PAUL MORRELL AND MUTYA BUENA utimag Coventry’s social magazine issue six http://utimag.wordpress.com | www.uticreative.co.uk Music Orphan Boy Jo Ostrowska Luna Kiss Smoke Fairies Bands at Blok Dead Sons Carl Hunter Public Image LTD Bellowheads + News Inside the best local snizzle! Fashion The latest UK style via The Cool Food The Lazy Cow, Warwick Volume001 Former Sugababe talks to UTI Mag about her collaboration with Coventry DJ Paul Morrell.
Transcript
PAULMORRE
LL
AND MUTYA
BUENA
utimagCoventry’s social magazineissue sixhttp://utimag.wordpress.com | www.uticreative.co.uk
MusicOrphan Boy
Jo OstrowskaLuna Kiss
Smoke FairiesBands at Blok
Dead SonsCarl Hunter
Public Image LTDBellowheads+
NewsInside the best local snizzle!Fashion The latest UK style via The CoolFoodThe Lazy Cow, Warwick
Volume001Former Sugababe talks to UTI Mag about her collaboration
with Coventry DJ Paul Morrell.
PRESENTS
REDLIGHT + MC DREAD2SUCKADJ’S & MC / KOVULOST BOYZ CLUB / PRESSURE DROP / DAWKS & MCNULTY
BANK HOLIDAY FRIDAY APRIL 22ND
@
ADVANCED TICKETS £12 FROM THETICKETSELLERS.CO.UKBLOK CLUB / KONG / HANNIGANS MENSWEAR
All the best bits from the local and national scene
08 MUSIC
We’ve got tones of music news from the local scene to international stars
09 JOANNE OSTROWSKA
UTI socialite goes ‘Out To Lanch!’
11 CARL HUNTER
One half of Coventry electro punk funkster Spectrum Fashion has a chat
12 ORPHAN BOY
We expose new band Orphan Boy
16 MORRELL AND MUTYA
We catch up with Paul Morrell and Mutya Buena and discuss their current collaboration
22 FASHION
TheCool keep us posted on the finest fashions from the big smoke.
24 FOOD
The Lazy Cow at Warwick invite us in for a sensational dining experience
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Undertheinfluence
CONTENTS
HELLO
UTI Magazine is designed by UTI Creative - www.uticreative.co.uk or email [email protected]. All opinions within UTI Magazine are that of our own or those of our contributors. All information featured within this issue is correct at time of publication. UTI Magazine is based at 156 Sovereign Road, Coventry. If you would like to submit or contribute to UTI and/or suggest events, news, features or interviews please email [email protected] or visit our website at www.undertheinfluencemag.t83.net or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/utimagazine
WE WANT TO LOOK LIKE THIS BLOKE BECAUSE HE LOOKS FLIPPIN COOL. THE BIG PROBLEM IS THAT WE DON’T. WE LOOK LIKE PROPER NOBHEADS.
SO WE WENT DOWN THE HIGHSTREET TO GET KITTED OUT. A BIT OF RIVER ISLAND, A LITTLE TOPMAN THEN ONTO H&M AND NEW LOOK. WE GOT SOME OF THEM GLASSLESS SPECS, ONE OF THEM CHUNKY KNIT CARDIGANS, TWEED JACKET AND A NEW PAIR OF THEM WHITE CANVAS PUMPS BUT WE HAD TO SAY “HOLD IT” TO DAVE THE STYLIST WHEN HE PULLED OUT A PAIR OF RED CHINO’S... “YOUR TAKING THE PISS NOW MATE.”
ALL WE NEEDED WAS A GHETTO BLASTER, BUT EVEN THOUGH WE ARE IN COVENTRY, IT IS 2011! SO WE GAVE STEVE JOBS A BELL AND HE SORTED US OUT WITH A GHETTO BLASTER DOCKING STATION. THERE’S AN IRONY FILLED JOKE IN THERE SOMEWHERE BUT FORGET THAT AND JUST PICTURE US... THE DOG’S GONADS.
NOW THAT WE ARE LOOKING SMOOTH WE THOUGHT OUR MATE UTI MAGAZINE NEEDED SOMETHING MORE. WE COULDN’T JUST SIT ABOUT MAKING HIM LOOK BAD SO WE’VE TARTED HIM UP, GIVEN HIM SOME FUSCIA HIGHLIGHTS, MORE CONTENT, A LITTLE MORE MUSIC, MORE PICTURES AND ALL SORTS OF OTHER STUFF. PLUS, LIKE LOADS OF BLOKES, HE IS NOW HAPPY BECAUSE HE WILL BE COMING AT YOU TWICE A MONTH!
ANYWAY WE ARE OFF FOR A ROUND OF CRAZY GOLF. ENOY AND KEEP FOLLOWING.
LOVE UTI.
06
SEND US YOUR PINT SHOT RIOT PICS_If you were at the Pint Shot Riot album launch gig at Blok then we want to see your snaps.
On Friday 11th March the Coventry four piece launched their debut album with a massive gig at Blok so we think loads of you must have captured it, so get on Facebook and tag UTI Magazine in all your pics so we and all our readers can see what it was like.
Blok Club promised big names and they don’t get much bigger than this. As one of the worlds finest mash up DJ’s Annie Mac has gained a massive reputation and played some of the finest clubs in the world and on Good Friday she will be in Coventry smashing the life out of the 900 capacity main room.
