide a stage for MCs, DJs and Beatboxers to perform in a live environment and – more importantly – out of the love of real hip hop. Now Scratch Club has grown even more and runs in 2 cities – London and Birmingham
Bazaar – www.myspace.com/emmacutler – A night of music, comedy, poetry, magic, tarot readers, top shelf raffle draws, cookies, open mic open to offers, and lots of fun, oh, and drinks! Come and be entertained by some of the fabulously, finely talented individules around. They’re ready to get your feet tapping and noggings tiicking.
Leftfoot - www.myspace.com/adamregan - Leftfoot is a legendary event that brings quality artists to brum. Pioneered by Adam Regan, its a great way to see huge venue filling artists in cool more intamate venues.