Advance tickets for sale now, check out the following link for more. http://utimag.wordpress.com/
ANNIE MAC_
PROUD CHARITY GIG_
The highly popular and very successful Proud night is to host a chairty event at Maison, Priory Place with some of the best progressive house and tech DJ’s.
Louis Proud who started the Proud series of events has signed up a massive line up of actis to play at the event which starts at 5pm and runs until 3am_
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NEWS
OH MY DAYS STARTING SOON_We get given all the latest gossip and this month has been no different.
The 900 capacity room is set to host a new night called Oh My Days which will play indie, dub, dance and house music all night long with loads of drinks offers and special entracnce fees including ‘girls-go-free’ until midnight.
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Undertheinfluence
Coventry two piece electro indie boys Spectrum Fashion fronted by Carl and Johnny have secured a support slot alongside the Welsh rap stars Goldie Looking Chain.
The gig at Coventry’s Kasbah takes place on Saturday 26th March so click below for more information_
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The sun is trying to shine its big old arse at us and all the shops are filling with T’s and canvas shoes but down at Hannigans you will get all that but as super stylised and retro cool versions.
Hannigans has been dressing Coventry’s finest for over 20 years and they continue to do so with numbers like this bad boy. Check it out at www.hanigansmenswear.co.uk
SPECTRUM FASHION_
SUMMER T’S ARE COMING_
MORRELL IS GOING IMMORAL_We have heard that Coventry DJ Paul Morrell has organised the last of his legendary Classique nights but this is not the end!
There are sneaky rumours that he has already organised a new volume of nights called Immoral. Keep checking UTI Magazine for the latest gossip.
Check out the UTI Blog for the latest news from across Coventry at http://utimag.wordpress.com/
BANDS AT BLOK_We have been lucky enough to be invited by Blok Club to present ‘Bands at Blok’.
This event sees two live acts from across the UK hit the stage in the intimate Industry Bar from 8pm every Saturday night. Followed by a mix of funked up indie tunes until 3am.
Keep up to date with who’s playing at our blog http://utimag.wordpress.com
UNDER THE INFLUENCE BLOG_
We thought it was time to sort oursevles out and get on the blogging trail.
So to coincide with our fortnightly magazine release we have decided to post daily news, features, reviews etc. on our blog at http://utimag.wordpress.com/ in order to give you the latest up to date snizzle from the sky blue city.
The monthly magazine concept is a little boring these days unless you’re getting £100,000 worth of advertising so we are going to try this method and hope that you like it.
We will still be bringing you the best local and national news and creative goings on, but by directing you towards the blog we can keep on top of the latest.
EMMY THE GREAT_A live favourite and the title track from her debut album, First Love perfectly encapsulates Emmy’s gift for capturing a moment through fanciful eyes; a girl seduced to the sound of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
Emmy: “I’d read Samuel Beckett’s First Love and was so offended by the main character, but I also became obsessed with it. I vaguely borrowed the plot as an analogy of my own relationship, with myself the virgin and my ex some horrible old man. Joke’s on me though ‘cause it turns out the female character in the book is a prostitute.”
Emmy The Great sets out on a UK tour on January 31st, with her eagerly awaited debut album First Love released on February 9th. A debut album of savage observations and stark admissions, cloaked in arrangements of disarming simplicity and beguiling melody. Arriving as it does self-released, self-funded and self-produced, it provides Emmy’s answer to the pigeonholers and industry insiders who would have her painted differently. Produced in collaboration with guitarist Euan Hinshelwood and pianist Tom Rogerson, it was recorded at The Earlies’ lovably dilapidated studios in rural Lancashire.
MUSIC
GIG GUIDE_
PINT SHOT RIOT_BLOK11 MARCH
TREVOR WARREN_WARWICK ARTS CENTRE12 MARCH
GOLDIE LOOKING CHAIN_KASBAH26 MARCH
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS_LEAMINGTON ASSEMBLY28 MARCH
ANNIE MAC_BLOKGOOD FRIDAY (APRIL)
THE VILLAGERS_BIRMINGHAM GLEE CLUB17 MAY
BETH ORTON_LEAMINGTON ASSEMBLY15 APRIL
PETE DOHERTY_LEAMINGTON ASSEMBLY03 MAY
BANDS AT BLOK_BLOKEVERY SATURDAY
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Undertheinfluence
09
‘Out to Lanch’ recently celebrated the opening night of a free exhibition looking at Coventry’s musical history.
The launch took place at 2-Tone Central located in the university’s SU where some of the world’s biggest names in music to this day once passed through the corridors during the days of the Lanchester Polytechnic.
As a part of the opening night, one-time wonders Jimmy Jimmy- the twosome who found their claim to fame after playing on the streets of Birmingham as buskers in the early 1980s, have not long reunited to play a set in the present-day Lanch.
Although almost impossible to envision now; artists such as Oasis, U2, The Who and Elton John have all graced the halls, rooms, and undoubtedly the toilets of a building which currently hosts the sitting of exams, the grabbing of mid-morning snacks, the calling into the uni’s radio or newspaper office (the Source), or perhaps even gown-fitting for graduation.
The exhibition goes to show how the building located near to the Cathedral on University Square hasn’t always been the bearer of such mundane activity. Pete Chambers, local music aficionado and the host of the evening, had this to say about the Lanch’s significance..
“There’s a fantastic history here and we wanted to remind and educate people- the ones that didn’t know- of what actually went on here and about some of the bands because it was quite iconic- particularly in the 70s because we had the Lanchester Arts Festivals.”
The exhibition itself contains memorabilia of bands and artists involved in the former art’s festivals, original photographs courtesy of local documenter John Coles (one of the many familiar faces present for the launch), hats and suits once worn by icons such as Pauline Black, old lyric sheets and compositions, badges, and videoed interviews in and amongst the collection.
The venue has previously provided a great platform in particular for 2-tone Records’ artists (on the label that received it’s name from Specials’ keyboardist Jerry Dammers) with bands such as The Selecter and Bad Manners playing the Lanch as was alongside the Ghost Town dwellers themselves.
As Pete explains, “My Ding-a-ling, that number one by Chuck Berry which was recorded at Tiffany’s, the Lacarno at the time, but it was part of the Lanchester Arts Festival so we were able to bring it in to the actual exhibition. Chuck Berry was supported by Slade and later on
at the concert there was Pink Floyd playing”- almost names that span so far across the globe that it generously taxes the mind to imagine that they ever played in a city also famed for the motor car industry, and ever endearing Big Brother star: Bex.
The exhibition also reminds us about the night Coventry had it’s own Free Trade Hall moment, when thanks to the Buzzcocks; the Pistols played in Manchester to a room of about 40, which just so happened to contain future mover-shakers Tony Wilson of Factory Records, members from Joy Division, The Smiths and the Happy Mondays, and also erm… Mick Hucknall.
Pete remarks that, “When the Pistols played here in Coventry the first time before they became tabloid fodder- in the crowd that night there were members to be of the Specials and that was the night that changed everything for Coventry.”
It was practically history in the making. And now we can reflect upon or in fact learn the significance of the Lanch with a chequered monochrome room selling memorabilia, and a free exhibition. Both locatable in the Coventry University SU, officially open as 2-Tone Central.
Follow Joanne Ostrowska on our blog at http://utimag.wordpress.com/
JOANNE OSTROWSKA GOES OUT TO LANCH
DEAD SONS AT THE DOLE CLUB_Dead Sons are about to support The Arctic Monkeys and Miles Kane were picked by the Arctics themselves. Ex Milburn members and Sheffield lads head down south to Coventry for what is set to be an unforgettable gig, catch these guys while you can at a venue like this, it wont be long until you can only see them in huge venues that lose all soul and intimacy!
With support - This Broadcast, Rosetta Fire & Shackletons
Buy your tickets now at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/111198
CLASSIQUE THE END _After almost 6 years of Classique in Coventry, we invite you to the very last event at Careys Nightclub on Saturday March 12th 2011. The only brand in Coventry’s clubbing history to consistantly bring you the quality of both events & international DJs for such a long duration will go out with a bang.
The 11 piece, who play more than 25 instruments between them (from Helicon to frying pan) and seamlessly merge English folk, world, jazz, rock and music-hall influences are one of the few bands performing today who can dart effortlessly between the establishment and the fringes.
Saturday 12th March at Careys
MUSIC
10
SMOKE FAIRIES_
Following a highly eventful - and successful – 2010, SMOKE FAIRIES look set for a busy 2011 with a new single.
“Strange Moon Rising” is the seductive second single from Smoke Fairies critically-acclaimed debut album, “Through Low Light and Trees”, and will be released as a limited edition 7” on 24th January. Strange Moon Rising comes backed by an inspired cover of “Requiem” by Killing Joke.
A second 7” that fits into the main single (making this a special 2 x 7” package) will feature a “radio edit” of Strange Moon Rising and an another cover version of the flip.
Recorded at Sawmills studio in Cornwall with producer Head (PJ Harvey etc) at the controls Smoke Fairies debut album, “Through Low Light And Trees”, is an exquisitely shivery blend of alternative folk-rock and a more humid, bluesy brand of Americana, a sound both eerily
ancient and thrillingly modern, with beautifully interlocking harmonies and guitar parts behind the spectral melodies.
The past two years have been busy and exciting times for Smoke Fairies. 2009 saw them working with Jack White for a Third Man-released 7”, while 2010 found them touring the US with Laura Marling and supplying angelic backing vocals to Richard Hawley’s “False Lights From The Land” EP.
More recently Smoke Fairies have played live with John Grant, providing acoustic backing at his sold-out Queen Elizabeth Hall show in November.
“Through Low Light And Trees” was released in September on V2 / Cooperative Music to much critical acclaim
http://utimag.wordpress.com/.
SCIENTISTS HIT THE ASEMBLEY_
We Are Scientists shocked themselves and impressed many others with their 2005 debut With Love & Squalor, which sold over 100,000 copies in the UK on the strength of dancefloor standbys Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt; It’s A Hit; and The Great Escape, as well as nine other songs that, to all appearances, people also liked.
The band spent 2007 at weight-loss camps, alcoholics’ dry-out facilities, and a race car school, yet also found time to pen, record, and road-test their sophomore offering, Brain Thrust Mastery. If W.A.S.’s first album had been far, far better than it was, and of a far more mature style, and if they had then released a limp, unenjoyable second record, and if Brain Thrust Mastery were actually their third album, it would be hailed as ‘a return to form’, as ‘equal to — in many ways an improvement upon — the monumental debut’.
Nine years later, the band has long-since relocated to more fashionable New York City, seen many countries their parents swore to them were ‘myth, accursed myth’, and finally dated girls. In the Fall of ‘07, long-time drummer Michael Tapper retired from the band, and We Are Scientists added a new drummer, plus, in a fit of accumulation, a fourth man on-stage. As well, Keith and Chris began giving inspirational lectures at uni’s across the UK duing their hitherto unencumbered afternoons. On Brain Thrust Mastery, all the experience, and some W.A.S. only read about, shows.
Get tickets now: http://www.leamingtonassembly.com/EventInfo.aspx?id=449
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Tell us a little bit about Spectrum Fashion. Where it started, who it was, what it is?
Well, I used to post my lyrics on facebook and a mutual friend of ours spotted them and suggested I get together with Jonny for a jam and on it went from there, god bless facebook, bringing people together.
We’ve spoken before about your style/genre but found it hard to classify you, whats the best way to describe Spectrum?
Erm, it’s hard, without wanting to sound like a pretentious cunt I don’t think you can pigeon hole it. It’s basically poetry over filthy music, it aint rap, it aint singin, fuck knows what it is to be honest.
Have you played much locally, or live, anywhere else?
So far we’ve headlined the dance tent at Keresley festival last year and also supported Bentley Rhythm Ace in Nottingham
Tell us a little about you guys personally? Background, music tastes, influences etc?
Fat Champ = used to be an Indie kid, been in a few bands, found a love for spoken word and ended up wrapped up with this dickhead ha ha. Jonny = DJ, producer, all round talented twat, big techno lover, loves anything musically “filthy”
What do you think of the future of Coventry’s creative/music scene?
In all honesty I think the ‘scene’ is dead, it seems to be all about private parties and cliques nowadays, everyone seems to have some masterplan paint by numbers method of ‘making it’. A friend of mine, Ryan Cunningham from Guilty Skies (new cov band) once said “...to me ‘making it’ is playing music you’ve made to the people you know and love...” it sounds a bit poetic but that to me sums it all up!
Undertheinfluence
ON THE STEREO_
PINT SHOT RIOT_START DIGGINGPINTSHOTRIOT.CO.UK
SHE’S ELECTRIC_WHATS THE STORYMORNING GLORY
LED ZEPPELIN_HOT DOGIN THROUGH THE OUTDOOR
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BELLOWHEAD_Despite having walked off with Best Live Band at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards an unparalleled five times, Bellowhead are clearly a band with considerable boundary-crossing appeal.
The 11 piece, who play more than 25 instruments between them (from Helicon to frying pan) and seamlessly merge English folk, world, jazz, rock and music-hall influences are one of the few bands performing today who can dart effortlessly between the establishment and the fringes.
Get tickets now: http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/music/bellowhead#performance-109288
PUBLIC IMAGE LTD._Legendary punk rock hero Johhny Rotton, after fronting The Sex Pistols, brings his Public Image Ltd side project to Kasbah on the 31st May for a live spectacular show you cannot afford to miss.
After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed Public Image Ltd in 1978 with their experimental sound fusing Rock, Dance, Folk, Ballet, Pop and Dub, PiL are regarded as producing some of the most diverse music of the post-punk era; and are cited as one of the most innovative and influential bands in music history. As a band, the music and vision constantly evolved like no other, culminating in an incredible live experience.
Get tickets now: http://www.kasbahnightclub.com/public-images-ltd-pil-31st-may
CARL HUNTER_
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MUSIC
ORPHAN BOY_
Orphan Boy are pissed off. They make no apologies about this. Turns out that their soon-to-be-released second album is called ‘Passion, Pain & Loyalty’ for a reason. They are unhappy and disillusioned with the way that the world has seen them.
“I’m a negative person,” says singer Rob, referring to the way things have panned out for his band Orphan Boy thus far. “I thought that our first album was fucking great, and that people should have jumped on it - it should have got more recognition. I reckon whoever actually sat down and listened to it though, they just saw an Adidas top in the photos and that was that! We got pegged as a ‘lad band’ because of the clothes we wear, or where we’re from.”
To bring you up to speed: Orphan Boy are Manchester émigrés, who are originally from Cleethorpes. Their names are Rob Cross, Paul Smith (or “Smithy”) and Chris Day. They moved
there because there was nothing to do and because they were bored. They made music that they declared as ‘council pop’, signed with Concrete Records and recorded a debut album entitled ‘Shop Local’ that was full of youthful energy, fire and skill, and which sounded like it was blasted out in one ferocious take in a tiny basement. Their live shows soon attracted a rabid following, who remain to this day. Rob notes: “People go crazy at the shows: throwing themselves onstage, stage invasions… last week, at the gig in Manchester, some kid took all his clothes off and jumped up on stage.”
Outside of devotees, though, the wider world failed to take significant notice. Especially given the infinitely lesser bands – Orphan Boy mention no names – who were receiving more attention. But now two things have happened: 1) most of those bands have disappeared back into obscurity, and 2) Orphan Boy have completed a game-changing second album that retains
all of the qualities that hooked people in, in the first place –the visceral energy, the addictive melodies – but draws from a much broader musical palette.
“People have got this kind of caricature idea of Manchester, that they want bands to fit into,” Rob groans. “There’s loads of really interesting stuff going on in the city, loads of amazing, interesting music being made, but the music that seems to get selected to represent the city fitted into that lad-y, Liam Gallagher, swaggering stereotype. We felt outside of that. Like, the main radio station is Clint Boon’s XFM, and he just plays Inspiral Carpets or the Roses or whatever. It’s bullshit. We wanted to challenge that.”
This they did by locking themselves away for a significant period of time and writing. Orphan Boy didn’t want to lose who they were, but wanted to move on. So they ditched ‘council pop’, and started working on something that they
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initially termed ‘lad art’.
“We scrapped everything we were doing at one point, and went and bought keyboards,” Rob notes of ‘Passion, Pain & Loyalty’s genesis. “We couldn’t play them at all, but that helped us in a way. Everything we were doing, all the lines, were really simple. It was completely free, one finger, Human League-style things. A lot of people weren’t into it when we first did it. People were: ‘You’re a guitar band, stick to what you’re good at.’”
“So we went back to the guitars and wrote some more songs, but we found that we had retained that really simple, direct way of writing. So the album is like half keyboard-written songs, half guitar written songs.”
Another key moment in the sessions came when the producer – Alan Gregson – slowed down one of their original songs ‘Harbour Lights’. “He took the instrumental version of that tune and slowed it down to half speed,” Rob remembers. “He sent it down to us, almost like it was an afterthought, at the end of the other mixes. At this point, we were almost thinking that ‘Harbour Lights’ was gonna be our swansong, that we were gonna jack it in.”
“But I heard that, and I thought it was amazing. So we put new lyrics over the top and it became ‘A180 Song’. That was a special moment for me, because to be honest that was the point at which I thought, ‘We’ve got to carry on with this.’”
‘Passion, Pain & Loyalty’, then, is a record that, if nothing else, should see them freed from the shackles of the lad band tag. Exhibit A: lead off single ‘Pop Song’, with its cyclical three note riff and tumbling drums, and far from terrace anthem fare. The lyrics to this one, in particular, are where Rob’s disillusionment with the music business is most clear to see. It paints a picture – or “a London montage/Just like they do in British films” as the words have it – of fruitless meetings with clueless record company types (“Fiddled with his scarf/Licked his lips while he told lies”) who tell them to “trim down the intro” and “lose
those rock drum fills”. It’s a song that is tender, like an open wound, rather than fired up and angry and spitting blood in the faces of all comers.
But it doesn’t matter that the major label clowns didn’t bite the first time around. In the guise of Concrete Recordings founder Mike, whose unwavering belief in the band makes him almost a fourth member. “He’s a bit of a Tony Wilson-type lunatic,” laughs Rob.
“He’s a bit of a character: he’s convinced that the ghost of John Peel is guiding him!”
“I don’t think any label has ever given so much of what they’ve got to just one band, ever. He was instrumental in our carrying on when were down. We’ve never made him any money, but he’s just mad into it.”
This is typical of the spirit that is propelling Orphan Boy forward. They are in a position whereby all of their contemporaries from the early days have given up the ghost, but they have fought against financial adversity and what they perceive as indifference, to emerge from the rubble of their debut album with a second that showcases a truly special British band – a band who have figured out exactly who they are and what they’re about. The world now should take notice. You should take notice. Your loss if you don’t.
Remember: the album is called ‘Passion, Pain & Loyalty’ for a reason.
LUNA KISS_If you’ve ever wanted to fill your little progressive Floyd-esque hole with something new and adventurous then get your earholes round the speakers and whack on some Luna Kiss.
This Coventry based four piece aim to change the way people see and hear rock n roll. If your life lacks time signatures, suspensions and sevenths then this is the band for you.
http://www.myspace.com/lunakissband
BANDS AT BLOK_The first installment of Bands at Blok saw three local acts play to an eager and excited young crowd. Industry Bar at Blok has seen many varied nights from dubstep DJ’s to indie and funk but the new arrangement of Saturday night bands looks like it might be a winner.
First up were Flygone who powered their way through a fistful of tracks with strength, accuracy and endeavour. The highlight being the vocals which lifted every track to a new dimension.
Flygone were followed by Agents of the City who proceeded to lighten the mood with their light indie mix of chord driven tracks and social commentary dictated lyrics. A touch of Franz Ferdinand emerged and with gigs comes confidence - which is what they need.
Finally the Hot Knives tempted the teenage audience with well rehearsed pop choruses and pretty boy looks. Bands at Blok rocked!
TOP TUNE_
MOBY DICK_LED ZEPPELINALBUM: LED ZEPPELIN II
ADVANCE TICKETS £12THETICKETSELLERS.CO.UK / BLOK CLUB / KONG / HANNIGANSBLOK CLUB, HERTFORD PLACE, COVENTRY, CV1 3JZ | TEL 024 7625 2273
ANNIEMACLOST BOYZ CLUB/PRESSURE DROP/DAWKS&MCNULTY2SUCKADJ’S MC / KOVU
REDLIGHT+MC DREAD
BLOK CLUB, COVENTRY PRESENTS22ND APRIL / GOOD FRIDAY
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PAUL MORRE
LL
AND MUTYA
BUENACoventry DJ and music producer Paul Morrell is
set to release his new single very
soon. The track features ex-Sugababe Mutya Buena so we decided to catch up with
them both to talk about the track, how they met and what’s happening next.
Hi Mutya. Firstly we wanted to know how you came to work with Paul?
Hi! He just dropped me a line to see if I
might be interested in doing a song together. We
clicked very easily early on and ‘Give Me Love’ came from that ve
ry quickly.
How does it feel to
record as a guest vocalist?
Its nice actually. I’m
doing my own stuff at th
e moment, but its
always nice to collaborate
with other people and to drop into what they’re doing.
Was there one stand out element that m
ade you feel that yo
u wanted to work with Paul?
It was more a combination of th
ings. Plus the personal side of how you get on often
determines whether you want to
work with someone on an on-going basis, as much as
reputation or history or whatever.
“YES, I’M VERY
EXCITED ABOUT
THE NEW STUFF
ACTUALLY. ITS
BEEN NICE TO
GET BACK INTO
THE STUDIO IN A
LOW PRESSURE
ENVIRONMENT
AND JUST BE
CREATIVE.”
How does the recording process work for a
guest vocalist? Is it t
he same as recording as
a group?
I suppose it’s much simpler in
a way because
in this case there’s one voice on one track
and you know how you want to sing it, o
r
harmonize or whatever. It’s probably much
quicker too.
The images from the video shot look really
good but it must be diffic
ult to keep your
composure and enthusiasm for such a long
period of time. Can you let us into an average
day recording and shooting?
Video shoots are long days and you’re often
hanging around waiting for much of th
e time.
But its not th
at hard keeping ‘on it’ because
you’ve got hair and make-up and you’re the
focus of all this attention, so when the camera
rolls you’d better be ready! Recording is a
totally different experience. The days can still
be long but its just yo
u and one or two others
most of the tim
e, so it’s much more intim
ate,
and less pressured.
Away from Paul’s tra
ck have you been
working on any new solo material or other
collaborations?
Yes, I’m very excited about th
e new stuff
actually. It’s been nice to get back into the
studio in a low pressure environment and just
be creative.
Is it diffic
ult to begin a solo career after
gaining success as part of a group?
Yes and no. If you’ve already achieved
something, then you get people’s attention
when you go solo, but the expectations are
much higher too of course.
As someone who has been involved within the
music industry for a number of years what
would be the best advice you could give a
prospective musician?
Be strong. It’s a pretty tough business, and
just being talented alone probably won’t be
enough to get you through. Yo
u need that
determination.
Fame has become a huge part of th
e music
industry in recent years. Do you think that
aspect of pop music has super-seeded talent?
Maybe but I think it’s
always been there, and
it’s not just m
usic too – it’s everything, TV,
sports, everything.
You strike us as a very determined and
focused individual. What is it t
hat drives you on
a day to day basis?
Having a daughter has certainly made me
re-focus. She’s my world now.
What aims do you have on a professional and
personal level for 2011?
Mutya’s back baby!!!
Finally can you give us five words that best
describe you right now?
I’ll go for one – happy!
MUTYA
BUENA
Hi Paul, firstly we wanted to know how your partnership with
Mutya came about?I was introduced to Mutya by a mutual friend, and I asked her
if she would be interested in working on a dance single as I
love the vocal that she sang on the Groove Armarda record.
Less than a month later, we recorded “Give Me Love” at
Fabio Stein & BKs Studio in London.How does it feel when you meet someone like Sonique or
Mutya for the first time?I obviously admire people that have achieved this level
of success, however I don’t really get star struck as it’s
important to maintain a level of professionalism when in the
studio with massive vocalists such as these.Is it easy to put your professional mind into gear or is it
simply the case that a job needs doing?I always make sure that the end product sounds as great
as it possibly can, and to be supported by an internationally
acclaimed lable such as Newstate / EMI Music would
suggest that I have got the formulae right. Also the fact that
artists of this calibre are willing to work with me is also really
encouraging, and I hope reflects my professionalism.
When you’re writing lyrics for a track do you have something
such as a theme in mind for the vocals?I tend to write about things that make sense lyrically. With
“Only You”, the track that I wrote with Sonique, Son wrote
all of the lyrics and i produced the music. This time, I had
already written the song & had a session singer perform
it for me in Coventry in order that I could take the demo
with me to London for Mutya to hear. Being the organised
individual that I am, I hadn’t written the lyrics down, so Mutya
quickly scribbled them on some paper before we started the
vocal session.What do you think Mutya adds to the song?
Mutya has an absolutely amazing range & natural vebrato to
her voice, as well as being highly distinctive. It is clear from
the very first bar that the vocal is Mutya and therefore I think
that is what makes it very unique.Can you give UTI a writer’s point of view on the track?
The track itself features influences from a number of areas.
It has a Deadmau5 / Eric Prydz instrumentation with a great
bassline and a killer commercial vocal. The hook is very
catchy and the melody is very memorable. It is, I suppose, a
modern girly pop / club crossover record.
Do you have any other guest vocals lined up in 2011?
Yes, at the moment I’m in talks with Ms Dynamite, Sam
Obenik (who performed the vocal on Dave Spoons Baditude
track) and Katherine Ellis from Freemasons. I’m also due to
work with an outstanding local vocalist called Vicky Jackson
on a new project. Vicky has an amazing voice and it would be
great to push her further.The later part of 2010 was highly successful for you
personally. You worked with Sonique and Classique reached
its fifth anniversary, but was there one event that topped the
others?
Judgement Sunday in Ibiza was great last Summer, I also
had a few great nights at Ministry of Sound in London, in
particular following Meno De Jong & Gareth Emery. I also
played my debuts at both Passion & Storm at The Emporium
in Coalville last year, which were also great events.
Is there one person you would love to work with over any
other?
Vocal wise, I would love to produce a track with Lisa
Stansfield, as I love her vocal. She is an iconic performer
and has always been top of my wish list. I would also like to
collaborate with Mark Ronson and Basement Jaxx as they
have both done so much for the dance music genre.
I am very proud of what I have achieved with the brand and
2011 will see more of the same.You featured in the first UTI Magazine, and we spoke about
Coventry’s creative future. Nearly 12 months on and there
has been a lot of movement locally. What do you think 2011
holds for the city?Unfortunately I rarely get to venture out in Coventry other
than my own monthly events. I do hope that the nightlife
revives itself though, as there have been a lot of venues
close within the city this year, and there’s now certainly room
for other nights & events. Careys will however remain my
home in the city for the foreseeable future as i just love the
intimacy of the venue. Finally what’s the ultimate aim for Paul Morrell?
Become internationally remowned for doing what I do best.
PAULMORRELL
22
FASHIONADIDAS ORIGINALS X VOLT_2011 is definitely a year for the woman making known her status in male dominated scenes and it’s a great look, as you’ll see with the caliber of work presented for SS11.
Adidas Originals in collaboration with the UK print title HYPERLINK “http://www.voltcafe.com/home/”Volt, photographer Andreas Bleckmann and stylist Cynthia Lawrence-John in promotion for the SS11 collection of the inspirational Jeremy Scott for Originals by Originals and the Adidas Originals Blue Collection present a range of fashionable and cool pictures to set the standard for the season.
Now the inspirations behind these fabulous pictures, gives them a beyond icon status, and yes you may argue that these guys are not entertainers or your usual spotlight grabbers, but the selection of women picked for the photographs truly sets the status quo in what it means to be strong women! This month, Adidas Originals teamed up with the coolest and beautiful Volt Magazine to acknowledge the likes of Emily Crane (the materiologist) to Imogen Chapman (musician and uber-talented fashion photographer) to Chantell Walters (womenswear designer) and Camilla Doyle (outstanding charity event Fundraiser) their fascinating movements and inspiring passion and dedication makes them legends in their own rights.
‘These ladies embody quite the perfect Adidas Originals spirit, so they have been brought together and dressed up in Adidas Originals Blue Collection and Jeremy Scott’s playful and witty designs for Adidas Originals by Originals’
Check out some of the amazing pictures and make your own interpretations from them.
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23
Undertheinfluence
PALLADIUM LITE SUMMER BOOTS _Fashion these days is definitely all about merging the lines between what is seen for the men and what is seen for the women. Military styles are now becoming the set standard for men and women, so Palladium step it up to create the perfect summer boot for all people and indeed it is a must have.
The new SS11 from Palladium is the LITE, is exactly what it sounds like, a lightweight boot, cool enough to rock through the summer days and warm nights.
Lightweight, breathable, and durable, Palladium have outdone themselves by creating the lightest boot they have ever created in their 60 years, being that the LITE boot weighs 10oz, in the signature Baggy version!
Boots have become a fashion must have and can be expected to be seen all year round – Palladium have used specific materials to ensure that these boots keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Using moisture wicking DriLex linings for breath-ability and moisture control, the signature Palladium outsole has been crafted from EVA that is as comfortable as it is long wearing with an incredibly cushioned ride.
Check out HYPERLINK “http://www.palladiumboots.com/select_region”www.palladiumboots.com for more.
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24
FOOD
THE LAZY COW, WARWICK _You normally have to really understand food, flavour combinations and seasonal pickings to realise what a chef or restaurant is trying to portray. The complexity of culinary perfection has been magnified beyond belief over the past decade and somehow the Premier League of dining ‘Michellin’ has been diluted by TV stardom. So boy were we glad when we began tucking into the finest fodder Warwickshire has to offer at the Lazy Cow.
The dimly lit wood and glass clad bar/restaurant holds the ability to cocoon you without removing an inch of atmosphere. A warmth that is sadly lacking in today’s mass produced high street. On
arrival a warm greeting and friendly acknowledgement signalled the start of a highly attentive evening. Drink orders were swift and precise and the Lazy Cows menu delivered what the restaurants name had suggested.
As the tables began to fill and the atmosphere built, our starters arrived. A palette cleansing array of multi coloured beets sat above deep, thick goats cheese. With each mouth watering fork full a sweet and heavenly crunch of caramelized hazelnuts lifted the dish to new heights taking a simple starter to a level only a ‘foodie’ would appreciate.
My guest ordered the Shellfish Bisque which contained the finest elements of the sea. The beautiful pinks and light texture mirrored that of it’s taste. Subtle hints of elegant shellfish pathed the way for what was to come.
With a title such as the Lazy Cows you would expect their butchery to be top notch and that it was.
Both Rib-Eye and Sirloin Steaks came to table perfectly seared and accompanied by half a bulb of slowly roasted and naturally sweet garlic. Side orders of Dauphinoisse and Rosemary-coated Parmesan fries gave each dish depth and a textural identity. This
was a statement by the chef, proof that simple food done well with unbeatable ingredients is essential to a memorable eating experience.
To finish; a perfectly presented Chocolate Pot and Rum Babba were demolished with pleasure. Once more the service, attention to detail and flavour erected the Lazy Cow to a unique place. One that not many reach.
On first appearance a bill of £80 including wine could sound excessive but unless you experience the Lazy Cows’ food, atmosphere and hospitality then you will never understand why it was worth every single penny.
25
EDUCATION
Next time you take on the weekend at The Kasbah, you may like to reflect on the kind of history the place actually has. Venue-wise, this is a Coventry constant, while many venues in the city have come and gone, this building has been a temple to live music right back to the early 60’s.
Originally a picture house named The Globe built in 1913, it was during the early 1960’s that it first became a dance hall called The Majestic, playing host to the likes of 50’s rockers Johnny Kidd and The Pirates. Sadly the figures waned and in 1962, The Majestic’s sell-by date had expired. Enter one Larry Page, a former pop singer, who’s career had been less than dynamic. He had retired from the business, only to be coaxed out of it by Eric Morley, he had been converting cinemas into ballrooms. Larry came in as the Manager of the re-branded Orchid Ballroom, and soon began to make his mark as a Manager come Promoter. By 1963, The Orchid had established itself as a place of live entertainment again (as well as the obligatory bingo sessions). Page’s off-the-wall ideas, saw him launch a talent competition, and from it, he collected a roster of artists he would take to Decca Records and secure recording deals for them all. If you thought
that gimmicks and manufactured bands were a current thing, then take a look at this collection. The Orchids were three 15-year-old schoolgirls he named after the venue, Shel Naylor was Coventry’s answer to Elvis, and The Pickwicks, were a four piece Freakbeat band, dressing in frock coats and top hats and supported stick-on whiskers. None of the records ever charted, but it has to be said that behind the gimmicks,he had some top class musicians on board. The venue wasn’t just about local artists either, many chart acts played there, including The Walker Brothers and The Kinks (who along with The Troggs, Page would later manage).
The building fell from grace in the 70’s, and by 1987, it had became a bingo hall. That was until 1990 when TiC ToC (Theatre in Coventry Theatre of Coventry), took the building over, Jon Gaunt (now famous for being a Sun Columnist and a regular on TV) headed-up the project. When it opened, it looked to be all things, to all men, promising to be far more than just a nightclub. For two years it fulfilled it’s promise, with live entertainment from the likes of Squeeze, Julian Cope, Blur, The Farm, and Big Audio Dynamite and much more. Coventry ska giants The Selecter played the venue a
number of times, and recorded a live album there, and for a while Jerry Dammers had a DJ residency at the club. Sadly the Tic Toc began to suffer financial problems, and despite a large influx of cash from the Council, it closed in 1992. Many protested, including a rake of 2-Tone stars, that manifested into a benefit concert for and at the venue that included Jerry Dammers with a band they named The Cosmics. The concept of the original Tic Toc was soon picked up again, and under new management it became TiCToCII. Like it’s predecessor, it failed to sustain such a diverse variety of styles and by 1993, it was all over for that particular venue.
Of course, it was far from the end of the story for 51 Primrose Hill Street, reinvention is the name of the game here, and 1995 the place was ready for it’s next chapter in Coventry musical history and the Colosseum (or Colly) was born. With the dynamics of promoter Rich Elms, the venue began clawing back the city’s reputation as a live venue. During it’s lifespan hosting names like Babyshambles, Super Furry Animals, The Arctic Monkeys and The Lemonheads.
Coventry’s very own chart toppers The Enemy, helped put the Colly back on the music map, with an emotional homecoming that
included former Special - Neville Staple. The gig formed the basis of a documentary of the band. The venue also provided the trio with the title of their chart topping album, We’ll Live And Die In These Towns. Apparently Tom, Liam and Andy spotted the words scrawled on the toilet wall there.
That brings us to the latest incarnation of the venue, The Kasbah, with it’s Arabic chic, it looks to be taking the place to another dimension, while still keeping the music live. Kerrang Radio have showcased the venue as part of the best Midlands venues feature. Some of the bigger-hitters who have appeared at the Kasbah include Kate Nash, The Futureheads, Supergrass, The Selecter and La Roux.
The Kasbah shows no sign of going away anytime soon, but if it ever does, you can bet that the building will take on yet another persona. So if your Grandad bopped at the Orchid, your Father skanked at the Tic Toc and you Rocked The Kasbah, chances are in the future, your offspring will be cutting a path to 51 Primrose Hill Street too.
Follow Pete Chambers on our blog at http://utimag.wordpress.com/
PETE CHAMBERS COVENTRY CONSTANT
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Undertheinfluence
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Volume002
THERIPPSWe catch up with the Coventry band who had the world at their feet and see what happened after their massive Godiva Festival gig.
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